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Wenham, D., & Walton, S. (2021). Exploring the New Testament, volume 1: A guide to the Gospels and Acts (3 rd ed.). SPCK Publishing. Bible- The Holy Bible English Standard Version. (2016). YouVersion. https://www.bible.com/versions/59-esv-english-standard-version-2016 (2001) T1d1 taylor (done) I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. it was interesting to read them. Since this is your final formal class before you complete your academic career, I must admit that I am jealous. I find great encouragement in your narrative, which strengthens my trust in God even more, especially after you disclosed that you used to hold an atheistic perspective on life. Since I believe that the fundamental theme of those verses is about honoring and respecting elders, especially those who function as leaders in the church, I appreciate you sharing the verse from Timothy. It highlights the idea that those who work should be fairly recognized and supported, which, in my opinion, underscores the need to pay elders for their labor in preaching and teaching. I appreciate the texts' in-depth theological analysis since I'm curious to learn more, but I have a question for you and the class: Why is it important? If God withheld certain information from the readers to aid in their understanding, why is it important to know every small detail? If Christians are not in complete control of the situation, does it impact their faith? Thank you. T1 d1 taylor (done) Yeah, sorry, Taylor. I can see how I addressed the question, which could be confusing, which is understandable since I really don't know what I am asking exactly. In simple terms, I guess the focus of my question is: Why can't humans just have faith that God and His Word have a master plan to guide humanity to serve in His glorious mission without the need to know why? Should knowing why something is written in His Word distract the command to just trust and obey since there is no other way, God's Word is perfect? hope that clears up my question. T1 d1 lisa Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I enjoyed reading them. I appreciate the fact that you stated how lost you are regarding the gospels and how they connect with each other. I feel the same way and the verse that keeps coming to my mind to help alleviate that concern a little bit is Romans 8:28. It is also known that everything works for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose (Holy Bible English Standard Version, Romans 8:28). This verse comes to mind since it emphasizes that God can bring out the good in any circumstance, even those that are difficult to understand like His word. It just encourages me to trust in His master plan and just have faith that He is always working for the ultimate good. It is evident that His Word is following a specific path according to His will and though we may not understand everything, we must all remember that humans were not meant to. We do not come close to being on God’s level and our brains cannot even come close to comprehend His plan for all His precious creations. What do you think about the connection regarding Romans 8:28? Would it be helpful to think about when you are feeling lost in the Gospels? Thank you.

Bible- The Holy Bible English Standard Version. (2016). YouVersion. https://www.bible.com/versions/59-esv-english-standard-version-2016 (2001) T1d2 philip (done) Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this question, I enjoyed reading them. It seems like we had similar thoughts and understood how the genre of poetry in the Book of Psalm, can help readers understand to not take what is written literally since it was used to illustrate emotions and that is why most are used as worship songs. A question for you and the class that comes to mind is regarding Psalm 23, how can one use that to guide them in their personal walk with Jesus? Also, do you feel that it is important for humans to know exactly what is interpreted in God’s Word? Why can’t believers just exercise devoted faith and trust in the Lord no matter what? Thank you for sharing. T1 d2 phillip (done) Wow, thank you for responding to my question, I really appreciate you taking the time. I agree with everything you mentioned and Psalm 23 is one of my personal favorites. The Proverb you stated is a very important one, but in my observation trusting in God completely is not easy for even Christians to do. As humans, we are constantly challenged in life and some situations especially personal ones, can cause people to lose that trust in God. I believe no one is perfect other than Jesus. This notion regarding how sinful humans are constructs my view that no human will fully understand the Bible, God’s plan for His precious creations. Thoughts? Do you view yourself as perfect and despite whatever happens, will always trust in God? T1d2 white (done) Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I enjoyed reading them Elaina. What a great reminder about how the parables of Jesus were just stories but how amazing is it that our teacher educated believers through those stories. The way Jesus articulated His lessons in these parables were so amazing and just proved that He is the Son of God. I will ask the question that has been on my mind lately after reading all of our classmates’ posts. Do you think it would change a believer’s faith in God if they did not fully understand what is written? Why does knowing everything in the Bible matter and why can we not just have devoted faith that God is in control and we should just trust and obey? T1 d2 ethan (done) Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this question, I enjoyed reading them. I also remember seeing your name in past classes so I am happy to be able to discuss with you once again. The example of different genres you mentioned especially surrounding wisdom is helpful to remember. The book of Proverbs is indeed focused on wisdom and attempts to help inspire the readers rather than using stories or poems. I agree with you that identifying the genre of Proverbs will help Christians to know what to expect and not focus on the historical aspect. I am curious,

is there a specific Proverbs that resonates with you? Thank you again for sharing Ethan and I will be praying you do well in this class. T1 d1 white (done) Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this question, I enjoyed reading it. I appreciated your simple explanation for the differences between synoptic problem, and source criticism. You mentioned that by implementing both of these, we are able to understand the Bible. I would argue that humans will never fully understand the bible since we are not divine and know what God’s master plan is or exactly know what His Word really mean. You have no idea how the spirit enters a pregnant woman's bones, just as you have no idea how God, the creator of everything, operates (Holy Bible English Standard Version, Ecclesiastes 11:5). All we can go by is using these tools and present findings through research and observations to come up with are guesses on God’s perfect word. I am curious, which technique do you find most helpful when trying to understand the gospels the best you can? Thank you. Bible- The Holy Bible English Standard Version. (2016). YouVersion. https://www.bible.com/versions/59-esv-english-standard-version-2016 (2001) T2 d1 kennetrh (done) Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this question, I enjoyed reading them. I agree with you that the Gospels were not written the same as other historical events and that should not be a surprise since Christian’s living is not the same as worldly living. I am curious what you meant by see “baby Christians”? Is that a new Christian or something since I believe in a sense, we are all babies when it comes to understanding God’s Word. No human will ever fully understand His master plan and we will always continue to grow and learn through His Word to mature into stronger Christians. I could be making a fool of myself, but I have never heard that expression at the church I congregate at. Also, could you share an example of when the text started to click with you? Thank you. T2d1 aliana Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Elaina, I enjoyed reading them. I agree with you in the lens of a devoted believer that through devoted faith in God, then all His Word becomes accurate. I appreciate the example of the friend entering late into the conversation, but still can keep up with the content. I trust that God picked the specific authors knowing that they will always focus on His main lesson and the message He desires His creations to be presented with. My question for you is that if one does not have the historical background to back up the claims of the Gospel, should they stop believing? T1d1 main Yes, I think that individuals who study the Gospels may benefit much from a grasp of the synoptic dilemma and source criticism. The relationship between the three synoptic gospels—

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Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—is the subject of the synoptic issue, which gives us the necessary perspective to understand the parallels and discrepancies between each gospel (Wenham & Walton, 2021). Source criticism is analyzing the materials the gospel writers used and understanding how, with God's guidance, they put their stories together. The most helpful concepts are, in my opinion, those that include understanding the gospel harmony, being aware of how the gospel is constructed, critically analyzing the scriptures, and offering both adaptation and interpretation. In terms of comprehending Gospel harmony, the synoptic dilemma aids academics in grasping the relationships between the Gospels. Scholars can understand the literary and historical connections between the texts by examining their differences and similarities. A more accurate and cogent reconstruction of Jesus' life and teachings may result from this understanding. Having knowledge into Gospel construction allows scholars to identify the sources utilized by the gospel writers. By analyzing these sources, scholars could better understand the methods and intentions of the gospel authors. This insight sheds light on the historical context in which the gospels were written and provides clues about the communities for which they were intended. Critical engagement with the scriptures is helpful since it can grasp with the synoptic problem and source criticism, scholars may engage in critical analysis of the gospels. This process involves asking questions about authorship, sources, redactional tendencies, and theological perspectives. Such critical engagement deepens our understanding of the texts and encourages a more nuanced interpretation of the gospel narratives. Finally, adaptation and interpretation may involve in understanding the synoptic problem and source criticism by helping interpreters situate the gospels within their historical and literary contexts. This contextualization is crucial for interpreting the texts accurately and discerning their meaning for contemporary readers. By appreciating the complexities of Gospel composition, scholars and students can avoid oversimplified interpretations and recognize the richness of the gospel tradition. All things considered, knowledge of the synoptic dilemma and source criticism enhances the study of the gospels by illuminating their authorship, connections, and historical settings. This comprehension adds to a fuller awareness of the richness and complexity of the Gospel accounts and improves scholarly interpretation. Wenham, D., & Walton, S. (2021). Exploring the New Testament, volume 1: A guide to the Gospels and Acts (3 rd ed.). SPCK Publishing. T1 d2 main Understanding the literary genres and structures present in the Bible is crucial because it helps the reader understand and appreciate the original meaning of the book. Wenham & Walton (2021) assert that comprehending the literary genre structures and traits present in the Bible is essential to appreciating the author's intention. Understanding these genres improves one's capacity to fully understand the meaning and context of each work. Distinct genres employ distinct literary techniques and convey distinct types of information. One excellent example would be to read a historical account, like the one in the Book of Acts. Understanding this genre makes it easier for readers to understand how the story presents events in chronological order to tell the early history of the Christian church. However, knowing the genre of a work like the Psalms aids readers in comprehending the thoughts, feelings, and metaphorical language used in poetry. I believe that most of the Psalms have been adapted into Christian songs over time as a result of this.

Understanding different genres could also help to avoid misunderstandings. For instance, reading a Psalm's metaphorical verse literally could cause one to misunderstand the author's original meaning as well as the book's overall meaning. Readers who appreciate poetry may find pleasure in the work's use of rich imagery and symbolic language to communicate spiritual truths and human experiences. But an element of me also recognizes my mortality and my inadequate knowledge of the universe's Creator. I often think back to the scene in Job when he asks God, "Why is this happening to me?" and God asks him if he was involved in any of the creation process. It indicates without dispute that only God is aware of and in charge of what occurs behind the scenes. That's why I want to always respect God and never question what He says, even when I'm not sure why. At the end of the day, all I want to do is show how strong my faith is by doing my hardest to follow His directions and commit the remainder of my life to His glorious mission. Wenham, D., & Walton, S. (2021). Exploring the New Testament, volume 1: A guide to the Gospels and Acts (3 rd ed.). SPCK Publishing. T2 d1 main It all relies on one's viewpoint and perception as to whether or not it is important to insist on the historical truth of the stories in the Gospels and Acts. From a theological perspective, many contend that the accuracy of these stories' historical events is essential to the legitimacy of Christianity and its teachings. For Christians, the incidents detailed in these writings form the basis of their comprehension of Jesus Christ's teachings and God's acts in history. However, why has this altered since the time of the Bible? According to Wenham & Walton (2021), the rationalistic phase that western culture underwent over the previous 200 years is the primary cause of the transformation. Many mistrusts a wide range of conventional wisdom and reject ideas that cannot be supported by reason or science. This clarifies why not everyone in the modern world follows Jesus and won't even consider the historical facts put forward. As for me, I don't think historical data pertaining to the Gospels and Acts is significant since I have a deep trust in God and His purpose. I want to know what the other students in the class think. I would argue that, when seen through the lens of spiritual development, the emphasis on historical truth may not be totally necessary. No matter how historically accurate these verses are, a lot of individuals find spiritual guidance and importance in them. Because the stories in the Gospels and Acts contain moral teachings, ethical principles, and spiritual insights, they can have a substantial impact on someone's personal development even if they believe that the stories are more symbolic or metaphorical than strictly historical. The prior knowledge and evidence that support the existence of Jesus are not as important as His teachings. Ultimately, it must be evident that different people have different interpretations of the Bible— this includes Christians as well. Depending on their particular beliefs, theological traditions, and the intent behind the translation and use of these writings, everyone has the right to walk with God in their own special way. Everything, in my opinion, revolves around whether we have led a life that pleases God and has assisted Him in carrying out His work on our own day of judgment. Up until that point, God has given all Christians free will, allowing them to choose how they understand His Word and how they choose to obey His laws. Topic 2 assignment Historicity, according to historiography, is composed of a study that collects

logical, theological, and epistemological data of historians. They observe critical historiography research, including tests that must be applied to a text to confirm whether it is historically reliable. Observing the gospel and noting the differences, even those that may oppose the author's perspective, can provide historicity. The most crucial argument, according to Wemham & Walton, concerning historicity is how they disagree with each other when relating the life of Jesus and the same events (p. 152). When someone writes something that is counterculture and tries to change their opinion, this would be counterintuitive. As we analyze source criticism, it provides all the similarities and differences of the Gospels. (Wenham, & Walton, 2021, p. 92). Source Criticism is the authority behind the New Testament texts that suggests theories regarding materials the biblical authors used in creating their documents. An example is when the apostle Paul quotes early Christian liturgy in (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Luke also implies that he took from other materials concerning Christ when he composed his Gospel, according to (Luke 1:1). Form Criticism also sorts out different elements from the New Testament, illustrating the literary genre known as parables, miracles, songs, and proverbs. Some observations were visible examples of identifying scripture-making scripture without changing the story. Stories did not change, but the differences exposed the historicity and validity of the writings. Form criticism and oral tradition refer to the time before Jesus, making it substantially important because it reveals the time and beliefs that led to it. Understanding the scriptures firsthand from being written will help us to treasure them in their uniqueness. With

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redaction, criticism advances in the writings. Did the authors use their own imagination or ideas in the story? Or was it copied from a different source, written or told by witnesses? Redaction criticism looks at models of stories, enhancement of the original verses and smaller versions, omission of stories or events, other explanations, amendments, and scene-setting changes (Wenham & Walton, 2021, p. 97). The study of historicity gathers information from historians about logic, theology, and philosophy. Considering the historical background contributes in the interpretation of Bible texts. The historical setting in which each word in the Bible was written sheds light on the author's intentions. Regarding using literal features when observing the gospels and Acts is helpful for historical accuracy. Details such as names, dates, events, and locations can help make these texts historically reliable and readers can trust that the information consists accurate representations of what really happened back then. Source criticism, which calls attention to information compilations, is the authority behind the New Testament writings that offer theories regarding the materials the biblical authors used to create their works (Gager, 1974). One instance is seen in 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 when the apostle Paul refers to early Christian customs such as partaking the communion. Form criticism examines genres, literary forms, and oral traditions that shaped the composition of biblical texts. According to Wenham & Walton (2021), synoptic evangelists reproduce teachings verbatim from various sources, enlarging, paraphrasing, and altering them to enhance readers' understanding and relevance. This helps readers understand the intended meanings and interpret them in their original context. According to Wenham & Walton (2021), Christians retain the writings of early Christians, which do not mention Jesus' height, speech manner, or physical characteristics, allowing readers to understand their intended meanings and apply context when interpreting them. Redaction source examines theological stances and exposes how writers rewrite and alter content to make points and convey specific messages for the benefit of others. By identifying this, readers can uncover theological themes behind the texts. Believer’s interpretation of the Gospels and Acts shapes their belief in their historical accuracy. If one believes they are accurate, they interpret them as true stories. If unsure, they may see them as partly true or not true requiring added elements. Ultimately, a person's journey of faith is more important than their starting point. 2?

Understanding the historical reliability of the biblical texts, particularly the Gospels and acts, is crucial for accurate interpretation. Attention to literary features such as genre and style, helps contextualize the narratives within their cultural and literary frameworks. Additionally, influences from source criticism which help identify and underly sources. Source criticism, calls attention to information compilations, is the authority behind the New Testament writings that offer theories regarding the materials the biblical authors used to create their works (Gager, 1974). One instance is seen in 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 when the apostle Paul refers to early Christian customs such as partaking the communion. Form criticism which analyzes literary forms and genres, and redaction criticism which examines editorial decisions and theological perspectives, all provide insights into the composition and purpose of the texts. One’s view of historical reliability significantly shapes interpretation: believers in high reliability often interpret the text literally, emphasizing their historical accuracy; those with moderate views balance historical analysis with theological interpretation; while skeptics may question the texts accuracy and focus more on historical context and potential biases. Form criticism examines genres, literary forms, and oral traditions that shaped the composition of biblical texts. According to Wenham & Walton (2021), synoptic evangelists reproduce teachings verbatim from various sources, enlarging, paraphrasing, and altering them to enhance readers' understanding and relevance. This helps readers understand the intended meanings and interpret them in their original context. According to Wenham & Walton (2021), Christians retain the writings of early Christians, which do not mention Jesus' height, speech manner, or physical characteristics, allowing readers to understand their intended meanings and apply context when interpreting them. Redaction source examines theological stances and exposes how writers rewrite and alter content to make points and convey specific messages for the benefit of others. By identifying this, readers can uncover theological themes behind the texts. Overall understanding historical reliability informs how one interprets your narratives, teachings, and theological messages conveyed in the Gospels and Acts. References Gager, J. G. (1974). The Gospels and Jesus: Some doubts about method. The Journal of Religion , 54 (3), 244–272. Jeffers, J. S. (1999). The greco-roman world of the new testament era : Exploring the background of early christianity . InterVarsity Press. Karakocali, A. (2013). Magistrate: The most important political body of Roman republic. Ankara Bar Review , 6 (2), 65–82. Final draft Historicity, is composed of a study that collects

logical, theological, and epistemological data of historians. How one interprets what they are reading needs to consider the historical background of every verse, book, or section they read. Every word in the Bible was composed during a certain historical period and under conditions. This extraneous material frequently provides readers with a great deal of understanding of the intent behind the writing. The passage's specific details—why, when, and where—will be related to the historical context. Regarding using literal features when observing the gospels and Acts is helpful for historical accuracy. Details such as names, dates, events, and locations can help make these texts historically reliable and readers can trust that the information consists accurate representations of what really happened back then. The authority behind the New Testament texts that offer hypotheses about the materials the biblical authors utilized to create their books is known as source criticism which draws attention toward compilations of information (Gager, 1974). One instance is seen in 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 when the apostle Paul refers to early Christian customs such as partaking the communion. The expectations we might have when reading the Synoptics are first clarified by identifying their differences and similarities. It is clear from their differing accounts of Jesus' teachings that the synoptic evangelists did not intend to reproduce their sources verbatim. To assist their readers in comprehending the material's relevance for them, they enlarge, paraphrase, and alter it (Wenham & Walton, 2021). Form criticism focuses on genres, literary forms, and oral traditions that shaped the composition of the biblical texts. According to Wenham & Walton (2021), early Christians retain writings without mentioning physical characteristics of Jesus, allowing readers to interpret their meanings and apply context. Redaction examines theological stances and exposes how writers rewrite and alter content to make points and convey specific messages for the benefit of others. Believer’s belief in the historical accuracy of the Gospels and Acts shapes how they interpret them. If one thinks they are accurate, that person will seem them as true stories. If a person is unsure, they may see them as a partly true with added elements. If someone doubts the accuracy, that person will question what was written and focus more on the context and possible reasons behind the stories. Overall, wherever a person is in their journey of faith, where they start is not as important to where they finish. 2A Graeco city life The Graeco-Roman cities were not that much different from societies like the United States. According to Jeffers (1999), the Graeco- roman world was organized around their cities. All the amenities of culture and all market facilities a region offered were in the city. Farmers, and shepherds from the surrounding countryside came to the city to profit off their products and purchased goods provided by the city’s markets and bazaars. Today there are diverse populations in American cities, where half of the population resides. In the first century AD, only around 10% of the wealthy and privileged resided in Roman cities, where life was substantially different. The Romans were more concerned with their religion and culture than with the extent of their cities. Smaller towns and villages with distinct cultures, like Judaism, were neglected while the Romans and Greeks maintained most of the money and power. Jerusalem thus continued to practice its own culture while being excluded from all governmental and financial activities.

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2B. Roman administrative structure Imagine a society in which there was nothing to unite people of different social classes due to their extreme imbalance. This was the Roman administrative structure. Prosperity derived from farming was regarded as more noble, and success was greatly prized. Lawyers included; all professions were considered noble. Aristocracies, also known as patricians, served as leaders, and held diplomatic positions, making them crucial to the management of the Roman Republic. The Senate, the Decurion, the Equestrian class, and the dignified public are examples of the upper class that represent the Roman Republic's governing structure. Then going straight to lower class consisting of poor members, tenant farmers, urban day laborers, dependents of patrons, orphans, widows, and people who are ill (Jeffers, 1999). Notice that middle class is nonexistent. According to Karakocali (2013), in Roman history, government officials, known as magistrates, also served as executive bodies, carrying out political, military, and administrative tasks, and making court- decisions. 2c. The inhabitants living in each region were permitted to manage the Roman Empire, which was mostly ruled by force. Both the Pharisees and the locals seemed to control a limited amount of authority in Jerusalem. As daybreak approached, the leading priests and community elders conferred to condemn Jesus to death. Additionally, they chained him, took him away, and sent him to Governor Pilate (Matthew 27:1- 2, ESV). Along with the Romans and Sanhedrin, the Jews constituted the local government. Rome nominated governors, much like Pilate did in Jerusalem. In the instance of Jesus, "Pilate inquired as to the man's nationality upon learning of this. Pilate placed it in the hands of the local authorities to handle it because, according to Luke 23:6-7 (ESV), "when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at the time." At that point, Herod the king attacked some members of the church with violence. Herod persecuted the Jews even more.

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