History of the Bible 1 study
Peter's ministry 2 studies
Historical notes 5 studies
History of the Bible
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BIB004
The Translation of the Septuagint
The article deals with the translation of the Septuagint, a Greek version of the Hebrew Bible made in the 3rd century BC for Greek-speaking Jews. Produced in Alexandria, the Septuagint greatly influenced the first Christians. It includes various biblical books and was initiated by King Ptolemy II.
Peter's ministry
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ADA026
The arrest of Stephen
The article analyzes the arrest of Stephen (Acts 6.8-12) in Jerusalem around AD 34-35. Although appointed among the Seven, Stephen carries out a remarkable apostolic ministry. His witness provokes the opposition of Hellenistic Jews who, unable to refute him, resort to false witnesses to bring him before the Sanhedrin. Luke highlights the parallels with the trial of Jesus and the gradual extension of the persecution to the whole Church.
Acts 11.19-21 (King James Version) :Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org -
ADA027
Stephen's appearance before the Sanhedrin
The appearance of Stephen before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6.12-15), around AD 34-35, is initiated by Hellenistic opponents from the synagogue of the Freedmen. Unable to refute his wisdom, they resort to false witnesses. The accusations concern the Temple and the Law, recalling the trial of Jesus. Luke thus draws an intentional parallel between the Master and his disciple.
Acts 6.10 (King James Version) :And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Historical notes
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INF007
The Council of Nicaea
The First Council of Nicaea (AD 325), convened by Emperor Constantine, brought together the bishops of the Roman Empire to resolve the Arian controversy. It affirmed the consubstantiality of Christ with the Father, adopted the Nicene Creed still used today, set the date of Easter and strengthened the alliance between the Church and the Roman Empire, thus laying the doctrinal and liturgical foundations of Christianity.
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INF028
The Letter of Aristeas
The Letter of Aristeas, an ancient document often described as pseudepigraphal, relates the translation of the Torah into Greek by 72 Jewish scholars under Ptolemy II Philadelphus. Probably dating from the 2nd century BC, it is considered a work of propaganda of Alexandrian Judaism and is not a reliable historical source, but it offers a glimpse into the cultural context of the time.
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INF048
The Codex
The codex is a handwritten book made of leaves bound along one side, a forerunner of the modern book. Appearing in the 1st century AD, it was widely adopted by the early Christians to transmit the Scriptures. More practical and durable than the scroll, it promoted the spread of religious and literary texts. Among the most famous examples are the Codex Sinaiticus, the Codex Vaticanus and the Codex Alexandrinus, manuscripts essential for the textual criticism of the Bible.
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INF050
The Codex Vaticanus
The Codex Vaticanus, dated between AD 300 and 325, is one of the oldest complete biblical manuscripts in Greek. Held in the Vatican Apostolic Library in Rome, it contains the Old and New Testaments, as well as the Epistle of Barnabas and the Shepherd of Hermas. Of the Alexandrian type, it is very close to the original texts and is a major reference for textual criticism. Digitized in 2019, it is now accessible online to all researchers.
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INF051
The Codex Alexandrinus
The Codex Alexandrinus is a Greek biblical manuscript of the fifth century, made up of 773 leaves of vellum and containing most of the Old and New Testaments. Originating in Alexandria, it was presented to King Charles I of England in 1628 by Patriarch Cyril Lucaris. Today held in the British Library in London, it belongs to the Byzantine family of the text and is a major witness for textual criticism and the history of the transmission of the Scriptures.