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What are some general characteristics that define ancient Judaism?
included the belief in something that was of a higher realm to them in which there was a powerful figure that could benefit humans who worshipped him
a lot of animal sacrifices and prayers were performed by priests
monotheism —- before Christianity, Judaism was the only religion that believed in one and only one God
believed that there were immortal beings that fell between them and God
believed in the existence of the divinely given Law, and the Jews were committed to following it
Jews had rules to follow, some of which were not out of the ordinary, but some of which were more mysterious
ex: God had said that Jews couldn’t eat certain kinds of food, including pork and shellfish
Jews worshipped in temples and synagogues
Why is the study of Judaism important for exploring the origins of Christianity?
The study of Judaism is important for exploring the origins of Christianity because Christianity emerged from within the Jewish religious and cultural context. Understanding Judaism provides insights into the beliefs, practices, and historical events that influenced the development of Christianity. It helps to comprehend the shared religious texts, such as the Hebrew Bible, and the cultural and historical context in which Jesus and his early followers lived. Additionally, studying Judaism allows for a deeper understanding of the theological and doctrinal connections between the two religions.
Jesus was also Jewish
What is the Septuagint?
The Septuagint is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament. It was translated in the 3rd century BCE and played a significant role in the spread of Judaism and the development of early Christianity.
Why is the Septuagint important?
Since most of the Jews in the first century were living outside of Palestine, they typically spoke the local language wherever they lived and didn’t speak Aramaic or read Hebrew. This became a problem for those wanting to read the Jewish Scriptures, as they were written in Hebrew. The Septuagint comes from the Latin word septuaginta, which means “seventy,” and so this references that the translation was made by seventy (or, as usually stated, seventy-two) Jewish translators. By the second century B.C.E., all of the books were translated, and this became the form of Scripture that was familiar to all Jews throughout the Diaspora. This is important because it allowed all Jews, no matter where they were living, to understand the Jewish Scriptures and thus be able to read them. It seems that it became sort of a universal translation of the Jewish Scriptures, which is important for all of its readers.
Who are the Pharisees and what did they believe in/do?
The Pharisees were a Jewish sect during the time of Jesus. They believed in strict adherence to the Jewish law, including the oral traditions passed down from Moses. They emphasized the importance of personal piety, prayer, and study of the scriptures. The Pharisees also believed in the resurrection of the dead and the existence of angels and spirits. They played a significant role in interpreting and teaching the law to the Jewish community.
In order to join the Pharisees, Jews didn’t have to agree to be hypocrites, but they did have to strive to keep all of God’s law as best as possible
Who are the Sadducees and what did they believe in/do?
The Sadducees were a Jewish sect during the Second Temple period. They were primarily composed of the priestly elite and held significant influence. They adhered strictly to the written Torah and rejected the oral traditions followed by the Pharisees. The Sadducees denied the resurrection of the dead, the existence of angels and spirits, and the concept of an afterlife. They focused on the Temple rituals and were politically aligned with the ruling class.
Who are the Essenes and what did they believe in/do?
they had serious, and sometimes violent, disagreements with both the Pharisees and the Sadducees
they thought that the Pharisees were too lax in their traditions
they thought that the Sadducees were corrupt leaders who misunderstood or disobeyed God’s law for ruling the temple cult
some Essenes formed monastic-like communities in which they could preserve their own purity, doing what God wanted apart from the evil that encompassed the rest of Judaism and the outside world
produced the Dead Sea Scrolls
What/who is the Fourth Philosophy and what did they believe in/do?
The Fourth Philosophy refers to a Jewish political movement during the first century CE in ancient Judea. Also known as the Sicarii, they were a radical group opposing Roman rule. They believed in armed resistance against the Romans and were involved in acts of violence and assassinations. Their actions ultimately contributed to the Jewish-Roman War and the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
they were comprised of several different groups of Jews who supported the use of force to overthrow the foreign powers that ruled the land God had given to the Jews
they favored an armed rebellion against the Roman authorities
What is Greek and Roman religion? How would you describe and characterize it?
Greek and Roman religion refers to the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Greeks and Romans. It was a polytheistic religion, meaning they worshipped multiple gods and goddesses. The Greeks and Romans believed that these deities controlled various aspects of life and the natural world. They performed rituals, sacrifices, and held festivals to honor and appease the gods. Greek and Roman religion also involved the belief in an afterlife and the concept of divine intervention in human affairs. Overall, it can be characterized as a complex and influential system of beliefs that played a significant role in the lives of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
How do ancient Greek philosophies influence our understanding of Greek and
Roman religion? What is the distinction between religion, magic, and philosophy?
Ancient Greek philosophies greatly influenced our understanding of Greek and Roman religion by introducing rational and critical thinking. Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle questioned traditional religious beliefs and sought to explain the world through reason and logic. This led to a more philosophical approach to religion, emphasizing the search for truth and understanding.
The distinction between religion, magic, and philosophy lies in their different approaches and goals. Religion involves belief in and worship of deities, rituals, and moral codes. Magic involves the use of supernatural forces or rituals to manipulate the natural world. Philosophy, on the other hand, is a rational and intellectual inquiry into fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics. While there may be overlaps and interactions between these domains, they each have distinct methodologies and objectives.
What themes are present in the readings from the Roman authors Ovid, Virgil, and Suetonius?
Platonism
Plato believed in a single, creator God
if you’re trying to attract people who are polytheistic, you can say even that one of the main figures in your religion believed in one God
Epicureanism
to seek pleasure over plain — not the piece that Christians adopt
gave the idea of moral rightness
treat people well if you expect to be treated well and avoid pain
Stoicism
stiff up or lip
no emotions —- not the piece that Christians adopt
they adopt the idea of striving for perfection (like God), and God is reason
instead of reading all the rules in the bible, just know that God is right
why are Ovid, Virgil, and Suetonius useful to the study of early Christianity?
Ovid, Virgil, and Suetonius are useful to the study of early Christianity because they provide valuable context and insights into the cultural, social, and political environment of the Roman Empire during that time. Ovid's mythology, Virgil's influence on Roman identity, and Suetonius' accounts of emperors help researchers understand the backdrop against which early Christianity emerged and developed. These authors' works offer a window into the world in which early Christians lived and interacted, shedding light on the challenges and influences they faced.
How are Ovid, Virgil, and Suetonius different to biblical prophesies?
In summary, the primary distinction between Ovid, Virgil, Suetonius, and biblical prophecies lies in their nature, origin, purpose, and content. Ovid, Virgil, and Suetonius were human authors contributing to Roman literature and history, while biblical prophecies are regarded as divine revelations within religious texts, serving a different, sacred purpose.
From our discussions on Greek and Roman religion and ancient Judaism we saw
how social, economic, and political movements changed the religious and cultural
landscape of the Roman Empire. Why were Jesus and Christianity either
appealing or not appealing to gentiles (non-Jews)?
Jesus and Christianity were appealing to Gentiles due to their universal message, moral teachings, and promises of hope. However, they could also be unappealing due to cultural differences, social and political tensions, exclusivity, and resistance to change. The reception of Christianity among Gentiles varied based on individual circumstances and beliefs.
What is a Gospel?
Gospel means “the good news”
We don’t know who wrote them
We don’t know where/when they were written
People tend to argue that Mark is first (70-80), then followed by Matthew (80-90), then followed by Luke (90-100) — these are the Synoptic Gospels
After Luke came John (100) ---- it was a very different text and not synoptic
How unique is a Gospel’s literary form?
The literary form of the gospels is unique within the Bible. They are a combination of biography and theology, providing witness accounts of Jesus' life and teachings. Each gospel has its own specific themes and emphases, making them distinct from other biblical texts.
What do gospels have in common with other forms of ancient literature?
Gospels share common features with other ancient literature, including biographical style, oral traditions, moral teachings, narrative structure, and cultural context.
How has the study of gospel literature changed over time? What are the goals of historical and literary study of the gospels?
The study of gospel literature has evolved over time. Historically, it focused on religious interpretation and higher criticism. In contrast, modern scholars examine literary forms, narrative techniques, and intertextuality. The goals include understanding historical context, literary aspects, theological messages, and the gospels' reception throughout history.
According to Crossan, what made the Jesus stories most or least acceptable to ancient
audiences? How did standard political, social, or religious themes help to develop the Jesus story?
The ppl who wrote the gospel probs didn’t know Jesus personally
Each gospel writer is an author with an agenda and their own sources
Gospels are the only form of story of Jesus’s life that was written by early Christians
Gospels aren’t meant to be direct history writing, not novels, not biographies
According to John Dominic Crossan, the acceptability of the Jesus stories in ancient times depended on their alignment with prevailing cultural norms. Themes of social justice, nonviolence, and resistance to oppression in the stories were influenced by the political, social, and religious context of the Roman occupation and Jewish traditions. These themes resonated with some audiences while challenging others.
What is the Synoptic Problem? How have many scholars tried to address this problem?
The Synoptic Problem concerns the relationships between the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which share many similarities. The Two-Source Hypothesis suggests that Mark was written first and used by Matthew and Luke, along with a hypothetical source called "Q." The Farrer Hypothesis proposes Markan priority with Luke using both Mark and Matthew. Scholarly conclusions vary, and it's an ongoing area of research.
What is redaction criticism? What is Q? What do we know about it? Why is it necessary at all?
Redaction criticism is a method used to study how biblical authors edited source material to convey their own message. "Q" is a hypothetical source document thought to contain Jesus' teachings, used by the authors of Matthew and Luke. It's necessary to explain shared material in these Gospels not found in Mark and understand the theological and literary relationships between them. However, Q itself has not been found; it's inferred from analysis of Matthew and Luke's shared content.
What is the standard dating given for Mark’s gospel? Why do scholars argue for such a date?
The standard dating for the Gospel of Mark is around 65-70 CE. Scholars argue for this date because of references to the Jewish-Roman War, the Synoptic relationships with Matthew and Luke, early Christian writings, and the theological context of the text. However, there is ongoing debate about the precise dating.
What are the key themes in Mark’s gospel?
Key themes in the Gospel of Mark include the Kingdom of God, discipleship, the suffering Messiah, miracles, the Messianic secret, faith and unbelief, conflict, and the resurrection. These themes shape the narrative and emphasize Jesus' identity and mission.
What’s “missing” from the Gospel of Mark?
What's missing from the Gospel of Mark are details like Jesus' birth narrative, extensive teachings and parables, the Lord's Prayer, genealogy, and detailed post-resurrection appearances. Mark's focus is on the urgency of Jesus' ministry and his identity as the Messiah.
What is the role of miracle in particular?
In the Gospel of Mark, miracles serve to validate Jesus' divine authority, teach moral and theological lessons, signify the arrival of God's kingdom, address human suffering, challenge people to have faith, and reveal Jesus' character. They are an essential part of the narrative, demonstrating the transformative power of Jesus' ministry.
Why would the themes in Mark be important to the author and his audience?
The themes in the Gospel of Mark were important to the author and the early Christian audience for several reasons:
Theological Emphasis: They conveyed the significance of Jesus as the Messiah and God's fulfillment of promises.
Moral and Ethical Guidance: They provided direction for discipleship and encouraged perseverance in the face of challenges.
Historical Context: Addressed the concerns and challenges of early Christians, offering hope and purpose.
Faith and Belief: Strengthened faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Response to Opposition: Assured that their faith was not in vain and inspired resistance against opposition.
Community Building: Promoted solidarity among believers and the spread of the Christian message.
What is the messianic secret?
The Messianic Secret in the Gospel of Mark refers to Jesus' habit of telling people not to reveal his identity as the Messiah. This adds an element of secrecy and emphasizes the importance of recognizing him through faith and personal understanding rather than through external signs or titles. It's a distinctive theme in Mark's Gospel.
What would the messianic secret have meant to Mark and his audience?
For the author of Mark, the Messianic Secret was a literary and theological tool to build suspense and emphasize that Jesus' identity as the Messiah would be revealed at the right time, specifically during his crucifixion and resurrection.
For the audience, the Messianic Secret encouraged a deeper, personal understanding of Jesus as the Messiah. It emphasized the significance of faith and spiritual insight over external signs or titles.
How can we interpret the “secretive” nature of Jesus’s mission?
The secretive nature of Jesus' mission can be interpreted as serving various purposes:
Divine Timing: It aligns with God's plan, revealing Jesus' identity at the right moment.
Teaching through Paradox: It prompts deeper thought and self-discovery among his followers.
Testing of Faith: It challenges trust in Jesus without full knowledge of his identity.
Avoiding Misunderstanding: It prevents premature or inaccurate interpretations of his Messiahship.
Protection from Hostile Forces: It safeguards Jesus and his followers from potential threats.
Progressive Revelation: It gradually unveils Jesus' identity and teachings for the growth of understanding and faith.
How are the apostles (usually called disciples in this gospel) portrayed in Mark? What might be the narrative or theological explanations given for this?
In the Gospel of Mark, the disciples are often depicted as lacking understanding, full of doubts and fears, and sometimes driven by misguided ambitions. Their portrayal emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus, the cost of discipleship, and the potential for spiritual growth and transformation through faith. Ultimately, their experiences and interactions with Jesus contribute to the overall theological message of the Gospel.
How would you describe Mark’s presentation of Jesus? What could be the reasons for such a rendering?
Mark presents Jesus as a powerful and divine figure who also embodies compassion and humanity. The secrecy around his identity emphasizes his unique mission and the eventual revelation of God's plan. Mark's portrayal serves theological purposes, addresses the needs of the audience, and underscores the redemptive message of Jesus' sacrifice.
What is the original audience for Mark? What arguments to scholars provide for making this assessment?
The Gospel of Mark was likely written for a primarily Gentile, Greek-speaking Christian audience in the Roman Empire. This is inferred from the use of Greek language, explanations of Jewish customs, and the emphasis on universal themes that would resonate with a non-Jewish audience.
Why is the ending of Mark’s Gospel controversial? What are potential reasons for the variations we see?
The ending of Mark's Gospel is controversial because it seems abrupt and doesn't include post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. This controversy arises from variations in ancient manuscripts, potential intentional omissions, theological interpretation, and differences in literary style. Some manuscripts include additional verses, while others end at Mark 16:8, leaving the story open-ended. This has led to diverse interpretations within the Christian tradition.
What is Q? Why is it important for understanding the development of the Synoptic Gospels?
Q is a hypothetical source of sayings and teachings of Jesus believed to have been used by the authors of Matthew and Luke but not found in Mark. It's important because it helps explain the shared content among the Synoptic Gospels, reveals early Christian beliefs, and offers insights into the redaction and theological interests of Matthew and Luke.
What are the limitations of the Q Hypothesis? Why isn’t it unanimously accepted?
The Q hypothesis has limitations and isn't universally accepted because it lacks physical manuscript evidence, alternative explanations exist for the shared material, there's diversity in Q reconstructions, and questions about the nature of Q and the community it may have come from. These factors contribute to the ongoing debate among scholars.
the two-source hypothesis and the four-source hypothesis
The Two-Source Hypothesis (2SH) proposes that Matthew and Luke used Mark and a hypothetical source called Q to write their Gospels.
The Four-Source Hypothesis (4SH) suggests the same, but it also adds two additional sources: "M" for unique material in Matthew and "L" for unique material in Luke.
The key difference is the presence of "M" and "L" sources in the 4SH, explaining unique content in Matthew and Luke. The 2SH posits that Matthew and Luke used only Mark and Q. Scholars continue to debate which theory provides a more accurate explanation of the Synoptic Gospels' composition.
What are the general themes in Q? Do you think it’s possible to find a general focus or organizing principle based on what scholars have reconstructed of Q?
Based on reconstructed content, Q emphasizes themes such as the kingdom of God, ethical teachings, social justice, inclusivity, wisdom, faith in God, and repentance. While these themes are generally associated with Q, its exact content and focus remain hypothetical due to variations in scholars' reconstructions.
Q is from the ____________ word for "source"
German
When Jesus warns people "to tell no one" after performing a miracle it's called...
Messianic Secret
The Hebrew term berit means
covenant
The New Testament has how many books
27
One who is "sent out" is a/an
apostle
The theory that Mark cut down Matthew to form the second gospel is
Griesbach Hypothesis
According to Mark these three visited Jesus' tomb first:
Mary Magdalene, Mary Mother of James, Salome
Jesus' adopted hometown where he begins his ministry is:
Capernaum
Jewish sect that included priests and aristocrats
Sadducees
Note 
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