History of the WHOLE Bible in 9 minutes I guess…

Summary

The Bible's development spans thousands of years, written across three continents and languages by over 40 authors. It began as oral traditions before Moses documented the law, followed by historical narratives and prophecies. After the destruction of the temple, writings began circulating, eventually forming the Tanakh. The Greek translation led to the Old Testament, and with the New Testament, the Gospel of Jesus was added. Over centuries, the church recognized which books were divinely inspired, forming the Bible as we know it today, deeply influencing world history and regarded by Christians as the Word of God.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Bible was written over thousands of years, across three continents, in three languages, by over 40 different authors.
• 😀 The Bible didn't 'fall from the sky' or get created by Emperor Constantine. Its development was a gradual process over time.
• 😀 The earliest version of the Bible was based on oral traditions and stories passed down through generations.
• 😀 Moses is central to the Torah, as he received the law from God and played a key role in freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
• 😀 The Torah includes more than just the law. It also provides historical context, stories, and guidelines for the Israelites.
• 😀 Prophets in the Bible played an essential role in warning the Israelites to stay faithful to God's law, and their prophecies were collected into books.
• 😀 The historical context of the Israelites' conquest and exile helps make sense of the prophecies, which ultimately came true.
• 😀 After the exile, the Israelite community had many writings, including Psalms and Proverbs, but there was no single authority to determine which books should be included.
• 😀 By around 200 BC, the Hebrew Jewish community largely agreed on which books should be in the Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible.
• 😀 The Old Testament is based on the 'Old Covenant' between God and Moses, but the New Testament introduces a 'New Covenant' based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
• 😀 The New Testament, written by apostles or their associates, consists of the Gospels, letters, and other writings that form the foundation of Christianity.

Q & A

How was the Bible originally passed down before it became written?

The Bible was originally passed down through oral tradition. Stories were shared verbally from person to person across generations, especially within the Israelite community.

Why is Moses considered central to the Torah?

Moses is considered central to the Torah because he received the law from God on Mount Sinai, which was fundamental for the Israelites' way of life. Moses also played a key role in the Israelites' escape from Egypt.

What role did prophets play in the development of the Bible?

Prophets spoke on behalf of God, warning people to follow God's laws. Their prophecies were eventually compiled into books and became part of the Bible, which helped guide the Israelites through various challenges and the consequences of disobedience.

Why did the Israelites keep straying from God's law?

The Israelites often strayed from God's law because they were influenced by surrounding nations and their gods. Despite repeated warnings from prophets, they would worship other gods until they faced the consequences of foreign invasions and exile.

What was the significance of the Babylonian exile for the Israelites?

The Babylonian exile marked a pivotal moment in Israelite history. It was seen as punishment for disobedience, but it also prompted the Israelites to reflect on their identity and faith. During this time, many writings were collected and codified into the scriptures.

How did the Israelites decide which books should be included in their scriptures?

The inclusion of books in the scriptures was largely based on whether they were read in synagogues and believed to contain divine wisdom. Over time, around 200 BC, the Hebrew Jewish community reached an agreement on which books should be part of the Tanakh.

Why is the Old Testament called 'Old'?

The Old Testament is called 'Old' because it is based on the 'Old Covenant' between God and Moses. It is contrasted with the 'New Covenant,' which is centered around the teachings of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

What is the difference between the synoptic gospels and the Gospel of John?

The synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) focus on the public ministry, sermons, and miracles of Jesus, while the Gospel of John emphasizes more private discourses and personal interactions, reflecting a deeper, more intimate portrayal of Jesus.

Why were some books debated before being included in the New Testament?

Some books were debated because there were concerns over forgeries and authorship. Only books with clear apostolic authority and teachings were considered legitimate for inclusion in the New Testament.

What criteria were used to determine which books were accepted into the New Testament?

The criteria for determining which books were included in the New Testament included apostolic authorship, alignment with the teachings of Jesus, and a consistent message with the existing scriptures. Books that were not forgeries or clearly out of alignment with Christian doctrine were more likely to be included.