New Testament, Alexander the Great - Research Paper Example

New Testament, Alexander the Great New Testament, Alexander the Great The writing of the New Testament occurred from 48 AD through to 95 AD. This indicates that there exists a slender gap of 35 to 40 years from the initial writings by the apostles. Various theological studies indicate that there are approximately 5300 Greek texts of the New Testament from the ancient writings. In total, including Latin, Syriac, Aramaic and Coptic there are approximately 24,633 texts of the antique New Testament to validate the wording of the New Testament scriptures.

This implies that there was no extended phase between the happenings of the New Testament and the writings of the New Testament. In addition, this implies that there is no great drift of time between the initial writings and the oldest copies1. Following the execution of Philip, his son Alexander the Great succeeded him. In 333 BC, Alexander and the Greek soldiers initially conquered the Persians in what is presently modern Turkey. Rather than pursuing the Persian troops east in to their capital, Alexander twisted his concentration to the south and overpowered Palestine.

The speedily moving Greek army conquered this territory overwhelmingly. Consequently, Jerusalem surrendered to the Greeks peacefully and Alexander established relationships with the priests2. Through ought history, many scholars linked the figure of Alexander the Great with the religious figure of Zeus Ammon. Moreover, these scholars deemed that Alexander himself believed that a celestial connection subsisted between himself and the god. Conversely, Alexander’s faith in his individual spirituality did not occur due to an ideological vacuity and in his period and area there was a spiritual climate that promoted such thoughts3.

The conquests of Alexander the Great remained very significant to the writings of the New Testament. This is because he did not only overcome the world but he also transformed it. In this regard, there was a significant spread of the Greek culture and language all over the world, called the “Hellenism” as they conquered many areas. The Greek language (koine) extended all over the world, which aided in easy travel and communication4. In the midst of this period of the spread of Greek language (koine) the writings of the New Testament occurred.

In addition, the language of the New Testament writings links to the Greek translation of the Old Testament referred to as the "Septuagint." The generation of this translation occurred at Alexandria in the era just before the Christian epoch. The translation also occurred with particular Christian inscriptions normally related under the name "Apostolic Fathers"5. This new movement developed and coordinated by the Greeks influenced the organization of the New Testament in various ways. One of the major ways in which this movement influenced the writings of the New Testament was through the Greek text in which those writings occurred.

In addition, this movement laid the foundation for the development and establishment of the New Testament. Today, Christians can establish this foundation in the implemented outlooks of the Greek culture, which is evident all through the written pages of the New Testament writings. Another reason for the development of this strong foundation is that the Greeks had aptitude and believed powerfully in the power of reason to establish basic truths all of which were important during the initial developments of the New Testament6.

The New Testament authors were under the control of new transformative convictions. In addition, these new convictions greatly affected the language of the New Testament. For instance, there was the tendency of giving common words new and developed connotations, and lifting ordinary people to a higher sphere through a new and magnificent experience. The New Testament authors used the ordinary, renowned language, but changed the words to give them the right meaning and portray the message. For instance, the Epistle to the Hebrews indicates that even cognizant art could become the instrument of thoughtful genuineness.

In addition, even the simplest and shortest letters of Paul are of significant importance since an apostle to the Church of God addresses them. This implies that the New Testament is very relevant to all Christians7. References Airriess, Lynda. 2003, “Alexander The Great: Who Did He Say He Was?” (accessed July 27 2011). Cate, Jeff. 2011, “New Testament Backgrounds,” (accessed July 27 2011). Fales, Richard. N.d, “Archaeology and History Attest to the Reliability of the Bible,” (accessed July 27 2011).

Harrell, Chris. 2010, “Alexander the Great and the Formation of the New Testament,” (accessed July 27 2011). Machen, Gresham. 1923, “New Testament Greek: A Brief Introduction,” (accessed July 27 2011).