Etymology
It comes from the Greek word “ta biblia” (plural) “biblos” (singular) which means “scrolls” or books. - Is a partial record of the religious history of the real history of the Israelites and the effect of Jesus to those who experienced him. - Since Sacred Tradition; Bible were written in papyrus and were rolled together forming scrolls. - Other names: Holy Scripture or Word of God - Book of History • History of Israelites, chosen people • History of Judeo – Christian Community
TWO DIVISIONS OF THE BIBLE 1. Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) 2. New Testament (Christian Bible)
Testament – comes from the Latin word “testamentum” or Greek “diatheke” meaning covenant or agreement
SOURCES OF DIVINE REVELATION 1. Tradition (Oral & Written) 2. Scriptures
STAGES OF THE FROMATION OF SACRED SCRIPTURES
Stage 1: Actual Event - The event that happened in human history that was described as religious experience or God intervening in their lives.
Stage 2: Oral tradition - The people transmit the events orally from one generation to the next.
Stage 3: Writing of Scriptures - In order to preserve the traditions, the people decided to put in writing
Stage 4: Canonicity - The books were declared as inspired
AUTHORS OF THE BIBLE
Primary: God
Secondary: Man (scribes, priest and wise men)
INERRANCY – the bible is divinely inspired. Therefore, it contains no error.
CHAPTER AND VERSES - IN 1226, Archbishop Stephen Langton of Canterbury divided the books into chapters. In 1551, the French printer, Robert Estienne (Stephamus), divided into verses. - [book] [chapter] : [verses]
OLD TESTAMENT - Was written in Hebrew with a few words in Aramaic and it was translated in Greek (Septuagint) - Has 46 books or 45 if Jeremiah and Lamentation as one (Catholics) has 39 books for Protestants
THREE DIVISIONS OF OT 1. Torah – law 2. Nebi’im – prophets 3. Ketubim – writings
OT