Ivor H.Evans:作为文学杰作，新约也是历史和文化背景的产物（英汉对照）
Ivor H. Evans: As a literary masterpiece, the New Testament is also a product of historical and cultural backgrounds
Ivor H.Evans在其著作《新约的文学天才》中认为，新约是其历史和文化背景的产物，理解这种背景对于理解其文学品质很重要。他解释说，新约的文学天才在于它能够以受众能够接触到和相关的形式传达深刻的精神和神学概念。
埃文斯首先考察了新约的历史和文化背景。他指出，新约是在希腊文化占主导地位的时代和地点写成的，希腊语是受过教育的话语语言。他还指出，新约是在政治和社会动荡时期写成的，罗马帝国对该地区行使权力。
埃文斯认为，新约作家意识到了这些文化和历史因素，他们在写作中利用了这些因素。例如，他指出，约翰福音使用希腊哲学概念来传达信息，启示录使用罗马政治意象来传达信息。
新约中的故事经常涉及到人们日常生活中所遇到的问题和困难，这些故事可以为我们提供历史和文化背景。例如，马太福音中讲述的关于一个穷寡妇捐献的故事，可以帮助我们理解当时的社会经济情况，以及人们的价值观。此外，哥林多前书中所描述的保罗对T性恋的立场，也可以帮助我们了解当时的社会道德观念。
埃文斯还认为，新约是一部文学杰作，因为它使用了象征主义和隐喻等文学手段。他指出，拉比的寓言是运用隐喻以一种广泛受众可以理解的方式传达复杂神学概念的大师级例子。他还指出，启示录使用了丰富而复杂的象征主义来传达其信息，这种方式既神秘又迷人。
埃文斯提供的新约文学天才的一个例子是路加福音中浪子的故事。埃文斯指出，这个故事是一个巧妙的例子，说明了如何利用性格发展和讽刺来传达深刻的神学信息。他指出，浪子这个角色最初被描绘成自私和愚蠢，但通过他的经历，他学会了谦逊和忏悔的价值。父亲的角色也以一种令人惊讶的方式被描绘出来，他张开双臂欢迎任性的儿子回来，并庆祝他的回归。埃文斯认为，这个故事有力地证明了恩典和宽恕的救赎力量。
埃文斯提供的另一个例子是约翰福音中隐喻的使用。他指出，约翰福音使用光明和黑暗的隐喻来传达世界的二元性，以及精神启蒙的必要性。他指出，这个比喻在整个福音中都有使用，从开篇的诗句中宣称“生命在他身上，生命是全人类的光”，到“我是世界的光。跟随我的人永远不会在黑暗中行走，而是会有生命的光”的著名段落。
埃文斯在书的结尾认为，新约的文学天才证明了宗教信息的力量。他指出，新约不仅仅是一份历史文献，也是一件至今仍在激励和吸引读者的艺术作品。他指出，《新约》的文学品质不仅是其信息的附带内容，也是其信息的重要组成部分，以一种既可获取又相关的方式传达了深刻的精神真理。
最后，Ivor H.Evans的《新约的文学天才》一书对新约的文学品质进行了引人入胜的探索。埃文斯认为，新约是其历史和文化背景的产物，理解这种背景对于理解其文学品质很重要。他提供了许多关于新约文学天才的例子，从隐喻和象征的使用到人物发展和讽刺的巧妙运用。总的来说，埃文斯的书为为什么新约不仅仅是一部宗教文本，而是一部至今仍吸引和激励读者的艺术作品提供了一个令人信服的论据。
Ivor H. Evans, in his book “The Literary Genius of the New Testament,” argues that the New Testament is a product of its historical and cultural context, and understanding that context is important for understanding its literary qualities. He explains that the literary genius of the New Testament lies in its ability to convey deep spiritual and theological concepts in a form that is accessible and relevant to its audience.
Evans begins by examining the historical and cultural context in which the New Testament was written. He notes that the New Testament was written in a time and place where the dominant culture was Greek, and Greek was the language of educated discourse. He also notes that the New Testament was written in a time of political and social upheaval, with the Roman Empire exerting its power over the region.
The stories in the New Testament often involve the problems and difficulties people encounter in their daily lives, and these stories can provide us with historical and cultural backgrounds. For example, the story of a poor widow donating in the Gospel of Matthew can help us understand the socio-economic situation and people’s values at that time. In addition, the position of Paul towards homosexuality described in 1 Corinthians can also help us understand the social and moral values of that time.
Evans argues that the New Testament writers were aware of these cultural and historical factors, and that they used them to their advantage in their writing. For example, he notes that the Gospel of John uses Greek philosophical concepts to convey its message, and that the Book of Revelation uses Roman political imagery to convey its message.
Evans also argues that the New Testament is a literary masterpiece because of its use of literary devices such as symbolism and metaphor. He notes that the parables of Rabbi are masterful examples of using metaphor to convey complex theological concepts in a way that is accessible to a wide audience. He also notes that the Book of Revelation uses rich and complex symbolism to convey its message in a way that is both mysterious and captivating.
One example of the literary genius of the New Testament that Evans provides is the story of the Prodigal Son in the Gospel of Luke. Evans notes that this story is a masterful example of how to use character development and irony to convey a deep theological message. He notes that the character of the Prodigal Son is initially portrayed as selfish and foolish, but that through his experiences he learns the value of humility and repentance. The character of the Father is also portrayed in a surprising way, as he welcomes his wayward son back with open arms and celebrates his return. This story, Evans argues, is a powerful testament to the redemptive power of grace and forgiveness.
Another example that Evans provides is the use of metaphor in the Gospel of John. He notes that the Gospel of John uses the metaphor of light and darkness to convey the dualistic nature of the world, and the need for spiritual enlightenment. He notes that this metaphor is used throughout the Gospel, from the opening verses that declare that “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind” , to the famous passage “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” .
Evans concludes his book by arguing that the literary genius of the New Testament is a testament to the power of the Christian message. He notes that the New Testament is not just a historical document, but a work of art that continues to inspire and captivate readers today. He notes that the literary qualities of the New Testament are not just incidental to its message, but are an essential part of its message, conveying deep spiritual truths in a way that is both accessible and relevant.
In conclusion, Ivor H. Evans’ book “The Literary Genius of the New Testament” provides a fascinating exploration of the literary qualities of the New Testament. Evans argues that the New Testament is a product of its historical and cultural context, and that understanding that context is important for understanding its literary qualities. He provides numerous examples of the literary genius of the New Testament, from the use of metaphor and symbolism to the masterful use of character development and irony. Overall, Evans’ book provides a compelling argument for why the New Testament is not just a religious text, but a work of art that continues to captivate and inspire readers today.
