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Cosmology of the New Testament

Cosmology is a type of worldview. It is a theory or doctrine describing the natural order of the universe (the cosmos). Today we think of the sun as being the center of the solar system. At another time, people believed that the earth was the center of the solar system. That's two different worldviews.

Ancient Worldview of Greco-Roman Times

According the Ptolemaic (TOL-a-may-ik) worldview of the Greco-Roman period, there was a geocentric (earth-centered) rather than solar (sun-centered) system.

Seven spheres traveled around earth. Each sphere contained:

• a planet
• angels & demonic beings watching humans

What does this have to do with the Bible?

1. Read these scriptures:

• Romans 8:38-39 -- see the influence of the more elaborate cosmology.
• Luke 10:25-37 -- the Parable of the Good Samaritan shows the influences of diverse cultures.
• Acts 8:26-40 --the story of Phillip and the Ethiopian shows another example of the influence of diverse cultures

2. What other stories show the influences and worldviews of New Testament authors?

3. What other customs and beliefs influenced the writer?

Learn about The World Today. Just as the worldviews of people of Old and New Testament times affected their understanding of God and the Bible, so does ours.

Next Page: The World Today