Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ: Gospels, Disciples, and the Early Church
The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus’s Homeland
Jesus lived in Palestine, a small Mediterranean country under Roman rule. It consisted of three regions: Galilee in the north, Samaria in the center, and Judea in the south. Important cities included Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Bethany.
Roman Rule
Herod the Great, appointed by the Roman Senate, ruled Palestine from 37 to 4 BC. After his death, his son Archelaus inherited Judea and Samaria but was deposed in 6 AD. Rome then appointed a series of Roman procurators, including Pontius Pilate (26-37 AD). Herod Antipas ruled Galilee and Perea until 39 AD.
The Gospels
The Gospels—meaning “good news”—are not biographies of Jesus, but rather testimonies of faith centered on his life, message, and salvation. They present significant events and teachings, proclaiming Jesus as savior and Son of God, and inviting belief in him.
Formation of the Gospels
The Gospels developed through several stages: the life of Jesus, oral transmission, written texts, and final redaction.
The Synoptic Gospels
Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because of their similar organization and content. Mark is believed to be the earliest, with Matthew and Luke drawing from Mark and a hypothetical source called “Q.”
Apocryphal Gospels
These gospels were not recognized by the early Church as divinely inspired.
Other New Testament Books
Acts of the Apostles
This book, considered a continuation of Luke’s Gospel, narrates the growth of the early Church and its continuation of Jesus’s mission.
Letters (Epistles)
These are the oldest New Testament documents. They include the Pauline Epistles (13 letters written by Paul and possibly Hebrews) and the Catholic Epistles (attributed to James, Peter, John, and Jude).
Revelation
This book offers a vision of the future and addresses Christians facing persecution.
Jesus’s Followers and Disciples
Following the Rabbi
In Palestine, rabbis (teachers) had groups of disciples. Jesus, also called Rabbi, attracted followers, primarily in Galilee, with Capernaum as a central location. Among his followers were Simon, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew.
A Different Kind of Teacher
Unlike traditional rabbis, Jesus emphasized a way of life rather than just doctrine. He called his followers to imitate his life and become part of a new family.
Bound by Love
Jesus’s love united his disciples, creating a new community of brothers and sisters.
The Church and Its Renewal
Ecumenical Councils
An ecumenical council is a gathering of bishops convened by the Pope to address important Church matters. Vatican II (1962-1965) was a significant council that aimed to modernize the Church and address contemporary issues.
Vatican II
This council emphasized the Church as the People of God and focused on communion with God. It also encouraged engagement with the world, acknowledging positive aspects while criticizing injustice.
Church Organization in Spain
Spain has 67 dioceses, grouped into ecclesiastical provinces. The Spanish Bishops’ Conference, led by a president (e.g., Rouco Varela), coordinates the work of the bishops and promotes unity. The parish is the basic unit of the Church.