Session 1

For a deeper understanding of this  session, please give attention to these suggested materials:

 Some articles to read:

 Textual Criticism
The Emergence of the New Testament Canon
The Development of the Canon of the New Testament
 The Canon of Scripture
English Translations of the Bible
 The History of Bible Translation

Some terms to research:

Masoretic Text,  Biblical canon,  papyrus, scroll, parchment, Dead Sea Scrolls, codex, Tanak, Septuagint (LXX), canon, apocrypha, Vulgate, Talmud, Targum, Rule of Faith, textual criticism 

Now that you’ve picked up some information on the origins of scripture, let’s think about how you might use it:

Bible Layers Project Introduction

One goal of this course is that you might create a resource that you have authored and can use in you own context. This may be a Bible study lesson, sermon, newsletter article, devotional, or whatever would be helpful. Begin by selecting a passage of Scripture. This can be any passage, but use the same passage each session. There will be a new activity every session to help you uncover a different layer to studying Scripture. If you are studying with a group, it might be helpful to discuss what you are learning and in the final session to look back over the whole project.

 

Part 1

Spiritual Context

This week take time to sit down with your passage ahead of any research. Pray over the passage in the pattern of Lectio Divina, reading the passage through four times. First, read the passage for its surface-level meaning. Second, read the passage asking God to draw your attention to a particular word, phrase, or idea. Third, read the passage asking God what you are being called to do or to be based on this word, phrase, or idea. Finally, read the passage worshipfully resolving to follow God’s call and spend a few minutes in silent rest. Journal the impressions that God’s spirit is laying on you. Come back and add any thoughts throughout the week as they come to you.