Key New Testament Terms and Gospel Theology

Core Terms and Biblical Concepts

The Identity and Mission of Jesus

• Gospel Authorship: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—the evangelists who wrote faith accounts of Jesus.
• Acts–Luke Connection: Written by the same author; Luke is the Gospel, while Acts chronicles the early Church.
• Incarnation: The mystery of God becoming human in the person of Jesus.
• Jesus’ Name (Yeshua): Meaning “God saves.”
• Emmanuel: Meaning “God with us.”
• Immaculate Conception: The belief that Mary was conceived without Original Sin.
• Protoevangelium: The first promise of salvation found in Genesis 3:15.
• Original Sin: The fallen human condition inherited from Adam.
• Concupiscence: The human inclination toward sin.
• Jesus as the New Adam: His obedience restores what Adam lost through disobedience.

Gospel Narratives and Themes

• Infancy Narratives: The birth stories of Jesus found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
• Matthew Themes: Focuses on the fulfillment of the Old Testament, kingship, and the Magi.
• Luke Themes: Emphasizes the poor, women, mercy, and the shepherds.
• Shepherds and the Poor: Symbols of God’s favor shown to the humble.
• Magi: Gentiles who recognized Jesus as the true king.
• Circumcision and Covenant: A physical sign of belonging to God’s people.

The Ministry of Jesus

• Baptism of Jesus: An event that reveals the Trinity and begins His public ministry.
• John the Baptist: The one who prepares the way and calls the people to repentance.
• Desert Symbolism: Represents testing, purification, and total dependence on God.
• Repentance (Metanoia): A fundamental change of heart and life direction.
• Parables: Simple stories used to reveal the nature of the Kingdom.
• Kingdom of God: The reign of God, present now and reaching fulfillment in the future.
• Love: The central command and the summary of the Gospel message.
• Disciples and Apostles: The followers and the "sent ones" of Jesus.
• Apostle: Literally meaning “one who is sent.”
• Twelve Apostles: The foundation stones of the Church.

The Passion and Paschal Mystery

• Judas’ Betrayal: The act of handing Jesus over to the authorities.
• Palm Sunday: The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
• Passover and Holy Thursday: The Last Supper and the institution of the New Covenant.
• Paschal Mystery: The passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.
• Ransom: The life of Jesus offered as a sacrifice for many.
• Suffering in Mark: The theme of discipleship through the way of the cross.
• Messianic Secret: A motif where Jesus conceals His identity until the crucifixion.

Gospels and Sacred Tradition

The Synoptic Gospels and Sources

• Synoptic Gospels: The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
• Synoptic Problem: The study of the literary relationship among the three Synoptic Gospels.
• Redaction Criticism: The study of how Gospel authors edited their sources.
• Gospel Sources: Includes Mark, the Q source, and special material (M and L).
• Audience of Matthew: Primarily Jewish Christians.
• Audience of Luke: Primarily Gentile Christians.
• Evangelist Backgrounds: The different communities and purposes behind each Gospel.

Transmission of Faith

• Oral Tradition: The spoken teaching that existed before the Gospels were written.
• Written Gospels: Documents that preserved the apostolic faith.
• Sacred Tradition: The living transmission of the Church's Gospel message.
• New Testament Canon: The official list of inspired books in the Bible.
• Canonicity Criteria: Includes apostolic origin, orthodoxy, and widespread usage.

Historical and Cultural Context

The World of the New Testament

• Roman Rule: The political occupation of Judea during the time of Jesus.
• Pontius Pilate: The Roman governor who presided over Jesus' trial.
• Jewish Leadership: Groups including the Pharisees, Sadducees, and scribes.
• The Temple: The central place of Jewish worship and sacrifice.
• Languages: The use of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek in the region.
• Jewish Feasts: Important celebrations such as Passover and Pentecost.

Theological Symbols and Prophecy

• Angels: Spiritual beings serving as God’s messengers.
• Parousia: The Second Coming of Christ.
• Docetism: A heresy that denied the true humanity of Jesus.
• Forty-Day Symbolism: A period representing testing and spiritual preparation.
• Old Testament Fulfillment: The belief that Jesus completes ancient prophecies.
• Isaiah: A key messianic prophet cited frequently in the New Testament.
• Baptism and Forgiveness: The ritual of cleansing and the gift of new life.
• Trinity (Trinus): The doctrine of one God in three Divine Persons.