Early Christianity and Biblical Studies: Key Concepts and Theological Themes

What is the Old Testament?

The Old Testament is the first part of the Christian Bible, containing texts sacred in Judaism, and it is significant for early Christianity as it lays the foundation for Christian beliefs and prophecies about the Messiah.

What is the New Testament?

The New Testament is the second part of the Christian Bible, focusing on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the early Church, and it is crucial for establishing Christian doctrine and the narrative of salvation.

What does 'Christ' signify in Christianity?

'Christ' means 'the Anointed One' and refers to Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection are central to Christian faith, embodying the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

What is a covenant in the context of Christianity?

A covenant is a sacred agreement between God and humanity, significant in Christianity as it frames the relationship between God and His people, particularly through the New Covenant established by Jesus.

How does the Greco-Roman context influence early Christianity?

The Greco-Roman context provided a cultural and philosophical backdrop that shaped early Christian thought and practices, influencing the spread of Christianity through shared language and ideas.

What is eschatology?

Eschatology is the study of end times and final events in human history, significant in Christianity as it addresses beliefs about the second coming of Christ and the ultimate fate of humanity.

What is the meaning of Apocalypse/Apocalypticism?

Apocalypse refers to a genre of literature revealing divine secrets, while Apocalypticism is the belief in imminent end times, both of which are significant in understanding the Book of Revelation and early Christian expectations.

What is martyrdom in early Christianity?

Martyrdom is the act of suffering death for one's faith, significant in early Christianity as it exemplifies the ultimate commitment to faith and serves as a powerful testimony to the truth of Christian beliefs.

What does incarnation mean in Christian theology?

Incarnation refers to God becoming human in the person of Jesus Christ, a foundational belief in Christianity that emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus and His role in salvation.

What is the Passion of Christ?

The Passion refers to the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus, significant as it highlights the depth of His sacrifice for humanity's sins and is central to the narrative of redemption.

What is the significance of the Resurrection?

The Resurrection is the event of Jesus rising from the dead, foundational to Christian faith as it confirms Jesus' divinity and the promise of eternal life for believers.

What is a Gospel?

A Gospel is a written account of the life and teachings of Jesus, significant for providing the theological framework and narrative of Jesus' ministry and the establishment of the Church.

Who was Jesus in the context of Christianity?

Jesus is the central figure of Christianity, believed to be the Son of God and the Messiah, whose teachings and actions form the basis of Christian faith and practice.

What is the significance of Plato in Christian thought?

Plato's philosophy influenced early Christian theology, particularly concepts of ideal forms and the nature of reality, which were integrated into Christian understanding of God and creation.

Who was Moses, and why is he significant in Christianity?

Moses is a key figure in the Old Testament, known for leading the Israelites out of Egypt and receiving the Law, significant for establishing the covenant relationship between God and His people.

What role did Paul play in early Christianity?

Paul was an apostle who spread Christianity among the Gentiles and authored many New Testament letters, significantly shaping Christian theology and practice.

What was the Council of Nicaea?

The Council of Nicaea was a pivotal gathering in 325 CE that addressed key theological disputes, notably affirming the divinity of Christ and establishing foundational Christian doctrine.

What is theology?

Theology is the study of the nature of God and religious belief, with Christian theology specifically focusing on the understanding of God through the lens of Jesus Christ and the Bible.

What are the three common characteristics of a Greek God according to Albert Henrichs?

The three characteristics are immortality, anthropomorphism, and control over human affairs, which relate to Christian theology by contrasting the nature of the Christian God with Greek deities.

What is the difference between apophatic and cataphatic theology?

Apophatic theology emphasizes what cannot be said about God, while cataphatic theology affirms what can be said; examples include the negative descriptions of God in Job (apophatic) and the affirmations of God's love in 1 John (cataphatic).

What are the key differences between the two creation stories in Genesis?

Genesis 1 presents a structured account of creation in six days, while Genesis 2 offers a more intimate narrative focusing on humanity; these stories illustrate different aspects of God's relationship with creation.

What are two key theological themes explored in the Book of Exodus?

Key themes include liberation from oppression and the establishment of covenant law, which highlight God's deliverance and guidance for His people.

What is the difference in theological responses to exile between Ezekiel and Second Isaiah?

Ezekiel emphasizes individual responsibility and hope for restoration, while Second Isaiah focuses on collective redemption and the promise of a new exodus.

What is the difference between low and high Christology?

Low Christology emphasizes Jesus' humanity, while high Christology emphasizes His divinity; examples include Mark's portrayal of Jesus as a suffering servant (low) and John's emphasis on the Word becoming flesh (high).

What is a major theological theme of the Gospel of Mark?

A major theme is the suffering Messiah, which is important as it challenges expectations of a triumphant savior and emphasizes the necessity of suffering in the Christian journey.

What is one major point of relevance of the Acts of the Apostles for Christianity today?

Acts illustrates the early Church's mission and community dynamics, providing a model for contemporary Christian practice and outreach.

What problem is Paul addressing in his letters to the Romans, Galatians, and Corinthians?

Paul addresses the issue of justification by faith versus works of the Law, which is significant as it shapes the understanding of salvation in Christian theology.

What are two major approaches to reading the book of Revelation?

The two approaches are historical-critical, focusing on the context of its writing, and futurist, interpreting it as a prophecy of future events; the historical-critical approach is often seen as more relevant for understanding its original message.

What are two different positions in early Christianity regarding women's leadership?

One position, represented by Paul, supports women's roles in ministry, while another, as seen in 1 Timothy, restricts women's leadership, reflecting early debates on gender roles in the Church.

What is the Christian doctrine of the Trinity?

The Trinity is the belief in one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, balancing the unity of God with the distinct roles of each person, impacting Christian ethics by emphasizing community and relationality.

Why is Emperor Constantine significant to early Christian history?

Constantine is significant for legalizing Christianity in the Roman Empire and convening the Council of Nicaea, which helped shape Christian orthodoxy and its relationship with the state.