Lecture Notes: The Assembly and Content of the New Testament

Introduction

The New Testament is an assembled library of documents, not written as a single book.
Major discussions on what to include were theological, social, and political.
Decisions were made by vote on which books were considered appropriate for the Bible.

Many popular writings were excluded from the Bible, some even more popular than included texts.
Examples of excluded texts include "The Life of Adam and Eve."
These discussions were influenced by considerations of what should be read and what should be forbidden.

An ancient text that offers detailed stories not found in the Old Testament.
Contains a more detailed account of creation, focusing on Eve's role.
Includes additional characters and more complex interactions, such as jealous angels and a devious serpent.
Written to fill gaps in the Genesis story and provide larger context.

Eve suggests she might die to bring Adam back into paradise.
The serpent and devil deceive Eve by appearing in different forms.
Eve's actions lead to Adam and Eve's expulsion from paradise.
Adam devises a plan for them to return to the garden by standing in rivers as penance.
Eve is again deceived by the devil and leaves the river early, causing further problems.
The story includes themes of deception, penance, and the struggle to return to paradise.

The text was likely excluded because it would have had to be placed at the beginning of the Bible, close to Genesis.
Some scholars believe it was written much later than Genesis, either in the 1st century or the 3rd/4th century.
Possible reasons for exclusion include its late authorship or incompatibility with other teachings, though no ancient discussions confirm this.
Despite exclusion, the book was popular and offered a perspective from Eve's point of view.

Eve is portrayed more sympathetically as an innocent victim.
Adam and Eve had separate halves of the garden, and Eve was alone during her temptation.
The devil, disguised as an angel, tricked Eve into eating the forbidden fruit.
Eve's realization of her mistake and subsequent efforts to atone are detailed.
Adam's anger and disappointment when Eve is deceived again are highlighted.
The story also explains Satan's rebellion against God and his refusal to bow to Adam.

The text provides a deeper understanding of the themes of temptation, deception, and penitence.
Highlights the complexities of compiling the Bible and deciding which texts to include or exclude.