(DK) The Religions Book (Big Ideas Simply Explained) 2018

ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 299

See also: The Divinity of Jesus 190–93 ■ The Nature of Faith 236–41 ■ Council of Nicaea
The Council of Jerusalem 292–93 ■ Salvation Through Faith 301
Constantine the Great’s
Holy Trinity Council of Nicaea was the first
of seven ecumenical councils
held between 325 and 787 ce.
The Trinity The purpose of each of these
refers to the meetings was to address
existence of
Jesus Christ God as three some of the heresies that
The Father were arising within the
(The Son) consubstantial Church and answer difficult
God persons. These questions raised by Christian
three persons
are distinct— skeptics. Constantine realized
The Father, that by establishing universal
Christ, and Holy doctrines that could be widely
The Holy Spirit Spirit—yet share shared and promulgated,
one nature. the Church, and his empire,
would strengthen and expand.
Prior to the Council of Nicaea,
doctrine had been decided at
the local level, such as at the
Jesus is God (John 5:22–23), and but most eventually agreed that Council of Jerusalem in 50 ce.
the Holy Spirit is God (Matthew to deny the deity of Jesus was to Constantine himself
12:32). Christians have therefore render dependence upon Jesus presided over the council
concluded that the Bible teaches for salvation and that worship of meeting, even though he
its readers that, while there is only Him was a form of idolatry. While was a Catechumen (the
one divine being, there are three Arians affirmed that Jesus had name given to an adherent
divine persons within that being. a nature that was homoiousios of Christianity who had not
Reinforcing this idea are texts in (similar) to that of God the Father, been baptized). The rest of
which each Person is present but defenders of the Nicene Creed the council was made up of
distinct, such as in the baptismal insisted that Jesus’s nature was representatives drawn from
formula in Matthew 28:19; and the homoousious (same). In English, across Christendom.
“confessions” of faith in Ephesians the latter idea is expressed by the
4:4–6 and 1 Peter 1:1–2. word “consubstantial” or “being of
one substance with the Father.” ■
The Nicene Creed
In 325 ce, centuries after Paul’s
death, Church leaders met at
Nicaea (modern Iznik, Turkey) to
address the teachings of Arius. His
followers defended the uniqueness
of God and the personal distinction I believe in the Holy Spirit,
between the Father and Son by the Lord, the giver of life,
denying the godhood of Jesus, who proceeds from the
arguing that the Son merely had Father and the Son, who
a nature “similar” to the Father’s. with the Father and the Son
The Council of Nicaea developed is adored and glorified.
the ideas essential to the doctrine The Nicene Creed
of the Trinity: the uniqueness of Constantine the Great presides
God, the divinity of the Father and at the Council of Nicaea, in 325 ce,
Son, and the personal distinction in a 12th-century fresco in the
Bachkovo Monastery in Bulgaria.
between them. Christians argued The figure below him is Arius.
over these concepts extensively,





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300


BUT THE FRUIT OF THE


SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY,



PEACE, FORBEARANCE,


AND KINDNESS



GALATIANS 5:22–23, FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT




n his letter to the Galatians— Although Greek and Roman
IN BRIEF new churches in a province philosophers often made lists of
I in present-day Turkey—Paul vices and virtues, Paul’s primary
PASSAGE delivers an impassioned affirmation intention in Galatians is to draw
Galatians 5:13–26
of the importance of having faith in attention to the inevitable choice
THEME Christ, as he implores the people between the sins of the self-
Living by the Spirit not to return to a sinful life. righteous and living by the Spirit.
In Galatians 5, in particular, Paul focuses on vices that cause
SETTING Paul uses two lists in order to dissent among communities, such
48–55 ce Galatia, a province compare the vices produced by as jealousy, factions, and envy. The
in modern-day Turkey. human effort to the virtues that “fruit of the Spirit,” in contrast,
are “the fruit of the Spirit” (5:22). emphasizes principles centered on
KEY FIGURES The first list outlines “acts of the healing communities; such as love,
Paul An Apostle of Christ who flesh,” listing qualities such as
acted as a missionary in the “sexual immorality … hatred” and patience, and gentleness. ■
early Christian Church, later “selfish ambition” (5:19–20) among
writing letters to the churches the vices of sinful humanity. For
he founded. Many of these Paul, these sins dominate a society
epistles became books of the that has become focused purely
New Testament. on its selfish impulses.
Galatians Lapsed followers of The second list establishes So, I say, walk by the Spirit,
and you will not gratify
Christ from Galatia, a Roman the virtuous alternative to sin the desires of the
province founded in the 3rd as the “fruit of the Spirit”—love, sinful nature.
joy, peace, forbearance, kindness,
century bce.
gentleness, and self-control. For Galatians 5:16
Paul, those who have embraced
these “have crucified the flesh”
(5:24) within themselves and have
been freed from their egotism,
enabling them to better serve God.

See also: Council of Jerusalem 292–93 ■ The Way of Love 296–97 ■
The Power of the Resurrection 304–05







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ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 301


FOR IT IS BY GRACE


YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED,



THROUGH FAITH …


NOT BY WORKS



EPHESIANS 2:8–9, SALVATION THROUGH FAITH




fter he is arrested, and
IN BRIEF while he awaits trial in
A Rome, Paul writes letters
PASSAGE of encouragement to churches he
Ephesians 2:1–10
has founded around the Aegean
THEME Sea. In one such letter, to the
Faith and salvation people of Ephesus, Paul discusses
the importance of having faith in
SETTING God, compared to the significance
61–62 ce Ephesus, a province of performing “works”—that is,
in modern-day Turkey. good deeds and actions. Despite
stating that “we were created …
KEY FIGURES to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10),
Paul An Apostle of Christ who Paul repeatedly writes that personal
acted as a missionary in the salvation—being welcomed into Protestant reformer Martin Luther
early Christian Church. He the kingdom of heaven—can only was a firm proponent of the doctrine
wrote letters to the churches happen through faith in Jesus. of sola fide—salvation through faith
he founded, such as the church alone. This view was fundamental to
in Ephesus. Many of these A gift from God the Protestant Reformation.
epistles became books of the According to Paul, the Ephesians
New Testament. were “dead in [their] transgressions Crucially, Paul tells the Ephesians
and sins” (2:1), yet because God is that even their faith is a gift from
Saints in Ephesus Jewish
and Gentile Christians loving and merciful, He made them God, rather than a virtue they have
cultivated themselves. According
alive with Christ. By this, Paul
in the church in Ephesus.
means that the people’s actions to Paul, God alone may take credit
were previously of a sinful nature, for the salvation of the Ephesians:
not good works in the name of God. the people have been saved not
However, when the Ephesians were because they have done good
converted, they were saved through deeds, but because God, in His
God’s favor, His grace (2:8–9). grace, gave them faith. ■

See also: Fruits of the Spirit 300 ■ The Power of the Resurrection 304–05 ■
Faith and Works 312–13







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302 ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 303

See also: The Nature of Faith 236–41 ■ The Crucifixion 258–65 ■ The Road to Emmaus 272–73 ■
PUT ON THE of God and the authority of the risen The full armor of God is stated The Armor of God
The Power of the Resurrection 304–05 ■ The Final Judgment 316–21


as including truthfulness,
Christ seated “at His right hand in
FULL ARMOR the heavenly realms, far above all righteousness, salvation, peace, Sword of Helmet of
salvation
rule and authority, power, and
and faith. Ultimately, Ephesians
(6:17)
dominion” (Ephesians 1:20–21).
is about resisting the assaults of
the Spirit
OF GOD Standing firm temptation—originating in both (6:17)
the individual’s sinful nature and the
spiritual forces of evil—and living
Just as God’s power has raised
one’s daily life in a truly Christian
Christ from the dead, so it has also
EPHESIANS 6:11, ARMOR OF GOD raised believers from their pagan way by being moral, honorable,
practices. Even so, Ephesians says,
and loving. ■
the world and believers are in an
interim state. There is a fullness Breastplate of
yet to come—a further, definitive righteousness
he author of Ephesians “righteousness as His breastplate, stage in history “when the times (6:14)
IN BRIEF uses fierce military imagery and the helmet of salvation on His reach their fulfillment” and unity
T to convey his view that head” (Isaiah 59:17), Ephesians will be brought to “all things in Belt of truth
PASSAGE believers face all-out warfare in the describes the “full armor of God” heaven and on earth under Christ” Stand firm then, (6:14)
Ephesians 6:10–20 with the belt of truth
fight against evil. It is a struggle (Ephesians 6:11) that believers, too, (Ephesians 1:10). Shield
THEME populated not with human foes at can and must adorn to take their Until this happens, believers buckled around your waist, of faith
The protection of God the earthly level, but with powerful stand “against the rulers, against are still vulnerable to the ever- with the breastplate of (6:16)
and malevolent supernatural the authorities, against the powers active forces of spiritual evil. For righteousness in place,
SETTING beings—the scheming devil and of this dark world” (Ephesians 6:12). this reason, they need to “be strong and with your feet
c. 61–62 ce Ephesus The the hierarchy of “spiritual forces in the Lord” (6:10), emphasizing fitted with … peace. Feet fitted with
Ephesian letter was probably of evil in the heavenly realms” The Ephesian audience their complete reliance on God Ephesians 6:14–15 peace (6:15)
written for churches in (Ephesians 6:12). As with all New Testament when cultivating courage. Believers
western Asia Minor, of which For believers, however, God’s writings, Ephesians is addressing are instructed to put on the “full According to Ephesians, the
conflict with Satan is a spiritual one.
the church in Ephesus was the power is greater. Drawing on the believers in a particular context. armor” of God and stand firm— Thus, one requires a full complement
largest and most important. Old Testament prophet Isaiah, The Ephesians live in a region a command that is repeated in of spiritual weapons to use against
who depicts God putting on of Asia Minor whose chief city, Ephesians three times. him and other evils.
KEY FIGURES Ephesus, is famous for magical
Author of Ephesians Early practices associated with the
Christians believed this to be goddess Artemis. For them, Ephesus Standing on the Aegean coast According to the Book of Acts,
of Asia Minor (roughly modern
Paul visited Ephesus twice.
Paul. Some modern scholars as for the area’s Jewish converts, Turkey), Ephesus was an He most likely founded the
argue that it is more likely to the world has two dimensions— intellectual and cultural hub of community of Christian
be one of his disciples. earthly and heavenly—and the up to 250,000 people and capital believers there on a brief visit
heavenly realm includes fearsome of the Roman province of Asia. during his second missionary
Readers The recipients of forces of evil as well as of good. The city was also an important journey. Later, during his third
the letter were mostly Gentile Ephesians in no way denies this religious center renowned for mission, Paul spent more than
converts to Christianity.
vision of things—it simply puts magical practices, mystery cults, two years in the city before
this idea into a wider perspective and, above all, the worship of he and his companions were
by asserting the supreme power Artemis, Greek goddess of woods forced to leave—their ministry
and hunting and the most success triggered a riot among
venerated deity of Asia Minor. silversmiths, who saw them
St. Michael the Archangel dons Her temple at Ephesus was one as a threat to their livelihood,
full armor in his victorious battle of the seven wonders of the which depended on making
against Satan in the book of Revelation. ancient world and the largest devotional offerings to the
This painting, composed in the early Greek temple ever built. goddess Artemis.
16th century, is by an unknown artist.





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ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 303

See also: The Nature of Faith 236–41 ■ The Crucifixion 258–65 ■ The Road to Emmaus 272–73 ■
The Power of the Resurrection 304–05 ■ The Final Judgment 316–21


of God and the authority of the risen The full armor of God is stated The Armor of God
Christ seated “at His right hand in as including truthfulness,
the heavenly realms, far above all righteousness, salvation, peace, Helmet of
rule and authority, power, and and faith. Ultimately, Ephesians Sword of salvation
(6:17)
dominion” (Ephesians 1:20–21). is about resisting the assaults of the Spirit
temptation—originating in both (6:17)
Standing firm the individual’s sinful nature and the
Just as God’s power has raised spiritual forces of evil—and living
Christ from the dead, so it has also one’s daily life in a truly Christian
raised believers from their pagan way by being moral, honorable,
practices. Even so, Ephesians says, and loving. ■
the world and believers are in an
interim state. There is a fullness Breastplate of
yet to come—a further, definitive righteousness
stage in history “when the times (6:14)
reach their fulfillment” and unity
will be brought to “all things in Belt of truth
heaven and on earth under Christ” Stand firm then, (6:14)
(Ephesians 1:10). with the belt of truth Shield
Until this happens, believers buckled around your waist, of faith
are still vulnerable to the ever- with the breastplate of (6:16)
active forces of spiritual evil. For righteousness in place,
this reason, they need to “be strong and with your feet
in the Lord” (6:10), emphasizing fitted with … peace. Feet fitted with
their complete reliance on God Ephesians 6:14–15 peace (6:15)
when cultivating courage. Believers
are instructed to put on the “full According to Ephesians, the
conflict with Satan is a spiritual one.
armor” of God and stand firm— Thus, one requires a full complement
a command that is repeated in of spiritual weapons to use against
Ephesians three times. him and other evils.

Ephesus Standing on the Aegean coast According to the Book of Acts,
of Asia Minor (roughly modern Paul visited Ephesus twice.
Turkey), Ephesus was an He most likely founded the
intellectual and cultural hub of community of Christian
up to 250,000 people and capital believers there on a brief visit
of the Roman province of Asia. during his second missionary
The city was also an important journey. Later, during his third
religious center renowned for mission, Paul spent more than
magical practices, mystery cults, two years in the city before
and, above all, the worship of he and his companions were
Artemis, Greek goddess of woods forced to leave—their ministry
and hunting and the most success triggered a riot among
venerated deity of Asia Minor. silversmiths, who saw them
Her temple at Ephesus was one as a threat to their livelihood,
of the seven wonders of the which depended on making
ancient world and the largest devotional offerings to the
Greek temple ever built. goddess Artemis.







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304 ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 305

See also: The Empty Tomb 268–71 ■ The Road to Damascus 290–91 ■ Paul’s Arrest 294–95 ■ Armor of God 302–03
I WANT TO notes that their good character had “for you died, and your life is now



KNOW CHRIST been threatened by “false teachers,” hidden with Christ in God. When
Christ, who is your life, appears,
who claimed that righteousness
then you also will appear with
depended on keeping the Mosaic
Him in glory.”
Law of circumcision. Paul was
At the name of Jesus
Paul teaches that the power of
PHILIPPIANS 3:10, THE POWER writing to the Christians in Philippi the resurrection drives the entire every knee [shall] bow …
to testify against this belief, and
and every tongue
OF THE RESURRECTION argue that Christians received their Christian way of living: Jesus’s acknowledge that
resurrection enables His people
righteousness from God.
thereafter to live new, transformed Jesus Christ is Lord,
Alive in Christ lives, characterized by obeying to the glory of God
Christians believe they become God’s laws in all that they do. the Father.
righteous when faith leads them to Peter’s teaching echoes this idea: Philippians 2:10–11
experience “the power of [Christ’s] “His divine power has given us
aul wrote his letter to the resurrection” (3:10). This means the everything we need for a godly life”
IN BRIEF Christians in Philippi while power of God that raised Jesus (2 Peter 1:3). Even in difficult times,
P imprisoned, preparing his from the dead similarly transforms such as those faced by the early
PASSAGE defense in rebuttal of charges of the spiritually “dead” (sinners) into Christians, belief in Christ’s
Philippians 3:1–14
treason against the Emperor Nero. “living” saints. Indeed, Paul saw resurrection would transform
THEME The charge arose because early any person’s conversion to faith in the character of the converts to is the true place of Christian
The power of Christ’s Christians affirmed that “Jesus Jesus as a manifestation of the make them exemplary citizens in citizenship. At that time, the
resurrection is Lord,” refusing Roman oaths of power of the resurrection. Philippi—justifying the claim that dead will rise, and the living will
loyalty, because they considered In a letter to the Colossians, “Jesus is Lord” (Philippians 2:11). be brought up to meet Christ
SETTING them blasphemous. To their Paul writes that although believers in the air, in physical bodies like
c. 50 ce Philippi, a Roman enemies, however, their refusal once lived in sin, their sins have The final resurrection that of the resurrected Lord.
colony in Macedonia. suggested subversive intent. been buried, and they have been Paul concludes that ultimate In that moment, Paul writes,
A critical part of Paul’s defense reborn through Jesus. By coming experience of “the power of His the appearance of the resurrected
KEY FIGURES would have been that loyalty to to know God, they now share in his resurrection” will come in the savior will complete the process
Paul The Apostle, who Jesus did not foster rebellion, but resurrecting power. In Colossians future, at the Second Coming of eliminating sin and perfecting
founded the church in Philippi. instead produced virtuous citizens. 3:3–4, for example, Paul writes of Christ from heaven—which righteousness in Christians. ■
According to the letter, he Philippi, a military colony, was
is a prisoner at the time of mainly populated by retired Roman
writing—most likely in Rome. soldiers or their descendants—an Paul’s influence Gentile converts should not be
on Christianity
made to submit to the rite of
The Philippians Christians outpost of loyalists with a duty to circumcision and Jewish dietary
in Philippi, most of whom are secure the province of Macedonia. Paul molded Christianity more laws. This helped Christianity
Gentile converts. Demonstrating that Christians than any other Apostle, paving to spread throughout the Greek
were exemplary citizens in a city the way for it to become a major and Roman worlds, rather than
unquestionably loyal to the Empire world religion. Although Peter and merely remaining the faith of
would persuade the Romans to Philip converted the first Gentiles, a small Jewish sect.
tolerate the new religion. it was Paul’s tireless missionary Paul’s other legacy was
Paul seemed to have this in journeys that brought the Gospel his letters. Thirteen of the
mind when he urged the people to to thousands across the eastern 27 books of the New Testament
“conduct yourselves”—literally, live Roman Empire and finally in are attributed to him. These
out your citizenship—“in a matter Rome itself. Crucial in this quest letters elaborate much of the
New Testament’s theology and,
worthy of … Christ” (Philippians An illustration of the preaching was Paul’s insistence, against
St. Paul holding the sword of the of the first missionary Apostles, considerable opposition, that all for Christians, act as a guide for
Spirit. This painting is attributed 1:27). The key to Paul’s defense after a 15th-century Arras tapestry believers—Gentile and Jewish— the application of its teaching
to the Italian Renaissance artist was the moral behavior of the in Tournai Cathedral, Belgium. had equal status and that in a practical context.
Macrino d’Alba, 1490–1527. Christians in Philippi. Yet he





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ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 305

See also: The Empty Tomb 268–71 ■ The Road to Damascus 290–91 ■ Paul’s Arrest 294–95 ■ Armor of God 302–03



notes that their good character had “for you died, and your life is now
been threatened by “false teachers,” hidden with Christ in God. When
who claimed that righteousness Christ, who is your life, appears,
depended on keeping the Mosaic then you also will appear with
Law of circumcision. Paul was Him in glory.”
writing to the Christians in Philippi Paul teaches that the power of At the name of Jesus
to testify against this belief, and the resurrection drives the entire every knee [shall] bow …
argue that Christians received their Christian way of living: Jesus’s and every tongue
righteousness from God. resurrection enables His people acknowledge that
thereafter to live new, transformed Jesus Christ is Lord,
Alive in Christ lives, characterized by obeying to the glory of God
Christians believe they become God’s laws in all that they do. the Father.
righteous when faith leads them to Peter’s teaching echoes this idea: Philippians 2:10–11
experience “the power of [Christ’s] “His divine power has given us
resurrection” (3:10). This means the everything we need for a godly life”
power of God that raised Jesus (2 Peter 1:3). Even in difficult times,
from the dead similarly transforms such as those faced by the early
the spiritually “dead” (sinners) into Christians, belief in Christ’s
“living” saints. Indeed, Paul saw resurrection would transform
any person’s conversion to faith in the character of the converts to is the true place of Christian
Jesus as a manifestation of the make them exemplary citizens in citizenship. At that time, the
power of the resurrection. Philippi—justifying the claim that dead will rise, and the living will
In a letter to the Colossians, “Jesus is Lord” (Philippians 2:11). be brought up to meet Christ
Paul writes that although believers in the air, in physical bodies like
once lived in sin, their sins have The final resurrection that of the resurrected Lord.
been buried, and they have been Paul concludes that ultimate In that moment, Paul writes,
reborn through Jesus. By coming experience of “the power of His the appearance of the resurrected
to know God, they now share in his resurrection” will come in the savior will complete the process
resurrecting power. In Colossians future, at the Second Coming of eliminating sin and perfecting
3:3–4, for example, Paul writes of Christ from heaven—which righteousness in Christians. ■

Paul’s influence Gentile converts should not be
on Christianity made to submit to the rite of
circumcision and Jewish dietary
Paul molded Christianity more laws. This helped Christianity
than any other Apostle, paving to spread throughout the Greek
the way for it to become a major and Roman worlds, rather than
world religion. Although Peter and merely remaining the faith of
Philip converted the first Gentiles, a small Jewish sect.
it was Paul’s tireless missionary Paul’s other legacy was
journeys that brought the Gospel his letters. Thirteen of the
to thousands across the eastern 27 books of the New Testament
Roman Empire and finally in are attributed to him. These
Rome itself. Crucial in this quest letters elaborate much of the
An illustration of the preaching was Paul’s insistence, against New Testament’s theology and,
of the first missionary Apostles, considerable opposition, that all for Christians, act as a guide for
after a 15th-century Arras tapestry believers—Gentile and Jewish— the application of its teaching
in Tournai Cathedral, Belgium. had equal status and that in a practical context.






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306 ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 307

See also: The Word Spreads 288–89 ■ The Way of Love 296–97 ■ The Holy Trinity 298–99 ■
AND HE IS THE Pope Francis, the 266th head of the
The Power of the Resurrection 304–05

HEAD OF THE BODY, Roman Catholic Church, rides through
the crowds of the faithful in September
2015, as he attends mass at the Vatican.
THE CHURCH Nor is there any room for one group



COLOSSIANS 1:18, THE BODY OF CHRIST of members to regard itself as
better than the others: “God has
put the body together, giving
greater honor to the parts that
lacked it, so that there should be
no division in the body, but that
its parts should have equal concern
for each other” (12:24–25).
he image of the community fractious people and chastising In several letters, Paul refers to
IN BRIEF of believers as a discrete them, Paul employs the image to certain “gifts,” such as wisdom or This is the first mention of “the
T entity unfolds and develops press home a message about unity faith, that Christians receive by body of Christ” in the Bible and, The concept
PASSAGES in the Pauline writings of the New despite diversity. “Just as a body, believing in Jesus. The analogy of in 1 Corinthians, the concept has of the Church
Colossians 1:15–23, Testament. It was by no means a though one, has many parts … the body as a united entity is a way a relatively narrow focus. It is about
1 Corinthians 12:12–31, new idea. The concept of the “body all its many parts form one body,” of ensuring that none of these gifts living out the Christian message of In Greek, the word ekklesia,
Ephesians 4:1–16 usually translated in the New
politic”—an understanding of a he tells his readers. Then, he is viewed as superior to others. If love and service in the context of a Testament as “church,” simply
THEME nation of peoples as one body— continues: “So it is with Christ” more visible “gifts” are held in too local place of worship. refers to an assembly called
The body of Christ as was commonplace among Greek (1 Corinthians 12:12). great esteem, they will promote together for, say, a political
a metaphor for the and Roman philosophers. Plato had pride, with one exception—love— Developing the image purpose. The Greek version
Christian Church used it, as had Aristotle, Cicero, A united body as there is no greater gift that one Two later writings of the New of the Hebrew Bible, the
Seneca, and many others. Despite coming from diverse can possess or give in return. Testament—the letters to the Septuagint, uses the term in
SETTING For his part, Paul takes hold backgrounds, the Corinthian Paul ends his exhortation with Colossians and the Ephesians— this sense to describe various
c. 54 ce Letters written to of the idea and begins to develop believers must remember the basic a simple metaphor: “Now you are are regarded by some scholars as assemblies of the people of
the churches of Asia Minor it in earnest in his first letter to unity they have through God’s the body of Christ, and each one the work of two of Paul’s disciples, Israel. It is later—in Acts and
by Paul and his disciples. the Corinthians. Writing to the Spirit. “For we were all baptized by of you is a part of it” (12:27). and add to the image of the united the Pauline writings, above
one Spirit so as to form one body— body. Jesus Christ “is before all all—that the word starts to
KEY FIGURES whether Jews or Gentiles, slave things, and in Him all things hold acquire the meaning of
Paul An Apostle of Christ, or free—and we were all given the together” (Colossians 1:17). “church” as we know it today.
writing to the churches in one Spirit to drink” (12:13). The author of Ephesians Generally, in the Pauline
Corinth and Asia Minor. Continuing with the image of expounds on this idea: “We will writings, the term refers to
the body, Paul reminds the different grow to become in every respect an assembly of believers in
Author of Colossians Early Instead, speaking the a particular city or region—
Christians believed this to be cliques among the Corinthians truth in love, we will the mature body of Him who is the as when Paul refers to the
of their inescapable need for one
head, that is, Christ. From Him
Paul. Some modern scholars another: “The eye cannot say grow to become in every the whole body, joined and held Galatians, for example, as the
argue that it is more likely to to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ respect the mature body together by every supporting “churches in Galatia.” In the
have been one of his disciples. later New Testament books
And the head cannot say to the of Him who is the head, ligament, grows and builds itself of Colossians and Ephesians,
feet, ‘I don’t need you!’” (12:21). that is, Christ. up in love, as each part does its the use of the term “church”
Ephesians 4:15 work” (Ephesians 4:15–16). This (ekklesia) further develops the
vivid depiction presents the body more transcendent meaning
St. Ignatius, painted in oils by of Christ as a living, breathing of the body of all believers,
Giuseppe Franchi (1565–1628), was united as the body of Christ
an early Christian writer and Bishop organism. Built on love, the body
of Antioch. He was the first to employ of Christ depends and thrives on and the Holy Spirit.
the term “Catholic Church” in writing. the faith of its members. ■





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ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 307

See also: The Word Spreads 288–89 ■ The Way of Love 296–97 ■ The Holy Trinity 298–99 ■
The Power of the Resurrection 304–05


Pope Francis, the 266th head of the
Roman Catholic Church, rides through
the crowds of the faithful in September
2015, as he attends mass at the Vatican.

Nor is there any room for one group
of members to regard itself as
better than the others: “God has
put the body together, giving
greater honor to the parts that
lacked it, so that there should be
no division in the body, but that
its parts should have equal concern
for each other” (12:24–25).
In several letters, Paul refers to
certain “gifts,” such as wisdom or This is the first mention of “the
faith, that Christians receive by body of Christ” in the Bible and, The concept
believing in Jesus. The analogy of in 1 Corinthians, the concept has of the Church
the body as a united entity is a way a relatively narrow focus. It is about
of ensuring that none of these gifts living out the Christian message of In Greek, the word ekklesia,
is viewed as superior to others. If love and service in the context of a usually translated in the New
more visible “gifts” are held in too local place of worship. Testament as “church,” simply
refers to an assembly called
great esteem, they will promote together for, say, a political
pride, with one exception—love— Developing the image purpose. The Greek version
as there is no greater gift that one Two later writings of the New of the Hebrew Bible, the
can possess or give in return. Testament—the letters to the Septuagint, uses the term in
Paul ends his exhortation with Colossians and the Ephesians— this sense to describe various
a simple metaphor: “Now you are are regarded by some scholars as assemblies of the people of
the body of Christ, and each one the work of two of Paul’s disciples, Israel. It is later—in Acts and
of you is a part of it” (12:27). and add to the image of the united the Pauline writings, above
body. Jesus Christ “is before all all—that the word starts to
things, and in Him all things hold acquire the meaning of
together” (Colossians 1:17). “church” as we know it today.
The author of Ephesians Generally, in the Pauline
expounds on this idea: “We will writings, the term refers to
grow to become in every respect an assembly of believers in
Instead, speaking the the mature body of Him who is the a particular city or region—
truth in love, we will head, that is, Christ. From Him as when Paul refers to the
grow to become in every the whole body, joined and held Galatians, for example, as the
respect the mature body together by every supporting “churches in Galatia.” In the
later New Testament books
of Him who is the head, ligament, grows and builds itself of Colossians and Ephesians,
that is, Christ. up in love, as each part does its the use of the term “church”
Ephesians 4:15 work” (Ephesians 4:15–16). This (ekklesia) further develops the
vivid depiction presents the body more transcendent meaning
of Christ as a living, breathing of the body of all believers,
organism. Built on love, the body united as the body of Christ
of Christ depends and thrives on and the Holy Spirit.
the faith of its members. ■





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ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION
308 IN BRIEF See also: The Divinity of Jesus 190–93 ■ The Word Spreads 288–89 ■ 309
SCRIPTURE PASSAGE Paul’s Arrest 294–95 ■ The Power of the Resurrection 304–05


2 Timothy 3:14–17
who had been trained among the
Pharisees as a rabbi, would see
THEME
IS GOD- Authorship of scripture [Scripture] is useful the Old Testament as coming
directly from the Lord. Since Moses,
SETTING
the prophets had introduced their
c. 64–67 ce Letter written
pronouncements with the phrase,
for teaching … and
by Paul in Rome.
“This is what the Lord says …”
BREATHED KEY FIGURES training in righteousness, more than 400 times, while “the
so that the servant
word of the Lord came” appears
Paul The Apostle, who is
245 times in the Bible.
of God may be
imprisoned in Rome awaiting
thoroughly equipped.
trial. He writes letters to
At roughly the same time as Paul,
2 TIMOTHY 3:16, various churches and disciples, 2 Timothy 3:16 Prophecies of old Timothy
including Timothy.
the Apostle Peter writes that the
Timothy was a colleague
THE BIBLE AS GOD’S WORD Timothy A disciple and prophets of the Old Testament of the Apostle Paul during
never came by their prophecies
former representative of the
several of Paul’s missionary
Apostle Paul. Timothy serves based on their own interpretations: journeys and his imprisonment
as the pastor of the church “For prophecy never had its origin in Rome. The son of a Jewish-
Paul founded in Ephesus. which had prepared him to hear in the human will, but prophets, Christian mother and a Greek
and understand Paul’s message though human, spoke from God father, Timothy had been
Jesus The Messiah and Son that Jesus was the fulfillment of as they were carried along by taught the Hebrew scriptures
of God, whose proclamations the Old Testament prophecies the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). These (the Old Testament) from an
are divine. Jesus’s teaching of a messiah who would redeem writings were not considered to be early age. Paul used Timothy
highlighted the divine God’s chosen people. the prophets’ personal opinions as either a coauthor or the
authority of scripture. These scriptures, Paul wrote, about what was happing or what recording secretary for his
were “God-breathed” (2 Timothy they wanted to see happen in the letters to the Philippians,
3:16). This phrase indicates that future. The prophets were mere Colossians, and to Philemon.
Paul himself understood the agents; they spoke from God, During Paul’s life, Timothy
Hebrew scriptures to be God’s and they had as much control served as his representative
ear the end of his life, Word. It is little surprise that Paul, over the content of their writings to churches in Thessalonica,
Corinth, and Philippi, before
Paul was imprisoned as sailors on a small boat in a he eventually took up the role
N in Rome, awaiting trial storm. God’s Spirit was the wind of pastor in Ephesus. Paul
before the emperor for charges that carried them along and wrote two letters directly to
related to his faith. During this determined their course. Timothy in Ephesus; these
time, the Apostle wrote several Jesus speaks in ways similar became the books of 1 and 2
letters to colleagues and friends, to the Old Testament prophets, Timothy. The latter, written
including to his young disciple, but with a unique development. from prison in the last days of
Timothy. He had become a Like the prophets, Jesus says that his life, is considered to have
trusted aide to Paul as the two He speaks from God (John 12:49). been Paul’s spiritual last will
men traveled to Greek cities on Unlike the prophets, however, Jesus and testament.
both sides of the Aegean Sea. does not preface His sermons with One Christian author in
In his second letter to Timothy, “This is what God says.” Instead, ❯❯ the eighth century claimed
Paul encouraged him to deal Timothy was present with
with false teachers and remain Mary, the mother of Jesus, at
the end of her life. According
committed to what he had been Illustrated manuscripts of the to Foxe’s Book of Martyrs,
Bible, such as this page from the Book
taught. As a child, Timothy’s of Kells, an Irish manuscript of the Timothy was beaten to death
mother and grandmother had Gospels from c.800, both glorified by a mob in Ephesus in 97 ce.
taught him the Hebrew scriptures, God’s word and aided understanding.





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ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 309

See also: The Divinity of Jesus 190–93 ■ The Word Spreads 288–89 ■
Paul’s Arrest 294–95 ■ The Power of the Resurrection 304–05


who had been trained among the
Pharisees as a rabbi, would see
the Old Testament as coming
directly from the Lord. Since Moses,
the prophets had introduced their
[Scripture] is useful pronouncements with the phrase,
for teaching … and “This is what the Lord says …”
training in righteousness, more than 400 times, while “the
so that the servant word of the Lord came” appears
of God may be 245 times in the Bible.
thoroughly equipped.
2 Timothy 3:16 Prophecies of old
At roughly the same time as Paul, Timothy
the Apostle Peter writes that the
prophets of the Old Testament Timothy was a colleague
never came by their prophecies of the Apostle Paul during
several of Paul’s missionary
based on their own interpretations: journeys and his imprisonment
“For prophecy never had its origin in Rome. The son of a Jewish-
which had prepared him to hear in the human will, but prophets, Christian mother and a Greek
and understand Paul’s message though human, spoke from God father, Timothy had been
that Jesus was the fulfillment of as they were carried along by taught the Hebrew scriptures
the Old Testament prophecies the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). These (the Old Testament) from an
of a messiah who would redeem writings were not considered to be early age. Paul used Timothy
God’s chosen people. the prophets’ personal opinions as either a coauthor or the
These scriptures, Paul wrote, about what was happing or what recording secretary for his
were “God-breathed” (2 Timothy they wanted to see happen in the letters to the Philippians,
3:16). This phrase indicates that future. The prophets were mere Colossians, and to Philemon.
Paul himself understood the agents; they spoke from God, During Paul’s life, Timothy
Hebrew scriptures to be God’s and they had as much control served as his representative
Word. It is little surprise that Paul, over the content of their writings to churches in Thessalonica,
Corinth, and Philippi, before
as sailors on a small boat in a he eventually took up the role
storm. God’s Spirit was the wind of pastor in Ephesus. Paul
that carried them along and wrote two letters directly to
determined their course. Timothy in Ephesus; these
Jesus speaks in ways similar became the books of 1 and 2
to the Old Testament prophets, Timothy. The latter, written
but with a unique development. from prison in the last days of
Like the prophets, Jesus says that his life, is considered to have
He speaks from God (John 12:49). been Paul’s spiritual last will
Unlike the prophets, however, Jesus and testament.
does not preface His sermons with One Christian author in
“This is what God says.” Instead, ❯❯ the eighth century claimed
Timothy was present with
Mary, the mother of Jesus, at
Illustrated manuscripts of the the end of her life. According
Bible, such as this page from the Book to Foxe’s Book of Martyrs,
of Kells, an Irish manuscript of the Timothy was beaten to death
Gospels from c.800, both glorified by a mob in Ephesus in 97 ce.
God’s word and aided understanding.





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310 THE BIBLE AS GOD’S WORD ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 311


The Bible in its entirety has been
translated into 363 languages, and God’s role in producing the scriptures
the New Testament into 1,442. These
pilgrims in Lalibela, Ethiopia, hear the is interpreted in three major ways.
word of God in their native Amharic.

proverbs. The prophetic books of
the Old Testament (from Isaiah
to Malachi) identify human authors,
as do each of the New Testament The theory of Verbal Neo-orthodoxy teaches
epistles, except for the mysterious The theory of Limited Plenary Inspiration that the Bible was
Epistle to the Hebrews. Inspiration argues God maintains that every word written by fallible humans
The human authors of the Bible guided the authors of the of the Bible has been and only becomes the word
each display vast differences in Bible but did not preserve directly “God-breathed” of God when He reveals
background, language, and style, them from making errors. and preserved by God Himself through it.
as well as geographical, cultural, (2 Timothy 3:16).
and historical location. They wrote
in ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and
the common Greek spoken in the
first century ce. Some authors been given by God; describing the challenges of the religious Bible by different Christian groups.
were highly educated (for example, visions; explaining and applying leaders of His day. This pattern Jews believed that divine prophecy,
Moses, Isaiah, and Paul), while already-written scripture; and even of appeal to, and explanation of, the basis for the scriptures, had
others were farmers and fishermen conducting investigations before Old Testament scripture was ceased by 400 bce, and Jesus
He prefaces His pronouncements (Amos and Peter), producing a wide making a written account of the followed by the authors of the Himself only acknowledged “the
Apocrypha with “I tell you,” and uses this variety of literary genres ranging findings (Luke 1:3). For the most New Testament. Old Testament Law and the Prophets” of the
phrase nearly 140 times throughout from narratives and histories to part, the Bible describes no fixed quotations or allusions are present Hebrew Old Testament as Israel’s
The apocryphal books are the Bible. Paul indicates that he genealogical records. Other biblical process by which the authors were in 26 of the 27 books of the New scripture. In spite of this, some
an additional set of writings sees Jesus’s teachings as the writings take the form of poetry, “moved by God,” but Peter teaches Testament—absent only in the Christians, such as those in the
associated with the Old Word of God when he introduces proverb, and apocalyptic vision. that the writing process was Book of Philemon—making up Eastern Orthodox Church, accept
Testament. Mostly written
in Greek, all were completed a combined quote of Deuteronomy The concept of dual authorship superintended by God, so what about a third of its content. the so-called “apocryphal books,”
between 300–100 bce, and and Jesus with the words, addresses the question of how to they wrote was God’s word. For Paul, the divine authorship written centuries later—including
came into use by Christians “Scripture says …” Interestingly, reconcile the interaction between of the Bible is closely linked to its Ecclesiasticus (also known as
due to their inclusion in some this expanded understanding divine and human in the scriptures. Divine authority transformative power. The Apostle Sirach), 1 and 2 Maccabees, and
Greek translations of the Old of the divinity of scripture also The Bible depicts authors as The belief that the scriptures were reminds Timothy that the “God- Judith—as scripture. ■
Testament (the Septuagint). encompasses the writings of Paul recording messages that they had God’s own words carried several breathed” nature of the Bible makes
While many early Christian himself. Peter says that Paul writes significant implications in the it a fit instrument for addressing
bishops did not accept the with God-given wisdom and warns minds of biblical figures. One issues of faith and behavior,
apocryphal books, recognition that false teachers will attempt to was the total trust of, and belief writing that the scriptures “make
of them grew among Roman distort Paul’s writings, “as they do in, scripture. The truthfulness of you wise for salvation through
Catholic bishops in the late the other Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16). God’s word therefore became faith” (2 Timothy 3:15). Paul teaches
Middle Ages. They were a proverb: “Every word of God that the faith that unites people to England has two
formally adopted as scripture Dual authorship Prophets, though human, is flawless” (Proverbs 30:5). Christ comes by hearing the word books; the Bible and
by the Council of Trent in The Bible’s words on its divine spoke from God as they Divine authorship implies divine of God. Delivering “what the Lord Shakespeare. England
1546. Of the 18 apocryphal were carried along made Shakespeare, but
texts, Roman Catholics accept origin stand alongside clear by the Holy Spirit. authority. To disregard the message says,” the prophet Isaiah wrote, the Bible made England.
seven as scripture, plus the acknowledgment of its human of the prophets was to disbelieve “My word that goes out from my
expanded versions of the authorship. Jesus attributes the 2 Peter 1:21 or disobey God. Even the writings mouth, will not return to me empty, Victor Hugo
books of Daniel and Esther. Pentateuch of the Old Testament of the Apostles were to be treated but will … achieve the purpose
They can be found in the to Moses. The Psalms are as God’s commandments. When for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
Old Testament of the Roman attributed to King David, while tempted by Satan, Jesus quoted The concept of the divinity
Catholic Bible. David’s son, Solomon, is identified scripture to rebut him. Jesus also of scripture has also influenced
as the author of many of the appealed to scripture to answer which writings are included in the





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ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 311



God’s role in producing the scriptures
is interpreted in three major ways.







The theory of Verbal
The theory of Limited Plenary Inspiration Neo-orthodoxy teaches
that the Bible was
Inspiration argues God maintains that every word written by fallible humans
guided the authors of the of the Bible has been and only becomes the word
Bible but did not preserve directly “God-breathed”
them from making errors. and preserved by God of God when He reveals
Himself through it.
(2 Timothy 3:16).




been given by God; describing the challenges of the religious Bible by different Christian groups.
visions; explaining and applying leaders of His day. This pattern Jews believed that divine prophecy,
already-written scripture; and even of appeal to, and explanation of, the basis for the scriptures, had
conducting investigations before Old Testament scripture was ceased by 400 bce, and Jesus
making a written account of the followed by the authors of the Himself only acknowledged “the
findings (Luke 1:3). For the most New Testament. Old Testament Law and the Prophets” of the
part, the Bible describes no fixed quotations or allusions are present Hebrew Old Testament as Israel’s
process by which the authors were in 26 of the 27 books of the New scripture. In spite of this, some
“moved by God,” but Peter teaches Testament—absent only in the Christians, such as those in the
that the writing process was Book of Philemon—making up Eastern Orthodox Church, accept
superintended by God, so what about a third of its content. the so-called “apocryphal books,”
they wrote was God’s word. For Paul, the divine authorship written centuries later—including
of the Bible is closely linked to its Ecclesiasticus (also known as
Divine authority transformative power. The Apostle Sirach), 1 and 2 Maccabees, and
The belief that the scriptures were reminds Timothy that the “God- Judith—as scripture. ■
God’s own words carried several breathed” nature of the Bible makes
significant implications in the it a fit instrument for addressing
minds of biblical figures. One issues of faith and behavior,
was the total trust of, and belief writing that the scriptures “make
in, scripture. The truthfulness of you wise for salvation through
God’s word therefore became faith” (2 Timothy 3:15). Paul teaches
a proverb: “Every word of God that the faith that unites people to England has two
is flawless” (Proverbs 30:5). Christ comes by hearing the word books; the Bible and
Divine authorship implies divine of God. Delivering “what the Lord Shakespeare. England
authority. To disregard the message says,” the prophet Isaiah wrote, made Shakespeare, but
of the prophets was to disbelieve “My word that goes out from my the Bible made England.
or disobey God. Even the writings mouth, will not return to me empty, Victor Hugo
of the Apostles were to be treated but will … achieve the purpose
as God’s commandments. When for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).
tempted by Satan, Jesus quoted The concept of the divinity
scripture to rebut him. Jesus also of scripture has also influenced
appealed to scripture to answer which writings are included in the





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312 ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 313

See also: Entering the Promised Land 96–97 ■ The Nature of Faith 236–41 ■
KNOW THAT THE Later, when God commanded justify (Galatians 2:16). The
Salvation Through Faith 301

TESTING OF YOUR Abraham to sacrifice his son, apparent conflict arises because

Isaac (Genesis 22), Abraham
the two authors use the word
placed him on an altar, believing
“justify” differently. While James
FAITH PRODUCES that God could bring his son sees works as the visible evidence
back to life (Hebrews 11:19). For
of faith, Paul speaks of justification
James, that obedience fulfills the
as righteousness before God. Paul
PERSEVERANCE claim that God had reckoned and James agree that the faith
that saves is active, not passive.
Abraham righteous. James then
JAMES 1:3, FAITH AND WORKS cites Rahab, a Jericho prostitute, In Romans, Paul writes of “the
who showed the same kind of faith
obedience of faith” and he reminds
when she sheltered two Israelite the Galatians that what matters
spies (Joshua 2). Both Abraham is “faith working through love.” James the Just
and Rahab demonstrated and The relationship between faith
he Epistle of James is Gospel message of salvation grew their faith through honoring and works is a key point of debate There were several figures
IN BRIEF addressed to Jewish through faith in Jesus, however, God with their actions under between Roman Catholics and in the New Testament who
T Christians scattered across made the relationship between difficult circumstances. Protestants. Catholics see works bore the name “James.” Two
PASSAGE the Roman Empire. This one letter, faith and the good deeds that as a necessary addition to faith. were disciples of Jesus, but
James 1:2–2:26 the third was one of Jesus’s
written in Greek, takes the form of demonstrate faith a pressing The faith that saves Protestants see them as the result four brothers, later known as
THEME a series of miniature sermons. question for Jewish believers. The conclusion that people are of genuine faith, and therefore James the Just. This James
Demonstrating faith James begins with a reflection justified—worthy of salvation—by affirm that salvation is sola fide did not believe in Jesus as the
on how God tests faith in order to Even demons believe their works, or actions, seems to (by faith alone). ■ Messiah during His lifetime,
SETTING refine it (1:2–12), and later returns James rejects faith that is passive, contradict Paul’s views. When but came to have faith in
c. 50 ce Jewish-Christian to the subject of faith in relation to asking, “Can such faith save them?” false teachers in Galatia taught Jesus after the resurrection,
communities throughout good works (2:14–26). Good deeds, (James 2:14). He goes on to describe Christians that obedience to the Rahab demonstrates faith through possibly because the risen
the Roman Empire. especially obedience to the Law his opponents who claim that faith Law of Moses is an essential action by helping two Israelite spies Christ appeared to him in
escape the clutches of her fellow
of Moses, were part of the first in Jesus relieves believers of the addition to faith in Jesus, Paul Canaanites, in an image from a person (1 Corinthians 15:7).
KEY FIGURES Christians’ Jewish heritage. The duty to live in a righteous way. insisted that such works cannot 12th-century French manuscript. There is debate about
James the Just Possibly the These false teachers attempt to which James wrote the New
brother of Jesus and the leader prove their faith simply by affirming Testament Epistle of James,
of the Church in Jerusalem. the Shema, “the Lord is One,” the although the most likely
author is James the Just.
Paul Early Church leader, statement of monotheism central to Tradition holds that James
who was on the Council of Old Testament teaching. Dismissing was martyred in Jerusalem
Jerusalem with James. this less than adequate show of for his faith in Jesus.
faith, James says, “Even the demons James came to be called
Diaspora Jewish Christians believe that—and shudder!” He “the Just” (meaning “the
who were scattered throughout goes on to cite Abraham as the righteous”) because of his
the Roman Empire. paradigm of living, active faith. fidelity to the Law of Moses.
When God promises Abraham a Although he voiced the
son, he says, Abraham “believed consensus of the Council of
the Lord, and He credited it to him Jerusalem (Acts 15), which
as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). recognized that Gentiles
did not need to observe the
Law of Moses—specifically
Adherence to the Torah, the Law circumcision—to become
of Moses, was seen by James as an Christians, he did believe
important aspect of faith. Other church that they should adhere to
fathers, such as Paul, believed that other Jewish practices.
faith alone was the key to salvation.





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ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 313

See also: Entering the Promised Land 96–97 ■ The Nature of Faith 236–41 ■
Salvation Through Faith 301


Later, when God commanded justify (Galatians 2:16). The
Abraham to sacrifice his son, apparent conflict arises because
Isaac (Genesis 22), Abraham the two authors use the word
placed him on an altar, believing “justify” differently. While James
that God could bring his son sees works as the visible evidence
back to life (Hebrews 11:19). For of faith, Paul speaks of justification
James, that obedience fulfills the as righteousness before God. Paul
claim that God had reckoned and James agree that the faith
Abraham righteous. James then that saves is active, not passive.
cites Rahab, a Jericho prostitute, In Romans, Paul writes of “the
who showed the same kind of faith obedience of faith” and he reminds
when she sheltered two Israelite the Galatians that what matters
spies (Joshua 2). Both Abraham is “faith working through love.” James the Just
and Rahab demonstrated and The relationship between faith
grew their faith through honoring and works is a key point of debate There were several figures
God with their actions under between Roman Catholics and in the New Testament who
bore the name “James.” Two
difficult circumstances. Protestants. Catholics see works were disciples of Jesus, but
as a necessary addition to faith. the third was one of Jesus’s
The faith that saves Protestants see them as the result four brothers, later known as
The conclusion that people are of genuine faith, and therefore James the Just. This James
justified—worthy of salvation—by affirm that salvation is sola fide did not believe in Jesus as the
their works, or actions, seems to (by faith alone). ■ Messiah during His lifetime,
contradict Paul’s views. When but came to have faith in
false teachers in Galatia taught Jesus after the resurrection,
Christians that obedience to the Rahab demonstrates faith through possibly because the risen
action by helping two Israelite spies
Law of Moses is an essential escape the clutches of her fellow Christ appeared to him in
addition to faith in Jesus, Paul Canaanites, in an image from a person (1 Corinthians 15:7).
insisted that such works cannot 12th-century French manuscript. There is debate about
which James wrote the New
Testament Epistle of James,
although the most likely
author is James the Just.
Tradition holds that James
was martyred in Jerusalem
for his faith in Jesus.
James came to be called
“the Just” (meaning “the
righteous”) because of his
fidelity to the Law of Moses.
Although he voiced the
consensus of the Council of
Jerusalem (Acts 15), which
recognized that Gentiles
did not need to observe the
Law of Moses—specifically
circumcision—to become
Christians, he did believe
that they should adhere to
other Jewish practices.






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314 ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 315

See also: The Ten Commandments 78–83 ■ The Prophet Ezekiel 162–63 ■ The Prophet Micah 168–71 ■
JUST AS HE WHO after ritual cleansing. Those who
Jesus Embraces a Tax Collector 242–43 ■ Fruits of the Spirit 300

CALLED YOU IS entered unworthily would be struck

down by the holiness of God. Laws
concerning ritual uncleanliness
HOLY, SO BE HOLY to offer yourselves as illustrated the separation of unclean
Just as you used
people from God and others; they
could not worship in the Temple,
IN ALL YOU DO slaves to impurity and nor could they enjoy human contact
to … wickedness, so
without spreading uncleanliness.
1 PETER 1:15, HOLINESS now offer yourselves as Cleansing sinners
slaves to righteousness
leading to holiness. Although Jesus claimed to be the
Romans 6:19 Final Judge, who would condemn
unrepentant sinners to hell, He
n his letter to Christians like a goldsmith, working on the demonstrated that holiness did not
IN BRIEF scattered throughout Asia precious metal of the believer’s make God unloving or unmerciful.
I Minor (modern Turkey), faith. The divine smith heats it Through His miraculous healings
PASSAGE Peter praises God for the salvation so that impurities rise and can be of, and fellowship with, sinners—
1 Peter 1:3–2:25
secured by Christ’s resurrection. skimmed off, until the smith can those who did not comply with In Revelation 12, a star-crowned
THEME Although his audience is facing see His reflection without blemish The holiness of God, and its Mosaic Law—He welcomed sinners woman represents the Church born
Holiness various troubles, Peter is confident in the purified gold. Enduring representation in ritual aspects into God’s kingdom. Rather than through Christ. Edward Robert
of God’s purpose in allowing their troubles righteously serves to refine of the Mosaic Laws of piety, approving their sins, He cleansed Hughes draws on this symbolism
SETTING suffering, and of their future joy. the believer’s faith and bring their highlights a central tension in them. Those He healed became fit in his painting Star of Heaven.
c.60–65 ce 1 Peter is For the New Testament, character into conformity with the biblical narrative: how sinful to worship God under Mosaic Law.
addressed to believers salvation through faith in Jesus God’s holiness. humanity can come into the The Apostles taught that after and called “saints” (holy ones). Yet,
scattered throughout Roman is not merely a release from the presence of God when God’s His death, Jesus sent the Holy Peter says, believers should also
provinces in northwestern eternal consequences of sin. Divine holiness holiness separates Him from sin. Spirit to remove sin and “sanctify” demonstrate holiness through their
Asia Minor. Salvation also liberates believers Holiness is the most frequently The Bible tells how only the High sinners (make them holy). Believers, character and deeds. That way,
from sin’s tyranny in their daily mentioned attribute of God in the Priest could enter the Holy of they said, were already holy in the their persecutors could level no
KEY FIGURES lives. One of God’s primary tools Bible. At its core, “holy” indicates Holies, and then only once a year sense of being set apart by God legitimate charge against them. ■
Peter Although the letter is for accomplishing this, Peter says, separation. For God, holiness refers
written in the name of the is suffering. In Peter 1:7, he uses to His transcendence over all
Apostle Peter, scholars are imagery suggesting that God is created things and to His alienation Key rituals of the Church
divided about whether or not from unrighteousness and sin. Worship in the early Church His crucifixion and symbolized
he was the actual author. These qualities are reflected in the focused on two key rituals. The the believers’ holy unity with
description of things, places, and first was baptism, which initiated Jesus and each other in the
The readers The recipients
of the letter are mostly even people as “holy” in the Old new believers and brought them “body of Christ.” It also was
Testament. Such things could be
the setting for Church discipline,
together spiritually, bound by
Gentile Christians called “holy” insofar as they were the symbolic purification and preserving the holiness of the
experiencing persecution I am the Lord your God; separated from common use for the holiness of following Jesus. The Church by removing those who
because of their faith. consecrate yourselves and service of God, and as they were other was a meal, the Lord’s persisted in sin. Restoration and
be holy because I am holy. preserved from contamination by Supper, celebrated during weekly readmittance to the fellowship
Leviticus 11:44 sin or ritual impurity. Israel was gatherings of believers, which of the table was accomplished
to be “a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6), involved the ritual sharing of through repentance. For early
bread and wine. A forerunner
Christians, the Lord’s Supper
and the construction of a “Holy The ritual washing of feet on of the Eucharist, this ceremonial anticipated the banquet that
of Holies” in the Tabernacle and Maundy Thursday replicates Jesus meal recalled Jesus’s “last awaited them in heaven at
washing the disciples’ feet at the
Temple set that area apart as a Last Supper. It is an act of humility. supper” with His disciples before the end of time.
place for God’s presence.




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ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 315

See also: The Ten Commandments 78–83 ■ The Prophet Ezekiel 162–63 ■ The Prophet Micah 168–71 ■
Jesus Embraces a Tax Collector 242–43 ■ Fruits of the Spirit 300


after ritual cleansing. Those who
entered unworthily would be struck
down by the holiness of God. Laws
concerning ritual uncleanliness
illustrated the separation of unclean
Just as you used people from God and others; they
to offer yourselves as could not worship in the Temple,
slaves to impurity and nor could they enjoy human contact
to … wickedness, so without spreading uncleanliness.
now offer yourselves as
slaves to righteousness Cleansing sinners
leading to holiness. Although Jesus claimed to be the
Romans 6:19 Final Judge, who would condemn
unrepentant sinners to hell, He
demonstrated that holiness did not
make God unloving or unmerciful.
Through His miraculous healings
of, and fellowship with, sinners—
those who did not comply with In Revelation 12, a star-crowned
The holiness of God, and its Mosaic Law—He welcomed sinners woman represents the Church born
representation in ritual aspects into God’s kingdom. Rather than through Christ. Edward Robert
of the Mosaic Laws of piety, approving their sins, He cleansed Hughes draws on this symbolism
highlights a central tension in them. Those He healed became fit in his painting Star of Heaven.
the biblical narrative: how sinful to worship God under Mosaic Law.
humanity can come into the The Apostles taught that after and called “saints” (holy ones). Yet,
presence of God when God’s His death, Jesus sent the Holy Peter says, believers should also
holiness separates Him from sin. Spirit to remove sin and “sanctify” demonstrate holiness through their
The Bible tells how only the High sinners (make them holy). Believers, character and deeds. That way,
Priest could enter the Holy of they said, were already holy in the their persecutors could level no
Holies, and then only once a year sense of being set apart by God legitimate charge against them. ■

Key rituals of the Church

Worship in the early Church His crucifixion and symbolized
focused on two key rituals. The the believers’ holy unity with
first was baptism, which initiated Jesus and each other in the
new believers and brought them “body of Christ.” It also was
together spiritually, bound by the setting for Church discipline,
the symbolic purification and preserving the holiness of the
holiness of following Jesus. The Church by removing those who
other was a meal, the Lord’s persisted in sin. Restoration and
Supper, celebrated during weekly readmittance to the fellowship
gatherings of believers, which of the table was accomplished
involved the ritual sharing of through repentance. For early
The ritual washing of feet on bread and wine. A forerunner Christians, the Lord’s Supper
Maundy Thursday replicates Jesus of the Eucharist, this ceremonial anticipated the banquet that
washing the disciples’ feet at the meal recalled Jesus’s “last awaited them in heaven at
Last Supper. It is an act of humility. supper” with His disciples before the end of time.






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THE DEAD WERE




JUDGED



















ACCORDING TO WHAT





THEY HAD DONE









REVELATION 20:12, THE FINAL JUDGMENT





























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318 THE FINAL JUDGMENT ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 319

See also: The Prophet Ezekiel 162–63 ■ Daniel in Babylon 164–65 ■
he Greek word used in Call for Repentance 172 ■ The New Jerusalem 322–29
IN BRIEF the book of Revelation for
T judgment originally meant
PASSAGE “to sift,” and from there it came to
Revelation 1:1–20:15 Beliefs matching John’s visions in Revelation
mean choosing right from wrong. It
THEME essentially means that each human Therefore keep watch, Judaism Christianity Islam
Justice for all life will be examined according to because you do not
God’s standards and sorted into know on what day
SETTING what is acceptable and what is not. your Lord will come. A day of judgment
God’s heavenly throne However, unlike today’s conception Matthew 24:42 Resurrection of the dead
room. An unspecified of judgment, which calls for justice
future time. here and now, in the first century ce Separation of the righteous
people believed in an impending and the wicked
KEY FIGURES judgment. For many in the Greek
Jesus The key figure in the and Roman worlds, this was at the Book of Life
Final Judgment, described end of their earthly life, at the point
alternately as “the Son of of death. Christians, however, climax of the vision, Daniel sees Book of Deeds
Man,” “the lamb on the throne,” building on Jewish beliefs, looked “one like a Son of Man”—a clear
and “the First and the Last.” toward a future, Final Judgment reference to the name Jesus takes New Jerusalem John the Seer
All humanity All people, in which all people of all places throughout His ministry—approach
who ever lived, from all and times would need to give an God’s throne. God then gives Jesus The author of Revelation
nations and all times. account of their lives before God. the authority and power to bring the a savior: “If anyone is ashamed become distinct when Jesus identifies himself as Jesus’s
In the Old Testament, this Final Judgment to the world. of me and my words … the Son of makes His judgment (Matthew “servant John” (Revelation
John the Seer The author future judgment is called “the Day Man will be ashamed of him when 13:24–30). In another parable, Jesus 1:1). Since the second century,
of Revelation, who sees the of the Lord.” In one of the prophet Royal return He comes in His Father’s glory with speaks of His role in the coming it has been suggested that
events described in a vision. Daniel’s visions, he sees a picture At Jesus’s ascension, the Apostles the holy angels” (Mark 8:38). Final Judgment as being like that this John is the same as
of God’s throne room, where God were told that “this same Jesus … Many of Jesus’s parables speak of a shepherd separating sheep Jesus’s disciple John, brother
sits ready to judge the world. Many will come back in the same way about a coming Final Judgment. from goats (Matthew 25:31–46). of James and author of the
beasts try to establish their rule you have seen him go into heaven” He explains in one parable that the Gospel and three epistles that
over the world, but then, at the (Acts 1:11), which is thought to weeds will be burned by fire, while Signs and symbols bear his name. However, even
mean that Jesus will return bodily the good crop will be harvested John’s visions, recounted in the from the third century ce,
on earth one day. The image of a into God’s barn. Whereas the crops book of Revelation, paint a dramatic Bible scholars have argued
king arriving to bring judgment and the weeds grow side by side picture of the Final Judgment. They that there is such a difference
in style between Revelation
was familiar in the Roman world, in the present, one day each will begin in the throne room of heaven, and the other writings that it
where an emperor occasionally where all the heavenly creatures are is unlikely they could have
visited key cities to hold court— preparing for the scroll containing come from the same author.
he would punish his enemies and God’s final order for the world to Whoever he was, this
reward his friends. The Greek word be opened. At first, the creatures “servant John” wrote down
for this is parousia, which means cannot find anyone who is worthy his visions toward the end
“coming,” and early Christians to open the seven seals that keep of the first century ce while
understood Jesus’s return as the He will judge the world … the scroll rolled. Then, however, on the island of Patmos, off the
coming of God’s appointed king. by the man He has John sees a lamb that looks like it coast of present-day Turkey.
Jesus says that the criteria for appointed. He has given has been sacrificed, standing alive John writes that he is on the
the Final Judgment will henceforth proof … by raising on the throne: a clear reference to island “because of the word
be whether people trust Him as [Jesus] from the dead. Jesus. As this lamb takes the scroll, of God and the testimony of
Acts 17:31 all of heaven sings with joy, “You Jesus”; scholars therefore
are worthy to take the scroll and to believe that he was living in
The Whore of Babylon is introduced open its seals” (Revelation 5:9). exile, and see this as further
in Revelation 17 riding a beast with proof that authorities were
seven heads. An angel tells John that Out of the first four seals ride already starting to persecute
the heads represent the sinners Christ the “horsemen of the apocalypse,” Christians as troublemakers.
will defeat in the battle at Armageddon. one of Revelation’s most enduring ❯❯





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ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 319

See also: The Prophet Ezekiel 162–63 ■ Daniel in Babylon 164–65 ■
Call for Repentance 172 ■ The New Jerusalem 322–29



Beliefs matching John’s visions in Revelation

Judaism Christianity Islam
A day of judgment

Resurrection of the dead

Separation of the righteous
and the wicked

Book of Life
Book of Deeds

New Jerusalem
John the Seer

The author of Revelation
a savior: “If anyone is ashamed become distinct when Jesus identifies himself as Jesus’s
of me and my words … the Son of makes His judgment (Matthew “servant John” (Revelation
Man will be ashamed of him when 13:24–30). In another parable, Jesus 1:1). Since the second century,
He comes in His Father’s glory with speaks of His role in the coming it has been suggested that
the holy angels” (Mark 8:38). Final Judgment as being like that this John is the same as
Many of Jesus’s parables speak of a shepherd separating sheep Jesus’s disciple John, brother
about a coming Final Judgment. from goats (Matthew 25:31–46). of James and author of the
He explains in one parable that the Gospel and three epistles that
weeds will be burned by fire, while Signs and symbols bear his name. However, even
the good crop will be harvested John’s visions, recounted in the from the third century ce,
into God’s barn. Whereas the crops book of Revelation, paint a dramatic Bible scholars have argued
and the weeds grow side by side picture of the Final Judgment. They that there is such a difference
in style between Revelation
in the present, one day each will begin in the throne room of heaven, and the other writings that it
where all the heavenly creatures are is unlikely they could have
preparing for the scroll containing come from the same author.
God’s final order for the world to Whoever he was, this
be opened. At first, the creatures “servant John” wrote down
cannot find anyone who is worthy his visions toward the end
to open the seven seals that keep of the first century ce while
He will judge the world … the scroll rolled. Then, however, on the island of Patmos, off the
by the man He has John sees a lamb that looks like it coast of present-day Turkey.
appointed. He has given has been sacrificed, standing alive John writes that he is on the
proof … by raising on the throne: a clear reference to island “because of the word
[Jesus] from the dead. Jesus. As this lamb takes the scroll, of God and the testimony of
Acts 17:31 all of heaven sings with joy, “You Jesus”; scholars therefore
are worthy to take the scroll and to believe that he was living in
exile, and see this as further
open its seals” (Revelation 5:9). proof that authorities were
Out of the first four seals ride already starting to persecute
the “horsemen of the apocalypse,” Christians as troublemakers.
one of Revelation’s most enduring ❯❯





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320 THE FINAL JUDGMENT ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 321


images. The riders are atop a white is intended to be literal or symbolic, The Angel of Revelation, painted by Revelation as a letter
horse, a red horse, a black horse, it ties the final battle of humanity to William Blake between 1803–05, shows to early Christians
and a pale horse, representing early wars fought by the Israelites. St. John on the island of Patmos gazing
conquest, war, famine, and death In the final battle, all the “kings up at a mighty angel “robed in a cloud,” The book of Revelation was
(6:1–8). The four horsemen are of the whole world” (Revelation 16:14) as described in Revelation 10:1. written to a number of early
traditionally viewed as harbingers You know very well that the gather at Armageddon. They are Christian congregations who
of the imminent Final Judgment. day of the Lord will come influenced by Satan, and bring died for their sins and has cleaned were facing the threat of
persecution. Although seven
like a thief in the night. their armies to fight with God for their record before God—they will churches are mentioned in
Evil destroyed 1 Thessalonians 5:2 control of the earth. God, on the still be exposed to God’s judgment the early chapters—those in
The events described after this are other hand, calls on Jesus to return. of their deeds. Paul writes that on Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum,
complex—John’s intention does not There, the Son of God strikes back “the day” fire will test each person’s Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia,
seem to be to describe his visions at those willing to go to war with “foundation,” which will reveal its and Laodicea—the book of
in a logical order, but rather to Him. John describes how “Coming quality, whether it was made Revelation became important
remind Christians of the finality out of His mouth is a sharp sword from “gold, silver, costly stones, in encouraging all Christians.
of the approaching judgment. with which to strike down the wood, hay, or straw.” When this The language of the book
Revelation 6–18 cover a series of only once in the Bible, and it is nations” (Revelation 19:15); Jesus fire comes, if “what he has built relies heavily on symbolism,
vignettes in which John witnesses thought to come from the word har, thus destroys the evil enemies of survives,” Paul writes, “he will and the recurring mentions
different symbolic judgments. meaning mountain, and Megiddo. God, leaving only good behind. receive his reward” (1 Corinthians of “Babylon,” Israel’s ancient
One of the most well-known scenes Mount Megiddo was the site of Old With evil vanquished, God appoints 3:12–14). Paul thus teaches that enemy, are a veiled reference
in John’s account is the Battle of Testament battles, such as Deborah Jesus to replace existing systems some will pass through judgment to the Roman Empire, which
Armageddon, “the Day of the Lord.” and Barak’s victory against the of governance and rule over the with nothing, while others will be was putting increasing
pressure on early Christians,
The word “Armageddon” is used Canaanites. Whether this location newly established Kingdom of God. rewarded for their faithful lives. because of their refusal to
This sets the scene for the Final This impending judgment also worship the emperor. Through
Judgment itself. As the climax promotes urgency in the missionary its colorful language and
The number seven denotes of John’s vision draws near, in task. Jesus tells His disciples to be
completion or perfection: fitting dramatic visions, the Book of
for the Bible’s final book, which Revelation 19–20, he sees a great ready: His parousia may occur at Revelation is a pastoral letter
describes a Final Judgment. In white throne, in front of which is a any moment (Mark 13:33). As Peter that seeks to encourage
the Book of Revelation there are vast crowd of all of the people who says, “the Day of the Lord will come Christians to keep faith in
more than 50 references to the Seven letters are written for seven Seven spirits stand before have ever lived. Jesus then opens like a thief” (2 Peter 3:10). Because the face of persecution, for
number seven. churches in Asia (Rev 1:4) God’s throne (Rev 1:4) the “book of life,” and every person of this, Jesus’s great commission to regardless of the horrors of
is judged “according to what they His disciples is all the more urgent. history, the risen Jesus
[have] done” (20:12). Those whose God does not want anyone to go remains the world’s ultimate
names are in the book of life are to hell, but wants all to have the King, and faith in Him as
welcomed into God’s new creation; chance of eternal salvation. ■ savior and Lord is the sole
those whose names are absent are criteria for salvation from
eternal condemnation at the
thrown into a lake of fire, the final Final Judgment.
hell, where “death and Hades” (the
underground world of the dead) are
also thrown (20:14–15).
Seven angels pour out Seven golden lampstands accompany
seven bowls (Rev 16) the son of Man’s entrance (Rev 1:12) Humanity on trial God is just: He will
The Final Judgment is a crucial pay back trouble to
motivation for the holiness and those who trouble you
mission of Christians. Although and give relief to you
Christians are assured that they who are troubled.
will be considered acceptable 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7
by God on the “Day of the Lord” The seven churches are guarded
simply because of their trust in by God’s angels. At the start of
Jesus—this is called “justification,” Revelation, Jesus appears to John
and instructs him to write to them
meaning that they are judged to
A Lamb appears with seven Seven seals are broken Seven stars are held in Christ’s recounting the coming vision.
horns and seven eyes (Rev 5:6) (Rev 5:5) right hand (Rev 1:16) be righteous because Jesus has




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ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 321


The Angel of Revelation, painted by Revelation as a letter
William Blake between 1803–05, shows to early Christians
St. John on the island of Patmos gazing
up at a mighty angel “robed in a cloud,” The book of Revelation was
as described in Revelation 10:1. written to a number of early
Christian congregations who
were facing the threat of
died for their sins and has cleaned persecution. Although seven
their record before God—they will churches are mentioned in
still be exposed to God’s judgment the early chapters—those in
of their deeds. Paul writes that on Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum,
“the day” fire will test each person’s Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia,
“foundation,” which will reveal its and Laodicea—the book of
quality, whether it was made Revelation became important
from “gold, silver, costly stones, in encouraging all Christians.
wood, hay, or straw.” When this The language of the book
fire comes, if “what he has built relies heavily on symbolism,
survives,” Paul writes, “he will and the recurring mentions
receive his reward” (1 Corinthians of “Babylon,” Israel’s ancient
3:12–14). Paul thus teaches that enemy, are a veiled reference
some will pass through judgment to the Roman Empire, which
with nothing, while others will be was putting increasing
pressure on early Christians,
rewarded for their faithful lives. because of their refusal to
This sets the scene for the Final This impending judgment also worship the emperor. Through
Judgment itself. As the climax promotes urgency in the missionary its colorful language and
of John’s vision draws near, in task. Jesus tells His disciples to be dramatic visions, the Book of
Revelation 19–20, he sees a great ready: His parousia may occur at Revelation is a pastoral letter
white throne, in front of which is a any moment (Mark 13:33). As Peter that seeks to encourage
vast crowd of all of the people who says, “the Day of the Lord will come Christians to keep faith in
have ever lived. Jesus then opens like a thief” (2 Peter 3:10). Because the face of persecution, for
the “book of life,” and every person of this, Jesus’s great commission to regardless of the horrors of
is judged “according to what they His disciples is all the more urgent. history, the risen Jesus
[have] done” (20:12). Those whose God does not want anyone to go remains the world’s ultimate
names are in the book of life are to hell, but wants all to have the King, and faith in Him as
welcomed into God’s new creation; chance of eternal salvation. ■ savior and Lord is the sole
those whose names are absent are criteria for salvation from
eternal condemnation at the
thrown into a lake of fire, the final Final Judgment.
hell, where “death and Hades” (the
underground world of the dead) are
also thrown (20:14–15).

Humanity on trial God is just: He will
The Final Judgment is a crucial pay back trouble to
motivation for the holiness and those who trouble you
mission of Christians. Although and give relief to you
Christians are assured that they who are troubled.
will be considered acceptable 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7
by God on the “Day of the Lord” The seven churches are guarded
simply because of their trust in by God’s angels. At the start of
Jesus—this is called “justification,” Revelation, Jesus appears to John
and instructs him to write to them
meaning that they are judged to recounting the coming vision.
be righteous because Jesus has





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THERE WILL BE NO MORE
DEATH
























OR MOURNING










REVELATION 21:4, THE NEW JERUSALEM


































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324 THE NEW JERUSALEM ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 325

See also: Creation 20–25 ■ The Garden of Eden 26–29 ■ The Fall 30–35 ■ The Prophet Ezekiel 162–63 ■ Call for
IN BRIEF Repentance 172 ■ The Day of Judgment 173 ■ Salvation Through Faith 301 ■ The Final Judgment 316–21
PASSAGE
Revelation 21–22 Characteristics of New Jerusalem
THEME
Eschatology (the end
of all things)
SETTING
Future time Heaven
and Earth.
It shines with the brilliance of a very It has 12 gates inscribed with “the The city is a perfect cube, “12,000
KEY FIGURES precious jewel, “clear as crystal,” names of the 12 tribes of Israel,” stadia in length, and as wide and high,”
Jesus At the center of the which reflects the glory of God. indicating the restored Israel. with room for all of God’s people.
vision, God’s chosen King
rules with peace from the
New Jerusalem.
The saints God’s people
who are welcomed to the
marriage feast of heaven
and Earth. n the final pages of the Bible, New Jerusalem is depicted in a
the story of God and the world, fresco from the Rila Monastery in
John of Patmos The narrator I which began with the first Bulgaria. It was painted in the 1840s
of Revelation (sometimes words of Genesis, concludes with after reconstruction of the ancient Its walls are 144 cubits thick and There is no temple, because God There is no sun or moon, “for
building following a devastating fire.
identified as Jesus’s disciple an extraordinary vision of a glorious “made of jasper,” sturdy enough to and the Lamb (Jesus) live among His the glory of God gives it light,
exclude the wicked.
and the Lamb is its lamp.”
people. Heaven has come to earth.
John), who received the city where God reigns supreme.
vision described while in Despite recording many human and Earth are renewed and the
exile on the island of Patmos. failings and frequent rebellions stage is set for God to manifest from Pharaoh, and in the New chapters of Revelation, John now moments throughout the Bible
against God, in its last chapters His loving relationship with the Testament, Jesus calms “a furious sees a City of Peace, prepared by when this promise has seemed in
the Bible returns to the universal people He has made and saved. storm” that terrifies His disciples God Himself, being established on doubt, when God’s people have
subject matter with which it began: John receives his vision of “a as they sail on the Sea of Galilee Earth. This signals the fulfillment of strayed from His path, and when
the creation of perfection. Heaven new heaven and a new Earth” (Matthew 8:23–27). In John’s vision, repeated promises throughout the God has seemed distant and even
after the judgment of the dead all that threatens the life of God’s Bible that one day God will end all hidden while His people suffer. But
Apocalyptic language and those who serve in heaven. and the banishment to the lake people has been banished from world conflicts by asserting His now, God is at home among His
Trying to evoke what cannot of fire of those whose evil deeds the new creation. peaceful rule. God’s chosen King, people, sharing the same space, ❯❯
The Book of Revelation is one be put into words, apocalyptic and unbelief made them unworthy now known to be His Son Jesus, is
of a number of biblical passages language uses vivid imagery of inclusion in the Book of Life The new City of Peace the “Prince of Peace” and “Of the
that can be categorized as and driving narrative to tell the (Revelation 20:12–15). We are told John then sees “the Holy City, the greatness of His government and
“apocalyptic.” The term comes story of God’s ultimate triumph. that “the first Heaven and the first New Jerusalem, coming down out peace there will be no end. He will
from the Greek apokaluptó (“to Although such language may Earth had passed away” (21:1). The of heaven from God” (Revelation reign on David’s throne and over
uncover”). Apocalyptic literature be difficult to understand, clues heavens and elements having been 21:2). Jerusalem, which means His kingdom … from that time on
foretells cataclysmic events link certain passages to their destroyed by fire, the way is cleared “City of Peace,” had been a focus and forever” (Isaiah 9:6–7). See, I will create
that will occur when the world historical context. For instance, for God’s new creative work. of life for the Israelites since it new Heavens and
ends; sometimes, as in the “Babylon” here is understood John adds a specific detail to became King David’s capital city. God with His people a new Earth.
book of Daniel, apocalyptic to refer to the Roman Empire. this passing: “and there was no Despite its name, it had also been The arrival of God’s home on Earth Isaiah 65:17
symbols such as supernatural Christians through the ages longer any sea.” For the Israelites, a place of conflict from David’s time also satisfies the pledge that He
beasts represent contemporary have reinterpreted this language
persecutors. Such literature also to proclaim the victory of God’s the sea was always a symbol of onward. Human efforts to bring had made to His people long ago,
typically presents a fantastical Kingdom and the expectation of chaos and danger. During the about lasting peace had always when He said, “I will take you as
picture of God’s throne room God’s City of Peace. Exodus, for example, the sea dissolved into strife. Following the my own people, and I will be your
stood between them and safety violent warfare of the previous God” (Exodus 6:7). There have been





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ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 325

See also: Creation 20–25 ■ The Garden of Eden 26–29 ■ The Fall 30–35 ■ The Prophet Ezekiel 162–63 ■ Call for
Repentance 172 ■ The Day of Judgment 173 ■ Salvation Through Faith 301 ■ The Final Judgment 316–21


Characteristics of New Jerusalem










It shines with the brilliance of a very It has 12 gates inscribed with “the The city is a perfect cube, “12,000
precious jewel, “clear as crystal,” names of the 12 tribes of Israel,” stadia in length, and as wide and high,”
which reflects the glory of God. indicating the restored Israel. with room for all of God’s people.













Its walls are 144 cubits thick and There is no temple, because God There is no sun or moon, “for
“made of jasper,” sturdy enough to and the Lamb (Jesus) live among His the glory of God gives it light,
exclude the wicked. people. Heaven has come to earth. and the Lamb is its lamp.”


from Pharaoh, and in the New chapters of Revelation, John now moments throughout the Bible
Testament, Jesus calms “a furious sees a City of Peace, prepared by when this promise has seemed in
storm” that terrifies His disciples God Himself, being established on doubt, when God’s people have
as they sail on the Sea of Galilee Earth. This signals the fulfillment of strayed from His path, and when
(Matthew 8:23–27). In John’s vision, repeated promises throughout the God has seemed distant and even
all that threatens the life of God’s Bible that one day God will end all hidden while His people suffer. But
people has been banished from world conflicts by asserting His now, God is at home among His
the new creation. peaceful rule. God’s chosen King, people, sharing the same space, ❯❯
now known to be His Son Jesus, is
The new City of Peace the “Prince of Peace” and “Of the
John then sees “the Holy City, the greatness of His government and
New Jerusalem, coming down out peace there will be no end. He will
of heaven from God” (Revelation reign on David’s throne and over
21:2). Jerusalem, which means His kingdom … from that time on
“City of Peace,” had been a focus and forever” (Isaiah 9:6–7). See, I will create
of life for the Israelites since it new Heavens and
became King David’s capital city. God with His people a new Earth.
Despite its name, it had also been The arrival of God’s home on Earth Isaiah 65:17
a place of conflict from David’s time also satisfies the pledge that He
onward. Human efforts to bring had made to His people long ago,
about lasting peace had always when He said, “I will take you as
dissolved into strife. Following the my own people, and I will be your
violent warfare of the previous God” (Exodus 6:7). There have been





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326 THE NEW JERUSALEM ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 327


The prophet Abraham (center) sits people. When John first saw the
with other biblical figures in the New New Jerusalem, he described it as
Jerusalem sculpted above the western “a bride beautifully dressed for her
entrance to the Abbey Church of Saint husband” (21:2). Now, at the end
Foy in Conques, France.
of the vision, this “bride”—God’s
Let us rejoice and be people, collectively cleansed from
been the greatest building in the glad and give Him glory! sin and dressed in the robes of
Old Jerusalem, being the focus of For the wedding of righteousness—awaits the groom,
Jewish worship and the meeting the Lamb has come, Jesus, God’s Son, the true king of
point between heaven and Earth. and His bride has all. The marriage and celebrations
Now, no such meeting point is made herself ready. will signal the beginning of the
needed, because God Himself lives Revelation 19:7 new life of eternity, where heaven
in the city—heaven has come to and Earth are wedded together,
Earth. The light of God’s presence God’s home is among His creation,
shines from the city into the whole and all of God’s people, that is
world, and all the people from every “everyone who does right,” will be
nation whose names are in the released from sin and death to live
Book of Life stream through the in holy freedom forever. The vision A stained-glass window depicts
gates, guided by God’s light, to to pass. John is told to share his ends with a longing cry for this the alpha and omega, the first and
and all the suffering of the past reassuring John that none of God’s bring their worship and devotion vision to motivate God’s people to future, “Come, Lord Jesus” (22:20). last letters of the Greek alphabet,
is wiped away. “There will be no faithful people will be excluded. into God’s presence. do good. In the words of God, the symbolizing God as “the Beginning
and the End” (Revelation 22:13).
more death or mourning or crying The wall has 12 foundations, angel says, “Let the one who does Interpreting the vision
or pain, for the old order of things inscribed with the names of the A vision to be shared wrong continue to do wrong; let the John’s vision in Revelation is the
has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). 12 apostles, and decorated with 12 The angel brings John into the vile person continue to be vile; let basis for Christian eschatology, when the world will end. Given
John hears a loud voice from God’s kinds of precious stone. When the city, where he sees a mighty river the one who does right continue a word that means “the study of Jesus’s warning that “You
throne announcing, “I am making angel measures the city, its length, flowing from God’s throne down the to do right; and let the holy person last things” and is an attempt to do not know when that time will
everything new!” (21:5). breadth, and height are each 12,000 golden street. The Tree of Life, last continue to be holy” but warns, “I describe the indescribable. His come” (Mark 13:33), it seems better
stadia (1,400 miles/2,200km) and seen in the Garden of Eden, is will give to each person according words depict the end of evil and the to focus on what God’s future looks
The shining city the walls are 144 cubits (about growing on the banks of the river. to what they have done” (22:11–12). beginning of God’s reign of peace like rather than when it will occur.
John now gets a further glimpse 200 ft/65 meters) thick. It is so large that it straddles both In the final verses of Revelation, in awe-inspiring detail. Over the One key theme of eschatology
of the New Jerusalem, as one of Most striking of all, John notices sides of the river, and so fruitful John returns to an image that centuries, some people have tried is recapitulation, which means that
God’s angels takes him around the that the Temple is missing from the that it bears a significant 12 crops emphasizes the relationship of love to fit the visions of Revelation into the end is a summary of all that
city, which shines with the glory New Jerusalem. The Temple had every year. Its leaves bring healing that God longs to have with all a chronology, using them to predict has gone before, and a return to ❯❯
of God. Jerusalem’s outer wall to the nations and finally do away
is made of jasper, a precious stone with the pain and suffering that The Kingdom of Heaven The terms “kingdom of Heaven” Christians, however, building on
that is usually opaque, but here have marred humanity’s existence and “kingdom of God”’ are the convictions of Jewish faith,
it is transparent; light passes since Creation (22:1–3). God’s used extensively by Jesus in understood heaven as the reality
through the wall, revealing what people joyfully serve Him here, His teaching to refer to God’s of living under God’s order, as
is within the city. Everything is and their new life goes on forever. righteous reign on Earth. The directed by Him.
exquisite: the enormous city gates For the Lord Himself will After receiving the dazzling arrival of Heaven’s kingdom on While some might perceive
are each made of a single pearl, and come down from Heaven, vision of God’s promised future, Earth is the purpose of Jesus’s heaven as existing elsewhere,
the city’s great street is pure gold. with a loud command … John is so overwhelmed that he ministry. He says, for instance, the Christian hope is for heaven
In the Bible, the number 12, and with the trumpet call falls down at the feet of the angel “Repent, for the kingdom of to come to Earth, so that God’s
often symbolizing perfection, of God, and the dead in who has been guiding him. But the Heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17), rule is established in the
signifies the completeness of Christ will rise first. angel lifts him up and reminds him and uses it as the motivation for physical world. Such a hope
the nation of Israel. The walls 1 Thessalonians 4:16 that he is just a messenger. John prayer, “Your kingdom come, reassures Christians that the
around the New Jerusalem have should not be overawed by the Your will be done, on Earth as injustices of this life will be
made right in God’s future, and
it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
12 gates—three on each of its four image of the New Jerusalem, but In popular imagination, heaven that death is not the end, but
sides—and an angel standing by rather by the goodness and glory is often thought of as a spiritual, rather—for those with faith—a
every gate. The gates bear the of God the Father, His Son, and the non-physical realm. The early gateway into God’s kingdom.
names of the 12 tribes of Israel, Holy Spirit, who alone can bring it





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ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 327


people. When John first saw the
New Jerusalem, he described it as
“a bride beautifully dressed for her
husband” (21:2). Now, at the end
of the vision, this “bride”—God’s
Let us rejoice and be people, collectively cleansed from
glad and give Him glory! sin and dressed in the robes of
For the wedding of righteousness—awaits the groom,
the Lamb has come, Jesus, God’s Son, the true king of
and His bride has all. The marriage and celebrations
made herself ready. will signal the beginning of the
Revelation 19:7 new life of eternity, where heaven
and Earth are wedded together,
God’s home is among His creation,
and all of God’s people, that is
“everyone who does right,” will be
released from sin and death to live
in holy freedom forever. The vision A stained-glass window depicts
to pass. John is told to share his ends with a longing cry for this the alpha and omega, the first and
vision to motivate God’s people to future, “Come, Lord Jesus” (22:20). last letters of the Greek alphabet,
do good. In the words of God, the symbolizing God as “the Beginning
and the End” (Revelation 22:13).
angel says, “Let the one who does Interpreting the vision
wrong continue to do wrong; let the John’s vision in Revelation is the
vile person continue to be vile; let basis for Christian eschatology, when the world will end. Given
the one who does right continue a word that means “the study of Jesus’s warning that “You
to do right; and let the holy person last things” and is an attempt to do not know when that time will
continue to be holy” but warns, “I describe the indescribable. His come” (Mark 13:33), it seems better
will give to each person according words depict the end of evil and the to focus on what God’s future looks
to what they have done” (22:11–12). beginning of God’s reign of peace like rather than when it will occur.
In the final verses of Revelation, in awe-inspiring detail. Over the One key theme of eschatology
John returns to an image that centuries, some people have tried is recapitulation, which means that
emphasizes the relationship of love to fit the visions of Revelation into the end is a summary of all that
that God longs to have with all a chronology, using them to predict has gone before, and a return to ❯❯

The Kingdom of Heaven The terms “kingdom of Heaven” Christians, however, building on
and “kingdom of God”’ are the convictions of Jewish faith,
used extensively by Jesus in understood heaven as the reality
His teaching to refer to God’s of living under God’s order, as
righteous reign on Earth. The directed by Him.
arrival of Heaven’s kingdom on While some might perceive
Earth is the purpose of Jesus’s heaven as existing elsewhere,
ministry. He says, for instance, the Christian hope is for heaven
“Repent, for the kingdom of to come to Earth, so that God’s
Heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17), rule is established in the
and uses it as the motivation for physical world. Such a hope
prayer, “Your kingdom come, reassures Christians that the
Your will be done, on Earth as injustices of this life will be
it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). made right in God’s future, and
In popular imagination, heaven that death is not the end, but
is often thought of as a spiritual, rather—for those with faith—a
non-physical realm. The early gateway into God’s kingdom.







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328 THE NEW JERUSALEM ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 329


He himself is raised from the Hell and purgatory
grave to a new life. Christian logic
sees a correlation between Jesus’s “Nothing impure” will ever
resurrection and ours. Jesus is enter New Jerusalem, nor
resurrected because He has “anyone who does what
is shameful or deceitful”
defeated sin and death, and the Creation itself will (Revelation 21:27), which
grave could not hold Him. Jesus be liberated … and raises questions about the
has ascended to heaven and is brought into the fates of the people who are
waiting for the moment when the freedom and glory of excluded. Images of tortuous
present creation has “passed away” the children of God. destruction by fire are often
and God’s new creation is revealed. Romans 8:21 associated with hell. In
Jesus is described by Paul Revelation 21:8, God warns
the Apostle as the “first fruits that evildoers will be put in
of those who have fallen asleep” “the fiery lake of burning
(1 Corinthians 15:20). The words sulphur” and will suffer “the
“first fruits” and “fallen asleep” second death.” The description
are believed to indicate that what of hell is another example of
happened to Jesus will happen idea. Christians look forward to the apocalyptic language and
to those who die in faith, “that coming of heaven on Earth. This serves as a warning about
being separated from God for
God will bring with Jesus those means that every part of the world eternity. Roman Catholics
who have fallen asleep in Him” we know will be transformed by also affirm belief in purgatory,
(1 Thessalonians 4:14). At the new the rule of Jesus, the King of the a place where God’s people
creation, Christians believe that City of Peace, the New Jerusalem. are purged of remaining
they, too, will share a new life as all Evil will have been destroyed, the sin through refining fire
things return to their original old will disappear to be replaced (1 Corinthians 3:11–15). By
purpose of worshipping and service by the new, providing a fresh the Middle Ages, purgatory
to God in a relationship of love. start for all who believe. At death, was believed to be a physical
Christians who have “fallen asleep,” place where people were held
Heaven on Earth secure in God’s presence, await after death to be made pure
For centuries, an image of the resurrection in the new creation. before entering Heaven.
afterlife as a vague, heavenly realm Christian eschatology reaches a
where people float around playing grand finale: at some unspecified
angelic harps has captured popular moment, a sumptuous wedding
imagination. The eschatology of feast will celebrate the marriage
its original purpose. The Bible God would gather up those with A popular French print dating the Bible has little to do with this between heaven and Earth, God’s
begins in Genesis with a picture faith in Him from the four corners from around 1900 shows Christ home and ours.
of God in harmony with His good of the world to celebrate God’s waiting above the entrance to However, eschatology, “the last
creation, and ends in Revelation glory. This picture, which appears New Jerusalem to welcome those things,” is not only found in the
with evil destroyed forever and in many of Jesus’s parables, is who have been redeemed. future in the Bible. Another strong
that harmony restored. The reality stated by Paul the Apostle. God’s theme in the New Testament is
of the long, hard history of sin and purpose—“to be put into effect the Bible, there is a growing that Jesus brings some of God’s
suffering that lies between is not when the times reach their understanding that death is not The perishable must future into the present. His core
simply denied, however. In Genesis, fulfillment”—is “to bring unity to the end for those who have a place clothe itself with the message is, “The kingdom of God
creation is good simply by virtue of all things in Heaven and on Earth in God’s family. Since justice is imperishable, and the has come near. Repent and believe
its origin in God, but in Revelation, under Christ” (Ephesians 1:10). often not received in the present mortal with immortality. the good news!” (Mark 1:15). By
the future is good, both because of life, Old Testament prophets look 1 Corinthians 15:53 placing all their trust in Jesus,
its origin in God and because it has The promise of new life forward to a future time when the Christians bring that kingdom into Freed from purgatory, souls are
been set free from sin by the death Central to this “recapitulation” wrongdoers will be punished and their lives. The “last things” begin welcomed by the Virgin Mary, God
and resurrection of Jesus. From is the expectation that all God’s God’s faithful dead will be raised now—through their prayers and the Father, His Son, and the Holy
Ghost (as a dove) in a 19th-century
the earliest days of Christianity, people who have ever lived will (Isaiah 26:19). Jesus affirms this deeds, empowered by God’s Holy print by François Georgin.
believers looked forward to when be physically present. Throughout expectation and extends it when Spirit—and continue forever. ■





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ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 329


He himself is raised from the Hell and purgatory
grave to a new life. Christian logic
sees a correlation between Jesus’s “Nothing impure” will ever
resurrection and ours. Jesus is enter New Jerusalem, nor
resurrected because He has “anyone who does what
is shameful or deceitful”
defeated sin and death, and the Creation itself will (Revelation 21:27), which
grave could not hold Him. Jesus be liberated … and raises questions about the
has ascended to heaven and is brought into the fates of the people who are
waiting for the moment when the freedom and glory of excluded. Images of tortuous
present creation has “passed away” the children of God. destruction by fire are often
and God’s new creation is revealed. Romans 8:21 associated with hell. In
Jesus is described by Paul Revelation 21:8, God warns
the Apostle as the “first fruits that evildoers will be put in
of those who have fallen asleep” “the fiery lake of burning
(1 Corinthians 15:20). The words sulphur” and will suffer “the
“first fruits” and “fallen asleep” second death.” The description
are believed to indicate that what of hell is another example of
happened to Jesus will happen idea. Christians look forward to the apocalyptic language and
to those who die in faith, “that coming of heaven on Earth. This serves as a warning about
being separated from God for
God will bring with Jesus those means that every part of the world eternity. Roman Catholics
who have fallen asleep in Him” we know will be transformed by also affirm belief in purgatory,
(1 Thessalonians 4:14). At the new the rule of Jesus, the King of the a place where God’s people
creation, Christians believe that City of Peace, the New Jerusalem. are purged of remaining
they, too, will share a new life as all Evil will have been destroyed, the sin through refining fire
things return to their original old will disappear to be replaced (1 Corinthians 3:11–15). By
purpose of worshipping and service by the new, providing a fresh the Middle Ages, purgatory
to God in a relationship of love. start for all who believe. At death, was believed to be a physical
Christians who have “fallen asleep,” place where people were held
Heaven on Earth secure in God’s presence, await after death to be made pure
For centuries, an image of the resurrection in the new creation. before entering Heaven.
afterlife as a vague, heavenly realm Christian eschatology reaches a
where people float around playing grand finale: at some unspecified
angelic harps has captured popular moment, a sumptuous wedding
imagination. The eschatology of feast will celebrate the marriage
the Bible has little to do with this between heaven and Earth, God’s
home and ours.
However, eschatology, “the last
things,” is not only found in the
future in the Bible. Another strong
theme in the New Testament is
that Jesus brings some of God’s
The perishable must future into the present. His core
clothe itself with the message is, “The kingdom of God
imperishable, and the has come near. Repent and believe
mortal with immortality. the good news!” (Mark 1:15). By
1 Corinthians 15:53 placing all their trust in Jesus,
Christians bring that kingdom into Freed from purgatory, souls are
their lives. The “last things” begin welcomed by the Virgin Mary, God
now—through their prayers and the Father, His Son, and the Holy
Ghost (as a dove) in a 19th-century
deeds, empowered by God’s Holy print by François Georgin.
Spirit—and continue forever. ■





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332 DIRECTORY 333

DIRECTORY THE LAST DAYS OF MOSES THE BATTLE OF AI afflicted with a plague of tumors

in every city the Ark enters. After
Numbers 27:12–23;
Deuteronomy 34 Joshua 8 suffering seven months of plagues,
the Philistines finally agree to
Following the death of Achan, return the Ark in a cart laden
entral to both Judaism and Christianity, the Bible has shaped On Mount Abarim, Moses looks God commands Joshua and the with golden treasure in order to
the development of the world and human thought more than over the land God has given to the entire Israelite army to attack Ai appease the God of the Israelites.
C any other single work. Its influence is so great that, from ancient children of Israel. God tells him once again—this time, with an See also: The Ten Plagues 70–71 ■
times to the modern day, many Bible stories have become inextricably to make Joshua his successor, ambush from behind the city. The Ark and the Tabernacle 86–87
intertwined with art, culture, philosophy, and society. The Bible is often presenting him to the priests Approaching from the north
deemed a single, cohesive work, but a more accurate view of it would and the people. At the age of 120, with 5,000 men, Joshua lures
be as an anthology of the writings of many authors that has developed Moses takes his leave of the people, the army out of Ai, allowing his THE MEETING OF SAUL
through several iterations. In addition to foundational narratives, such as giving instructions on how they forces to enter the city from the AND SAMUEL
creation, the Ten Commandments, and the crucifixion and resurrection should live. God then gives him a west. Unopposed, they burn it to 1 Samuel 9–10
detailed in the main part of this book, many less well-known stories have last look at the lands promised to the ground. The Israelites then go
also been woven into this tapestry of Jewish and Christian thought. Abraham and his descendants, so on to defeat Ai’s army and kill all Kish, a man from the small tribe
as to reaffirm the importance of of its citizens. of Benjamin, sends his son Saul to
Moses’s mission and celebrate his See also: Entering the Promised look for his stray donkey. Frustrated
wife for his son Isaac. The servant After a feast, Isaac’s servants faithfulness. When Moses dies, Land 96–97 ■ The Fall of Jericho by the search, Saul’s servant
THE CURSE OF CANAAN prophesies that if any woman discover another well, so the the Israelites weep for 30 days. 98–99 suggests they ask the seer of a
Genesis 9:20–11:26 he meets at a local well not only place is called Beersheba, See also: Covenants 44–47 ■ nearby town for help. This seer is
responds to his request for water, meaning “Well of the Oath.” The Ten Commandments 78–83 ■ the Prophet Samuel, who anoints
Noah is the first person to plant but also offers pitchers of water for See also: The Testing of Abraham Entering the Promised Land 96–97 JEPHTHAH’S VOW Saul and tells him God has chosen
crops after the Flood. Drinking his camels, she will be the chosen 50–53 ■ Esau and Jacob 54–55 ■ Judges 10:6–11:40 him to rule over the Israelites.
wine from his vineyard, he falls bride. The young woman who does David and Bathsheba 118–19 The blessing sanctifies Saul’s new
asleep naked. His youngest son these things is Abraham’s great ACHAN’S SIN Jephthah, a great warrior, leads role, preparing the way for him to
Ham sees him and tells his brothers, niece, Rebekah. Her marriage to Joshua 7 the people into battle against the become the first king of Israel.
Shem and Jephthah. Shocked, they Isaac ensures the continuation of MOSES’S FLIGHT Ammonites, vowing to God that he See also: Jacob Wrestles with God
walk backward into the tent, so Abraham’s lineage and fulfills his FROM EGYPT After the fall of Jericho, an Israelite will sacrifice to Him the first thing 56–57 ■ Moses and the Burning
they cannot see their naked father covenant with God. Exodus 2:11–22; 4:24–26 named Achan secretly pillages gold, he sees coming out of his house Bush 66–69 ■ The Prophet Samuel
as they cover him with a coat. See also: Covenants 44–47 ■ silver, and a Babylonian garment if he returns victorious. Fatefully, 110–15
When Noah wakes and hears that The Testing of Abraham 50–53 ■ When Moses’s murder of an from the city. In the subsequent it is his daughter who runs out to
Ham has seen him naked, he puts Esau and Jacob 54–55 Egyptian for beating a Hebrew Israelite attack on the city of Ai greet him. He is struck with grief,
a curse on Ham’s son, Canaan, and slave becomes known to Pharaoh, ordered by Joshua, 36 Israelites are but she accepts her fate. This brutal SAUL, KING OF ISRAEL
his offspring, saying they will be Moses flees Egypt. Arriving in killed and the rest are chased from tale of human sacrifice has puzzled 1 Samuel 11
“servants of servants” while Shem ISAAC FOUNDS BEERSHEBA the desert of Midian, where he the city gate, fleeing in terror. Later, commentators. Some note that God
and Jephthah’s offspring will be Genesis 26:12–33 will spend the next 40 years, tearing his clothes before the Ark does not explicitly endorse Jepthah’s When Saul hears that the
blessed. This story acted as Moses defends seven women of the Lord, Joshua appeals to fulfillment of his vow and that the Ammonites have threatened the
justification for the Israelites’ Blessed by God, Isaac becomes a from some shepherds who want God to save His people. God tells sacrifice itself is not confirmed. people of Jabesh, he rushes to their
subjugation of the Canaanites. rich farmer, making the Philistines to drive them from a well. Their Joshua that one of the Israelites See also: The Testing of Abraham defense, rallying the people of Israel
See also: The Flood 40–41 ■ so jealous that they block up his father, the priest Jethro, invites has broken His covenant, and will 50–53 ■ Herod’s Infanticide 187 by cutting up two oxen and telling
Covenants 44–47 wells, and King Abimelech asks Moses to stay, and he marries be punished. The next day, God them that the oxen of anyone who
him to leave the country. Isaac Zipporah, one of Jethro’s seven identifies Achan as the culprit. did not join him in battle would be
goes into the Negev desert where daughters, who bears him two After Joshua’s encouragement, ARK OF GOD RETURNED similarly butchered. The Israelites
A BRIDE FOR ISAAC his servants dig fresh wells, and sons. This begins Moses’s Achan admits to his crimes. As TO ISRAEL are victorious and Saul is declared
Genesis 24 he prospers once more. Seeing transformation into one of the punishment, Achan, his family, 1 Samuel 5:1–6:21 king, having earned the respect of
this, Abimelech seeks out Isaac most important prophets. and livestock are stoned to death. his people with his leadership.
Growing old in Canaan, Abraham to apologize, saying that he now See also: Moses and the Burning See also: The Ark and the After defeating the Israelites in See also: The Ark and the
sends a servant with 10 camels to realizes that God is with Isaac. Bush 66–69 ■ The Exodus 74–77 ■ Tabernacle 86–87 ■ The Fall battle and taking the Ark of the Tabernacle 86–87 ■ The Prophet
his native lands to find a suitable They make an oath of peace. The Ten Commandments 78–83 of Jericho 98–99 Covenant, the Philistines are Samuel 110–15





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DIRECTORY 333



afflicted with a plague of tumors
THE LAST DAYS OF MOSES THE BATTLE OF AI in every city the Ark enters. After
Numbers 27:12–23; Joshua 8 suffering seven months of plagues,
Deuteronomy 34 the Philistines finally agree to
Following the death of Achan, return the Ark in a cart laden
On Mount Abarim, Moses looks God commands Joshua and the with golden treasure in order to
over the land God has given to the entire Israelite army to attack Ai appease the God of the Israelites.
children of Israel. God tells him once again—this time, with an See also: The Ten Plagues 70–71 ■
to make Joshua his successor, ambush from behind the city. The Ark and the Tabernacle 86–87
presenting him to the priests Approaching from the north
and the people. At the age of 120, with 5,000 men, Joshua lures
Moses takes his leave of the people, the army out of Ai, allowing his THE MEETING OF SAUL
giving instructions on how they forces to enter the city from the AND SAMUEL
should live. God then gives him a west. Unopposed, they burn it to 1 Samuel 9–10
last look at the lands promised to the ground. The Israelites then go
Abraham and his descendants, so on to defeat Ai’s army and kill all Kish, a man from the small tribe
as to reaffirm the importance of of its citizens. of Benjamin, sends his son Saul to
Moses’s mission and celebrate his See also: Entering the Promised look for his stray donkey. Frustrated
faithfulness. When Moses dies, Land 96–97 ■ The Fall of Jericho by the search, Saul’s servant
the Israelites weep for 30 days. 98–99 suggests they ask the seer of a
See also: Covenants 44–47 ■ nearby town for help. This seer is
The Ten Commandments 78–83 ■ the Prophet Samuel, who anoints
Entering the Promised Land 96–97 JEPHTHAH’S VOW Saul and tells him God has chosen
Judges 10:6–11:40 him to rule over the Israelites.
The blessing sanctifies Saul’s new
ACHAN’S SIN Jephthah, a great warrior, leads role, preparing the way for him to
Joshua 7 the people into battle against the become the first king of Israel.
Ammonites, vowing to God that he See also: Jacob Wrestles with God
After the fall of Jericho, an Israelite will sacrifice to Him the first thing 56–57 ■ Moses and the Burning
named Achan secretly pillages gold, he sees coming out of his house Bush 66–69 ■ The Prophet Samuel
silver, and a Babylonian garment if he returns victorious. Fatefully, 110–15
from the city. In the subsequent it is his daughter who runs out to
Israelite attack on the city of Ai greet him. He is struck with grief,
ordered by Joshua, 36 Israelites are but she accepts her fate. This brutal SAUL, KING OF ISRAEL
killed and the rest are chased from tale of human sacrifice has puzzled 1 Samuel 11
the city gate, fleeing in terror. Later, commentators. Some note that God
tearing his clothes before the Ark does not explicitly endorse Jepthah’s When Saul hears that the
of the Lord, Joshua appeals to fulfillment of his vow and that the Ammonites have threatened the
God to save His people. God tells sacrifice itself is not confirmed. people of Jabesh, he rushes to their
Joshua that one of the Israelites See also: The Testing of Abraham defense, rallying the people of Israel
has broken His covenant, and will 50–53 ■ Herod’s Infanticide 187 by cutting up two oxen and telling
be punished. The next day, God them that the oxen of anyone who
identifies Achan as the culprit. did not join him in battle would be
After Joshua’s encouragement, ARK OF GOD RETURNED similarly butchered. The Israelites
Achan admits to his crimes. As TO ISRAEL are victorious and Saul is declared
punishment, Achan, his family, 1 Samuel 5:1–6:21 king, having earned the respect of
and livestock are stoned to death. his people with his leadership.
See also: The Ark and the After defeating the Israelites in See also: The Ark and the
Tabernacle 86–87 ■ The Fall battle and taking the Ark of the Tabernacle 86–87 ■ The Prophet
of Jericho 98–99 Covenant, the Philistines are Samuel 110–15





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by a cave, unaware that David and sets the Ark aside in the house of God relents and says he would not in the room with the child, who
SAUL’S FALL FROM FAVOR his army are sheltering inside. Obed-edom before finally taking it bring down these curses on Ahab ELISHA’S MIRACLES is miraculously restored to life.
1 Samuel 18 David quietly approaches Saul and to Jerusalem three months later. and his family until after his death. 2 Kings 4:1–7, 38–44; 6:1–7 By giving Elisha power to bring
cuts a corner off his robe. When By killing Uzzah, God emphasizes In this way, while the deception the dead back to life, God shows
After slaying Goliath, David David presents the corner of the a tenet established in the Book of and greed of Ahab and Jezebel The Prophet Elisha exemplifies the that through Him, all things
becomes a close friend of Saul’s robe to Saul—to show that he could Numbers—that only the Kohathites bring dire consequences for his divine principles of compassion are possible.
son, Jonathan. Jealous of the have killed Saul but chose not to— should be permitted to carry the descendants, they allow for God to and charity in four simple yet See also: The Prophet Samuel
popularity and success of David, Saul realizes that David is the Ark, and, more broadly, that anyone display His justness and mercy. miraculous acts of kindness. 110–15 ■ The Raising of Lazarus
Saul realizes that God favors chosen king of Israel, and the two who touches it will die. See also: A Prophet Hiding 124 ■ First, a widow who owes money 226–27 ■ The Empty Tomb 268–71
David above him. He therefore make their peace. Although Saul See also: The Ark and Tabernacle Elijah and the Prophets of Baal 125 to her dead husband’s associate
hopes to eliminate David by has wronged David in the past, his 86–87 ■ Entering the Promised asks Elisha for help. He tells her ELISHA’S SKIN CURE
setting him the impossible task show of mercy disarms Saul and Land 96–97 ■ Rebuilding to pour her valuable oil into as 2 Kings 5:1–14
of killing 100 Philistines as a demonstrates his virtuous nature. Jerusalem 133 SOLOMON BECOMES KING many containers as she has. As she
precondition of marrying his See also: Esau and Jacob 54–55 ■ 1 Kings 1:28–53 pours the oil, she realizes that its Naaman, commander of the Syrian
daughter Michal. When David David and Goliath 116–17 quantity has increased vastly, and army, is advised by an Israelite
accomplishes this feat, Saul grows ABSALOM’S REBELLION In poor health in his old age, King she sells it to pay off the debt. girl captive to seek a cure for his
more fearful of the young man’s 2 Samuel 15 David needs to name a successor. Second, a servant unwittingly leprosy from Elisha. The prophet
power. Saul’s malice toward THE WITCH OF ENDOR Adonijah, his oldest son, proclaims poisons a large stew with deadly tells him to wash seven times in
David is cruel and unwarranted, 1 Samuel 28 Under the pretense of going to himself king. Solomon, his younger berries. Using flour, Elisha removes the River Jordan. Believing the
showing a turning away from God. Hebron to give sacrifices to God, son, is supported by his mother the poison. In another miracle, Jordan to be an unworthy river,
See also: David and Goliath 116– Saul has banished soothsayers Absalom, David’s third son, rallies Bathsheba, the priest Zadok, there are only 20 loaves of bread Naaman at first refuses, but then
17 ■ David and Bathsheba 118–19 from his kingdom, but when an support for a revolt against his Nathan the prophet, and the army to feed 100 men but when Elisha relents and washes himself. His
army of Philistines threatens and father. David, who is now elderly, chief Benaiah. David has Solomon hands it out, there is plenty to go body becomes as unblemished
God fails to answer his call, he flees Jerusalem, but his forces later crowned, and after David’s death around, with some to spare. Last, as a child’s, showing that even if
THE JEALOUS KING turns to the Witch of Endor to confront Absalom at the Battle of Solomon consolidates power by cutting a beam, a man drops his temporarily obstructed by pride,
1 Samuel 20 summon the spirit of Samuel. Ephraim’s Wood, where Absalom executing Adonijah. axe head in the river. Elisha throws faith results in great transformation.
From beyond the grave, Samuel is killed in revenge by his cousin See also: David and Bathsheba a stick, which brings the axe head See also: Baptism of Jesus 194–97
David suspects that the jealous Saul refuses to help, telling Saul that Joab. Absalom’s unnatural 118–19 ■ The Wisdom of Solomon to the surface, so that the building ■ The Raising of Lazarus 226–27 ■
will kill him at a New Moon feast. God has chosen David to become rebellion, motivated by greed, 120–23 ■ Proverbs 148–51 work can continue. The Healing of the Beggar 284–87
He therefore asks Jonathan to tell king and that Saul and his sons is thus punished by a just God. See also: The Raising of Lazarus
his father that he has given David will soon be dead. In the ensuing See also: Cain and Abel 36–37 ■ 226–27 ■ Feeding the 5,000 228–31
permission to absent himself from battle, Saul kills himself to avoid David and Bathsheba 118–19 JEROBOAM AND REHOBOAM ELISHA’S TEARS FOR
the feast. Saul’s fury at this news capture. This episode demonstrates 1 Kings 12–2 Kings 25 A KING
confirms his murderous intentions. that God’s judgment is absolute ELISHA AND THE 2 Kings 8:7–15
He tells Jonathan to fetch David, and unavoidable. NABOTH’S VINEYARD As predicted by the prophet Ahijah, CHILDLESS COUPLE
who must pay for this insult with See also: The Prophet Samuel 1 Kings 21 Solomon turns away from God. 2 Kings 4:8–37 In Damascus, Ben-Hadad II, King
his life, but Jonathan engineers 110–15 ■ David and Goliath 116–17 Consequently, when he dies, God of Syria, is sick, so he sends his
David’s escape. Here, loyalty to When a Jezreelite called Naboth gives the lands in the north to In repayment for bread and lodging servant Hazael to ask Elijah if he
family proves secondary to aiding refuses to sell his family vineyard Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s offered freely by an elderly, childless will ever recover. In tears, the
David, God’s chosen king of Israel. THE ARK IN JERUSALEM to King Ahab of Samaria, Queen officials, and 10 tribes of Israel, couple in Shunem, Elisha promises prophet tells Hazael that not only
See also: David and Goliath 116– 2 Samuel 6 Jezebel successfully conspires to while Judah and Benjamin in they will have a baby within the will the king die, but Hazael will
17 ■ David and Bathsheba 118–19 have Naboth stoned to death for the south fall to Solomon’s son year. This comes true and they replace him and commit terrible
Under King David’s leadership, the insulting God. After the king takes Rehoboam. Rehoboam imposes have a son. However, when the crimes against the children of
Ark is removed from Abinadab’s possession of the vineyard, Elijah harsh working conditions on his child is a few years old, he dies. Israel. The following day Hazael
SAUL’S ROBE house in Kiriath-jearim and visits him to tell him that his sin people, and many flee north to join The woman lays him on the bed suffocates the king and seizes the
1 Samuel 24 transported to Jerusalem. When a was so great that he will suffer Jeroboam. Rehoboam’s attempts that the prophet used, before going throne. Later, following the death
driving ox stumbles on the journey, Naboth’s fate, that Jezebel will to reunite the country fail. to tell him of the reason for her of Hazael, he is succeeded by his
In pursuit of David, Saul and Abinadab’s son Uzzah steadies the be eaten by dogs, and that his See also: The Wisdom of grief. Consoling her, Elisha agrees son, Ben-Hadad III.
his 3,000-strong army go into Ark with his hand and is promptly descendants will be outcasts. Solomon 120–23 ■ The Prophet to help the child. He goes to the See also: The Prophet Jeremiah
the wilderness where they stop struck dead by God. David, in fear, Seeing Ahab is truly repentant, Jeremiah 156–59 woman’s house and shuts himself 156–59 ■ Herod’s Infanticide 187





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God relents and says he would not in the room with the child, who
bring down these curses on Ahab ELISHA’S MIRACLES is miraculously restored to life.
and his family until after his death. 2 Kings 4:1–7, 38–44; 6:1–7 By giving Elisha power to bring
In this way, while the deception the dead back to life, God shows
and greed of Ahab and Jezebel The Prophet Elisha exemplifies the that through Him, all things
bring dire consequences for his divine principles of compassion are possible.
descendants, they allow for God to and charity in four simple yet See also: The Prophet Samuel
display His justness and mercy. miraculous acts of kindness. 110–15 ■ The Raising of Lazarus
See also: A Prophet Hiding 124 ■ First, a widow who owes money 226–27 ■ The Empty Tomb 268–71
Elijah and the Prophets of Baal 125 to her dead husband’s associate
asks Elisha for help. He tells her ELISHA’S SKIN CURE
to pour her valuable oil into as 2 Kings 5:1–14
SOLOMON BECOMES KING many containers as she has. As she
1 Kings 1:28–53 pours the oil, she realizes that its Naaman, commander of the Syrian
quantity has increased vastly, and army, is advised by an Israelite
In poor health in his old age, King she sells it to pay off the debt. girl captive to seek a cure for his
David needs to name a successor. Second, a servant unwittingly leprosy from Elisha. The prophet
Adonijah, his oldest son, proclaims poisons a large stew with deadly tells him to wash seven times in
himself king. Solomon, his younger berries. Using flour, Elisha removes the River Jordan. Believing the
son, is supported by his mother the poison. In another miracle, Jordan to be an unworthy river,
Bathsheba, the priest Zadok, there are only 20 loaves of bread Naaman at first refuses, but then
Nathan the prophet, and the army to feed 100 men but when Elisha relents and washes himself. His
chief Benaiah. David has Solomon hands it out, there is plenty to go body becomes as unblemished
crowned, and after David’s death around, with some to spare. Last, as a child’s, showing that even if
Solomon consolidates power by cutting a beam, a man drops his temporarily obstructed by pride,
executing Adonijah. axe head in the river. Elisha throws faith results in great transformation.
See also: David and Bathsheba a stick, which brings the axe head See also: Baptism of Jesus 194–97
118–19 ■ The Wisdom of Solomon to the surface, so that the building ■ The Raising of Lazarus 226–27 ■
120–23 ■ Proverbs 148–51 work can continue. The Healing of the Beggar 284–87
See also: The Raising of Lazarus
226–27 ■ Feeding the 5,000 228–31
JEROBOAM AND REHOBOAM ELISHA’S TEARS FOR
1 Kings 12–2 Kings 25 A KING
ELISHA AND THE 2 Kings 8:7–15
As predicted by the prophet Ahijah, CHILDLESS COUPLE
Solomon turns away from God. 2 Kings 4:8–37 In Damascus, Ben-Hadad II, King
Consequently, when he dies, God of Syria, is sick, so he sends his
gives the lands in the north to In repayment for bread and lodging servant Hazael to ask Elijah if he
Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s offered freely by an elderly, childless will ever recover. In tears, the
officials, and 10 tribes of Israel, couple in Shunem, Elisha promises prophet tells Hazael that not only
while Judah and Benjamin in they will have a baby within the will the king die, but Hazael will
the south fall to Solomon’s son year. This comes true and they replace him and commit terrible
Rehoboam. Rehoboam imposes have a son. However, when the crimes against the children of
harsh working conditions on his child is a few years old, he dies. Israel. The following day Hazael
people, and many flee north to join The woman lays him on the bed suffocates the king and seizes the
Jeroboam. Rehoboam’s attempts that the prophet used, before going throne. Later, following the death
to reunite the country fail. to tell him of the reason for her of Hazael, he is succeeded by his
See also: The Wisdom of grief. Consoling her, Elisha agrees son, Ben-Hadad III.
Solomon 120–23 ■ The Prophet to help the child. He goes to the See also: The Prophet Jeremiah
Jeremiah 156–59 woman’s house and shuts himself 156–59 ■ Herod’s Infanticide 187





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Moses. He purges the priesthood be cut to pieces. This story reflects faith and his days are numbered. them will never thirst.” Many in
JOASH, KING OF JUDAH and centralizes the worship of the moral imperative to avoid The king rewards him with high the town come to believe in Him BEHEADING OF JOHN
2 Kings 12:1–21; God at the Temple in Jerusalem. worshipping false idols, while office, recognizing Daniel as and they urge Him to stay. Jesus’s THE BAPTIST
2 Chronicles 24:1–27 This act represents an emphatic the conversion of the tyrannical God’s loyal servant. interactions with the Samaritan Mark 6:16–29
denunciation of impure gods Nebuchadnezzar reflects the might See also: Joseph the Dreamer woman and surrounding crowd
At the age of 7, with the help of and false idols. and reach of God’s influence. 58–61 ■ Daniel in Babylon 164–65 are imbued with clear metaphorical Following the death of her husband,
the high priest Jehoiada, Joash See also: The Golden Calf 84–85 ■ See also: Daniel in Babylon connotations, as He demonstrates Philip, Princess Herodias marries
begins his 40-year rule of Judah. Daniel in Babylon 164–65 164–65 ■ The Road to Damascus to those present that the water of Philip’s brother, King Herod. When
On the death of Jehoiada, the king 290–91 WATER INTO WINE life will provide sustenance to any John the Baptist insists that this
and his people stop worshipping John 2:1–11 who will follow Him, regardless of union is unlawful and immoral,
in the Temple. When his son DANIEL IMPRESSES their nationality or origin. Herodias nurses a grudge against
Zechariah complains, Joash NEBUCHADNEZZAR BECOMING A Jesus, Mary, and His disciples See also: The Calling of the him. At a banquet, Herod asks the
orders him to be stoned to death. Daniel 1:1–21 WILD ANIMAL attend a wedding at Cana in Disciples 200–03 ■ The Good daughter of Herodias, Salome, to
In retribution, God allows a small Daniel 4 Galilee. When the entire supply of Samaritan 216–17 ■ Road to dance, before promising her any
Syrian army to conquer the army Four noble Israelites are selected wine has been consumed by the Emmaus 272–73 gift she chooses. At Herodias’s
of Judah and raid Jerusalem. to serve Nebuchadnezzar’s royal Nebuchadnezzar dreams of a giant wedding guests, Mary comes to suggestion, the girl asks for the
See also: The Wisdom of Solomon palace in Babylon. They are to be tree reaching to the sky being cut Jesus and tells Him what has head of John the Baptist. Although
120–23 ■ The Prophet Jeremiah trained for three years and given down, dispersing the animals happened. Jesus instructs the THE WISE AND Herod has no quarrel with John, he
156–59 the best food and wine. Daniel does sheltering beneath it, though the servants to pour water into jars and FOOLISH BUILDERS carries out his promise. John the
not want to eat or drink anything stump of the tree remains. Daniel take it to the master of the banquet, Matthew 7:24–27 Baptist is executed, and his head is
against God’s Law, and he asks interprets the dream as the king who, upon tasting it, discovers it brought to Herodias on a platter.
DEATH OF ELISHA the chief official if they may eat being driven into the wilderness has been transformed into wine. During the Sermon on the Mount, This story demonstrates the vicious
2 Kings 13:14–20 only vegetables and drink water. to live like the animals, although Despite performing the miracle, Jesus tells a parable in order to and brutal nature of Herod’s rule.
After ten days, Daniel and his the remaining stump implies that Jesus initially showed reluctance demonstrate the importance of See also: Baptism of Jesus
On his deathbed, Elisha instructs compatriots look much healthier he will return to power when he when Mary approached Him, following His teachings in daily 194–97 ■ The Crucifixion 258–65 ■
King Joash to fire an arrow out than the king’s men, showing acknowledges the Kingdom of saying, “Why do you involve me? life. He describes a man who Paul’s Arrest 294–95
of the window. This, he said, was Daniel’s wisdom and virtue, and Heaven. Daniel’s interpretation My time has not yet come.” Jesus faithfully practices the word of
“the Lord’s arrow of victory.” He they become the most respected of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream makes multiple references to His God as one “who built his house
tells Joash to fire the remaining wise men in the kingdom. introduces his ability to explain “time” or “hour” throughout the on the rock.” Jesus explains that A GIRL POSSESSED
arrows, but when Joash does so See also: Joseph the Dreamer the significance of visions. Gospels, alluding to His crucifixion after the house is built, and when Matthew 15:2–28; Mark 7:24–30
only three times, Elisha asks why 58–61 ■ Daniel in Babylon 164–65 See also: Joseph the Dreamer and resurrection, when His blood, the rains come, the streams rise,
he has not shot five or six arrows, 58–61 ■ Daniel in Babylon 164–65 often symbolized by wine, will and the winds beat against the A Gentile in the region of Tyre
as this would have completely cleanse humanity of all sin. house, it stays standing because and Sidon begs Jesus to cure her
defeated the Syrians. Now they will DEFYING THE KING’S See also: The Raising of Lazarus of its solid foundation. daughter, who is possessed by a
be defeated only three times. After FIERY FURNACE BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST 226–27 ■ Feeding the 5,000 By contrast, those who do not demon. At first, He refuses, saying
issuing this warning, Elisha dies. Daniel 3 Daniel 5 228–31 ■ The Healing of the practice the word of God are He has been sent to help the
See also: A Prophet in Hiding Beggar 284–87 compared to “a foolish man who children of Israel, and that it was
124 ■ Elijah and the Prophets When Shadrach, Meshach, and King Belshazzar of Babylon hosts built his house on sand.” For him, not right to take their bread and
of Baal 125 ■ The Chariot of Fire Abednego fail to take part in a banquet for 1,000 nobles, who when the rains come, the streams toss it to the dogs (meaning
126–27 the worship of a huge new golden drink wine from golden goblets WOMAN AT THE WELL rise, and the winds beat against Gentiles). She replies that even the
image which Nebuchadnezzar taken from the Temple of Jerusalem. John 4:1–42 the house, it crashes to the ground. dogs eat the crumbs that fall from
has created, he orders them to be When a finger appears and writes Through this parable, Jesus their master’s table. For her faith in
HEZEKIAH’S REFORMS burned to death. The furnace is a message across a wall, the king Jesus meets a woman drawing signifies that through times of Him, He tells her to go home where
2 Kings 18 built and the fire is so intense that promises riches for anyone who water from Jacob’s well. Although affliction, practicing faith in God she will find her daughter cured.
the soldiers in charge of the victims can interpret the sign. Daniel is Samaritans are not meant to speak will give believers the strength In doing so, Jesus rewards all those
At the age of 25, Hezekiah becomes are burned, but the three Israelites summoned and offered riches and with Jews, Jesus talks to her, they need to persevere. who show their faith in Him.
King of Judah. His religious reforms remain completely unharmed by status in exchange for deciphering revealing Himself as the Messiah, See also: The Raising of Lazarus See also: Demons and the Herd
demand the destruction of images, the flames. Seeing this miracle, the message. Refusing the offer, he saying, “Everyone who drinks this 226–27 ■ Feeding the 5,000 of Pigs 224–25 ■ The Raising of
including Nehushtan, the bronze Nebuchadnezzar is converted, and explains to King Belshazzar that water will be thirsty again, but 228–31 ■ The Healing of the Lazarus 226–27 ■ The Nature of
serpent said to have been made by says anybody offending God would God is displeased with his lack of whoever drinks the water I give Beggar 284–87 Faith 236–41





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faith and his days are numbered. them will never thirst.” Many in
The king rewards him with high the town come to believe in Him BEHEADING OF JOHN
office, recognizing Daniel as and they urge Him to stay. Jesus’s THE BAPTIST
God’s loyal servant. interactions with the Samaritan Mark 6:16–29
See also: Joseph the Dreamer woman and surrounding crowd
58–61 ■ Daniel in Babylon 164–65 are imbued with clear metaphorical Following the death of her husband,
connotations, as He demonstrates Philip, Princess Herodias marries
to those present that the water of Philip’s brother, King Herod. When
WATER INTO WINE life will provide sustenance to any John the Baptist insists that this
John 2:1–11 who will follow Him, regardless of union is unlawful and immoral,
their nationality or origin. Herodias nurses a grudge against
Jesus, Mary, and His disciples See also: The Calling of the him. At a banquet, Herod asks the
attend a wedding at Cana in Disciples 200–03 ■ The Good daughter of Herodias, Salome, to
Galilee. When the entire supply of Samaritan 216–17 ■ Road to dance, before promising her any
wine has been consumed by the Emmaus 272–73 gift she chooses. At Herodias’s
wedding guests, Mary comes to suggestion, the girl asks for the
Jesus and tells Him what has head of John the Baptist. Although
happened. Jesus instructs the THE WISE AND Herod has no quarrel with John, he
servants to pour water into jars and FOOLISH BUILDERS carries out his promise. John the
take it to the master of the banquet, Matthew 7:24–27 Baptist is executed, and his head is
who, upon tasting it, discovers it brought to Herodias on a platter.
has been transformed into wine. During the Sermon on the Mount, This story demonstrates the vicious
Despite performing the miracle, Jesus tells a parable in order to and brutal nature of Herod’s rule.
Jesus initially showed reluctance demonstrate the importance of See also: Baptism of Jesus
when Mary approached Him, following His teachings in daily 194–97 ■ The Crucifixion 258–65 ■
saying, “Why do you involve me? life. He describes a man who Paul’s Arrest 294–95
My time has not yet come.” Jesus faithfully practices the word of
makes multiple references to His God as one “who built his house
“time” or “hour” throughout the on the rock.” Jesus explains that A GIRL POSSESSED
Gospels, alluding to His crucifixion after the house is built, and when Matthew 15:2–28; Mark 7:24–30
and resurrection, when His blood, the rains come, the streams rise,
often symbolized by wine, will and the winds beat against the A Gentile in the region of Tyre
cleanse humanity of all sin. house, it stays standing because and Sidon begs Jesus to cure her
See also: The Raising of Lazarus of its solid foundation. daughter, who is possessed by a
226–27 ■ Feeding the 5,000 By contrast, those who do not demon. At first, He refuses, saying
228–31 ■ The Healing of the practice the word of God are He has been sent to help the
Beggar 284–87 compared to “a foolish man who children of Israel, and that it was
built his house on sand.” For him, not right to take their bread and
when the rains come, the streams toss it to the dogs (meaning
WOMAN AT THE WELL rise, and the winds beat against Gentiles). She replies that even the
John 4:1–42 the house, it crashes to the ground. dogs eat the crumbs that fall from
Through this parable, Jesus their master’s table. For her faith in
Jesus meets a woman drawing signifies that through times of Him, He tells her to go home where
water from Jacob’s well. Although affliction, practicing faith in God she will find her daughter cured.
Samaritans are not meant to speak will give believers the strength In doing so, Jesus rewards all those
with Jews, Jesus talks to her, they need to persevere. who show their faith in Him.
revealing Himself as the Messiah, See also: The Raising of Lazarus See also: Demons and the Herd
saying, “Everyone who drinks this 226–27 ■ Feeding the 5,000 of Pigs 224–25 ■ The Raising of
water will be thirsty again, but 228–31 ■ The Healing of the Lazarus 226–27 ■ The Nature of
whoever drinks the water I give Beggar 284–87 Faith 236–41





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synagogue ask Jesus if it is lawful rich man any comfort, and refuses calling out for mercy. Jesus tells father wanted?” They reply the first body is placed in an upstairs room.
FEEDING 4,000 to heal on a Sabbath. Seeing a his request to send Lazarus to his them to go to see the priests, and son. Jesus confirms this, and tells The Apostle Peter, who has recently
Matthew 15:29–32; Mark 8:1–13 man with a shriveled hand in five living brothers to warn them as they do so, they are healed. One them that the prostitutes and tax cured a paralyzed man in the town
the synagogue, Jesus heals him. of their likely similar fate. Abraham of them, a Samaritan, returns to collectors who repented to John of Lydda, is sent for. Peter is taken
After feeding the 5,000, a crowd He then asks the Pharisees, “If any says they have already been warned give thanks, and Jesus expresses the Baptist will enter heaven before into the upstairs room where
of 4,000 follow Jesus into the of you has a sheep and it falls into by the prophets. The message is His disappointment that only one them. Jesus explains that these Tabitha’s body has been washed
mountains. Many are lame, blind, a pit on the Sabbath, will you not clear—judgment will be fair, as man has done so, showing the sinners, despite their past actions, and placed. Grieving women show
or dumb and hope to be cured. take hold of it and lift it out? How we have all heard God’s message. importance of expressing gratitude. believed in God and repented. The him clothes that Tabitha had made
After three days, in which He cures much more valuable is a person See also: The Testing of Abraham See also: The Good Samaritan crowd, however, with their hollow for them. After sending the women
many people, Jesus does not want than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful 50–53 ■ The Ten Commandments 216–17 ■ The Healing of the professions of faith, will not enter out of the room, Peter kneels and
to send them away hungry. The to do good on the Sabbath.” After 78–83 ■ The Raising of Lazarus Beggar 284–87 God’s kingdom. prays. He then commands Tabitha
disciples bring seven loaves and this, the Pharisees plot how they 226–27 See also: The Raising of Lazarus to get up, and she rises from the
a few fishes, and with this amount might kill Jesus. 226–27 ■ Feeding the 5,000 228–31 bed, returned to life. Through the
of food, Jesus feeds the multitude. See also: Jesus Embraces a Tax A BANQUET FOR THE POOR ■ The Healing of the Beggar 284–87 miracle of resurrection, the status
See also: Feeding the 5,000 Collector 242–43 ■ The Healing THE EXTENT OF Luke 14:1–24 of Peter as one of God’s primary
228–31 ■ The Healing of the of the Beggar 284–87 FORGIVENESS miracle workers is reaffirmed, and
Beggar 284–87 Matthew 18:21–35 On the Sabbath, Jesus heals a STEPHEN, THE FIRST Tabitha is rewarded for living a
A MAN BORN BLIND Asked by His disciple Peter how man in the house of a Pharisee. CHRISTIAN MARTYR good and virtuous life.
Afterward He tells a parable about
See also: The Raising of Lazarus
WOMAN CAUGHT John 9:1–38 many times he should forgive a large banquet, where all invited Acts 6:8–7:60 226–27 ■ The Empty Tomb 268–71
IN ADULTERY somebody who has wronged him, guests make excuses and do not Stephen, a deacon of the early
John 8:1–12 Meeting a man who is born blind, Jesus says seventy times seven, attend. In anger, the host tells his church, is Christianity’s first
the disciples ask Jesus if his and He tells the parable of the servants to go into the streets and martyr. He is a Greek speaker and PETER IN THE HOUSE OF
An adulterous woman is brought blindness is due to his parents’ servant who owes a king money. invite the poor, the crippled, and a powerful debater, and the speech A GENTILE
before Jesus by the scribes and sins or his own sins. Jesus says When the servant pleads with him, the blind to come and eat with he delivers at his trial before the Acts 10:1–11:18
Pharisees, who ask Him why the that he is blind so that the work of the king relents and cancels the him, until the house is so crowded Sanhedrin in Jerusalem is recorded
Law of Moses, which calls for death God can be shown in him. “I am debt. The servant then finds a that there will be no room for in the Acts of the Apostles. His last An angel appears to the Roman
for adulterers by stoning, should the light of the world,” Jesus says, fellow servant who owes him any other guests. This parable words before he is stoned to death centurion Cornelius in Caesarea
not be carried out. Jesus says to and He restores the man to sight money and has him thrown into emphasizes that, having been for blasphemy are a plea to God not and tells him to send men to find
the people, “Let he who is without by pressing clay into his eyes and prison when he cannot pay. When rejected by the religious people, to hold the sin of his executioners the Apostle Peter and bring him
sin throw the first stone.” The sending him to wash it off in the the king hears this, he berates the God would ensure the salvation against them. The cloaks of those to him. Meanwhile, Peter has a
crowd disperses and Jesus tells Pool of Siloam. The man, now servant for not treating his debtor of all kinds of social outcasts. who step forward to stone him vision from God telling him that
the woman to go and sin no more. healed, reflects God’s ability to as he has been treated himself and See also: The Golden Rule are guarded by a Roman citizen he may eat “unclean” food as it
With this act, Jesus successfully work through people in order orders for him to be imprisoned and 210–11 ■ Parables of Jesus 214–15 ■ named Saul, who is yet to convert is not unclean when God says
evades the trap of those wishing to show His love and power. tortured. The parable affirms the Feeding the 5,000 228–31 to Christianity and change his it is not. A servant takes Peter
to force Him to choose between See also: Jesus Embraces a Tax Golden Rule, and suggests that name to Paul. Saul’s sins in his to Cornelius’s house even though
holiness and mercy. Collector 242–43 ■ The Healing forgiveness is not a finite resource. early life are thus framed against religious laws prevent Peter from
See also: The Golden Rule 210–11 ■ of the Beggar 284–87 See also: The Golden Rule 210–11 ■ THE TWO SONS the piety of early Christian martyrs. entering the house of a Gentile.
Jesus Anointed at Bethany 246–47 Parables of Jesus 214–15 ■ The Matthew 21:28–32 See also: Road to Damascus Peter realizes that God is telling
Prodigal Son 218–21 ■ The Temple 290–91 ■ Paul’s Arrest 294–95 ■ him that He has no favorites and
LAZARUS AND A RICH MAN Tax 222 In this parable, Jesus describes The Power of the Resurrection will accept all those who believe
THE MAN WITH THE Luke 16:19–31 a man with two sons. The man 304–05 in Him and he baptizes everyone
SHRIVELED HAND asks both of them to work in his there. God’s treatment of Cornelius
Matthew 12:10–13; Mark 3:1–5; Jesus tells the parable of a rich TEN CURED, ONLY vineyard for the day. The first son THE HEALING OF TABITHA allows for a transnational approach
Luke 6:6–10 man who lives in luxury, and ONE GRATEFUL refuses, but later changes his mind to salvation, as Peter demonstrates
Lazarus, who is full of sores and Luke 17:11–17 and begins working. The second Acts 9:32–43 that the Kingdom of God is open
Angry that Jesus has been defying lives in poverty at his gate. When son agrees to work in the field, to all who have faith.
their rules about the Sabbath, and they die, Lazarus is taken up to On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus is but, ultimately, does not fulfill his Tabitha (known as Dorcas in See also: The Word Spreads
looking for reasons to bring charges heaven by Abraham; the rich man passing through a village when ten promise. Jesus asks the crowd, Greek), a well-loved Christian 288–89 ■ The Council of
against Him, some Pharisees in a is sent to hell. Abraham denies the men with leprosy walk toward Him, “Which of the two did what his woman in Joppa, dies and her Jerusalem 292–93





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DIRECTORY 339



calling out for mercy. Jesus tells father wanted?” They reply the first body is placed in an upstairs room.
them to go to see the priests, and son. Jesus confirms this, and tells The Apostle Peter, who has recently
as they do so, they are healed. One them that the prostitutes and tax cured a paralyzed man in the town
of them, a Samaritan, returns to collectors who repented to John of Lydda, is sent for. Peter is taken
give thanks, and Jesus expresses the Baptist will enter heaven before into the upstairs room where
His disappointment that only one them. Jesus explains that these Tabitha’s body has been washed
man has done so, showing the sinners, despite their past actions, and placed. Grieving women show
importance of expressing gratitude. believed in God and repented. The him clothes that Tabitha had made
See also: The Good Samaritan crowd, however, with their hollow for them. After sending the women
216–17 ■ The Healing of the professions of faith, will not enter out of the room, Peter kneels and
Beggar 284–87 God’s kingdom. prays. He then commands Tabitha
See also: The Raising of Lazarus to get up, and she rises from the
226–27 ■ Feeding the 5,000 228–31 bed, returned to life. Through the
A BANQUET FOR THE POOR ■ The Healing of the Beggar 284–87 miracle of resurrection, the status
Luke 14:1–24 of Peter as one of God’s primary
miracle workers is reaffirmed, and
On the Sabbath, Jesus heals a STEPHEN, THE FIRST Tabitha is rewarded for living a
man in the house of a Pharisee. CHRISTIAN MARTYR good and virtuous life.
Afterward He tells a parable about Acts 6:8–7:60 See also: The Raising of Lazarus
a large banquet, where all invited 226–27 ■ The Empty Tomb 268–71
guests make excuses and do not Stephen, a deacon of the early
attend. In anger, the host tells his church, is Christianity’s first
servants to go into the streets and martyr. He is a Greek speaker and PETER IN THE HOUSE OF
invite the poor, the crippled, and a powerful debater, and the speech A GENTILE
the blind to come and eat with he delivers at his trial before the Acts 10:1–11:18
him, until the house is so crowded Sanhedrin in Jerusalem is recorded
that there will be no room for in the Acts of the Apostles. His last An angel appears to the Roman
any other guests. This parable words before he is stoned to death centurion Cornelius in Caesarea
emphasizes that, having been for blasphemy are a plea to God not and tells him to send men to find
rejected by the religious people, to hold the sin of his executioners the Apostle Peter and bring him
God would ensure the salvation against them. The cloaks of those to him. Meanwhile, Peter has a
of all kinds of social outcasts. who step forward to stone him vision from God telling him that
See also: The Golden Rule are guarded by a Roman citizen he may eat “unclean” food as it
210–11 ■ Parables of Jesus 214–15 ■ named Saul, who is yet to convert is not unclean when God says
Feeding the 5,000 228–31 to Christianity and change his it is not. A servant takes Peter
name to Paul. Saul’s sins in his to Cornelius’s house even though
early life are thus framed against religious laws prevent Peter from
THE TWO SONS the piety of early Christian martyrs. entering the house of a Gentile.
Matthew 21:28–32 See also: Road to Damascus Peter realizes that God is telling
290–91 ■ Paul’s Arrest 294–95 ■ him that He has no favorites and
In this parable, Jesus describes The Power of the Resurrection will accept all those who believe
a man with two sons. The man 304–05 in Him and he baptizes everyone
asks both of them to work in his there. God’s treatment of Cornelius
vineyard for the day. The first son allows for a transnational approach
refuses, but later changes his mind THE HEALING OF TABITHA to salvation, as Peter demonstrates
and begins working. The second Acts 9:32–43 that the Kingdom of God is open
son agrees to work in the field, to all who have faith.
but, ultimately, does not fulfill his Tabitha (known as Dorcas in See also: The Word Spreads
promise. Jesus asks the crowd, Greek), a well-loved Christian 288–89 ■ The Council of
“Which of the two did what his woman in Joppa, dies and her Jerusalem 292–93





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340 GLOSSARY 341

GLOSSARY Elder A local community leader. Grace Abundant love freely given Judgment Day The day when

Jesus returns to Earth. Some
to humanity by God through Christ.
In the New Testament, elders are
senior members of the Church.
Hanukkah A Jewish religious believe it is also the end of the
world, when God will assess every
Epistle A letter. Twenty-one festival lasting eight days that human being by identifying and
Amen An affirmation meaning Baptism A Christian ceremony in Circumcision The removal of of the New Testament’s books commemorates the victory of condemning sin and absolving
“trustworthy” or “surely” that which the “washing away” of sins the foreskin done when a Jewish are epistles. the Maccabees in 160 bce and the and rewarding believers.
is often used to end prayers or with water symbolizes rebirth and boy is 8 days old as a sign of rededication of the Temple.
religious statements. admission to the Church. membership in God’s Covenant. Evangelist One who preaches the Judges Leaders who governed
Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who Hebrew Bible The name used the tribes of Israel from the death
Annunciation The announcement Beatitudes, The A series of Codex A handwritten manuscript are not believers, aiming to bring by some non-Jews to refer to the of Joshua to the time of Samuel;
by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin blessings that Jesus bestows on with writing on both sides of the people to recognize Jesus as Lord Jewish Scriptures. The Hebrew and the name of the Old Testament
Mary that she would conceive the those with special qualities in page that can be made into a book. and Messiah. term is Tanakh. book concerning that same period.
Son of God by the Holy Spirit. His Sermon on the Mount. These
blessings echo His teachings. Council of Jerusalem Possibly Exiles, The The name given Hellenism The characteristics Kingdom of God The teaching
Anoint To apply oil or ointment the first assembly of the Christian to expelled inhabitants of Israel and spirit of Alexander the that the entire world will come to
to a person or object to mark their Birthright The right of a firstborn Church, in 49 ce. It affirmed that after the Assyrian conquest of Great’s empire and its successors. accept sovereign rule of God; the
dedication to God. son to inherit a larger share of his Gentiles did not need to adopt the the northern kingdom in 722 bce Additionally, the attempt by those Kingdom of God comes wherever
father’s property than his siblings. custom of circumcision for entry and also to those forced from empires to impose Greek language, God’s authority is recognized.
Apocrypha (or apocryphal) into the community of believers. the southern kingdom of Judah culture, and religion on the peoples
Books of the Bible added to the Blasphemy The offense of after the Babylonian conquest they had conquered. Law, The Mosaic Law given to the
Hebrew Old Testament by Catholic misusing or desecrating God’s Covenant A binding agreement, a century later. Israelites by God, aimed at creating
and Orthodox churches. Jews and name in action, speech, or writing. based on faithful loyalty, between Herodian Of, or concerning, Herod a society based on their obligations
Protestants do not accept the God and His people. Exodus, The The Israelites’ the Great, king of Judea (37–4 bce), to each other, to the land, and to
Apocrypha as part of the canon. Burnt offering A type of sacrifice release from slavery in Egypt or members of his family. God under the Covenant.
common in the Old Testament— Cubit An ancient measure, both and their journey to Canaan,
Apostles Special messengers in which an entire animal is of length and distance, of about the Promised Land, under the High place A raised place used Leprosy An infectious skin
commissioned by Jesus to preach consumed by fire. Such offerings 18 inches (0.5m)—the distance leadership of Moses. for religious worship, hence a disease. In the Bible, leprosy
with authority in His name. These were either thanksgivings for God’s from the fingertips to the elbow. sanctuary. Often used in relation denotes a wider range of ailments
included 11 of the 12 original goodness or atonements for sin. Fall, The The disobedience of to shrines for Canaanite gods. than just the modern definition.
disciples and Paul. Cult A system of religious worship. Adam and Eve that led to judgment
Canaan The land between the In the Hebrew Bible, the Temple of mankind. In Christian doctrine, High priest The senior Jewish Living God Term denoting God
Ark of the Covenant A wooden River Jordan, the Dead Sea, and the cult was a system of sacrifices this is when sin enters the world leader responsible for the nation’s as a living, active, and powerful
box overlaid with gold that God Mediterranean Sea. It is sometimes and rituals. and pervades all humanity. spiritual well-being. deity in contrast to the idols of
instructed the Israelites to build to referred to as the Promised Land. nations opposed to Israel.
contain the Ten Commandments. Cuneiform A writing system Gentile A non-Jewish person. Idol An image, often carved and
Canon, The From Greek for developed by the Sumerians that made of wood, metal, or stone, Lots, casting of A traditional
Armageddon The place of God’s “rule.” It refers to the list of books used wedge-shaped characters. Gnosticism A general term which is worshipped as a god. Israelite method of discerning the
ultimate victory over evil. It is accepted as part of the Bible. for 2nd-century heretical sects will of God in conflicts or disputes.
mentioned only once in the Bible, Denarius A Roman coin and that sought to live a purely Israel and Judah The northern
in the Book of Revelation. Cherub (plural cherubim) the standard pay for a day’s work spiritual life by way of a secret and southern Jewish kingdoms, Manna Food provided by God for
An angelic being with a human during the time of Jesus. knowledge (gnosis). respectively, created after the the Israelites on their journey from
Ascension Jesus’s ascent to face and wings that serves God. United Monarchy was divided Egypt to the Promised Land, with
heaven on the 40th day after Diaspora, The The dispersal or Gospel The teaching that God in c.930 bce. the appearance of coriander seed
His resurrection. Chief Priests The men in charge scattering of large groups of people offers redemption to humanity and the taste of honey.
of Temple worship in Jerusalem. throughout the world. through the salvation Jesus Christ Jehovah A name for God related
Baal The storm god of the brought by His life, death, and to the Hebrew term Yahweh. Martyr Initially used to refer to
Canaanites and the most important Christ From Christos, Greek for Disciple A follower who serves resurrection. When written with one who spread the word of Jesus,
(though not chief) god in the “messiah,” the anointed one. In Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, the an initial capital, it refers to the first Jews The tribespeople of Israel it is later used to refer specifically
Canaanite pantheon. the New Testament, this is Jesus. term refers to Christ’s inner circle. four books of the New Testament. and their descendants. to those who die for their faith.





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GLOSSARY 341



Elder A local community leader. Grace Abundant love freely given Judgment Day The day when
In the New Testament, elders are to humanity by God through Christ. Jesus returns to Earth. Some
senior members of the Church. believe it is also the end of the
Hanukkah A Jewish religious world, when God will assess every
Epistle A letter. Twenty-one festival lasting eight days that human being by identifying and
of the New Testament’s books commemorates the victory of condemning sin and absolving
are epistles. the Maccabees in 160 bce and the and rewarding believers.
rededication of the Temple.
Evangelist One who preaches the Judges Leaders who governed
Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who Hebrew Bible The name used the tribes of Israel from the death
are not believers, aiming to bring by some non-Jews to refer to the of Joshua to the time of Samuel;
people to recognize Jesus as Lord Jewish Scriptures. The Hebrew and the name of the Old Testament
and Messiah. term is Tanakh. book concerning that same period.

Exiles, The The name given Hellenism The characteristics Kingdom of God The teaching
to expelled inhabitants of Israel and spirit of Alexander the that the entire world will come to
after the Assyrian conquest of Great’s empire and its successors. accept sovereign rule of God; the
the northern kingdom in 722 bce Additionally, the attempt by those Kingdom of God comes wherever
and also to those forced from empires to impose Greek language, God’s authority is recognized.
the southern kingdom of Judah culture, and religion on the peoples
after the Babylonian conquest they had conquered. Law, The Mosaic Law given to the
a century later. Israelites by God, aimed at creating
Herodian Of, or concerning, Herod a society based on their obligations
Exodus, The The Israelites’ the Great, king of Judea (37–4 bce), to each other, to the land, and to
release from slavery in Egypt or members of his family. God under the Covenant.
and their journey to Canaan,
the Promised Land, under the High place A raised place used Leprosy An infectious skin
leadership of Moses. for religious worship, hence a disease. In the Bible, leprosy
sanctuary. Often used in relation denotes a wider range of ailments
Fall, The The disobedience of to shrines for Canaanite gods. than just the modern definition.
Adam and Eve that led to judgment
of mankind. In Christian doctrine, High priest The senior Jewish Living God Term denoting God
this is when sin enters the world leader responsible for the nation’s as a living, active, and powerful
and pervades all humanity. spiritual well-being. deity in contrast to the idols of
nations opposed to Israel.
Gentile A non-Jewish person. Idol An image, often carved and
made of wood, metal, or stone, Lots, casting of A traditional
Gnosticism A general term which is worshipped as a god. Israelite method of discerning the
for 2nd-century heretical sects will of God in conflicts or disputes.
that sought to live a purely Israel and Judah The northern
spiritual life by way of a secret and southern Jewish kingdoms, Manna Food provided by God for
knowledge (gnosis). respectively, created after the the Israelites on their journey from
United Monarchy was divided Egypt to the Promised Land, with
Gospel The teaching that God in c.930 bce. the appearance of coriander seed
offers redemption to humanity and the taste of honey.
through the salvation Jesus Christ Jehovah A name for God related
brought by His life, death, and to the Hebrew term Yahweh. Martyr Initially used to refer to
resurrection. When written with one who spread the word of Jesus,
an initial capital, it refers to the first Jews The tribespeople of Israel it is later used to refer specifically
four books of the New Testament. and their descendants. to those who die for their faith.





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342 GLOSSARY GLOSSARY 343



Menorah A sacred candelabrum Paradise A blessed place in which Promised Land Canaan, the Sabbath The seventh day of the Showbread “Bread of the Temple, The In Jerusalem, the
with seven branches used in the the righteous live. Paradise can homeland God promised to week, set aside as a day of rest and presence,” made from the finest place where sacrifices could be
Temple in Jerusalem. It became an refer to heaven or to the Garden the Israelites upon their escape for the worship of God. It originally ingredients, which was placed made. The First Temple was built
emblem of Israel and Judaism. of Eden prior to the Fall. from Egypt in Exodus. began on Friday evening for both on a table in the Tabernacle and, by King Solomon. The Second was
Jews and Christians, but as later, in the Temple of Jerusalem. built after the exile and was the
Mesopotamia Land between the Passover The annual Jewish Prophecy A message concerning Christ’s resurrection took place one known to Jesus.
Tigris and Euphrates rivers that holiday commemorating the the past, present, or future that is on Sunday, this displaced the Speaking in tongues
included such cities as Babylon, Israelites’ escape from slavery inspired and/or revealed by God Sabbath for Christians. A phenomenon in which people Teraphim Household gods or
Ur, and Nineveh. in Egypt. and delivered by a prophet. speak in languages unknown to images venerated by ancient
Sacrifice In the Hebrew Bible, them to praise God or to deliver Semitic peoples.
Messiah Hebrew term meaning Pentateuch A Greek word used Prophets People who spoke words an offering made to God, often a message from God.
“the anointed one.” by Christians to describe the of prophecy. In the Old Testament, involving slaughtering an animal. Torah A term that used to refer
first five books of the Bible that they are often called by God to For Christians, the death of Jesus Spirit The innermost nonmaterial solely to the Pentateuch, but in
Midrash A Jewish commentary comprise the original Torah. explain the responsibilities and Christ is the one sacrifice that part of a human being—one’s soul. Jewish tradition came to mean
on the Hebrew Bible. privileges of God’s Covenant. secures forgiveness by God. The Old Testament sometimes the whole Hebrew Bible.
Pentecost A feast, celebrated describes the “Spirit of God.” In
Ministry The Old Testament 50 days after Passover, when Proverb A short popular saying Sadducees A Hellenized the New Testament, the Holy Spirit Transfiguration The revelation
associates the term with the work harvest fruits were offered at the that conveys a lesson about how aristocracy of Jewish priests in the is the third person of the Trinity. of Christ’s glory, witnessed by His
of the Temple priests. The New Temple. In the New Testament, to live wisely, often based on New Testament who dominated closest disciples.
Testament cites Jesus as the model the Holy Spirit descended on observations of everyday life. both temple worship and also Synoptic From Greek for “seeing
for Christian ministry. believers at Pentecost. the Sanhedrin. They opposed the things together.” The Gospels of Transubstantiation The Catholic
Psalm A song, often used in Pharisees and Jesus. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are belief in the conversion of the wine
Miracle An event defying natural Pharaoh The title of the ancient worship to demonstrate praise known as the Synoptic Gospels, and bread given at communion into
laws that is usually attributed to Egyptian rulers. and thanksgiving. Sanhedrin A Jewish council, because they share much material the blood and body of Christ.
divine powers. either local or, in Jerusalem, the and have similar frameworks.
Pharisees One of the main Rabbi From Hebrew for “teacher,” supreme council that was directed Typology The interpretation
Mishnah Jewish teachings, Jewish religious groups of the a title of honor given to a qualified by the high priest. Members Tabernacle The large portable of figures or events in the Old
compiled in the late 2nd New Testament, known for their Jewish religious teacher. included teachers of the Law, tent that formed the sanctuary in Testament as foreshadowing
century ce, which forms the strict adherence to the Law. elders, and chief priests. which the Israelites carried the those in the New Testament,
earlier portion of the Talmud. Repentance A complete change of Ark of the Covenant during their particularly in relation to Christ.
Philistines Descendants of heart leading to a change of action, Scripture The biblical writings journey from Egypt to Canaan.
Most Holy Place (also known a people who possibly came from involving confession of, deep regret received as the word of God; for Yahweh The name for God given
as Holy of Holies) The most sacred Crete, the Philistines infiltrated the for, and sincere turning away from example, the Hebrew Bible and/or Talent A unit of weight equivalent by God to Moses. Yahweh stems
part of the Temple in Jerusalem. eastern Mediterranean. Arriving sin to God. the New Testament. to about 75 pounds (34kg) in from the letters “YHWH.”
It originally contained the Ark of in Canaan around the same time Old Testament times. In the New
the Covenant. as the Israelites, they are their Resurrection The giving of new Septuagint The name of the Testament, it was a unit of value Zealots Jewish rebels who fought
most notorious enemies. life to a dead person, especially Greek translation of the Hebrew worth the wages of a laborer against the Roman occupation of
Ordination A ceremony in which in relation to the raising of Jesus Bible. The Bible of the early for 20 years. Judea at the time of Jesus Christ.
someone is officially appointed into Polytheistic Of, or concerning, Christ by God after His death Church, the books of the New
a religious leadership role. the belief that there are many gods. on the cross. Testament were added as they Talmud A Jewish work containing Ziggurat An Assyrian or
became accepted. interpretation of, and commentary Babylonian tower in which each
Pagan From Latin paganus, Praetorium Originally used to Revelation The disclosure of on, the Torah, and the primary successive story is smaller than
meaning rural or of the countryside, refer to a general’s tent in a camp God’s will, nature, and purpose Seraph (plural seraphim) source of Jewish religious law. the one beneath it.
the word came to refer to one who or a military headquarters; also, through the scriptures. Celestial being with two or three
did not follow the one true God. the governor’s official residence sets of wings that is a guardian Tanakh An acronym comprising Zion Synonym for Jerusalem. The
in Jerusalem. Righteous, The Especially in of God’s throne. the initial letters of the three Temple was also known as Mount
Parable A short story that the Old Testament, the designation sections of the Hebrew Bible: the Zion. Zion is also used to refer to
uses everyday language and Prefect A title given to a local of people who lead lives that have Sheol Used in the Hebrew Bible Torah (the Teaching/Law), Nev’im Israel, the Church, and heaven and
events to convey moral and military or civil official of the spiritual and moral integrity to refer to a grave, pit, or tomb, (the Prophets), and Kethuvim (the is often represented as a peak
spiritual truths. Roman Empire. according to God’s commands. cut off from God. Writings), combined in one work. extending into the heavens.





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Sabbath The seventh day of the Showbread “Bread of the Temple, The In Jerusalem, the
week, set aside as a day of rest and presence,” made from the finest place where sacrifices could be
for the worship of God. It originally ingredients, which was placed made. The First Temple was built
began on Friday evening for both on a table in the Tabernacle and, by King Solomon. The Second was
Jews and Christians, but as later, in the Temple of Jerusalem. built after the exile and was the
Christ’s resurrection took place one known to Jesus.
on Sunday, this displaced the Speaking in tongues
Sabbath for Christians. A phenomenon in which people Teraphim Household gods or
speak in languages unknown to images venerated by ancient
Sacrifice In the Hebrew Bible, them to praise God or to deliver Semitic peoples.
an offering made to God, often a message from God.
involving slaughtering an animal. Torah A term that used to refer
For Christians, the death of Jesus Spirit The innermost nonmaterial solely to the Pentateuch, but in
Christ is the one sacrifice that part of a human being—one’s soul. Jewish tradition came to mean
secures forgiveness by God. The Old Testament sometimes the whole Hebrew Bible.
describes the “Spirit of God.” In
Sadducees A Hellenized the New Testament, the Holy Spirit Transfiguration The revelation
aristocracy of Jewish priests in the is the third person of the Trinity. of Christ’s glory, witnessed by His
New Testament who dominated closest disciples.
both temple worship and also Synoptic From Greek for “seeing
the Sanhedrin. They opposed the things together.” The Gospels of Transubstantiation The Catholic
Pharisees and Jesus. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are belief in the conversion of the wine
known as the Synoptic Gospels, and bread given at communion into
Sanhedrin A Jewish council, because they share much material the blood and body of Christ.
either local or, in Jerusalem, the and have similar frameworks.
supreme council that was directed Typology The interpretation
by the high priest. Members Tabernacle The large portable of figures or events in the Old
included teachers of the Law, tent that formed the sanctuary in Testament as foreshadowing
elders, and chief priests. which the Israelites carried the those in the New Testament,
Ark of the Covenant during their particularly in relation to Christ.
Scripture The biblical writings journey from Egypt to Canaan.
received as the word of God; for Yahweh The name for God given
example, the Hebrew Bible and/or Talent A unit of weight equivalent by God to Moses. Yahweh stems
the New Testament. to about 75 pounds (34kg) in from the letters “YHWH.”
Old Testament times. In the New
Septuagint The name of the Testament, it was a unit of value Zealots Jewish rebels who fought
Greek translation of the Hebrew worth the wages of a laborer against the Roman occupation of
Bible. The Bible of the early for 20 years. Judea at the time of Jesus Christ.
Church, the books of the New
Testament were added as they Talmud A Jewish work containing Ziggurat An Assyrian or
became accepted. interpretation of, and commentary Babylonian tower in which each
on, the Torah, and the primary successive story is smaller than
Seraph (plural seraphim) source of Jewish religious law. the one beneath it.
Celestial being with two or three
sets of wings that is a guardian Tanakh An acronym comprising Zion Synonym for Jerusalem. The
of God’s throne. the initial letters of the three Temple was also known as Mount
sections of the Hebrew Bible: the Zion. Zion is also used to refer to
Sheol Used in the Hebrew Bible Torah (the Teaching/Law), Nev’im Israel, the Church, and heaven and
to refer to a grave, pit, or tomb, (the Prophets), and Kethuvim (the is often represented as a peak
cut off from God. Writings), combined in one work. extending into the heavens.





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344 INDEX INDEX 345

INDEX Bartholomew (Nathanael) 202 Catechumens 299 cross 276


symbolism 265, 265
Cathars 199
Bathsheba 14, 95, 118–19, 119, 121, 335
Battle of the Champions 117
Beatitudes 206 Chalcedonian Creed 192, 193 see also crucifixion
crown of thorns 260, 262
cherubim 33, 34, 122, 162–63, 162
Beersheba 50, 332 child sacrifice 52, 124, 171 crucifixion 27, 177, 179, 196, 245, 262–67, 263
Belshazzar, King 161, 164, 336–37 chosen people 46, 70, 73, 75, 77, 90, 102, 103, death of Jesus 264
Page numbers in bold refer to main entries; Ammonites 118, 333 Ark of the Covenant 86–87, 87, 97, 99, 113–14, Ben-Hadad II, King 335 114, 145, 163, 179 deposition 262, 264, 264
those in italics refer to captions Amorites 97 121, 122, 333, 334 Benjamin 57, 159 Christ see Jesus entombment of Jesus 240, 264, 268–69
Amos 13, 145, 169, 293 Ark of the Law 82 Bethany 197, 226, 246–47, 250, 251, 275 Christianity historical sources 260
Ananias 290, 291 Ark, Noah’s 41, 41 Bethlehem 182–83, 185, 186 body of Christ 280, 306–07 repentant thief 27, 266–67
A Angelico, Fra 191, 240 armor of God 302–03 Bethsaida 229, 231 early Christian community 283, 286–87, curse of Canaan 332
Bethlehem prophecy 171
stages of the cross 262
covenants 46
Armageddon 318, 320
Andrew (Apostle) 201, 287
Bible 12–15
Cyrus, King of Persia 154, 155, 161
315
Artaxerxes I, King 133
angels 29, 39, 187
apocryphal books 13, 310, 311
Angel of Death 72
monotheistic faith 45
Annunciation 178, 178, 179 Asaph 140, 141, 143 divinity of scripture 309, 310–11 Gentiles 277, 289, 292–93, 305, 339
ascension 196, 275, 275, 282, 283, 318
dual authorship concept 12, 308–11
at the empty tomb of Jesus 269–70, 269, Ashtoreth 85 persecution of Christians 240, 287, 288, 289,
Aaron 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 75, 77, 84, 85, 87 272 Ashur 90 Hebrew Bible 25, 94, 113, 122, 136, 141, 150, 290, 291, 295, 319, 321 D
Aaronide priests 85 and Balaam’s donkey 65, 89, 89 Assyrian Exile 129, 136, 168 182, 184, 235 spread of early Christianity 202–03, 277, 280,
Abednego 336 and Gideon 101, 101, 102 Assyrian Tree of Life 245 key themes 14 288–89, 305
Abel 18, 36–37, 36 Assyrians 43, 90, 128, 129, 131, 168–69, 170, literary genres 13–14 Christmas 185
Abimelech 103 Jacob wrestles with 19, 56, 57 172, 217 New Testament 13 Chronicles 87, 122, 336 Damascus 290
Abraham 18–19, 38, 39, 45, 46, 51 52, 59, 118, Jacob’s ladder 55 Aten 140 Old Testament 12–13 church, concept of 307 Daniel 164–65, 324, 336–37
192, 277, 312–13, 326, 332 Michael the Archangel 302 Atrahasis 41 scholarship 14–15 Cicero 306 dream interpretations 59, 164, 165, 318, 336
God’s covenant with 14, 18, 44–47, 50 Nativity 183–84 Augustine, St. 15, 34, 239, 239 translations 12, 310 circumcision 46, 97, 184, 192, 292, 293, 297, in lions’ den 137, 164, 165
and the sacrifice of Isaac 19, 45, 50–53, 241, in Peter’s prison 287 Bildad 147 305, 313 Darius the Mede 164, 165
313 and Samson 104–05 Augustus, Emperor 184 Bilhah 57 Claudius Lysias 294 Darwin, Charles, On the Origin of Species 19,
and Sodom and Gomorrah 48–49 visit Abraham 48 aureola 275 bishops 203 Cleopas 272–73 24
Abrahamic faiths 45, 91, 211 visit Lot 49 Axum, Ethiopia 87 Boaz 108, 109 Code of Hammurabi 81, 81 David, King 15, 95, 112, 114, 120–21, 122, 123,
Abram see Abraham animals bodily resurrection 295 Colossians 192, 305, 306–07 140, 140, 171, 297, 334, 335
Absalom 334 man’s dominion over 28 see also resurrection communion 253 anointed king 115, 117
Achan’s sin 333 Noah’s Ark 41 B body politic 306 concupiscence 34 and Bathsheba 14, 95, 118–19
acrostic poems 141, 151, 221 see also lions; ravens; snakes; swine Book of Kells 309 Confucian Doctrine of the Mean 211 and Goliath 95, 116–17
Acts of the Apostles 13, 195, 201, 202, 261, 276, Anna 182, 184–85 Book of the Twelve 169 Constantine, Emperor 265, 299, 299 Jesus’s descent from 95, 171, 178–79, 182, 183
280, 318 Annunciation 178–79, 178 brazen serpent 238, 238, 336 Corinthian church 297, 298 and Jonathan 334
arrest of Paul 294–95, 294 anointing bread Corinthians 1 and 2 192, 195, 201, 239, 251, 265, Psalms of David 141, 143, 264, 310
and the ascension 275 anointed one (Messiah) 95, 179 Baal 85, 90, 102, 124, 125, 127, 157–58 bread of life 230 306, 307, 313, 321, 329 shepherd-king 143, 184
conversion of Saul 290–91 for burial 247 Babylon city 161 breaking of bread 230, 252, 272, 273 Holy Trinity 281, 298–99, 298 Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) 87, 123, 167
Council of Jerusalem 292–93 Jesus anointed at Bethany 246–47, 246 destruction of 49 unleavened bread 73, 87 hymn to love 296–97 Day of the Lord (Day of Judgment) 137, 172,
and the Great Commission 276, 274–77 Saul 95, 114–15, 114 symbolism of 321, 324 Buddhism 211 and the resurrection 271, 273 173, 173, 235, 318, 320, 321
Last Judgment 319 Antioch church 292, 293 Babylonia, Babylonians burning bush 39, 64, 67, 68–69, 145 Cornelius 288, 292, 339 see also Last Judgment
Pentecost 282–83 Antonia Fortress 251, 260, 261 Code of Hammurabi 81, 81 burning chariot (Elijah) 95, 126–27, 127, 235 Council of Jerusalem 292–93, 299, 313 death and rebirth, symbolic 53
raising of Tabitha 286, 339 Apis 84 conquest of Jerusalem 95, 128–31, 130, 142, burning chariot (Ezekial) 162–63, 162 Council of Nicaea 299 Deborah 101, 102, 320
and the resurrection 271 apocalyptic literature 14, 324 158–59, 160–61, 171, 172 Council of Trent 310 Decalogue see Ten Commandments
spreading the Gospel 288–89 see also Revelation creation story 22 covenants 14, 44–47, 80, 173 Delilah 94, 106, 107, 107
Stephen the martyr 339 apocryphal books 13, 310, 311 gods 22, 22, 43, 90, 227 with Abraham 14, 18, 44–47, 50, 53, 55, 59 demons
works and miracles 284–87 Apostles 109, 202, 203, 257, 276 Hanging Gardens of Babylon 43 C Ark of the Covenant 86–87, 87 demonic possession 224–25, 224, 227, 271,
Adam 18, 23, 27, 27, 28, 28, 29, 32, 32, 33, 33, appointing 176, 200–203 liturgies 141 Five Great Covenants 45 286, 337
34, 217, 255 Great Commission 177, 274–77, 321 Tower of Babel 42–43, 43 New Covenant 46, 159, 245, 252 illnesses and 227
Second Adam 35, 41 Pentecost 282–83 Babylonian Chronicles 131 with Noah 40 see also Satan
adultery 82, 118, 119, 338 persecution of 287, 288 Babylonian exile 22, 25, 37, 43, 47, 98, 129, 131, Cain 18, 36–37, 36, 68 Ten Commandments see Ten Commandments Deutero-Isaiah 90–91, 154
Ahab, King 114, 124, 125, 126, 334–35 and the resurrection 271, 272–73 143, 149, 154, 162, 163, 164, 171, 172 mark of Cain 37 Cranmer, Thomas 212 Deuteronomy 65, 82, 85, 94, 95, 97, 192, 198,
Ahasuerus, King (Xerxes I) 132 role of 201, 276 Balaam’s donkey 65, 89, 89 Caleb 88, 96, 99 creation 216, 220, 267, 285, 310, 333
Ai 97, 333 spreading the Gospel 288–89 Balak 89 Caligula, Emperor 261 allegorical interpretations 29 law code 91
Akedah 52, 53 tongues, gift of 282–83, 297 baptism 35, 277, 315 Calmet, Antoine Augustin 225 Babylonian creation story 22 monotheism 90–91
Akkadians 41 works and miracles 284–87 by Apostles 283 Calvary 262–64 ex nihilo 23 devil see Satan
Alexander the Great 165, 199 see also individual index entries by John the Baptist 189 Calvin, John 34, 35 of humanity 26–29, 27, 28 diaspora 290, 312
almsgiving 285 Apostolic Age 202 of the dead 195, 197 Cana, miracle at 179, 337 Psalms’ songs of creation 143, 144 Dictamnus 69, 69
Amalekites 96, 101 apostolic sees 203 denominational methods of 197 Canaan, Canaanites 39, 44, 46, 51, 56, 57, 88, remaking the world 41 Dies irae 172
Amarna Letters 64 apostolic succession 203 of Jesus 176, 194–97, 195, 235 91, 94, 165 of the universe 20–25, 24, 25, 40 dietary laws 293
Amel-Marduk 131 Aquinas, Thomas 28, 213, 225, 252 Barabbas 261, 262, 266 entry of the Israelites 96–97 watchmaker analogy 24 discipleship 201, 210, 276–77
Amenemopet 149 Aramaic language 165 Barak 101, 102, 320 Capernaum 222 crime and punishment see also Apostles
Amish 209 Aristotle 306 Barnabus 292, 293 Carmel, Mount 125 Jewish 267 divination 186
Ammon 172 Arius 299, 299 barrenness 38, 50, 104, 112, 195 castration 289 Roman 267 divine spark 28, 29
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Bartholomew (Nathanael) 202 Catechumens 299 cross 276
Bathsheba 14, 95, 118–19, 119, 121, 335 Cathars 199 symbolism 265, 265
Battle of the Champions 117 Chalcedonian Creed 192, 193 see also crucifixion
Beatitudes 206 cherubim 33, 34, 122, 162–63, 162 crown of thorns 260, 262
Beersheba 50, 332 child sacrifice 52, 124, 171 crucifixion 27, 177, 179, 196, 245, 262–67, 263
Belshazzar, King 161, 164, 336–37 chosen people 46, 70, 73, 75, 77, 90, 102, 103, death of Jesus 264
Ben-Hadad II, King 335 114, 145, 163, 179 deposition 262, 264, 264
Benjamin 57, 159 Christ see Jesus entombment of Jesus 240, 264, 268–69
Bethany 197, 226, 246–47, 250, 251, 275 Christianity historical sources 260
Bethlehem 182–83, 185, 186 body of Christ 280, 306–07 repentant thief 27, 266–67
Bethlehem prophecy 171 covenants 46 stages of the cross 262
Bethsaida 229, 231 early Christian community 283, 286–87, curse of Canaan 332
Bible 12–15 315 Cyrus, King of Persia 154, 155, 161
apocryphal books 13, 310, 311 Gentiles 277, 289, 292–93, 305, 339
divinity of scripture 309, 310–11 monotheistic faith 45
dual authorship concept 12, 308–11 persecution of Christians 240, 287, 288, 289,
Hebrew Bible 25, 94, 113, 122, 136, 141, 150, 290, 291, 295, 319, 321 D
182, 184, 235 spread of early Christianity 202–03, 277, 280,
key themes 14 288–89, 305
literary genres 13–14 Christmas 185
New Testament 13 Chronicles 87, 122, 336 Damascus 290
Old Testament 12–13 church, concept of 307 Daniel 164–65, 324, 336–37
scholarship 14–15 Cicero 306 dream interpretations 59, 164, 165, 318, 336
translations 12, 310 circumcision 46, 97, 184, 192, 292, 293, 297, in lions’ den 137, 164, 165
Bildad 147 305, 313 Darius the Mede 164, 165
Bilhah 57 Claudius Lysias 294 Darwin, Charles, On the Origin of Species 19,
bishops 203 Cleopas 272–73 24
Boaz 108, 109 Code of Hammurabi 81, 81 David, King 15, 95, 112, 114, 120–21, 122, 123,
bodily resurrection 295 Colossians 192, 305, 306–07 140, 140, 171, 297, 334, 335
see also resurrection communion 253 anointed king 115, 117
body politic 306 concupiscence 34 and Bathsheba 14, 95, 118–19
Book of Kells 309 Confucian Doctrine of the Mean 211 and Goliath 95, 116–17
Book of the Twelve 169 Constantine, Emperor 265, 299, 299 Jesus’s descent from 95, 171, 178–79, 182, 183
brazen serpent 238, 238, 336 Corinthian church 297, 298 and Jonathan 334
bread Corinthians 1 and 2 192, 195, 201, 239, 251, 265, Psalms of David 141, 143, 264, 310
bread of life 230 306, 307, 313, 321, 329 shepherd-king 143, 184
breaking of bread 230, 252, 272, 273 Holy Trinity 281, 298–99, 298 Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) 87, 123, 167
unleavened bread 73, 87 hymn to love 296–97 Day of the Lord (Day of Judgment) 137, 172,
Buddhism 211 and the resurrection 271, 273 173, 173, 235, 318, 320, 321
burning bush 39, 64, 67, 68–69, 145 Cornelius 288, 292, 339 see also Last Judgment
burning chariot (Elijah) 95, 126–27, 127, 235 Council of Jerusalem 292–93, 299, 313 death and rebirth, symbolic 53
burning chariot (Ezekial) 162–63, 162 Council of Nicaea 299 Deborah 101, 102, 320
Council of Trent 310 Decalogue see Ten Commandments
covenants 14, 44–47, 80, 173
C with Abraham 14, 18, 44–47, 50, 53, 55, 59 demons
Delilah 94, 106, 107, 107
Ark of the Covenant 86–87, 87
demonic possession 224–25, 224, 227, 271,
Five Great Covenants 45
286, 337
New Covenant 46, 159, 245, 252 illnesses and 227
with Noah 40 see also Satan
Cain 18, 36–37, 36, 68 Ten Commandments see Ten Commandments Deutero-Isaiah 90–91, 154
mark of Cain 37 Cranmer, Thomas 212 Deuteronomy 65, 82, 85, 94, 95, 97, 192, 198,
Caleb 88, 96, 99 creation 216, 220, 267, 285, 310, 333
Caligula, Emperor 261 allegorical interpretations 29 law code 91
Calmet, Antoine Augustin 225 Babylonian creation story 22 monotheism 90–91
Calvary 262–64 ex nihilo 23 devil see Satan
Calvin, John 34, 35 of humanity 26–29, 27, 28 diaspora 290, 312
Cana, miracle at 179, 337 Psalms’ songs of creation 143, 144 Dictamnus 69, 69
Canaan, Canaanites 39, 44, 46, 51, 56, 57, 88, remaking the world 41 Dies irae 172
91, 94, 165 of the universe 20–25, 24, 25, 40 dietary laws 293
entry of the Israelites 96–97 watchmaker analogy 24 discipleship 201, 210, 276–77
Capernaum 222 crime and punishment see also Apostles
Carmel, Mount 125 Jewish 267 divination 186
castration 289 Roman 267 divine spark 28, 29





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346 INDEX INDEX 347




Dome of the Rock 73, 87, 123 ethic of reciprocity see Golden Rule Gamaliel 287, 291 Messianic prophecies 155, 179, 191, 199 cleansing of the Temple 244–45, 244
dreams and interpretations Ethiopian Church 289 Garden of Eden 23, 26–29, 27, 34, 271 monotheistic statements 91 compassion 161, 217, 226, 227, 229
Abraham 59 Eucharist 46, 252, 253, 315 expulsion from 32–35, 34 H Servant Songs 154–55, 289 crucifixion see crucifixion
Daniel 59, 164, 165, 318, 336 see also Last Supper location 26 Ishmael 39, 45, 51, 53, 55 Davidic ancestry 95, 171, 178–79, 182, 183
Joseph 19, 58–61, 165 eunuch, Ethiopian 280, 289, 289 Garden of Gethsemane 254–55 Islam 27, 45, 53 divinity 177, 190–93, 275, 299
Nebuchadnezzar II 164, 165 Euphrates River 26, 41, 161 garden motif 255, 271 Golden Rule 211 human nature 179, 182, 192, 193
Samuel 59 Eve 18, 23, 27, 28, 28, 29, 32–33, 33, 34, Gath 105, 117 Habakkuk 169 name for God 145 incarnation 151
Solomon 59, 121 35, 55 Gaza 105 Hagar 39, 45, 51, 51, 55 and Original Sin 35 king of the Jews 231, 261, 263
dualism 199 evolutionary theory 24 Genesis 14, 18–19, 82, 161, 190, 233, 277, Haggai 169 Israelites Light of the World 241
Exodus 33, 49, 64–65, 67, 74–77, 82, 187, Abraham and Isaac 50–53 Ham 40, 332 enslavement in Egypt 61, 66, 70–73 Messiah see Messiah
313, 332
enter the Promised Land 96–97
Hammurabi, King 81
milestones of His ministry 235
188, 233, 251, 275, 325, 333
E Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle authorship 18–19 Hananiah 156, 158 Exodus see Exodus miracles see miracles
“faithful remnant” 155, 172, 185
naming 178, 179
Hannah 39, 112–13, 112, 184
Cain and Abel 36–37, 36
86–87, 87
forty years in the desert 65, 76–77, 81, 86–87,
Hazael 335
golden calf 84–85, 84
Esau and Jacob 54–55, 55
parables see parables
historical sources 64 Creation 18, 20–25, 328 Hebrew Bible 25, 94, 113, 122, 136, 141, 150, 88, 230, 238, 241 Nativity 171, 180–86
Moses and the burning bush 39, 66–69 The Fall 30–35 182, 184, 235 monotheism 18, 90–91 Passion see Passion
Easter, first 268–71 parting of the Red Sea 64, 75–76, 75, 76 Garden of Eden 26–29 Hebrews, Book of 51, 240, 265, 281 royal line 115 Passover lamb 252
Eastern Orthodox Church 13, 203 Passover 72–73 God’s covenant with Abraham 44–47 hell 321, 329 Ten Lost Tribes of Israel 129 resurrection see resurrection
Ecclesiastes 137, 149 plagues of Egypt 70–71, 70 Jacob wrestles with an angel 56–57, 56 Herod Agrippa II 294, 295 Twelve Tribes of Israel 57, 57, 230, 276 Second Adam 35
Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 311 Ten Commandments 80–83, 84 Joseph 58–61 Herod Antipas 261, 265 Issachar 57 Second Coming 46, 217, 305
Eden see Garden of Eden exorcism 224–25, 227, 271, 286, 337 Noah 40–41 Herod the Great 183, 186, 187, 191, 251 Second Moses 64
Egypt 49, 60, 129, 141 Ezekiel 48, 137, 143, 162–63, 167 patriarchal period 18 Herod II 195, 337 Sermon on the Mount 176, 204–09
Abraham in 46–47 Ezra 39, 85, 133, 245 prayer, origin of 38–39 Hezekiah, King 131, 148, 149, 168, 172, 336 J servant savior 155, 251
gods 60, 84, 140, 247 primeval period 18 Hinduism 211 as shepherd 143, 256
Holy Family in 187 Sodom and Gomorrah 48–49, 49 Historical Books 94–95 temptation of 176, 196, 198–99, 311
Israelites’ flight from see Exodus Tower of Babel 42–43, 43 holiness 314–15 Transfiguration 196, 234–35, 234
Israelites in 61, 66, 70–71 F Gentiles 109, 217, 223, 231, 277 Holy of Holies 82, 87, 122, 123, 314, 315 Jezebel, Queen 124, 125, 334
Joseph in 18, 19, 60–61 in the early Church 277, 289, 292–93, Holy See 203 Jacob 14, 18, 19, 39, 58, 59, 60, 118, 173, 247, Job, Book of 136, 141, 146–47, 225, 233
Pharaohs 46–47, 60–61, 70–71, 72, 74, 75, 305, 339 Holy Spirit 29, 39, 109, 179, 196, 196, 275, 276, 276, 297 Joel (prophet) 137, 169, 283
77, 247 Gerizim, Mount 109 277, 298, 315 and Esau 54–55, 55, 57 Joel (son of Samuel) 114
plagues of Egypt 64, 70–71, 70, 72 faith Gideon 90, 94, 100–103 baptism by 189, 195 Jacob’s ladder 55 John (Apostle) 201, 202, 203, 234, 250, 251, 286,
wisdom literature 149 biblical words for 240 Gilead 56, 127 fruits of the Spirit 300 wrestles with an angel 19, 56–57, 56 287
Eid al-Adha 45, 53, 53 characteristics of 240, 241 Gilgamesh, epic of 19, 41 Pentecost 280, 283 Jael 101 John, Gospel of 25, 161, 177, 183, 201, 233, 274
Ekron 105, 117 faith and works 241, 301, 312–13 Gnostic Christians 255 Holy Trinity 29, 150, 151, 281, 298–99, 298 Jahwist 18, 27 Agony of Jesus 254
El 39 light of 241 God homosexuality 49 James (son of Alphaeus) 202 baptism of Jesus 194, 196
Eli 85, 112–13, 113 nature of 236–41 Alpha and Omega 144, 327 Horeb 67, 68 James (son of Zebedee) 201, 202, 203, 234, 287, Christ’s divinity 190–93
Elijah 14, 173, 264, 334 and reason 239 compassion 66, 68, 145, 230 horsemen of the apocalypse 319–20 294 cleansing of the Temple 244–45, 244
and the chariot of fire 95, 126–27, 127, 235 salvation through 281, 292, 301, 312, 313 creation of humanity 26–29 Hosea 57, 145, 161, 169, 187 James the Just (brother of Jesus) 313 disciple entrusted with Mary 263
contest with the prophets of Baal 125 Fall, The 30–35, 199 creation of the universe 20–25, 40 Hoshea, King 168 James, epistle of 53, 239, 241, 281, 312–13 the empty tomb 268–71
“oral” prophet 156 false prophets 158, 170, 208 divine mercy 103, 166, 167, 171 Hyksos 64, 99 Jehoash, King 336 feeding of the 5,000 203, 230
and the Transfiguration of Jesus 234, 235 false teachers 281, 305, 308, 310, 312, 313 fear of God 52–53 hymns 140–41 Jehoiachin, King 128, 129, 131, 162 Great Commission 274
in the wilderness 124, 124 fish Glory of God 163, 235 see also Psalms Jehoiakim 128, 129 Jesus anointed at Bethany 247
Eliphaz 147 Jonah and the 166–67 human image and attributes 27, 145 Jephthah 101, 332, 333 Jesus’s Passion 261, 263, 264, 265
Elisha 126, 127, 335, 336 symbolism 203 names of 39, 145 Jereboam 335 Last Supper 251, 253
Elizabeth 195 fishermen 201, 202, 203, 287 omnipresence 67, 166 Jeremiah 14, 87, 136, 156–59, 160, 161, 187, Lazarus 226–27, 226
Elkannah 112, 112 Flavius Josephus 64, 196, 251, 260 omniscience 33–34, 157 I 295 Logos (Word) 151
Elohim 18, 39 floods plurals 28–29 Jericho 242, 285 nature of faith 236–41
Emmaus 272–73 Great Flood 18, 19, 41, 173, 199 relationships with 145, 212 fall of 94, 97, 98–99, 98 seven signs of Christ 227
Ephesians, letter to 35, 157, 239, 299, 301, Nile floods 60 wrath of 144–45, 161 Jerome, St. 28 wedding at Cana 337
307, 328 God-fearers 288 Ibrahim see Abraham Jerusalem 48, 49 wise and foolish builders 337
armor of God 302–03 forbidden fruit 32–33, 32 go’el 109 idleness 148–49, 149 Babylonian destruction of (586 BCE) 95, woman at Jacob’s well 337
salvation through faith 301 Francis, Pope 307 golden calf 74, 84–85, 84 idolatry 83, 90, 91, 118, 170, 193 128–31, 130, 137, 142, 158–59, 160–61, 171, woman caught in adultery 338
Ephesus 303 free will 33–34, 35, 157 Golden Rule 210–11, 216, 338 golden calf 84–85, 84 172 John the Baptist 85, 173, 189, 191, 195, 235
epistles 13–14, 280–81 Golgotha 262–64, 266 Ignatius, St. 306 Council of Jerusalem 292–93, 299 baptism of Jesus 194–97
authorship 281 Goliath 95, 116–17, 116 Immanuel 191 New Jerusalem 163, 281, 319, 322–29, 324, beheading of 195, 229, 337
see also individual index entries G Good Samaritan 216–17, 216 incarnation 151, 193 328 messianic precursor 189
Esau 19, 39, 54–55, 55, 57, 173 gospel 176 inheritance rights 220 rebuilding of 95, 133, 133 John of Patmos 281, 319
eschatology 327–28, 329 Gospels 13 Isaac 39, 46, 50, 52, 54, 297, 332 Roman destruction of (70 CE) 243 John the Seer 319
Esdras 165 fifth Gospel see Isaiah, Book of sacrificial ordeal 19, 51–53, 241, 313 Temple see Temple (Jerusalem) see also Revelation
Eshet Hayil 151 Gospel of Judas 255 Isaiah 48, 154, 154 Jesus Christ 176–77 Jonah 137, 166–67, 169, 233
Essenes 245 Gabriel, Angel 178, 178, 179 Synoptic Gospels 177, 221, 226 Deutero-Isaiah 90, 91, 154 anointment at Bethany 246–47, 246 Jonathan 297, 334
Esther 94, 95, 132 Galatians, letter to 35, 195, 293, 297, 300, see also John; Luke; Mark; Matthew Isaiah, Book of 13, 28, 47, 144, 154–55, 189, baptism of 176, 194–97, 195, 235 Jordan, River 96–97, 126, 127, 195, 197, 335
Ethan the Ezrahite 143 307, 313 Great Commission 177, 274–77, 321 192, 221, 230, 302, 325 brothers and sisters 183 parting of 97, 126, 127
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H Messianic prophecies 155, 179, 191, 199 cleansing of the Temple 244–45, 244
monotheistic statements 91
compassion 161, 217, 226, 227, 229
crucifixion see crucifixion
Servant Songs 154–55, 289
Ishmael 39, 45, 51, 53, 55
Islam 27, 45, 53 Davidic ancestry 95, 171, 178–79, 182, 183
divinity 177, 190–93, 275, 299
Golden Rule 211 human nature 179, 182, 192, 193
Habakkuk 169 name for God 145 incarnation 151
Hagar 39, 45, 51, 51, 55 and Original Sin 35 king of the Jews 231, 261, 263
Haggai 169 Israelites Light of the World 241
Ham 40, 332 enslavement in Egypt 61, 66, 70–73 Messiah see Messiah
Hammurabi, King 81 enter the Promised Land 96–97 milestones of His ministry 235
Hananiah 156, 158 Exodus see Exodus miracles see miracles
Hannah 39, 112–13, 112, 184 “faithful remnant” 155, 172, 185 naming 178, 179
Hazael 335 forty years in the desert 65, 76–77, 81, 86–87, Nativity 171, 180–86
Hebrew Bible 25, 94, 113, 122, 136, 141, 150, 88, 230, 238, 241 parables see parables
182, 184, 235 monotheism 18, 90–91 Passion see Passion
Hebrews, Book of 51, 240, 265, 281 royal line 115 Passover lamb 252
hell 321, 329 Ten Lost Tribes of Israel 129 resurrection see resurrection
Herod Agrippa II 294, 295 Twelve Tribes of Israel 57, 57, 230, 276 Second Adam 35
Herod Antipas 261, 265 Issachar 57 Second Coming 46, 217, 305
Herod the Great 183, 186, 187, 191, 251 Second Moses 64
Herod II 195, 337 Sermon on the Mount 176, 204–09
Hezekiah, King 131, 148, 149, 168, 172, 336 servant savior 155, 251
Hinduism 211 J as shepherd 143, 256
Historical Books 94–95 temptation of 176, 196, 198–99, 311
holiness 314–15 Transfiguration 196, 234–35, 234
Holy of Holies 82, 87, 122, 123, 314, 315 Jezebel, Queen 124, 125, 334
Holy See 203 Jacob 14, 18, 19, 39, 58, 59, 60, 118, 173, 247, Job, Book of 136, 141, 146–47, 225, 233
Holy Spirit 29, 39, 109, 179, 196, 196, 275, 276, 276, 297 Joel (prophet) 137, 169, 283
277, 298, 315 and Esau 54–55, 55, 57 Joel (son of Samuel) 114
baptism by 189, 195 Jacob’s ladder 55 John (Apostle) 201, 202, 203, 234, 250, 251, 286,
fruits of the Spirit 300 wrestles with an angel 19, 56–57, 56 287
Pentecost 280, 283 Jael 101 John, Gospel of 25, 161, 177, 183, 201, 233, 274
Holy Trinity 29, 150, 151, 281, 298–99, 298 Jahwist 18, 27 Agony of Jesus 254
homosexuality 49 James (son of Alphaeus) 202 baptism of Jesus 194, 196
Horeb 67, 68 James (son of Zebedee) 201, 202, 203, 234, 287, Christ’s divinity 190–93
horsemen of the apocalypse 319–20 294 cleansing of the Temple 244–45, 244
Hosea 57, 145, 161, 169, 187 James the Just (brother of Jesus) 313 disciple entrusted with Mary 263
Hoshea, King 168 James, epistle of 53, 239, 241, 281, 312–13 the empty tomb 268–71
Hyksos 64, 99 Jehoash, King 336 feeding of the 5,000 203, 230
hymns 140–41 Jehoiachin, King 128, 129, 131, 162 Great Commission 274
see also Psalms Jehoiakim 128, 129 Jesus anointed at Bethany 247
Jephthah 101, 332, 333 Jesus’s Passion 261, 263, 264, 265
I Jeremiah 14, 87, 136, 156–59, 160, 161, 187, Lazarus 226–27, 226
Last Supper 251, 253
Jereboam 335
Logos (Word) 151
295
Jericho 242, 285
seven signs of Christ 227
fall of 94, 97, 98–99, 98 nature of faith 236–41
Jerome, St. 28 wedding at Cana 337
Ibrahim see Abraham Jerusalem 48, 49 wise and foolish builders 337
idleness 148–49, 149 Babylonian destruction of (586 BCE) 95, woman at Jacob’s well 337
idolatry 83, 90, 91, 118, 170, 193 128–31, 130, 137, 142, 158–59, 160–61, 171, woman caught in adultery 338
golden calf 84–85, 84 172 John the Baptist 85, 173, 189, 191, 195, 235
Ignatius, St. 306 Council of Jerusalem 292–93, 299 baptism of Jesus 194–97
Immanuel 191 New Jerusalem 163, 281, 319, 322–29, 324, beheading of 195, 229, 337
incarnation 151, 193 328 messianic precursor 189
inheritance rights 220 rebuilding of 95, 133, 133 John of Patmos 281, 319
Isaac 39, 46, 50, 52, 54, 297, 332 Roman destruction of (70 CE) 243 John the Seer 319
sacrificial ordeal 19, 51–53, 241, 313 Temple see Temple (Jerusalem) see also Revelation
Isaiah 48, 154, 154 Jesus Christ 176–77 Jonah 137, 166–67, 169, 233
Deutero-Isaiah 90, 91, 154 anointment at Bethany 246–47, 246 Jonathan 297, 334
Isaiah, Book of 13, 28, 47, 144, 154–55, 189, baptism of 176, 194–97, 195, 235 Jordan, River 96–97, 126, 127, 195, 197, 335
192, 221, 230, 302, 325 brothers and sisters 183 parting of 97, 126, 127





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348 INDEX INDEX 349




Joseph of Arimathea 264, 269 last rites 267 Lord’s Prayer 212–13 hidden treasure 215
Joseph (husband of Mary) 178, 179, 182, 182, Last Supper 46, 177, 230, 248–53, 253 magi 186 Last Judgment 319
183, 187, 188 washing of the feet 250, 251, 315 M and Mary’s conception 178, 179 N lost coin 221
Joseph (son of Jacob) 18, 19, 57, 58–61, 59, 61, words of institution 252 Nativity 182, 183 lost sheep 215, 221
67, 165 law codes 81, 91 parables 214–15 mote and the beam 209
Joshua 37, 75, 88, 94, 96–99, 96, 98, 313, 333 Lazarus (beggar) 338 Sermon on the Mount 204–09 Pharisee and the tax collector 243
Joshua, Book of 37, 96–99, 313 Lazarus of Bethany 161, 176, 226–27, 226, Maccabees 311 temple tax 222 Naaman 335 prodigal son 218–21, 219, 220
Josiah, King 81, 87, 129, 172 247, 297 magi 171, 176, 186, 191 temptations of Christ 198–99 Naboth’s vineyard 334–35 sower 214–15, 214
Jotham, King 168 Leah 39, 55, 56, 57 Magnificat 179 Transfiguration 234–35, 234 Nahum 169 ten virgins 215
Judah, Judeans 108, 128–31, 159, 173 leprosy 77, 227, 335, 338–39 Malachi 137, 155, 169, 173, 185, 235 two sons in the vineyard 339 Naomi 108–09, 240 two sons in the vineyard 339
Babylonian captivity 22, 25, 37, 43, 47, 98, 129, Levi 57 manna 76, 87 workers in the vineyard 223 nard 246, 247 unforgiving servant 215, 338
131, 143, 149, 154, 162, 163, 164, 171, 172 Levites 75, 85, 87, 140 Marduk 22, 22, 43, 90, 227 Matthias (Apostle) 202, 276 Nathan 119, 122, 335 unjust judge 215
Judah (son of Jacob) 57, 59–60, 159 Leviticus 37, 82, 87, 91, 118, 207, 211, 216, Mark, Gospel of 177, 183, 194, 198, 203, 230, 233 Megiddo, Mount 320 Nativity 171, 176, 180–86, 182, 184 wise and foolish builders 337
Judaism 219, 314 Agony of Jesus 254 Menelik I 87, 122 date of 183, 185 workers in the vineyard 223
conversion to 288 light and dark imagery 241 beheading of John the Baptist 337 menorah 25, 87 natural theology 24 parousia 318, 321
covenants 46 lions calling of the disciples 200–203 Messiah Nazareth 185 Passion
dietary laws 293 Daniel in the lions’ den 137, 164, 165 Day of the Lord 319 anointed one 95, 179 Nazirites 105 Agony of Jesus 254–55
Golden Rule 211 Samson and the lion 105, 105 the empty tomb 269, 270 Davidic Messiah 178–79, 183 Nebu, Mount 87 crucifixion see crucifixion
monotheistic faith 45 loaves and fishes 177, 191, 203, 228–31, feeding of the 4,000 338 Messianic prophecies 155, 171, 179, 183, 185, Nebuchadnezzar II, King 25, 95, 128, 129, 129, Jesus before Pilate 260–62, 295
names for God 145 229 Gadarene swine 224–25, 224 191, 195, 199, 245 130, 131, 158, 160, 164, 165, 336 Jesus before the Sanhedrin 192, 257, 257, 260
and Original Sin 34, 35 Logos see Word Jesus anointed at Bethany 246–47, 246 Micah 91, 131, 137, 168–71, 169, 183 Nehemiah 95, 133 Jesus foretells His coming death 246–47, 251,
Judas Iscariot 177, 202, 247, 253, 253, 254, 255 Lord’s Prayer 212–13, 213 Jesus’s Passion 258–65, 268 Michael the Archangel 302 Nero, Emperor 287, 291, 295, 304 252, 254–55
judges 102, 112, 114, 115 Lot 46, 47, 49, 49 Peter’s denial of Jesus 256–57, 256 Michelangelo 27, 35, 145, 154 New Jerusalem 163, 281, 319, 322–29, 324, Last Supper 46, 177, 230, 248–53, 253
Judges, Book of 95, 333 Lot’s wife 49 Transfiguration 234 Midian 66–67, 68, 76 328 mockery of Jesus 260, 261, 262
Gideon and the judges 100–103 love 15 marriage 28 Midianites 60, 101, 102, 102, 103 Nicene Creed 299 repentant thief 266–67
Samson 95, 104–07, 105, 106, 107 hymn to 296–97 levirate marriage 108 mikveh 119 Nicodemus 238, 240, 241, 264 Passover 72–73, 97, 188, 244
Judith 311 marital love 152–53 marital love 152–53 miracles Nineveh 166, 167, 170, 233 Last Supper 46, 177, 230, 248–53, 253
justification 313, 321 types of 297 Martha 226, 227, 297 Cana 179, 337 Noah 18, 40–41, 173, 332 seder plate 73
Luke, Gospel of 29, 48, 155, 161, 177, 198, martyrdom 287, 288, 291, 295, 309, 313, 339 coin in the fish’s mouth 222 Nod, land of 37 Paul 192, 195, 202, 304
199, 247, 271 Mary (mother of James) 269, 269, 270 of the disciples 284–87, 339 Northern Kingdom of Israel 105, 129, 170 arrest and imprisonment of 280, 294–95, 294,
K Annunciation 178–79 Annunciation 176, 178–79, 178 of Elijah 124, 126 Numbers, Book of 33, 82, 91, 333 clashes with Peter 293
Mary (mother of Jesus) 309
draught of fishes 201, 275
304, 308
Agony of Jesus 254
Balaam’s donkey 89, 89
at Cana 337
Council of Jerusalem 292–93
of Elisha 127, 335
banquet for the poor 339
twelve spies 88
baptism of Jesus 194, 195, 196
committed to John’s care 263
feeding of the 5,000 (five loaves and two
doctrine of original sin 34, 35, 197
birth of John the Baptist 195 at the crucifixion 263, 264 feeding of the 4,000 231, 338 numbers, significant death of 291, 295
three 71
Christ child in the Temple 188 finds Jesus in the Temple 188 fishes) 177, 191, 203, 228–31, 229 five 230 at Ephesus 303
kabbalah 151 cleansing of the ten lepers 338–39 flight to Egypt 187 Gadarene swine 224–25 on Eve 35
Kebra Nagast 122 conversion of Saul 290–91 Magnificat 179 healing 199, 241, 285, 286, 338–39 seven 25, 320 on faith 238–39, 241, 281, 313
Kenites 68 the empty tomb 269, 270 Nativity 182–83, 184, 184, 186 Jesus walks on the water 177, 232–33, 233 twelve 230, 276 hymn to love 296–97
Kingdom of God 176, 206, 229, 238, 243, 251, feeding of the 5,000 203, 228–31, 229 perpetual virginity 183 of Moses 68, 75–76, 226 forty 199 influence on Christianity 305
265, 274, 320, 327 Golden Rule 210–11 sufferings 185 raising the dead 176, 226–27, 286, 339 Nunc Dimittis 185 on the Last Judgment 321
Kings, books of 225, 245, 334–36 Good Samaritan 216–17 Mary of Bethany 226, 227, 246, 247, 271, 297 see also exorcism letters see Colossians; Corinthians;
Elijah and the chariot of fire 126–27, 127 Great Commission 274, 276 Mary Magdalene 269, 269, 270–71 Miriam 76, 77, 85 Ephesians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans;
Elijah and the prophets of Baal 125 Jesus’s Passion 261, 263, 264, 266, 267, mass 252, 253 Moab, Moabites 89, 91, 108, 172 Thessalonians; Timothy
Elijah in the wilderness 124, 124 268 Matthew (Levi) (Apostle) 201, 202 Mosaic Law 14, 82, 91, 207, 219, 230, 245, O on the message of the cross 265
monotheism 18, 45, 64–65, 90–91, 126, 149, 312
fall of Jerusalem 128–31, 130 John the Baptist 189 Matthew, Gospel of 25, 88, 163, 167, 177, 191, on the resurrection 271, 273, 281
wisdom of Solomon 120–23 Judas Iscariot 255 203, 228, 271, 285, 327 257, 292, 294, 305, 312, 313, 315 works and miracles 286
Korban Pesach 73 Last Supper 248–53 anointing of Jesus’s feet 247 Moses 25, 33, 39, 48, 64, 67, 80, 96, 118, Paulicians 199
127, 143, 144, 145, 147, 184, 315, 332
Lazarus and the rich man 338 baptism of Jesus 194–97 books of Moses see Torah Obadiah 125, 169 Pentateuch 18, 27, 75, 141, 230, 293, 310
the empty tomb 269, 270
Olives, Mount of 233
L Nativity 182–85 feeding of the 4,000 231, 338 brazen serpent 238, 336 oral tradition 215 second Pentecost 286
Pentecost 280, 282–83
Lord’s Prayer 212–13
feeding of the 5,000 230
Original Sin 34–35, 197
and the burning bush 39, 64, 66–69, 145
Pesach 72, 73
Peter’s denial of Jesus 257
Garden of Gethsemane 254–55
prodigal son 218–21, 219
Peter 202, 203, 222, 250
repentant thief 266–67 Golden Rule 210, 211 called by God 67–68 see also Passover
death of 75, 96, 333
road to Emmaus 272–73 Great Commission 274–77 Exodus see Exodus before the Sanhedrin 285–86
Laban 55, 56–57 Simeon in the Temple 192 greatest commandment 296 monotheism 90–91 P clashes with Paul 293
Lachish 170 Transfiguration 234, 235 Herod’s infanticide 187 parallels with Jeremiah 157, 159 Council of Jerusalem 292
Lachish letters 131 universalism 185 Holy Trinity 299 Ten Commandments crucifixion of 287
Lamech 37, 40, 118 Zacchaeus the tax collector 242–43, Jesus anointed at Bethany 247 see Ten Commandments declarations of love for Jesus 233, 275–76
Lamentations, Book of 137, 141, 158, 160–61 242 Jesus’s Passion 257, 261, 262, 263, 264, Muhammad, Prophet 45, 123 Palm Sunday 245 denial of Jesus 233, 256–57, 256, 287
Last Judgment 173, 189, 203, 316–21 see also Acts of the Apostles 265, 266 murder 37, 118, 119 parables 214–15 in the Garden of Gethsemane 254
Seven Last Plagues 71 Luther, Martin 23, 34, 239, 301 Jesus walks on water 232–33, 233 fratricide 36–37 banquet for the poor 339 imprisonment 287
see also Day of the Lord Lydia 288 Last Judgment 318, 319 infanticide 77, 187 Good Samaritan 216–17 Jesus’s calling of 200–201
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