It is the world's most widely read and revered book, regarded as the Word of God by the faithful and a fascinating historical document by scholars. But what are the facts behind the creation of this immortal text? This series chronicles new scientific research and theological insight into the origin of the Holy Scriptures. Leading Biblical experts journey back to the land and the times of the Bible's very creation to probe its most profound mysteries. Who Wrote the Bible would be useful for classes on Ancient History, Cultural History, Western Civilization, Religion, Literature and Judaism. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Part II

Part II examines the history and the evolution of the New Testament. It provides an analysis and exploration about the authorship of the Gospels and the spread of Christianity and the Bible throughout the world.

• allegory
• apocryphal
• ascetic
• canonized
• conjecture
• cumbersome
• daunting
• deviate
• ecumenical
• embodies
• enshrines
• enthralled
• heretical
• numerology
• obscurity
• papyrus
• plethora
• postulate
• proliferate
• provocative
• redundant
• sect
• statute
• unabridged

1. Judea was located in the Middle East where much of the Bible was written. Discuss the importance of Judea in the New Testament and Christianity.

2. The New Testament begins with the birth of Jesus Christ. How does the New Testament differ from the Old Testament? How is this difference reflected in the different Jewish and Christian cultures and traditions?

3. Discuss the origin of the word "Gospel."

4. Discuss the role of climate in the survival of ancient manuscripts.

5. The Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke are considered synoptic. What does synoptic mean? Why are these Gospels considered synoptic?

6. What is the "Q" hypothesis? Why do some scholars believe Q existed? What do you think?

7. Paul was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Discuss the role of Paul in the spread and establishment of Christianity throughout the ancient world.

8. The last book of the New Testament is Revelations. Why has this book always incited discussion and controversy?

9. How were the diverse writings about Jesus Christ compiled into the single volume of the New Testament?

10. Why were some texts excluded from the Bible?

11. The Roman emperor Constantine played a significant part in the history of the Bible. Discuss Constantine's influence in Christianity and in the spread and canonization of the New Testament.

12. Why is the desert the "great custodian of the past?"

13. The Bible, which is centuries old, is being studied with the tools of the twentieth century. How are computers used in scholarly study of the Bible?

1. Using a medium of your choice, construct a typical town that might have existed in the Middle East during the lifetime of Jesus Christ.

2. Create a timeline charting the evolution of the New Testament from its origins up to the establishment of the King James Version of the Bible.

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