Curso Biblico Nuevo Testamento EP 2A

The Intersection of Faith and Reason in the New Testament

The Unique Encounter of Two Worlds

• The New Testament represents a unique convergence of faith and reason, marking an unparalleled moment in history.

• The Western world is increasingly distancing itself from God, prioritizing rationality over spirituality, leading to a materialistic worldview.

• In contrast, the Muslim world remains deeply rooted in religious faith, viewing Westerners as having lost their piety and connection to the divine.

Historical Polarization

• This polarization between faith and reason complicates global interactions; the West focuses on materialism while the Islamic world emphasizes belief without rational discourse.

• Historical contexts reveal further divisions with regions like Russia and China emerging as distinct cultural spheres influenced by European dynamics.

Christ's Role in Bridging Divides

• Jesus Christ serves as a pivotal figure who challenges both faith and reason, emphasizing that neither can stand alone for truth-seeking.

• The necessity of integrating both faith and reason is highlighted; relying solely on one leads to incomplete understanding.

Prophetic Fulfillment Across Testaments

• The concept of prophetic fulfillment is discussed, particularly how events foretold in the Old Testament find resolution within a century in the New Testament.

• God's foresight is illustrated through biblical prophecy, showcasing His plan for salvation through significant historical moments.

Linguistic Context of Scripture

• The Old Testament comprises 46 books written over approximately 1,000 years compared to 27 books of the New Testament completed within less than 100 years.

• Original languages include Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek; understanding these languages enriches comprehension of biblical texts.

• Latin also plays a role due to its use in inscriptions during the Greco-Roman period; however, Greek remains predominant among educated circles.

Cultural Influences on Biblical Narratives

• Jesus' teachings often reflect Greek cultural elements; for instance, references to theatrical practices illustrate his engagement with contemporary society.

• Jesus was well-acquainted with Hebrew scriptures and likely spoke Aramaic as it was commonly used during his time.

The Influence of Greek and Latin on Jesus' Time

The Cultural Context of Jesus

• A Greek theater, located a few kilometers from Nazareth, suggests that Jesus likely visited it and was familiar with Greek culture and language.

• The term "hypocrite" originates from the practice of actors wearing masks in theater, indicating that artists often played multiple roles, reflecting the cultural dynamics of the time.

Language and Inscription at Crucifixion

• During discussions with Pharisees, Jesus utilized terms influenced by Greek culture, highlighting the linguistic diversity present during his life.

• Pilate's inscription on the cross ("Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews") was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek to ensure broad visibility among different populations.

Importance of Latin in Biblical Translation

• The presence of multiple languages on the crucifixion inscription emphasizes its significance; it served as a public declaration regarding Jesus' identity.

• Latin became crucial for biblical translations post-Jesus’ resurrection; notably, St. Jerome’s Vulgate translation is recognized for its historical importance.

Challenges in Biblical Translation

• St. Jerome's Vulgate remains a reference point for biblical scholars due to its comprehensive approach to translating Hebrew and Greek texts into Latin.

• Despite its strengths, there are notable translation issues; for instance, discrepancies arise from Hebrew's lack of vowels leading to varied interpretations.

Oral Tradition vs. Written Text

• The absence of vowels in Hebrew creates ambiguity; words can have multiple meanings based on context (e.g., "horned" vs. "shining").

• Israelite history relied heavily on oral tradition before being documented by scribes during King David's reign; this highlights the transition from oral storytelling to written records.

Writing Practices in Ancient Times

• Writing materials were scarce and labor-intensive; ancient scribes had exclusive rights to write due to the difficulty involved in preparing writing surfaces.

Understanding Historical Memory and Theological Concepts

The Role of Language in Historical Narration

• The speaker emphasizes that historical memory is crucial for storytelling, particularly in Hebrew, which focuses on narrating events and creating poetry.

• In contrast to Hebrew, Greek language centers around concepts rather than narratives, indicating a fundamental difference in how stories are conveyed.

Diverse Theologies in the New Testament

• The speaker introduces the idea that various theologies exist within the New Testament, each presenting different interpretations of faith.

• For Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), faith is described as a journey or path towards following God.

• In John's Gospel, faith is portrayed as a means of contemplation and vision—seeing beyond mere belief.

• Paul’s interpretation equates faith with obedience to God, drawing parallels to Abraham's faithfulness.

• James presents faith as demonstrated through good works, emphasizing an active expression of belief.

Understanding Biblical Structure