Big Ideas Simply Explained - The Bible Book

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

300 BPSAEUNPAIDTRCTIKETHI,NIEFSDOFNLRREOBUSVEISTEA,ROJAFONTYC,HEE, GALATIANS 5:22–23, FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT IN BRIEF I n his letter to the Galatians— Although Greek and Roman new churches in a province philosophers often made lists of PASSAGE in present-day Turkey—Paul vices and virtues, Paul’s primary Galatians 5:13–26 delivers an impassioned affirmation intention in Galatians is to draw 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. SETTING In Galatians 5, in particular, Paul focuses on vices that cause 48–55 ce Galatia, a province Paul uses two lists in order to dissent among communities, such in modern-day Turkey. compare the vices produced by as jealousy, factions, and envy. The human effort to the virtues that “fruit of the Spirit,” in contrast, KEY FIGURES are “the fruit of the Spirit” (5:22). emphasizes principles centered on Paul An Apostle of Christ who The first list outlines “acts of the healing communities; such as love, acted as a missionary in the flesh,” listing qualities such as patience, and gentleness. ■ early Christian Church, later “sexual immorality … hatred” and writing letters to the churches “selfish ambition” (5:19–20) among So, I say, walk by the Spirit, he founded. Many of these the vices of sinful humanity. For and you will not gratify epistles became books of the Paul, these sins dominate a society the desires of the New Testament. that has become focused purely sinful nature. on its selfish impulses. Galatians 5:16 Galatians Lapsed followers of Christ from Galatia, a Roman The second list establishes province founded in the 3rd the virtuous alternative to sin century bce. as the “fruit of the Spirit”—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. For 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

ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 301 FNTYOOHORURTOIBHTUYAGIVWSHEBOFBYRAEKIEGTSNRHAS…CAEVED, EPHESIANS 2:8–9, SALVATION THROUGH FAITH IN BRIEF A fter he is arrested, and Protestant reformer Martin Luther while he awaits trial in was a firm proponent of the doctrine PASSAGE Rome, Paul writes letters of sola fide—salvation through faith Ephesians 2:1–10 of encouragement to churches he alone. This view was fundamental to has founded around the Aegean the Protestant Reformation. THEME Sea. In one such letter, to the Faith and salvation people of Ephesus, Paul discusses Crucially, Paul tells the Ephesians the importance of having faith in that even their faith is a gift from SETTING God, compared to the significance God, rather than a virtue they have 61–62 ce Ephesus, a province of performing “works”—that is, cultivated themselves. According in modern-day Turkey. good deeds and actions. Despite to Paul, God alone may take credit stating that “we were created … for the salvation of the Ephesians: KEY FIGURES to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10), the people have been saved not Paul An Apostle of Christ who Paul repeatedly writes that personal because they have done good acted as a missionary in the salvation—being welcomed into deeds, but because God, in His early Christian Church. He the kingdom of heaven—can only grace, gave them faith. ■ wrote letters to the churches happen through faith in Jesus. he founded, such as the church in Ephesus. Many of these A gift from God epistles became books of the According to Paul, the Ephesians New Testament. were “dead in [their] transgressions and sins” (2:1), yet because God is Saints in Ephesus Jewish loving and merciful, He made them and Gentile Christians alive with Christ. By this, Paul in the church in Ephesus. means that the people’s actions were previously of a sinful nature, not good works in the name of God. However, when the Ephesians were converted, they were saved through God’s favor, His grace (2:8–9). See also: Fruits of the Spirit 300 ■ The Power of the Resurrection 304–05 ■ Faith and Works 312–13

302 FPOUUFLTGLOOANDRTMHOER EPHESIANS 6:11, ARMOR OF GOD IN BRIEF T he author of Ephesians “righteousness as His breastplate, uses fierce military imagery and the helmet of salvation on His PASSAGE to convey his view that head” (Isaiah 59:17), Ephesians Ephesians 6:10–20 believers face all-out warfare in the describes the “full armor of God” fight against evil. It is a struggle (Ephesians 6:11) that believers, too, THEME populated not with human foes at can and must adorn to take their The protection of God the earthly level, but with powerful stand “against the rulers, against and malevolent supernatural the authorities, against the powers SETTING beings—the scheming devil and of this dark world” (Ephesians 6:12). c.61–62 ce Ephesus The the hierarchy of “spiritual forces Ephesian letter was probably of evil in the heavenly realms” The Ephesian audience written for churches in (Ephesians 6:12). As with all New Testament western Asia Minor, of which writings, Ephesians is addressing the church in Ephesus was the For believers, however, God’s believers in a particular context. largest and most important. power is greater. Drawing on the The Ephesians live in a region Old Testament prophet Isaiah, of Asia Minor whose chief city, KEY FIGURES who depicts God putting on Ephesus, is famous for magical Author of Ephesians Early practices associated with the Christians believed this to be goddess Artemis. For them, Paul. Some modern scholars as for the area’s Jewish converts, argue that it is more likely to the world has two dimensions— be one of his disciples. earthly and heavenly—and the heavenly realm includes fearsome Readers The recipients of forces of evil as well as of good. the letter were mostly Gentile Ephesians in no way denies this converts to Christianity. vision of things—it simply puts this idea into a wider perspective by asserting the supreme power St. Michael the Archangel dons full armor in his victorious battle against Satan in the book of Revelation. This painting, composed in the early 16th century, is by an unknown artist.

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

304 IKWNOAWNTCTHORIST PHILIPPIANS 3:10, THE POWER OF THE RESURRECTION IN BRIEF P aul wrote his letter to the Christians in Philippi while PASSAGE imprisoned, preparing his Philippians 3:1–14 defense in rebuttal of charges of THEME treason against the Emperor Nero. The power of Christ’s The charge arose because early resurrection Christians affirmed that “Jesus SETTING is Lord,” refusing Roman oaths of c.50 ce Philippi, a Roman loyalty, because they considered colony in Macedonia. them blasphemous. To their KEY FIGURES enemies, however, their refusal Paul The Apostle, who suggested subversive intent. founded the church in Philippi. According to the letter, he A critical part of Paul’s defense is a prisoner at the time of would have been that loyalty to writing—most likely in Rome. Jesus did not foster rebellion, but The Philippians Christians instead produced virtuous citizens. in Philippi, most of whom are Philippi, a military colony, was Gentile converts. mainly populated by retired Roman soldiers or their descendants—an St. Paul holding the sword of the outpost of loyalists with a duty to Spirit. This painting is attributed secure the province of Macedonia. to the Italian Renaissance artist Demonstrating that Christians Macrino d’Alba, 1490–1527. were exemplary citizens in a city unquestionably loyal to the Empire would persuade the Romans to tolerate the new religion. Paul seemed to have this in mind when he urged the people to “conduct yourselves”—literally, live out your citizenship—“in a matter worthy of … Christ” (Philippians 1:27). The key to Paul’s defense was the moral behavior of the Christians in Philippi. Yet he

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 At the name of Jesus been threatened by “false teachers,” hidden with Christ in God. When every knee [shall] bow … who claimed that righteousness Christ, who is your life, appears, depended on keeping the Mosaic then you also will appear with and every tongue Law of circumcision. Paul was Him in glory.” acknowledge that writing to the Christians in Philippi Jesus Christ is Lord, to testify against this belief, and Paul teaches that the power of to the glory of God argue that Christians received their the resurrection drives the entire righteousness from God. Christian way of living: Jesus’s the Father. resurrection enables His people Philippians 2:10–11 Alive in Christ thereafter to live new, transformed Christians believe they become lives, characterized by obeying is the true place of Christian righteous when faith leads them to God’s laws in all that they do. citizenship. At that time, the experience “the power of [Christ’s] Peter’s teaching echoes this idea: dead will rise, and the living will resurrection” (3:10). This means the “His divine power has given us be brought up to meet Christ power of God that raised Jesus everything we need for a godly life” in the air, in physical bodies like from the dead similarly transforms (2 Peter 1:3). Even in difficult times, that of the resurrected Lord. the spiritually “dead” (sinners) into such as those faced by the early In that moment, Paul writes, “living” saints. Indeed, Paul saw Christians, belief in Christ’s the appearance of the resurrected any person’s conversion to faith in resurrection would transform savior will complete the process Jesus as a manifestation of the the character of the converts to of eliminating sin and perfecting power of the resurrection. make them exemplary citizens in righteousness in Christians. ■ Philippi—justifying the claim that In a letter to the Colossians, “Jesus is Lord” (Philippians 2:11). Paul writes that although believers once lived in sin, their sins have The final resurrection been buried, and they have been Paul concludes that ultimate reborn through Jesus. By coming experience of “the power of His to know God, they now share in his resurrection” will come in the resurrecting power. In Colossians future, at the Second Coming 3:3–4, for example, Paul writes of Christ from heaven—which An illustration of the preaching Paul’s influence Gentile converts should not be of the first missionary Apostles, on Christianity made to submit to the rite of after a 15th-century Arras tapestry circumcision and Jewish dietary in Tournai Cathedral, Belgium. 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 journeys that brought the Gospel Paul’s other legacy was to thousands across the eastern his letters. Thirteen of the Roman Empire and finally in 27 books of the New Testament Rome itself. Crucial in this quest are attributed to him. These was Paul’s insistence, against letters elaborate much of the considerable opposition, that all New Testament’s theology and, believers—Gentile and Jewish— for Christians, act as a guide for had equal status and that the application of its teaching in a practical context.

306 HTAHENAEDDCHOHEFUISRTCHTHEHEBODY, COLOSSIANS 1:18, THE BODY OF CHRIST IN BRIEF T he image of the community fractious people and chastising of believers as a discrete them, Paul employs the image to PASSAGES entity unfolds and develops press home a message about unity Colossians 1:15–23, in the Pauline writings of the New despite diversity. “Just as a body, 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, Testament. It was by no means a though one, has many parts … Ephesians 4:1–16 new idea. The concept of the “body all its many parts form one body,” politic”—an understanding of a he tells his readers. Then, he THEME nation of peoples as one body— continues: “So it is with Christ” The body of Christ as was commonplace among Greek (1 Corinthians 12:12). a metaphor for the and Roman philosophers. Plato had Christian Church used it, as had Aristotle, Cicero, A united body Seneca, and many others. Despite coming from diverse SETTING backgrounds, the Corinthian c.54 ce Letters written to For his part, Paul takes hold believers must remember the basic the churches of Asia Minor of the idea and begins to develop unity they have through God’s by Paul and his disciples. it in earnest in his first letter to Spirit. “For we were all baptized by the Corinthians. Writing to the one Spirit so as to form one body— KEY FIGURES whether Jews or Gentiles, slave Paul An Apostle of Christ, or free—and we were all given the writing to the churches in one Spirit to drink” (12:13). Corinth and Asia Minor. Continuing with the image of Author of Colossians Early the body, Paul reminds the different Christians believed this to be cliques among the Corinthians Paul. Some modern scholars of their inescapable need for one argue that it is more likely to another: “The eye cannot say have been one of his disciples. to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’” (12:21). St. Ignatius, painted in oils by Giuseppe Franchi (1565–1628), was an early Christian writer and Bishop of Antioch. He was the first to employ the term “Catholic Church” in writing.

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 This is the first mention of “the The concept of members to regard itself as body of Christ” in the Bible and, of the Church better than the others: “God has in 1 Corinthians, the concept has put the body together, giving a relatively narrow focus. It is about In Greek, the word ekklesia, greater honor to the parts that living out the Christian message of usually translated in the New lacked it, so that there should be love and service in the context of a Testament as “church,” simply no division in the body, but that local place of worship. refers to an assembly called its parts should have equal concern together for, say, a political for each other” (12:24–25). Developing the image purpose. The Greek version Two later writings of the New of the Hebrew Bible, the In several letters, Paul refers to Testament—the letters to the Septuagint, uses the term in certain “gifts,” such as wisdom or Colossians and the Ephesians— this sense to describe various faith, that Christians receive by are regarded by some scholars as assemblies of the people of believing in Jesus. The analogy of the work of two of Paul’s disciples, Israel. It is later—in Acts and the body as a united entity is a way and add to the image of the united the Pauline writings, above of ensuring that none of these gifts body. Jesus Christ “is before all all—that the word starts to is viewed as superior to others. If things, and in Him all things hold acquire the meaning of more visible “gifts” are held in too together” (Colossians 1:17). “church” as we know it today. great esteem, they will promote pride, with one exception—love— The author of Ephesians Generally, in the Pauline as there is no greater gift that one expounds on this idea: “We will writings, the term refers to can possess or give in return. grow to become in every respect an assembly of believers in Paul ends his exhortation with the mature body of Him who is the a particular city or region— a simple metaphor: “Now you are head, that is, Christ. From Him as when Paul refers to the the body of Christ, and each one the whole body, joined and held Galatians, for example, as the of you is a part of it” (12:27). together by every supporting “churches in Galatia.” In the ligament, grows and builds itself later New Testament books Instead, speaking the up in love, as each part does its of Colossians and Ephesians, truth in love, we will work” (Ephesians 4:15–16). This the use of the term “church” grow to become in every vivid depiction presents the body (ekklesia) further develops the respect the mature body of Christ as a living, breathing more transcendent meaning of Him who is the head, organism. Built on love, the body of the body of all believers, of Christ depends and thrives on united as the body of Christ that is, Christ. the faith of its members. ■ and the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:15

308 IN BRIEF IBSSRCGERAOIPTDTH-UERDE PASSAGE 2 Timothy 3:14–17 2 TIMOTHY 3:16, THE BIBLE AS GOD’S WORD THEME Authorship of scripture SETTING c.64–67 ce Letter written by Paul in Rome. KEY FIGURES Paul The Apostle, who is imprisoned in Rome awaiting trial. He writes letters to various churches and disciples, including Timothy. Timothy A disciple and former representative of the Apostle Paul. Timothy serves as the pastor of the church Paul founded in Ephesus. Jesus The Messiah and Son of God, whose proclamations are divine. Jesus’s teaching highlighted the divine authority of scripture. N ear the end of his life, Paul was imprisoned in Rome, awaiting trial before the emperor for charges related to his faith. During this time, the Apostle wrote several letters to colleagues and friends, including to his young disciple, Timothy. He had become a trusted aide to Paul as the two men traveled to Greek cities on both sides of the Aegean Sea. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul encouraged him to deal with false teachers and remain committed to what he had been taught. As a child, Timothy’s mother and grandmother had taught him the Hebrew scriptures,

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

310 THE BIBLE AS GOD’S WORD The Bible in its entirety has been translated into 363 languages, and the New Testament into 1,442. These pilgrims in Lalibela, Ethiopia, hear the word of God in their native Amharic. Apocrypha He prefaces His pronouncements proverbs. The prophetic books of with “I tell you,” and uses this the Old Testament (from Isaiah The apocryphal books are phrase nearly 140 times throughout to Malachi) identify human authors, an additional set of writings the Bible. Paul indicates that he as do each of the New Testament associated with the Old sees Jesus’s teachings as the epistles, except for the mysterious Testament. Mostly written Word of God when he introduces Epistle to the Hebrews. in Greek, all were completed a combined quote of Deuteronomy between 300–100 bce, and and Jesus with the words, The human authors of the Bible came into use by Christians “Scripture says …” Interestingly, each display vast differences in due to their inclusion in some this expanded understanding background, language, and style, Greek translations of the Old of the divinity of scripture also as well as geographical, cultural, Testament (the Septuagint). encompasses the writings of Paul and historical location. They wrote himself. Peter says that Paul writes in ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and While many early Christian with God-given wisdom and warns the common Greek spoken in the bishops did not accept the that false teachers will attempt to first century ce. Some authors apocryphal books, recognition distort Paul’s writings, “as they do were highly educated (for example, of them grew among Roman the other Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16). Moses, Isaiah, and Paul), while Catholic bishops in the late others were farmers and fishermen Middle Ages. They were Dual authorship (Amos and Peter), producing a wide formally adopted as scripture The Bible’s words on its divine variety of literary genres ranging by the Council of Trent in origin stand alongside clear from narratives and histories to 1546. Of the 18 apocryphal acknowledgment of its human genealogical records. Other biblical texts, Roman Catholics accept authorship. Jesus attributes the writings take the form of poetry, seven as scripture, plus the Pentateuch of the Old Testament proverb, and apocalyptic vision. expanded versions of the to Moses. The Psalms are books of Daniel and Esther. attributed to King David, while The concept of dual authorship They can be found in the David’s son, Solomon, is identified addresses the question of how to Old Testament of the Roman as the author of many of the reconcile the interaction between Catholic Bible. divine and human in the scriptures. The Bible depicts authors as recording messages that they had Prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21

ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 311 God’s role in producing the scriptures is interpreted in three major ways. The theory of Limited The theory of Verbal Neo-orthodoxy teaches Inspiration argues God Plenary Inspiration that the Bible was guided the authors of the maintains that every word Bible but did not preserve of the Bible has been written by fallible humans them from making errors. directly “God-breathed” and only becomes the word and preserved by God of God when He reveals (2 Timothy 3:16). Himself through it. 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. written centuries later—including For Paul, the divine authorship Ecclesiasticus (also known as Divine authority of the Bible is closely linked to its Sirach), 1 and 2 Maccabees, and The belief that the scriptures were transformative power. The Apostle Judith—as scripture. ■ God’s own words carried several reminds Timothy that the “God- significant implications in the breathed” nature of the Bible makes England has two minds of biblical figures. One it a fit instrument for addressing books; the Bible and was the total trust of, and belief issues of faith and behavior, Shakespeare. England in, scripture. The truthfulness of writing that the scriptures “make made Shakespeare, but God’s word therefore became you wise for salvation through the Bible made England. a proverb: “Every word of God faith” (2 Timothy 3:15). Paul teaches is flawless” (Proverbs 30:5). that the faith that unites people to Victor Hugo Christ comes by hearing the word Divine authorship implies divine of God. Delivering “what the Lord authority. To disregard the message says,” the prophet Isaiah wrote, of the prophets was to disbelieve “My word that goes out from my or disobey God. Even the writings mouth, will not return to me empty, 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 scripture to rebut him. Jesus also The concept of the divinity appealed to scripture to answer of scripture has also influenced which writings are included in the

312 PKFTAEENIRSOTSTWHEINPVTGREHROOADAFTNUYTCCOHEEUESR JAMES 1:3, FAITH AND WORKS IN BRIEF T he Epistle of James is Gospel message of salvation addressed to Jewish through faith in Jesus, however, PASSAGE Christians scattered across made the relationship between James 1:2–2:26 the Roman Empire. This one letter, faith and the good deeds that written in Greek, takes the form of demonstrate faith a pressing THEME a series of miniature sermons. question for Jewish believers. Demonstrating faith James begins with a reflection Even demons believe SETTING on how God tests faith in order to James rejects faith that is passive, c.50 ce Jewish-Christian refine it (1:2–12), and later returns asking, “Can such faith save them?” communities throughout to the subject of faith in relation to (James 2:14). He goes on to describe the Roman Empire. good works (2:14–26). Good deeds, his opponents who claim that faith especially obedience to the Law in Jesus relieves believers of the KEY FIGURES of Moses, were part of the first duty to live in a righteous way. James the Just Possibly the Christians’ Jewish heritage. The These false teachers attempt to brother of Jesus and the leader prove their faith simply by affirming of the Church in Jerusalem. the Shema, “the Lord is One,” the statement of monotheism central to Paul Early Church leader, Old Testament teaching. Dismissing who was on the Council of this less than adequate show of Jerusalem with James. faith, James says, “Even the demons believe that—and shudder!” He Diaspora Jewish Christians goes on to cite Abraham as the who were scattered throughout paradigm of living, active faith. the Roman Empire. When God promises Abraham a son, he says, Abraham “believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). Adherence to the Torah, the Law of Moses, was seen by James as an important aspect of faith. Other church fathers, such as Paul, believed that faith alone was the key to salvation.

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

314 IHJCNUOAASLLYLLT,LEASDYSOOYHBUOEEUDWHOISOHLOY IN BRIEF 1 PETER 1:15, HOLINESS PASSAGE I n his letter to Christians like a goldsmith, working on the 1 Peter 1:3–2:25 scattered throughout Asia precious metal of the believer’s THEME Minor (modern Turkey), faith. The divine smith heats it Holiness Peter praises God for the salvation so that impurities rise and can be SETTING secured by Christ’s resurrection. skimmed off, until the smith can c.60–65 ce 1 Peter is Although his audience is facing see His reflection without blemish addressed to believers various troubles, Peter is confident in the purified gold. Enduring scattered throughout Roman of God’s purpose in allowing their troubles righteously serves to refine provinces in northwestern suffering, and of their future joy. the believer’s faith and bring their Asia Minor. character into conformity with KEY FIGURES For the New Testament, God’s holiness. Peter Although the letter is salvation through faith in Jesus written in the name of the is not merely a release from the Divine holiness Apostle Peter, scholars are eternal consequences of sin. Holiness is the most frequently divided about whether or not Salvation also liberates believers mentioned attribute of God in the he was the actual author. from sin’s tyranny in their daily Bible. At its core, “holy” indicates The readers The recipients lives. One of God’s primary tools separation. For God, holiness refers of the letter are mostly for accomplishing this, Peter says, to His transcendence over all Gentile Christians is suffering. In Peter 1:7, he uses created things and to His alienation experiencing persecution imagery suggesting that God is from unrighteousness and sin. because of their faith. These qualities are reflected in the I am the Lord your God; description of things, places, and consecrate yourselves and even people as “holy” in the Old be holy because I am holy. Testament. Such things could be called “holy” insofar as they were Leviticus 11:44 separated from common use for the service of God, and as they were preserved from contamination by sin or ritual impurity. Israel was to be “a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6), and the construction of a “Holy of Holies” in the Tabernacle and Temple set that area apart as a place for God’s presence.

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 Just as you used after ritual cleansing. Those who to offer yourselves as entered unworthily would be struck slaves to impurity and down by the holiness of God. Laws to … wickedness, so concerning ritual uncleanliness now offer yourselves as illustrated the separation of unclean slaves to righteousness people from God and others; they leading to holiness. could not worship in the Temple, nor could they enjoy human contact Romans 6:19 without spreading uncleanliness. The holiness of God, and its Cleansing sinners In Revelation 12, a star-crowned representation in ritual aspects Although Jesus claimed to be the woman represents the Church born of the Mosaic Laws of piety, Final Judge, who would condemn through Christ. Edward Robert highlights a central tension in unrepentant sinners to hell, He Hughes draws on this symbolism the biblical narrative: how sinful demonstrated that holiness did not in his painting Star of Heaven. humanity can come into the make God unloving or unmerciful. presence of God when God’s Through His miraculous healings and called “saints” (holy ones). Yet, holiness separates Him from sin. of, and fellowship with, sinners— Peter says, believers should also The Bible tells how only the High those who did not comply with demonstrate holiness through their Priest could enter the Holy of Mosaic Law—He welcomed sinners character and deeds. That way, Holies, and then only once a year into God’s kingdom. Rather than their persecutors could level no approving their sins, He cleansed legitimate charge against them. ■ The ritual washing of feet on them. Those He healed became fit Maundy Thursday replicates Jesus to worship God under Mosaic Law. washing the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper. It is an act of humility. The Apostles taught that after His death, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to remove sin and “sanctify” sinners (make them holy). Believers, they said, were already holy in the sense of being set apart by God Key rituals of the Church His crucifixion and symbolized the believers’ holy unity with Worship in the early Church Jesus and each other in the focused on two key rituals. The “body of Christ.” It also was first was baptism, which initiated the setting for Church discipline, new believers and brought them preserving the holiness of the together spiritually, bound by Church by removing those who the symbolic purification and persisted in sin. Restoration and holiness of following Jesus. The readmittance to the fellowship other was a meal, the Lord’s of the table was accomplished Supper, celebrated during weekly through repentance. For early gatherings of believers, which Christians, the Lord’s Supper involved the ritual sharing of anticipated the banquet that bread and wine. A forerunner awaited them in heaven at of the Eucharist, this ceremonial the end of time. meal recalled Jesus’s “last supper” with His disciples before

JUDGEDTHE DEAD WERE TACHCEOYRDHINAGDTODWOHNAET REVELATION 20:12, THE FINAL JUDGMENT



318 THE FINAL JUDGMENT T he Greek word used in Therefore keep watch, the book of Revelation for because you do not IN BRIEF judgment originally meant know on what day “to sift,” and from there it came to your Lord will come. PASSAGE mean choosing right from wrong. It Matthew 24:42 Revelation 1:1–20:15 essentially means that each human life will be examined according to climax of the vision, Daniel sees THEME God’s standards and sorted into “one like a Son of Man”—a clear Justice for all what is acceptable and what is not. reference to the name Jesus takes However, unlike today’s conception throughout His ministry—approach SETTING of judgment, which calls for justice God’s throne. God then gives Jesus God’s heavenly throne here and now, in the first century ce the authority and power to bring the room. An unspecified people believed in an impending Final Judgment to the world. future time. judgment. For many in the Greek and Roman worlds, this was at the Royal return KEY FIGURES end of their earthly life, at the point At Jesus’s ascension, the Apostles Jesus The key figure in the of death. Christians, however, were told that “this same Jesus … Final Judgment, described building on Jewish beliefs, looked will come back in the same way alternately as “the Son of toward a future, Final Judgment you have seen him go into heaven” Man,” “the lamb on the throne,” in which all people of all places (Acts 1:11), which is thought to and “the First and the Last.” and times would need to give an mean that Jesus will return bodily account of their lives before God. on earth one day. The image of a All humanity All people, king arriving to bring judgment who ever lived, from all In the Old Testament, this was familiar in the Roman world, nations and all times. future judgment is called “the Day where an emperor occasionally of the Lord.” In one of the prophet visited key cities to hold court— John the Seer The author Daniel’s visions, he sees a picture he would punish his enemies and of Revelation, who sees the of God’s throne room, where God reward his friends. The Greek word events described in a vision. sits ready to judge the world. Many for this is parousia, which means beasts try to establish their rule “coming,” and early Christians over the world, but then, at the understood Jesus’s return as the coming of God’s appointed king. Jesus says that the criteria for the Final Judgment will henceforth be whether people trust Him as The Whore of Babylon is introduced in Revelation 17 riding a beast with seven heads. An angel tells John that the heads represent the sinners Christ will defeat in the battle at Armageddon.

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

320 THE FINAL JUDGMENT images. The riders are atop a white You know very well that the is intended to be literal or symbolic, horse, a red horse, a black horse, day of the Lord will come it ties the final battle of humanity to and a pale horse, representing like a thief in the night. early wars fought by the Israelites. conquest, war, famine, and death 1 Thessalonians 5:2 (6:1–8). The four horsemen are In the final battle, all the “kings traditionally viewed as harbingers only once in the Bible, and it is of the whole world” (Revelation 16:14) of the imminent Final Judgment. thought to come from the word har, gather at Armageddon. They are meaning mountain, and Megiddo. influenced by Satan, and bring Evil destroyed Mount Megiddo was the site of Old their armies to fight with God for The events described after this are Testament battles, such as Deborah control of the earth. God, on the complex—John’s intention does not and Barak’s victory against the other hand, calls on Jesus to return. seem to be to describe his visions Canaanites. Whether this location There, the Son of God strikes back in a logical order, but rather to at those willing to go to war with remind Christians of the finality Him. John describes how “Coming of the approaching judgment. out of His mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the Revelation 6–18 cover a series of nations” (Revelation 19:15); Jesus vignettes in which John witnesses thus destroys the evil enemies of different symbolic judgments. God, leaving only good behind. One of the most well-known scenes With evil vanquished, God appoints in John’s account is the Battle of Jesus to replace existing systems Armageddon, “the Day of the Lord.” of governance and rule over the The word “Armageddon” is used newly established Kingdom of God. The number seven denotes Seven letters are written for seven Seven spirits stand before completion or perfection: fitting churches in Asia (Rev 1:4) God’s throne (Rev 1:4) for the Bible’s final book, which describes a Final Judgment. In the Book of Revelation there are more than 50 references to the number seven. Seven angels pour out Seven golden lampstands accompany seven bowls (Rev 16) the son of Man’s entrance (Rev 1:12) A Lamb appears with seven Seven seals are broken Seven stars are held in Christ’s horns and seven eyes (Rev 5:6) (Rev 5:5) right hand (Rev 1:16)

ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 321 This sets the scene for the Final The Angel of Revelation, painted by Revelation as a letter Judgment itself. As the climax William Blake between 1803–05, shows to early Christians of John’s vision draws near, in St. John on the island of Patmos gazing Revelation 19–20, he sees a great up at a mighty angel “robed in a cloud,” The book of Revelation was white throne, in front of which is a as described in Revelation 10:1. written to a number of early vast crowd of all of the people who Christian congregations who have ever lived. Jesus then opens died for their sins and has cleaned were facing the threat of the “book of life,” and every person their record before God—they will persecution. Although seven is judged “according to what they still be exposed to God’s judgment churches are mentioned in [have] done” (20:12). Those whose of their deeds. Paul writes that on the early chapters—those in names are in the book of life are “the day” fire will test each person’s Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, welcomed into God’s new creation; “foundation,” which will reveal its Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, those whose names are absent are quality, whether it was made and Laodicea—the book of thrown into a lake of fire, the final from “gold, silver, costly stones, Revelation became important hell, where “death and Hades” (the wood, hay, or straw.” When this in encouraging all Christians. underground world of the dead) are fire comes, if “what he has built also thrown (20:14–15). survives,” Paul writes, “he will The language of the book receive his reward” (1 Corinthians relies heavily on symbolism, Humanity on trial 3:12–14). Paul thus teaches that and the recurring mentions The Final Judgment is a crucial some will pass through judgment of “Babylon,” Israel’s ancient motivation for the holiness and with nothing, while others will be enemy, are a veiled reference mission of Christians. Although rewarded for their faithful lives. to the Roman Empire, which Christians are assured that they was putting increasing will be considered acceptable This impending judgment also pressure on early Christians, by God on the “Day of the Lord” promotes urgency in the missionary because of their refusal to simply because of their trust in task. Jesus tells His disciples to be worship the emperor. Through Jesus—this is called “justification,” ready: His parousia may occur at its colorful language and meaning that they are judged to any moment (Mark 13:33). As Peter dramatic visions, the Book of be righteous because Jesus has says, “the Day of the Lord will come Revelation is a pastoral letter like a thief” (2 Peter 3:10). Because that seeks to encourage of this, Jesus’s great commission to Christians to keep faith in His disciples is all the more urgent. the face of persecution, for God does not want anyone to go regardless of the horrors of to hell, but wants all to have the history, the risen Jesus chance of eternal salvation. ■ remains the world’s ultimate King, and faith in Him as savior and Lord is the sole criteria for salvation from eternal condemnation at the Final Judgment. God is just: He will The seven churches are guarded pay back trouble to by God’s angels. At the start of those who trouble you Revelation, Jesus appears to John and give relief to you and instructs him to write to them who are troubled. recounting the coming vision. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7

DEATHTHERE WILL BE NO MORE OR MOURNING REVELATION 21:4, THE NEW JERUSALEM



324 THE NEW JERUSALEM IN BRIEF I 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 PASSAGE which began with the first Bulgaria. It was painted in the 1840s Revelation 21–22 words of Genesis, concludes with after reconstruction of the ancient an extraordinary vision of a glorious building following a devastating fire. THEME city where God reigns supreme. Eschatology (the end Despite recording many human and Earth are renewed and the of all things) failings and frequent rebellions stage is set for God to manifest against God, in its last chapters His loving relationship with the SETTING the Bible returns to the universal people He has made and saved. Future time Heaven subject matter with which it began: and Earth. the creation of perfection. Heaven John receives his vision of “a new heaven and a new Earth” KEY FIGURES and those who serve in heaven. after the judgment of the dead Jesus At the center of the Trying to evoke what cannot and the banishment to the lake vision, God’s chosen King be put into words, apocalyptic of fire of those whose evil deeds rules with peace from the language uses vivid imagery and unbelief made them unworthy New Jerusalem. and driving narrative to tell the of inclusion in the Book of Life story of God’s ultimate triumph. (Revelation 20:12–15). We are told The saints God’s people Although such language may that “the first Heaven and the first who are welcomed to the be difficult to understand, clues Earth had passed away” (21:1). The marriage feast of heaven link certain passages to their heavens and elements having been and Earth. historical context. For instance, destroyed by fire, the way is cleared “Babylon” here is understood for God’s new creative work. John of Patmos The narrator to refer to the Roman Empire. of Revelation (sometimes Christians through the ages John adds a specific detail to identified as Jesus’s disciple have reinterpreted this language this passing: “and there was no John), who received the to proclaim the victory of God’s longer any sea.” For the Israelites, vision described while in Kingdom and the expectation of the sea was always a symbol of exile on the island of Patmos. God’s City of Peace. chaos and danger. During the Exodus, for example, the sea Apocalyptic language stood between them and safety The Book of Revelation is one of a number of biblical passages that can be categorized as “apocalyptic.” The term comes from the Greek apokaluptó (“to uncover”). Apocalyptic literature foretells cataclysmic events that will occur when the world ends; sometimes, as in the book of Daniel, apocalyptic symbols such as supernatural beasts represent contemporary persecutors. Such literature also typically presents a fantastical picture of God’s throne room

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 See, I will create John then sees “the Holy City, the greatness of His government and new Heavens 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 a new Earth. 21:2). Jerusalem, which means His kingdom … from that time on Isaiah 65:17 “City of Peace,” had been a focus and forever” (Isaiah 9:6–7). of life for the Israelites since it became King David’s capital city. God with His people Despite its name, it had also been The arrival of God’s home on Earth 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

326 THE NEW JERUSALEM The prophet Abraham (center) sits with other biblical figures in the New Jerusalem sculpted above the western entrance to the Abbey Church of Saint Foy in Conques, France. and all the suffering of the past reassuring John that none of God’s been the greatest building in the is wiped away. “There will be no faithful people will be excluded. Old Jerusalem, being the focus of more death or mourning or crying The wall has 12 foundations, Jewish worship and the meeting or pain, for the old order of things inscribed with the names of the point between heaven and Earth. has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). 12 apostles, and decorated with 12 Now, no such meeting point is John hears a loud voice from God’s kinds of precious stone. When the needed, because God Himself lives throne announcing, “I am making angel measures the city, its length, in the city—heaven has come to everything new!” (21:5). breadth, and height are each 12,000 Earth. The light of God’s presence stadia (1,400 miles/2,200km) and shines from the city into the whole The shining city the walls are 144 cubits (about world, and all the people from every John now gets a further glimpse 200 ft/65 meters) thick. nation whose names are in the of the New Jerusalem, as one of Book of Life stream through the God’s angels takes him around the Most striking of all, John notices gates, guided by God’s light, to city, which shines with the glory that the Temple is missing from the bring their worship and devotion of God. Jerusalem’s outer wall New Jerusalem. The Temple had into God’s presence. is made of jasper, a precious stone that is usually opaque, but here For the Lord Himself will A vision to be shared it is transparent; light passes come down from Heaven, The angel brings John into the through the wall, revealing what with a loud command … city, where he sees a mighty river is within the city. Everything is and with the trumpet call flowing from God’s throne down the exquisite: the enormous city gates of God, and the dead in golden street. The Tree of Life, last are each made of a single pearl, and seen in the Garden of Eden, is the city’s great street is pure gold. Christ will rise first. growing on the banks of the river. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 It is so large that it straddles both In the Bible, the number 12, sides of the river, and so fruitful often symbolizing perfection, that it bears a significant 12 crops signifies the completeness of every year. Its leaves bring healing the nation of Israel. The walls to the nations and finally do away around the New Jerusalem have with the pain and suffering that 12 gates—three on each of its four have marred humanity’s existence sides—and an angel standing by since Creation (22:1–3). God’s every gate. The gates bear the people joyfully serve Him here, names of the 12 tribes of Israel, and their new life goes on forever. After receiving the dazzling vision of God’s promised future, John is so overwhelmed that he falls down at the feet of the angel who has been guiding him. But the angel lifts him up and reminds him that he is just a messenger. John should not be overawed by the image of the New Jerusalem, but rather by the goodness and glory of God the Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit, who alone can bring it

ACTS, EPISTLES, AND REVELATION 327 Let us rejoice and be people. When John first saw the A stained-glass window depicts glad and give Him glory! New Jerusalem, he described it as the alpha and omega, the first and “a bride beautifully dressed for her last letters of the Greek alphabet, For the wedding of husband” (21:2). Now, at the end symbolizing God as “the Beginning the Lamb has come, of the vision, this “bride”—God’s and the End” (Revelation 22:13). people, collectively cleansed from and His bride has sin and dressed in the robes of when the world will end. Given made herself ready. righteousness—awaits the groom, Jesus’s warning that “You Revelation 19:7 Jesus, God’s Son, the true king of do not know when that time will all. The marriage and celebrations come” (Mark 13:33), it seems better to pass. John is told to share his will signal the beginning of the to focus on what God’s future looks vision to motivate God’s people to new life of eternity, where heaven like rather than when it will occur. do good. In the words of God, the and Earth are wedded together, angel says, “Let the one who does God’s home is among His creation, One key theme of eschatology wrong continue to do wrong; let the and all of God’s people, that is is recapitulation, which means that vile person continue to be vile; let “everyone who does right,” will be the end is a summary of all that the one who does right continue released from sin and death to live has gone before, and a return to ❯❯ to do right; and let the holy person in holy freedom forever. The vision continue to be holy” but warns, “I ends with a longing cry for this will give to each person according future, “Come, Lord Jesus” (22:20). to what they have done” (22:11–12). Interpreting the vision In the final verses of Revelation, John’s vision in Revelation is the John returns to an image that basis for Christian eschatology, emphasizes the relationship of love a word that means “the study of that God longs to have with all last things” and is an attempt to describe the indescribable. His words depict the end of evil and the beginning of God’s reign of peace in awe-inspiring detail. Over the centuries, some people have tried to fit the visions of Revelation into a chronology, using them to predict 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 Earth is the purpose of Jesus’s While some might perceive ministry. He says, for instance, heaven as existing elsewhere, “Repent, for the kingdom of the Christian hope is for heaven Heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17), to come to Earth, so that God’s and uses it as the motivation for rule is established in the prayer, “Your kingdom come, physical world. Such a hope Your will be done, on Earth as reassures Christians that the it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). injustices of this life will be In popular imagination, heaven made right in God’s future, and is often thought of as a spiritual, that death is not the end, but non-physical realm. The early rather—for those with faith—a gateway into God’s kingdom.

328 THE NEW JERUSALEM its original purpose. The Bible God would gather up those with A popular French print dating begins in Genesis with a picture faith in Him from the four corners from around 1900 shows Christ of God in harmony with His good of the world to celebrate God’s waiting above the entrance to creation, and ends in Revelation glory. This picture, which appears New Jerusalem to welcome those with evil destroyed forever and in many of Jesus’s parables, is who have been redeemed. that harmony restored. The reality stated by Paul the Apostle. God’s of the long, hard history of sin and purpose—“to be put into effect the Bible, there is a growing suffering that lies between is not when the times reach their understanding that death is not simply denied, however. In Genesis, fulfillment”—is “to bring unity to the end for those who have a place creation is good simply by virtue of all things in Heaven and on Earth in God’s family. Since justice is its origin in God, but in Revelation, under Christ” (Ephesians 1:10). often not received in the present the future is good, both because of life, Old Testament prophets look its origin in God and because it has The promise of new life forward to a future time when the been set free from sin by the death Central to this “recapitulation” wrongdoers will be punished and and resurrection of Jesus. From is the expectation that all God’s God’s faithful dead will be raised the earliest days of Christianity, people who have ever lived will (Isaiah 26:19). Jesus affirms this believers looked forward to when be physically present. Throughout expectation and extends it when

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

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332 DIRECTORY C entral to both Judaism and Christianity, the Bible has shaped the development of the world and human thought more than any other single work. Its influence is so great that, from ancient times to the modern day, many Bible stories have become inextricably intertwined with art, culture, philosophy, and society. The Bible is often deemed a single, cohesive work, but a more accurate view of it would be as an anthology of the writings of many authors that has developed through several iterations. In addition to foundational narratives, such as creation, the Ten Commandments, and the crucifixion and resurrection detailed in the main part of this book, many less well-known stories have also been woven into this tapestry of Jewish and Christian thought. THE CURSE OF CANAAN wife for his son Isaac. The servant After a feast, Isaac’s servants prophesies that if any woman discover another well, so the Genesis 9:20–11:26 he meets at a local well not only place is called Beersheba, responds to his request for water, meaning “Well of the Oath.” Noah is the first person to plant but also offers pitchers of water for See also: The Testing of Abraham crops after the Flood. Drinking his camels, she will be the chosen 50–53 ■ Esau and Jacob 54–55 ■ wine from his vineyard, he falls bride. The young woman who does David and Bathsheba 118–19 asleep naked. His youngest son these things is Abraham’s great Ham sees him and tells his brothers, niece, Rebekah. Her marriage to MOSES’S FLIGHT Shem and Jephthah. Shocked, they Isaac ensures the continuation of FROM EGYPT walk backward into the tent, so Abraham’s lineage and fulfills his they cannot see their naked father covenant with God. Exodus 2:11–22; 4:24–26 as they cover him with a coat. See also: Covenants 44–47 ■ When Noah wakes and hears that The Testing of Abraham 50–53 ■ When Moses’s murder of an Ham has seen him naked, he puts Esau and Jacob 54–55 Egyptian for beating a Hebrew a curse on Ham’s son, Canaan, and slave becomes known to Pharaoh, his offspring, saying they will be ISAAC FOUNDS BEERSHEBA Moses flees Egypt. Arriving in “servants of servants” while Shem the desert of Midian, where he and Jephthah’s offspring will be Genesis 26:12–33 will spend the next 40 years, blessed. This story acted as Moses defends seven women justification for the Israelites’ Blessed by God, Isaac becomes a from some shepherds who want subjugation of the Canaanites. rich farmer, making the Philistines to drive them from a well. Their See also: The Flood 40–41 ■ so jealous that they block up his father, the priest Jethro, invites Covenants 44–47 wells, and King Abimelech asks Moses to stay, and he marries him to leave the country. Isaac Zipporah, one of Jethro’s seven A BRIDE FOR ISAAC goes into the Negev desert where daughters, who bears him two his servants dig fresh wells, and sons. This begins Moses’s Genesis 24 he prospers once more. Seeing transformation into one of the this, Abimelech seeks out Isaac most important prophets. Growing old in Canaan, Abraham to apologize, saying that he now See also: Moses and the Burning sends a servant with 10 camels to realizes that God is with Isaac. Bush 66–69 ■ The Exodus 74–77 ■ his native lands to find a suitable They make an oath of peace. The Ten Commandments 78–83

DIRECTORY 333 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; 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 THE MEETING OF SAUL Moses takes his leave of the people, the army out of Ai, allowing his AND SAMUEL giving instructions on how they forces to enter the city from the 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 ■ JEPHTHAH’S VOW the Prophet Samuel, who anoints Entering the Promised Land 96–97 Saul and tells him God has chosen Judges 10:6–11:40 him to rule over the Israelites. ACHAN’S SIN The blessing sanctifies Saul’s new 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, SAUL, KING OF ISRAEL ordered by Joshua, 36 Israelites are but she accepts her fate. This brutal 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. ARK OF GOD RETURNED did not join him in battle would be After Joshua’s encouragement, TO ISRAEL similarly butchered. The Israelites Achan admits to his crimes. As 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

334 DIRECTORY SAUL’S FALL FROM FAVOR by a cave, unaware that David and sets the Ark aside in the house of his army are sheltering inside. Obed-edom before finally taking it 1 Samuel 18 David quietly approaches Saul and to Jerusalem three months later. cuts a corner off his robe. When By killing Uzzah, God emphasizes After slaying Goliath, David David presents the corner of the a tenet established in the Book of becomes a close friend of Saul’s robe to Saul—to show that he could Numbers—that only the Kohathites son, Jonathan. Jealous of the have killed Saul but chose not to— should be permitted to carry the popularity and success of David, Saul realizes that David is the Ark, and, more broadly, that anyone Saul realizes that God favors chosen king of Israel, and the two who touches it will die. David above him. He therefore make their peace. Although Saul See also: The Ark and Tabernacle hopes to eliminate David by has wronged David in the past, his 86–87 ■ Entering the Promised setting him the impossible task show of mercy disarms Saul and Land 96–97 ■ Rebuilding of killing 100 Philistines as a demonstrates his virtuous nature. Jerusalem 133 precondition of marrying his See also: Esau and Jacob 54–55 ■ daughter Michal. When David David and Goliath 116–17 ABSALOM’S REBELLION accomplishes this feat, Saul grows more fearful of the young man’s THE WITCH OF ENDOR 2 Samuel 15 power. Saul’s malice toward David is cruel and unwarranted, 1 Samuel 28 Under the pretense of going to showing a turning away from God. Hebron to give sacrifices to God, See also: David and Goliath 116– Saul has banished soothsayers Absalom, David’s third son, rallies 17 ■ David and Bathsheba 118–19 from his kingdom, but when an support for a revolt against his army of Philistines threatens and father. David, who is now elderly, THE JEALOUS KING God fails to answer his call, he flees Jerusalem, but his forces later turns to the Witch of Endor to confront Absalom at the Battle of 1 Samuel 20 summon the spirit of Samuel. Ephraim’s Wood, where Absalom From beyond the grave, Samuel is killed in revenge by his cousin David suspects that the jealous Saul refuses to help, telling Saul that Joab. Absalom’s unnatural will kill him at a New Moon feast. God has chosen David to become rebellion, motivated by greed, He therefore asks Jonathan to tell king and that Saul and his sons is thus punished by a just God. his father that he has given David will soon be dead. In the ensuing See also: Cain and Abel 36–37 ■ permission to absent himself from battle, Saul kills himself to avoid David and Bathsheba 118–19 the feast. Saul’s fury at this news capture. This episode demonstrates confirms his murderous intentions. that God’s judgment is absolute NABOTH’S VINEYARD He tells Jonathan to fetch David, and unavoidable. who must pay for this insult with See also: The Prophet Samuel 1 Kings 21 his life, but Jonathan engineers 110–15 ■ David and Goliath 116–17 David’s escape. Here, loyalty to When a Jezreelite called Naboth family proves secondary to aiding THE ARK IN JERUSALEM refuses to sell his family vineyard David, God’s chosen king of Israel. to King Ahab of Samaria, Queen See also: David and Goliath 116– 2 Samuel 6 Jezebel successfully conspires to 17 ■ David and Bathsheba 118–19 have Naboth stoned to death for Under King David’s leadership, the insulting God. After the king takes SAUL’S ROBE Ark is removed from Abinadab’s possession of the vineyard, Elijah house in Kiriath-jearim and visits him to tell him that his sin 1 Samuel 24 transported to Jerusalem. When a was so great that he will suffer driving ox stumbles on the journey, Naboth’s fate, that Jezebel will In pursuit of David, Saul and Abinadab’s son Uzzah steadies the be eaten by dogs, and that his his 3,000-strong army go into Ark with his hand and is promptly descendants will be outcasts. the wilderness where they stop struck dead by God. David, in fear, Seeing Ahab is truly repentant,

DIRECTORY 335 God relents and says he would not ELISHA’S MIRACLES in the room with the child, who bring down these curses on Ahab 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 SOLOMON BECOMES KING to pour her valuable oil into as many containers as she has. As she 2 Kings 5:1–14 1 Kings 1:28–53 pours the oil, she realizes that its quantity has increased vastly, and Naaman, commander of the Syrian In poor health in his old age, King she sells it to pay off the debt. army, is advised by an Israelite David needs to name a successor. Second, a servant unwittingly girl captive to seek a cure for his Adonijah, his oldest son, proclaims poisons a large stew with deadly leprosy from Elisha. The prophet himself king. Solomon, his younger berries. Using flour, Elisha removes tells him to wash seven times in son, is supported by his mother the poison. In another miracle, the River Jordan. Believing the Bathsheba, the priest Zadok, there are only 20 loaves of bread Jordan to be an unworthy river, Nathan the prophet, and the army to feed 100 men but when Elisha Naaman at first refuses, but then chief Benaiah. David has Solomon hands it out, there is plenty to go relents and washes himself. His crowned, and after David’s death around, with some to spare. Last, body becomes as unblemished Solomon consolidates power by cutting a beam, a man drops his as a child’s, showing that even if executing Adonijah. axe head in the river. Elisha throws temporarily obstructed by pride, See also: David and Bathsheba a stick, which brings the axe head faith results in great transformation. 118–19 ■ The Wisdom of Solomon to the surface, so that the building See also: Baptism of Jesus 194–97 120–23 ■ Proverbs 148–51 work can continue. ■ The Raising of Lazarus 226–27 ■ See also: The Raising of Lazarus The Healing of the Beggar 284–87 JEROBOAM AND REHOBOAM 226–27 ■ Feeding the 5,000 228–31 EALKISINHGA’S TEARS FOR 1 Kings 12–2 Kings 25 ECLHIISLHDALEASNSDCTOHUEPLE 2 Kings 8:7–15 As predicted by the prophet Ahijah, 2 Kings 4:8–37 Solomon turns away from God. In Damascus, Ben-Hadad II, King Consequently, when he dies, God In repayment for bread and lodging of Syria, is sick, so he sends his gives the lands in the north to offered freely by an elderly, childless servant Hazael to ask Elijah if he Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s couple in Shunem, Elisha promises will ever recover. In tears, the officials, and 10 tribes of Israel, they will have a baby within the prophet tells Hazael that not only while Judah and Benjamin in year. This comes true and they will the king die, but Hazael will the south fall to Solomon’s son have a son. However, when the replace him and commit terrible Rehoboam. Rehoboam imposes child is a few years old, he dies. crimes against the children of harsh working conditions on his The woman lays him on the bed Israel. The following day Hazael people, and many flee north to join that the prophet used, before going suffocates the king and seizes the Jeroboam. Rehoboam’s attempts to tell him of the reason for her throne. Later, following the death to reunite the country fail. grief. Consoling her, Elisha agrees of Hazael, he is succeeded by his See also: The Wisdom of to help the child. He goes to the son, Ben-Hadad III. Solomon 120–23 ■ The Prophet woman’s house and shuts himself See also: The Prophet Jeremiah Jeremiah 156–59 156–59 ■ Herod’s Infanticide 187

336 DIRECTORY JOASH, KING OF JUDAH Moses. He purges the priesthood be cut to pieces. This story reflects and centralizes the worship of the moral imperative to avoid 2 Kings 12:1–21; God at the Temple in Jerusalem. worshipping false idols, while 2 Chronicles 24:1–27 This act represents an emphatic the conversion of the tyrannical denunciation of impure gods Nebuchadnezzar reflects the might At the age of 7, with the help of and false idols. and reach of God’s influence. the high priest Jehoiada, Joash See also: The Golden Calf 84–85 ■ See also: Daniel in Babylon begins his 40-year rule of Judah. Daniel in Babylon 164–65 164–65 ■ The Road to Damascus On the death of Jehoiada, the king 290–91 and his people stop worshipping NDAEBNUIECLHIAMDPNREEZSZSAERS in the Temple. When his son BECOMING A Zechariah complains, Joash Daniel 1:1–21 WILD ANIMAL orders him to be stoned to death. In retribution, God allows a small Four noble Israelites are selected Daniel 4 Syrian army to conquer the army to serve Nebuchadnezzar’s royal of Judah and raid Jerusalem. palace in Babylon. They are to be Nebuchadnezzar dreams of a giant See also: The Wisdom of Solomon trained for three years and given tree reaching to the sky being cut 120–23 ■ The Prophet Jeremiah the best food and wine. Daniel does down, dispersing the animals 156–59 not want to eat or drink anything sheltering beneath it, though the against God’s Law, and he asks stump of the tree remains. Daniel DEATH OF ELISHA the chief official if they may eat interprets the dream as the king only vegetables and drink water. being driven into the wilderness 2 Kings 13:14–20 After ten days, Daniel and his to live like the animals, although compatriots look much healthier the remaining stump implies that On his deathbed, Elisha instructs than the king’s men, showing he will return to power when he King Joash to fire an arrow out Daniel’s wisdom and virtue, and acknowledges the Kingdom of of the window. This, he said, was they become the most respected Heaven. Daniel’s interpretation “the Lord’s arrow of victory.” He wise men in the kingdom. of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream tells Joash to fire the remaining See also: Joseph the Dreamer introduces his ability to explain arrows, but when Joash does so 58–61 ■ Daniel in Babylon 164–65 the significance of visions. only three times, Elisha asks why See also: Joseph the Dreamer he has not shot five or six arrows, DEFYING THE KING’S 58–61 ■ Daniel in Babylon 164–65 as this would have completely FIERY FURNACE defeated the Syrians. Now they will BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST be defeated only three times. After Daniel 3 issuing this warning, Elisha dies. Daniel 5 See also: A Prophet in Hiding When Shadrach, Meshach, and 124 ■ Elijah and the Prophets Abednego fail to take part in King Belshazzar of Babylon hosts of Baal 125 ■ The Chariot of Fire the worship of a huge new golden a banquet for 1,000 nobles, who 126–27 image which Nebuchadnezzar drink wine from golden goblets has created, he orders them to be taken from the Temple of Jerusalem. HEZEKIAH’S REFORMS burned to death. The furnace is When a finger appears and writes built and the fire is so intense that a message across a wall, the king 2 Kings 18 the soldiers in charge of the victims promises riches for anyone who are burned, but the three Israelites can interpret the sign. Daniel is At the age of 25, Hezekiah becomes remain completely unharmed by summoned and offered riches and King of Judah. His religious reforms the flames. Seeing this miracle, status in exchange for deciphering demand the destruction of images, Nebuchadnezzar is converted, and the message. Refusing the offer, he including Nehushtan, the bronze says anybody offending God would explains to King Belshazzar that serpent said to have been made by God is displeased with his lack of

DIRECTORY 337 faith and his days are numbered. them will never thirst.” Many in BTHEHEEBAADPITNIGSTOF JOHN The king rewards him with high the town come to believe in Him office, recognizing Daniel as and they urge Him to stay. Jesus’s Mark 6:16–29 God’s loyal servant. interactions with the Samaritan See also: Joseph the Dreamer woman and surrounding crowd Following the death of her husband, 58–61 ■ Daniel in Babylon 164–65 are imbued with clear metaphorical Philip, Princess Herodias marries connotations, as He demonstrates Philip’s brother, King Herod. When WATER INTO WINE to those present that the water of John the Baptist insists that this life will provide sustenance to any union is unlawful and immoral, John 2:1–11 who will follow Him, regardless of Herodias nurses a grudge against their nationality or origin. him. At a banquet, Herod asks the Jesus, Mary, and His disciples See also: The Calling of the daughter of Herodias, Salome, to attend a wedding at Cana in Disciples 200–03 ■ The Good dance, before promising her any Galilee. When the entire supply of Samaritan 216–17 ■ Road to gift she chooses. At Herodias’s wine has been consumed by the Emmaus 272–73 suggestion, the girl asks for the wedding guests, Mary comes to head of John the Baptist. Although Jesus and tells Him what has THE WISE AND Herod has no quarrel with John, he happened. Jesus instructs the FOOLISH BUILDERS carries out his promise. John the servants to pour water into jars and Baptist is executed, and his head is take it to the master of the banquet, Matthew 7:24–27 brought to Herodias on a platter. who, upon tasting it, discovers it This story demonstrates the vicious has been transformed into wine. During the Sermon on the Mount, and brutal nature of Herod’s rule. Despite performing the miracle, Jesus tells a parable in order to See also: Baptism of Jesus Jesus initially showed reluctance demonstrate the importance of 194–97 ■ The Crucifixion 258–65 ■ when Mary approached Him, following His teachings in daily Paul’s Arrest 294–95 saying, “Why do you involve me? life. He describes a man who My time has not yet come.” Jesus faithfully practices the word of A GIRL POSSESSED makes multiple references to His God as one “who built his house “time” or “hour” throughout the on the rock.” Jesus explains that Matthew 15:2–28; Mark 7:24–30 Gospels, alluding to His crucifixion after the house is built, and when and resurrection, when His blood, the rains come, the streams rise, A Gentile in the region of Tyre often symbolized by wine, will and the winds beat against the and Sidon begs Jesus to cure her cleanse humanity of all sin. house, it stays standing because daughter, who is possessed by a See also: The Raising of Lazarus of its solid foundation. demon. At first, He refuses, saying 226–27 ■ Feeding the 5,000 He has been sent to help the 228–31 ■ The Healing of the By contrast, those who do not children of Israel, and that it was Beggar 284–87 practice the word of God are not right to take their bread and compared to “a foolish man who toss it to the dogs (meaning WOMAN AT THE WELL built his house on sand.” For him, Gentiles). She replies that even the when the rains come, the streams dogs eat the crumbs that fall from John 4:1–42 rise, and the winds beat against their master’s table. For her faith in the house, it crashes to the ground. Him, He tells her to go home where Jesus meets a woman drawing Through this parable, Jesus she will find her daughter cured. water from Jacob’s well. Although signifies that through times of In doing so, Jesus rewards all those Samaritans are not meant to speak affliction, practicing faith in God who show their faith in Him. with Jews, Jesus talks to her, will give believers the strength See also: Demons and the Herd revealing Himself as the Messiah, they need to persevere. of Pigs 224–25 ■ The Raising of saying, “Everyone who drinks this See also: The Raising of Lazarus Lazarus 226–27 ■ The Nature of water will be thirsty again, but 226–27 ■ Feeding the 5,000 Faith 236–41 whoever drinks the water I give 228–31 ■ The Healing of the Beggar 284–87

338 DIRECTORY FEEDING 4,000 synagogue ask Jesus if it is lawful rich man any comfort, and refuses to heal on a Sabbath. Seeing a his request to send Lazarus to his Matthew 15:29–32; Mark 8:1–13 man with a shriveled hand in five living brothers to warn them the synagogue, Jesus heals him. of their likely similar fate. Abraham After feeding the 5,000, a crowd He then asks the Pharisees, “If any says they have already been warned of 4,000 follow Jesus into the of you has a sheep and it falls into by the prophets. The message is mountains. Many are lame, blind, a pit on the Sabbath, will you not clear—judgment will be fair, as or dumb and hope to be cured. take hold of it and lift it out? How we have all heard God’s message. After three days, in which He cures much more valuable is a person See also: The Testing of Abraham many people, Jesus does not want than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful 50–53 ■ The Ten Commandments to send them away hungry. The to do good on the Sabbath.” After 78–83 ■ The Raising of Lazarus disciples bring seven loaves and this, the Pharisees plot how they 226–27 a few fishes, and with this amount might kill Jesus. of food, Jesus feeds the multitude. See also: Jesus Embraces a Tax THE EXTENT OF See also: Feeding the 5,000 Collector 242–43 ■ The Healing FORGIVENESS 228–31 ■ The Healing of the of the Beggar 284–87 Beggar 284–87 Matthew 18:21–35 A MAN BORN BLIND WOMAN CAUGHT Asked by His disciple Peter how IN ADULTERY John 9:1–38 many times he should forgive somebody who has wronged him, John 8:1–12 Meeting a man who is born blind, Jesus says seventy times seven, the disciples ask Jesus if his and He tells the parable of the An adulterous woman is brought blindness is due to his parents’ servant who owes a king money. before Jesus by the scribes and sins or his own sins. Jesus says When the servant pleads with him, Pharisees, who ask Him why the that he is blind so that the work of the king relents and cancels the Law of Moses, which calls for death God can be shown in him. “I am debt. The servant then finds a for adulterers by stoning, should the light of the world,” Jesus says, fellow servant who owes him not be carried out. Jesus says to and He restores the man to sight money and has him thrown into the people, “Let he who is without by pressing clay into his eyes and prison when he cannot pay. When sin throw the first stone.” The sending him to wash it off in the the king hears this, he berates the crowd disperses and Jesus tells Pool of Siloam. The man, now servant for not treating his debtor the woman to go and sin no more. healed, reflects God’s ability to as he has been treated himself and With this act, Jesus successfully work through people in order orders for him to be imprisoned and evades the trap of those wishing to show His love and power. tortured. The parable affirms the to force Him to choose between See also: Jesus Embraces a Tax Golden Rule, and suggests that holiness and mercy. Collector 242–43 ■ The Healing forgiveness is not a finite resource. See also: The Golden Rule 210–11 ■ of the Beggar 284–87 See also: The Golden Rule 210–11 ■ Jesus Anointed at Bethany 246–47 Parables of Jesus 214–15 ■ The LAZARUS AND A RICH MAN Prodigal Son 218–21 ■ The Temple THE MAN WITH THE Tax 222 SHRIVELED HAND Luke 16:19–31 TEN CURED, ONLY Matthew 12:10–13; Mark 3:1–5; Jesus tells the parable of a rich ONE GRATEFUL Luke 6:6–10 man who lives in luxury, and Lazarus, who is full of sores and Luke 17:11–17 Angry that Jesus has been defying lives in poverty at his gate. When their rules about the Sabbath, and they die, Lazarus is taken up to On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus is looking for reasons to bring charges heaven by Abraham; the rich man passing through a village when ten against Him, some Pharisees in a is sent to hell. Abraham denies the men with leprosy walk toward Him,

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 A BANQUET FOR THE POOR 226–27 ■ Feeding the 5,000 228–31 bed, returned to life. Through the ■ The Healing of the Beggar 284–87 miracle of resurrection, the status Luke 14:1–24 of Peter as one of God’s primary STEPHEN, THE FIRST miracle workers is reaffirmed, and On the Sabbath, Jesus heals a CHRISTIAN MARTYR Tabitha is rewarded for living a man in the house of a Pharisee. 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 PETER IN THE HOUSE OF servants to go into the streets and martyr. He is a Greek speaker and A GENTILE invite the poor, the crippled, and a powerful debater, and the speech 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 THE TWO SONS early life are thus framed against religious laws prevent Peter from 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 THE HEALING OF TABITHA allows for a transnational approach refuses, but later changes his mind 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

340 GLOSSARY Amen An affirmation meaning Baptism A Christian ceremony in Circumcision The removal of “trustworthy” or “surely” that which the “washing away” of sins the foreskin done when a Jewish is often used to end prayers or with water symbolizes rebirth and boy is 8 days old as a sign of religious statements. admission to the Church. membership in God’s Covenant. Annunciation The announcement Beatitudes, The A series of Codex A handwritten manuscript by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin blessings that Jesus bestows on with writing on both sides of the Mary that she would conceive the those with special qualities in page that can be made into a book. Son of God by the Holy Spirit. His Sermon on the Mount. These blessings echo His teachings. Council of Jerusalem Possibly Anoint To apply oil or ointment the first assembly of the Christian to a person or object to mark their Birthright The right of a firstborn Church, in 49 ce. It affirmed that dedication to God. son to inherit a larger share of his Gentiles did not need to adopt the father’s property than his siblings. custom of circumcision for entry Apocrypha (or apocryphal) into the community of believers. Books of the Bible added to the Blasphemy The offense of Hebrew Old Testament by Catholic misusing or desecrating God’s Covenant A binding agreement, and Orthodox churches. Jews and name in action, speech, or writing. based on faithful loyalty, between Protestants do not accept the God and His people. Apocrypha as part of the canon. Burnt offering A type of sacrifice common in the Old Testament— Cubit An ancient measure, both Apostles Special messengers in which an entire animal is of length and distance, of about commissioned by Jesus to preach consumed by fire. Such offerings 18 inches (0.5m)—the distance with authority in His name. These were either thanksgivings for God’s from the fingertips to the elbow. included 11 of the 12 original goodness or atonements for sin. disciples and Paul. Cult A system of religious worship. Canaan The land between the In the Hebrew Bible, the Temple Ark of the Covenant A wooden River Jordan, the Dead Sea, and the cult was a system of sacrifices box overlaid with gold that God Mediterranean Sea. It is sometimes and rituals. instructed the Israelites to build to referred to as the Promised Land. contain the Ten Commandments. Cuneiform A writing system Canon, The From Greek for developed by the Sumerians that Armageddon The place of God’s “rule.” It refers to the list of books used wedge-shaped characters. ultimate victory over evil. It is accepted as part of the Bible. mentioned only once in the Bible, Denarius A Roman coin and in the Book of Revelation. Cherub (plural cherubim) the standard pay for a day’s work An angelic being with a human during the time of Jesus. Ascension Jesus’s ascent to face and wings that serves God. heaven on the 40th day after Diaspora, The The dispersal or His resurrection. Chief Priests The men in charge scattering of large groups of people of Temple worship in Jerusalem. throughout the world. Baal The storm god of the Canaanites and the most important Christ From Christos, Greek for Disciple A follower who serves (though not chief) god in the “messiah,” the anointed one. In Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, the Canaanite pantheon. the New Testament, this is Jesus. term refers to Christ’s inner circle.

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.

342 GLOSSARY Menorah A sacred candelabrum Paradise A blessed place in which Promised Land Canaan, the with seven branches used in the the righteous live. Paradise can homeland God promised to Temple in Jerusalem. It became an refer to heaven or to the Garden the Israelites upon their escape emblem of Israel and Judaism. of Eden prior to the Fall. from Egypt in Exodus. Mesopotamia Land between the Passover The annual Jewish Prophecy A message concerning Tigris and Euphrates rivers that holiday commemorating the the past, present, or future that is included such cities as Babylon, Israelites’ escape from slavery inspired and/or revealed by God Ur, and Nineveh. in Egypt. and delivered by a prophet. Messiah Hebrew term meaning Pentateuch A Greek word used Prophets People who spoke words “the anointed one.” by Christians to describe the of prophecy. In the Old Testament, first five books of the Bible that they are often called by God to Midrash A Jewish commentary comprise the original Torah. explain the responsibilities and on the Hebrew Bible. privileges of God’s Covenant. Pentecost A feast, celebrated Ministry The Old Testament 50 days after Passover, when Proverb A short popular saying associates the term with the work harvest fruits were offered at the that conveys a lesson about how of the Temple priests. The New Temple. In the New Testament, to live wisely, often based on Testament cites Jesus as the model the Holy Spirit descended on observations of everyday life. for Christian ministry. believers at Pentecost. Psalm A song, often used in Miracle An event defying natural Pharaoh The title of the ancient worship to demonstrate praise laws that is usually attributed to Egyptian rulers. and thanksgiving. divine powers. Pharisees One of the main Rabbi From Hebrew for “teacher,” Mishnah Jewish teachings, Jewish religious groups of the a title of honor given to a qualified compiled in the late 2nd New Testament, known for their Jewish religious teacher. century ce, which forms the strict adherence to the Law. earlier portion of the Talmud. Repentance A complete change of Philistines Descendants of heart leading to a change of action, Most Holy Place (also known a people who possibly came from involving confession of, deep regret as Holy of Holies) The most sacred Crete, the Philistines infiltrated the for, and sincere turning away from part of the Temple in Jerusalem. eastern Mediterranean. Arriving sin to God. It originally contained the Ark of in Canaan around the same time the Covenant. as the Israelites, they are their Resurrection The giving of new most notorious enemies. life to a dead person, especially Ordination A ceremony in which in relation to the raising of Jesus someone is officially appointed into Polytheistic Of, or concerning, Christ by God after His death a religious leadership role. the belief that there are many gods. on the cross. Pagan From Latin paganus, Praetorium Originally used to Revelation The disclosure of meaning rural or of the countryside, refer to a general’s tent in a camp God’s will, nature, and purpose the word came to refer to one who or a military headquarters; also, through the scriptures. did not follow the one true God. the governor’s official residence in Jerusalem. Righteous, The Especially in Parable A short story that the Old Testament, the designation uses everyday language and Prefect A title given to a local of people who lead lives that have events to convey moral and military or civil official of the spiritual and moral integrity spiritual truths. Roman Empire. according to God’s commands.

GLOSSARY 343 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.

344 INDEX INDEX Page numbers in bold refer to main entries; Ammonites 118, 333 Ark of the Covenant 86–87, 87, 97, 99, 113–14, those in italics refer to captions Amorites 97 121, 122, 333, 334 Amos 13, 145, 169, 293 A Ananias 290, 291 Ark of the Law 82 Andrew (Apostle) 201, 287 Ark, Noah’s 41, 41 Aaron 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 75, 77, 84, 85, 87 Angelico, Fra 191, 240 Armageddon 318, 320 Aaronide priests 85 angels 29, 39, 187 armor of God 302–03 Abednego 336 Artaxerxes I, King 133 Abel 18, 36–37, 36 Angel of Death 72 Asaph 140, 141, 143 Abimelech 103 Annunciation 178, 178, 179 ascension 196, 275, 275, 282, 283, 318 Abraham 18–19, 38, 39, 45, 46, 51 52, 59, 118, at the empty tomb of Jesus 269–70, 269, Ashtoreth 85 272 Ashur 90 192, 277, 312–13, 326, 332 and Balaam’s donkey 65, 89, 89 Assyrian Exile 129, 136, 168 God’s covenant with 14, 18, 44–47, 50 and Gideon 101, 101, 102 Assyrian Tree of Life 245 and the sacrifice of Isaac 19, 45, 50–53, 241, Jacob wrestles with 19, 56, 57 Assyrians 43, 90, 128, 129, 131, 168–69, 170, 313 Jacob’s ladder 55 and Sodom and Gomorrah 48–49 Michael the Archangel 302 172, 217 Abrahamic faiths 45, 91, 211 Nativity 183–84 Aten 140 Abram see Abraham in Peter’s prison 287 Atrahasis 41 Absalom 334 and Samson 104–05 Augustine, St. 15, 34, 239, 239 Achan’s sin 333 visit Abraham 48 Augustus, Emperor 184 acrostic poems 141, 151, 221 visit Lot 49 aureola 275 Acts of the Apostles 13, 195, 201, 202, 261, 276, animals Axum, Ethiopia 87 280, 318 man’s dominion over 28 arrest of Paul 294–95, 294 Noah’s Ark 41 B and the ascension 275 see also lions; ravens; snakes; swine conversion of Saul 290–91 Anna 182, 184–85 Baal 85, 90, 102, 124, 125, 127, 157–58 Council of Jerusalem 292–93 Annunciation 178–79, 178 Babylon city 161 and the Great Commission 276, 274–77 anointing Last Judgment 319 anointed one (Messiah) 95, 179 destruction of 49 Pentecost 282–83 for burial 247 symbolism of 321, 324 raising of Tabitha 286, 339 Jesus anointed at Bethany 246–47, 246 Babylonia, Babylonians and the resurrection 271 Saul 95, 114–15, 114 Code of Hammurabi 81, 81 spreading the Gospel 288–89 Antioch church 292, 293 conquest of Jerusalem 95, 128–31, 130, 142, Stephen the martyr 339 Antonia Fortress 251, 260, 261 158–59, 160–61, 171, 172 works and miracles 284–87 Apis 84 creation story 22 Adam 18, 23, 27, 27, 28, 28, 29, 32, 32, 33, 33, apocalyptic literature 14, 324 gods 22, 22, 43, 90, 227 34, 217, 255 see also Revelation Hanging Gardens of Babylon 43 Second Adam 35, 41 apocryphal books 13, 310, 311 liturgies 141 adultery 82, 118, 119, 338 Apostles 109, 202, 203, 257, 276 Tower of Babel 42–43, 43 Ahab, King 114, 124, 125, 126, 334–35 appointing 176, 200–203 Babylonian Chronicles 131 Ahasuerus, King (Xerxes I) 132 Great Commission 177, 274–77, 321 Babylonian exile 22, 25, 37, 43, 47, 98, 129, 131, Ai 97, 333 Pentecost 282–83 143, 149, 154, 162, 163, 164, 171, 172 Akedah 52, 53 persecution of 287, 288 Balaam’s donkey 65, 89, 89 Akkadians 41 and the resurrection 271, 272–73 Balak 89 Alexander the Great 165, 199 role of 201, 276 baptism 35, 277, 315 almsgiving 285 spreading the Gospel 288–89 by Apostles 283 Amalekites 96, 101 tongues, gift of 282–83, 297 by John the Baptist 189 Amarna Letters 64 works and miracles 284–87 of the dead 195, 197 Amel-Marduk 131 see also individual index entries denominational methods of 197 Amenemopet 149 Apostolic Age 202 of Jesus 176, 194–97, 195, 235 Amish 209 apostolic sees 203 Barabbas 261, 262, 266 Ammon 172 apostolic succession 203 Barak 101, 102, 320 Aquinas, Thomas 28, 213, 225, 252 Barnabus 292, 293 Aramaic language 165 barrenness 38, 50, 104, 112, 195 Aristotle 306 Arius 299, 299

INDEX 345 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 Beersheba 50, 332 child sacrifice 52, 124, 171 crown of thorns 260, 262 Belshazzar, King 161, 164, 336–37 chosen people 46, 70, 73, 75, 77, 90, 102, 103, crucifixion 27, 177, 179, 196, 245, 262–67, 263 Ben-Hadad II, King 335 Benjamin 57, 159 114, 145, 163, 179 death of Jesus 264 Bethany 197, 226, 246–47, 250, 251, 275 Christ see Jesus deposition 262, 264, 264 Bethlehem 182–83, 185, 186 Christianity entombment of Jesus 240, 264, 268–69 Bethlehem prophecy 171 historical sources 260 Bethsaida 229, 231 body of Christ 280, 306–07 repentant thief 27, 266–67 Bible 12–15 covenants 46 stages of the cross 262 early Christian community 283, 286–87, curse of Canaan 332 apocryphal books 13, 310, 311 315 Cyrus, King of Persia 154, 155, 161 divinity of scripture 309, 310–11 Gentiles 277, 289, 292–93, 305, 339 dual authorship concept 12, 308–11 monotheistic faith 45 D Hebrew Bible 25, 94, 113, 122, 136, 141, 150, persecution of Christians 240, 287, 288, 289, 182, 184, 235 290, 291, 295, 319, 321 Damascus 290 key themes 14 spread of early Christianity 202–03, 277, 280, Daniel 164–65, 324, 336–37 literary genres 13–14 288–89, 305 New Testament 13 Christmas 185 dream interpretations 59, 164, 165, 318, 336 Old Testament 12–13 Chronicles 87, 122, 336 in lions’ den 137, 164, 165 scholarship 14–15 church, concept of 307 Darius the Mede 164, 165 translations 12, 310 Cicero 306 Darwin, Charles, On the Origin of Species 19, Bildad 147 circumcision 46, 97, 184, 192, 292, 293, 297, 24 Bilhah 57 305, 313 David, King 15, 95, 112, 114, 120–21, 122, 123, bishops 203 Claudius Lysias 294 140, 140, 171, 297, 334, 335 Boaz 108, 109 Cleopas 272–73 anointed king 115, 117 bodily resurrection 295 Code of Hammurabi 81, 81 and Bathsheba 14, 95, 118–19 see also resurrection Colossians 192, 305, 306–07 and Goliath 95, 116–17 body politic 306 communion 253 Jesus’s descent from 95, 171, 178–79, 182, 183 Book of Kells 309 concupiscence 34 and Jonathan 334 Book of the Twelve 169 Confucian Doctrine of the Mean 211 Psalms of David 141, 143, 264, 310 brazen serpent 238, 238, 336 Constantine, Emperor 265, 299, 299 shepherd-king 143, 184 bread Corinthian church 297, 298 Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) 87, 123, 167 bread of life 230 Corinthians 1 and 2 192, 195, 201, 239, 251, 265, Day of the Lord (Day of Judgment) 137, 172, breaking of bread 230, 252, 272, 273 306, 307, 313, 321, 329 173, 173, 235, 318, 320, 321 unleavened bread 73, 87 Holy Trinity 281, 298–99, 298 see also Last Judgment Buddhism 211 hymn to love 296–97 death and rebirth, symbolic 53 burning bush 39, 64, 67, 68–69, 145 and the resurrection 271, 273 Deborah 101, 102, 320 burning chariot (Elijah) 95, 126–27, 127, 235 Cornelius 288, 292, 339 Decalogue see Ten Commandments burning chariot (Ezekial) 162–63, 162 Council of Jerusalem 292–93, 299, 313 Delilah 94, 106, 107, 107 Council of Nicaea 299 demons C Council of Trent 310 demonic possession 224–25, 224, 227, 271, covenants 14, 44–47, 80, 173 286, 337 Cain 18, 36–37, 36, 68 with Abraham 14, 18, 44–47, 50, 53, 55, 59 illnesses and 227 mark of Cain 37 Ark of the Covenant 86–87, 87 see also Satan Five Great Covenants 45 Deutero-Isaiah 90–91, 154 Caleb 88, 96, 99 New Covenant 46, 159, 245, 252 Deuteronomy 65, 82, 85, 94, 95, 97, 192, 198, Caligula, Emperor 261 with Noah 40 216, 220, 267, 285, 310, 333 Calmet, Antoine Augustin 225 Ten Commandments see Ten Commandments law code 91 Calvary 262–64 Cranmer, Thomas 212 monotheism 90–91 Calvin, John 34, 35 creation devil see Satan Cana, miracle at 179, 337 allegorical interpretations 29 diaspora 290, 312 Canaan, Canaanites 39, 44, 46, 51, 56, 57, 88, Babylonian creation story 22 Dictamnus 69, 69 ex nihilo 23 Dies irae 172 91, 94, 165 of humanity 26–29, 27, 28 dietary laws 293 entry of the Israelites 96–97 Psalms’ songs of creation 143, 144 discipleship 201, 210, 276–77 Capernaum 222 remaking the world 41 see also Apostles Carmel, Mount 125 of the universe 20–25, 24, 25, 40 divination 186 castration 289 watchmaker analogy 24 divine spark 28, 29 crime and punishment Jewish 267 Roman 267

346 INDEX Dome of the Rock 73, 87, 123 ethic of reciprocity see Golden Rule Gamaliel 287, 291 dreams and interpretations Ethiopian Church 289 Garden of Eden 23, 26–29, 27, 34, 271 Eucharist 46, 252, 253, 315 Abraham 59 expulsion from 32–35, 34 Daniel 59, 164, 165, 318, 336 see also Last Supper location 26 Joseph 19, 58–61, 165 eunuch, Ethiopian 280, 289, 289 Garden of Gethsemane 254–55 Nebuchadnezzar II 164, 165 Euphrates River 26, 41, 161 garden motif 255, 271 Samuel 59 Eve 18, 23, 27, 28, 28, 29, 32–33, 33, 34, Gath 105, 117 Solomon 59, 121 Gaza 105 dualism 199 35, 55 Genesis 14, 18–19, 82, 161, 190, 233, 277, evolutionary theory 24 313, 332 E Exodus 33, 49, 64–65, 67, 74–77, 82, 187, Abraham and Isaac 50–53 authorship 18–19 Easter, first 268–71 188, 233, 251, 275, 325, 333 Cain and Abel 36–37, 36 Eastern Orthodox Church 13, 203 Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle Creation 18, 20–25, 328 Ecclesiastes 137, 149 86–87, 87 Esau and Jacob 54–55, 55 Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 311 golden calf 84–85, 84 The Fall 30–35 Eden see Garden of Eden historical sources 64 Garden of Eden 26–29 Egypt 49, 60, 129, 141 Moses and the burning bush 39, 66–69 God’s covenant with Abraham 44–47 parting of the Red Sea 64, 75–76, 75, 76 Jacob wrestles with an angel 56–57, 56 Abraham in 46–47 Passover 72–73 Joseph 58–61 gods 60, 84, 140, 247 plagues of Egypt 70–71, 70 Noah 40–41 Holy Family in 187 Ten Commandments 80–83, 84 patriarchal period 18 Israelites’ flight from see Exodus exorcism 224–25, 227, 271, 286, 337 prayer, origin of 38–39 Israelites in 61, 66, 70–71 Ezekiel 48, 137, 143, 162–63, 167 primeval period 18 Joseph in 18, 19, 60–61 Ezra 39, 85, 133, 245 Sodom and Gomorrah 48–49, 49 Pharaohs 46–47, 60–61, 70–71, 72, 74, 75, Tower of Babel 42–43, 43 F Gentiles 109, 217, 223, 231, 277 77, 247 in the early Church 277, 289, 292–93, plagues of Egypt 64, 70–71, 70, 72 faith 305, 339 wisdom literature 149 biblical words for 240 Gerizim, Mount 109 Eid al-Adha 45, 53, 53 characteristics of 240, 241 Gideon 90, 94, 100–103 Ekron 105, 117 faith and works 241, 301, 312–13 Gilead 56, 127 El 39 light of 241 Gilgamesh, epic of 19, 41 Eli 85, 112–13, 113 nature of 236–41 Gnostic Christians 255 Elijah 14, 173, 264, 334 and reason 239 God and the chariot of fire 95, 126–27, 127, 235 salvation through 281, 292, 301, 312, 313 Alpha and Omega 144, 327 contest with the prophets of Baal 125 compassion 66, 68, 145, 230 “oral” prophet 156 Fall, The 30–35, 199 creation of humanity 26–29 and the Transfiguration of Jesus 234, 235 false prophets 158, 170, 208 creation of the universe 20–25, 40 in the wilderness 124, 124 false teachers 281, 305, 308, 310, 312, 313 divine mercy 103, 166, 167, 171 Eliphaz 147 fish fear of God 52–53 Elisha 126, 127, 335, 336 Glory of God 163, 235 Elizabeth 195 Jonah and the 166–67 human image and attributes 27, 145 Elkannah 112, 112 symbolism 203 names of 39, 145 Elohim 18, 39 fishermen 201, 202, 203, 287 omnipresence 67, 166 Emmaus 272–73 Flavius Josephus 64, 196, 251, 260 omniscience 33–34, 157 Ephesians, letter to 35, 157, 239, 299, 301, floods plurals 28–29 307, 328 Great Flood 18, 19, 41, 173, 199 relationships with 145, 212 armor of God 302–03 Nile floods 60 wrath of 144–45, 161 salvation through faith 301 forbidden fruit 32–33, 32 God-fearers 288 Ephesus 303 Francis, Pope 307 go’el 109 epistles 13–14, 280–81 free will 33–34, 35, 157 golden calf 74, 84–85, 84 authorship 281 Golden Rule 210–11, 216, 338 see also individual index entries G Golgotha 262–64, 266 Esau 19, 39, 54–55, 55, 57, 173 Goliath 95, 116–17, 116 eschatology 327–28, 329 Gabriel, Angel 178, 178, 179 Good Samaritan 216–17, 216 Esdras 165 Galatians, letter to 35, 195, 293, 297, 300, gospel 176 Eshet Hayil 151 Gospels 13 Essenes 245 307, 313 fifth Gospel see Isaiah, Book of Esther 94, 95, 132 Gospel of Judas 255 Ethan the Ezrahite 143 Synoptic Gospels 177, 221, 226 see also John; Luke; Mark; Matthew Great Commission 177, 274–77, 321

INDEX 347 H Messianic prophecies 155, 179, 191, 199 cleansing of the Temple 244–45, 244 monotheistic statements 91 compassion 161, 217, 226, 227, 229 Habakkuk 169 Servant Songs 154–55, 289 crucifixion see crucifixion Hagar 39, 45, 51, 51, 55 Ishmael 39, 45, 51, 53, 55 Davidic ancestry 95, 171, 178–79, 182, 183 Haggai 169 Islam 27, 45, 53 divinity 177, 190–93, 275, 299 Ham 40, 332 Golden Rule 211 human nature 179, 182, 192, 193 Hammurabi, King 81 name for God 145 incarnation 151 Hananiah 156, 158 and Original Sin 35 king of the Jews 231, 261, 263 Hannah 39, 112–13, 112, 184 Israelites Light of the World 241 Hazael 335 enslavement in Egypt 61, 66, 70–73 Messiah see Messiah Hebrew Bible 25, 94, 113, 122, 136, 141, 150, enter the Promised Land 96–97 milestones of His ministry 235 Exodus see Exodus miracles see miracles 182, 184, 235 “faithful remnant” 155, 172, 185 naming 178, 179 Hebrews, Book of 51, 240, 265, 281 forty years in the desert 65, 76–77, 81, 86–87, Nativity 171, 180–86 hell 321, 329 88, 230, 238, 241 parables see parables Herod Agrippa II 294, 295 monotheism 18, 90–91 Passion see Passion Herod Antipas 261, 265 royal line 115 Passover lamb 252 Herod the Great 183, 186, 187, 191, 251 Ten Lost Tribes of Israel 129 resurrection see resurrection Herod II 195, 337 Twelve Tribes of Israel 57, 57, 230, 276 Second Adam 35 Hezekiah, King 131, 148, 149, 168, 172, 336 Issachar 57 Second Coming 46, 217, 305 Hinduism 211 Second Moses 64 Historical Books 94–95 J Sermon on the Mount 176, 204–09 holiness 314–15 servant savior 155, 251 Holy of Holies 82, 87, 122, 123, 314, 315 Jacob 14, 18, 19, 39, 58, 59, 60, 118, 173, 247, as shepherd 143, 256 Holy See 203 276, 297 temptation of 176, 196, 198–99, 311 Holy Spirit 29, 39, 109, 179, 196, 196, 275, 276, and Esau 54–55, 55, 57 Transfiguration 196, 234–35, 234 Jacob’s ladder 55 Jezebel, Queen 124, 125, 334 277, 298, 315 wrestles with an angel 19, 56–57, 56 Job, Book of 136, 141, 146–47, 225, 233 baptism by 189, 195 Joel (prophet) 137, 169, 283 fruits of the Spirit 300 Jael 101 Joel (son of Samuel) 114 Pentecost 280, 283 Jahwist 18, 27 John (Apostle) 201, 202, 203, 234, 250, 251, 286, Holy Trinity 29, 150, 151, 281, 298–99, 298 James (son of Alphaeus) 202 287 homosexuality 49 James (son of Zebedee) 201, 202, 203, 234, 287, John, Gospel of 25, 161, 177, 183, 201, 233, 274 Horeb 67, 68 Agony of Jesus 254 horsemen of the apocalypse 319–20 294 baptism of Jesus 194, 196 Hosea 57, 145, 161, 169, 187 James the Just (brother of Jesus) 313 Christ’s divinity 190–93 Hoshea, King 168 James, epistle of 53, 239, 241, 281, 312–13 cleansing of the Temple 244–45, 244 Hyksos 64, 99 Jehoash, King 336 disciple entrusted with Mary 263 hymns 140–41 Jehoiachin, King 128, 129, 131, 162 the empty tomb 268–71 see also Psalms Jehoiakim 128, 129 feeding of the 5,000 203, 230 Jephthah 101, 332, 333 Great Commission 274 I Jereboam 335 Jesus anointed at Bethany 247 Jeremiah 14, 87, 136, 156–59, 160, 161, 187, Jesus’s Passion 261, 263, 264, 265 Ibrahim see Abraham Last Supper 251, 253 idleness 148–49, 149 295 Lazarus 226–27, 226 idolatry 83, 90, 91, 118, 170, 193 Jericho 242, 285 Logos (Word) 151 nature of faith 236–41 golden calf 84–85, 84 fall of 94, 97, 98–99, 98 seven signs of Christ 227 Ignatius, St. 306 Jerome, St. 28 wedding at Cana 337 Immanuel 191 Jerusalem 48, 49 wise and foolish builders 337 incarnation 151, 193 woman at Jacob’s well 337 inheritance rights 220 Babylonian destruction of (586 BCE) 95, woman caught in adultery 338 Isaac 39, 46, 50, 52, 54, 297, 332 128–31, 130, 137, 142, 158–59, 160–61, 171, John the Baptist 85, 173, 189, 191, 195, 235 172 baptism of Jesus 194–97 sacrificial ordeal 19, 51–53, 241, 313 Council of Jerusalem 292–93, 299 beheading of 195, 229, 337 Isaiah 48, 154, 154 New Jerusalem 163, 281, 319, 322–29, 324, messianic precursor 189 328 John of Patmos 281, 319 Deutero-Isaiah 90, 91, 154 rebuilding of 95, 133, 133 John the Seer 319 Isaiah, Book of 13, 28, 47, 144, 154–55, 189, Roman destruction of (70 CE) 243 see also Revelation Temple see Temple (Jerusalem) Jonah 137, 166–67, 169, 233 192, 221, 230, 302, 325 Jesus Christ 176–77 Jonathan 297, 334 anointment at Bethany 246–47, 246 Jordan, River 96–97, 126, 127, 195, 197, 335 baptism of 176, 194–97, 195, 235 parting of 97, 126, 127 brothers and sisters 183

348 INDEX Joseph of Arimathea 264, 269 last rites 267 M Joseph (husband of Mary) 178, 179, 182, 182, Last Supper 46, 177, 230, 248–53, 253 Maccabees 311 183, 187, 188 washing of the feet 250, 251, 315 magi 171, 176, 186, 191 Joseph (son of Jacob) 18, 19, 57, 58–61, 59, 61, words of institution 252 Magnificat 179 law codes 81, 91 Malachi 137, 155, 169, 173, 185, 235 67, 165 Lazarus (beggar) 338 manna 76, 87 Joshua 37, 75, 88, 94, 96–99, 96, 98, 313, 333 Lazarus of Bethany 161, 176, 226–27, 226, Marduk 22, 22, 43, 90, 227 Joshua, Book of 37, 96–99, 313 247, 297 Mark, Gospel of 177, 183, 194, 198, 203, 230, 233 Josiah, King 81, 87, 129, 172 Leah 39, 55, 56, 57 Jotham, King 168 leprosy 77, 227, 335, 338–39 Agony of Jesus 254 Judah, Judeans 108, 128–31, 159, 173 Levi 57 beheading of John the Baptist 337 Levites 75, 85, 87, 140 calling of the disciples 200–203 Babylonian captivity 22, 25, 37, 43, 47, 98, 129, Leviticus 37, 82, 87, 91, 118, 207, 211, 216, Day of the Lord 319 131, 143, 149, 154, 162, 163, 164, 171, 172 219, 314 the empty tomb 269, 270 Judah (son of Jacob) 57, 59–60, 159 light and dark imagery 241 feeding of the 4,000 338 Judaism lions Gadarene swine 224–25, 224 conversion to 288 Daniel in the lions’ den 137, 164, 165 Jesus anointed at Bethany 246–47, 246 covenants 46 Samson and the lion 105, 105 Jesus’s Passion 258–65, 268 dietary laws 293 loaves and fishes 177, 191, 203, 228–31, Peter’s denial of Jesus 256–57, 256 Golden Rule 211 Transfiguration 234 monotheistic faith 45 229 marriage 28 names for God 145 Logos see Word levirate marriage 108 and Original Sin 34, 35 Lord’s Prayer 212–13, 213 marital love 152–53 Judas Iscariot 177, 202, 247, 253, 253, 254, 255 Lot 46, 47, 49, 49 Martha 226, 227, 297 judges 102, 112, 114, 115 Lot’s wife 49 martyrdom 287, 288, 291, 295, 309, 313, 339 Judges, Book of 95, 333 love 15 Mary (mother of James) 269, 269, 270 Gideon and the judges 100–103 Mary (mother of Jesus) 309 Samson 95, 104–07, 105, 106, 107 hymn to 296–97 Annunciation 176, 178–79, 178 Judith 311 marital love 152–53 at Cana 337 justification 313, 321 types of 297 at the crucifixion 263, 264 Luke, Gospel of 29, 48, 155, 161, 177, 198, committed to John’s care 263 K 199, 247, 271 finds Jesus in the Temple 188 Agony of Jesus 254 flight to Egypt 187 kabbalah 151 Annunciation 178–79 Magnificat 179 Kebra Nagast 122 banquet for the poor 339 Nativity 182–83, 184, 184, 186 Kenites 68 baptism of Jesus 194, 195, 196 perpetual virginity 183 Kingdom of God 176, 206, 229, 238, 243, 251, birth of John the Baptist 195 sufferings 185 Christ child in the Temple 188 Mary of Bethany 226, 227, 246, 247, 271, 297 265, 274, 320, 327 cleansing of the ten lepers 338–39 Mary Magdalene 269, 269, 270–71 Kings, books of 225, 245, 334–36 conversion of Saul 290–91 mass 252, 253 the empty tomb 269, 270 Matthew (Levi) (Apostle) 201, 202 Elijah and the chariot of fire 126–27, 127 feeding of the 5,000 203, 228–31, 229 Matthew, Gospel of 25, 88, 163, 167, 177, 191, Elijah and the prophets of Baal 125 Golden Rule 210–11 203, 228, 271, 285, 327 Elijah in the wilderness 124, 124 Good Samaritan 216–17 anointing of Jesus’s feet 247 fall of Jerusalem 128–31, 130 Great Commission 274, 276 baptism of Jesus 194–97 wisdom of Solomon 120–23 Jesus’s Passion 261, 263, 264, 266, 267, the empty tomb 269, 270 Korban Pesach 73 268 feeding of the 4,000 231, 338 John the Baptist 189 feeding of the 5,000 230 L Judas Iscariot 255 Garden of Gethsemane 254–55 Last Supper 248–53 Golden Rule 210, 211 Laban 55, 56–57 Lazarus and the rich man 338 Great Commission 274–77 Lachish 170 Lord’s Prayer 212–13 greatest commandment 296 Lachish letters 131 Nativity 182–85 Herod’s infanticide 187 Lamech 37, 40, 118 Peter’s denial of Jesus 257 Holy Trinity 299 Lamentations, Book of 137, 141, 158, 160–61 prodigal son 218–21, 219 Jesus anointed at Bethany 247 Last Judgment 173, 189, 203, 316–21 repentant thief 266–67 Jesus’s Passion 257, 261, 262, 263, 264, road to Emmaus 272–73 265, 266 Seven Last Plagues 71 Simeon in the Temple 192 Jesus walks on water 232–33, 233 see also Day of the Lord Transfiguration 234, 235 Last Judgment 318, 319 universalism 185 Zacchaeus the tax collector 242–43, 242 see also Acts of the Apostles Luther, Martin 23, 34, 239, 301 Lydia 288