Exam 3: Hellenism, Jewish Reactions, and the Gospels in Early Christianity

What significant cultural influence did Alexander the Great spread?

Hellenism, which refers to the spread and influence of ancient Greek culture, language, philosophy, and religion.

What was the capital of the Ptolemaic kings from 323-198 BCE?

The capital was located in the Egyptian region, under the control of General Ptolemy.

Who was Antiochus IV and what did he do?

Antiochus IV was a Seleucid king who forced Hellenism on the Jewish people, outlawing their religious practices and renaming the Jewish temple in honor of Zeus.

What was the Jewish reaction to Hellenism during the Hellenistic era?

Reactions varied; some Jews embraced Hellenism while others rejected it, with many falling in between, adopting certain aspects while resisting others.

What was the Septuagint?

The Septuagint (LXX) is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, translated by Jewish scholars during the Hellenistic period.

What event does Hanukkah commemorate?

Hanukkah commemorates the purification and rededication of the Jewish temple in 164 BCE after the Maccabean Revolt.

Who led the Maccabean Revolt against Antiochus IV?

The revolt was led by Mattathias and his five sons, who resisted Hellenistic practices.

What was the Hasmonean Dynasty?

The Hasmonean Dynasty refers to the leaders who reigned over Judea from 142-63 BCE, establishing a Jewish state after the Maccabean Revolt.

What role did General Pompey play in Jewish history?

General Pompey took control of Jewish homelands in 63 BCE and appointed Antipater as governor of Judea.

Who was Herod the Great and when did he rule?

Herod the Great was appointed king of Judea from 37-4 BCE and remained subject to Roman authority.

What happened in 70 CE regarding Jerusalem?

In 70 CE, Romans conquered Jerusalem, destroyed its walls, and the Jewish temple, permanently altering Judaism's trajectory.

What was the Bar Kokhba Revolt?

The Bar Kokhba Revolt, led by Simon bar Kosiba in 132 CE, was a rebellion against Rome that resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem.

What does the term 'Diaspora' refer to?

Diaspora refers to 'the dispersion' or 'the scattering' of the Jews outside their homeland.

What were the three main Jewish groups during the Second Temple period?

The three main groups were the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes.

What characterized the Pharisees?

The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to both the written and oral laws of Judaism and believed in punishment for unfaithfulness and reward after death.

What distinguished the Sadducees from other Jewish groups?

The Sadducees were an aristocratic group that strictly adhered to the written Torah and rejected oral traditions, including beliefs in resurrection.

What is known about the Essenes?

The Essenes were known for their ascetic lifestyle, communal living, and apocalyptic beliefs, often associated with the Dead Sea Scrolls.

What was the Essenes sect known for?

The Essenes were known for their ascetic lifestyle, communal living, and apocalyptic beliefs, and are often associated with the Dead Sea Scrolls.

What characterized the Jewish revolutionaries during the Second Temple period?

Jewish revolutionaries refused to pay taxes, spoke of revolt, and accepted personal suffering to serve God rather than pagan leaders.

Who were the Samaritans and what did they revere?

Samaritans were an important branch of Judaism that revered the Pentateuch and Moses, often in conflict with other Jewish groups.

How did Christianity emerge from Judaism?

Christianity emerged as a form of Judaism embraced by Gentiles, gaining acceptance after Jesus' death despite challenges in a polytheistic society.

What significant change did Emperor Constantine make regarding Christianity?

Emperor Constantine identified as a Christian in 313 CE, making Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.

What is Rabbinic Judaism?

Rabbinic Judaism is a sect of the Pharisees that evolved into modern Judaism, focusing on synagogues, Hebrew Scriptures, and rabbinic guidance.

What were the Zealots known for?

The Zealots were known for their active participation in the Jewish War against Rome.

What does the term 'Messiah' mean in Hebrew?

In Hebrew, 'Messiah' means 'anointed one,' referring to a figure expected to act on behalf of God during decisive end-time actions.

What is the Apocrypha?

The Apocrypha consists of assorted texts not included in the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament, often labeled 'deuterocanonical' by Catholics.

What was the belief system of ancient Greeks and Romans?

Ancient Greeks and Romans practiced polytheism, believing in Olympic gods tied to nature and human life, honored through sacrifices and rituals.

What philosophical shift occurred regarding divinity in ancient times?

Philosophers began to challenge traditional religious views, moving towards more abstract and ethical understandings of divinity.

What was the role of the Emperor Cult in Roman society?

The Emperor Cult honored Roman emperors as divine figures, with temples and festivals created for worship, leading to social and political advancement.

What were Mystery Religions and who were they popular among?

Mystery Religions offered secret knowledge and personal connections to deities, popular among soldiers, women, and lower social classes.

What are the Four Gospels in the New Testament?

The Four Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, written between 65-100 CE, narrating the life and ministry of Jesus.

What was the significance of Roman Palestine in Jesus' life?

Roman Palestine included regions like Judea and Galilee, where Jesus grew up and conducted his ministry, reflecting a mix of Jewish and Hellenistic influences.

Who ruled Galilee during Jesus' time?

Herod Antipas ruled Galilee and Perea from 4 B.C.E. to 39 C.E., building Tiberias as his capital.

What was the Roman governance structure in Judea?

Judea was governed by client kings like Herod Antipas and Roman governors like Pontius Pilate, who oversaw law enforcement and taxation.

What happened during the Jewish revolt in 66 C.E.?

The Jewish revolt erupted against Roman rule, leading to its suppression in 70 C.E., the destruction of the Temple, and thousands of deaths.

How did early Christian communities respond to persecution?

Early Christian communities used the Gospels to provide guidance, encouragement, and theological insight amid persecution and uncertainty.

What was the social and cultural environment of the evangelists?

The evangelists lived in a time of Roman political control and Jewish religious tension, shaping their writings to address the needs of early Christian communities.

What is the purpose of the Gospels?

To communicate faith, interpret Jesus' life and teachings, and connect his message to the hopes and struggles of their audiences.

What central themes does Mark's Gospel emphasize?

Repentance and belief as central to Jesus' message.

How does the Gospel of John define belief?

It strongly connects belief with eternal life, making it a defining theological theme.

What distinguishes the Johannine community?

It had a distinct social setting and a deep divide from the Jewish synagogue, shaping the tone and content of John's Gospel.

What does the term 'gospel' mean?

It comes from the Greek word 'euangelion,' meaning 'good news.'

When was the label 'gospel' first used for written accounts of Jesus' life?

In the second century C.E.

What is the Markan priority theory?

The idea that Mark was written first and served as a source for Matthew and Luke.

What is the Q source?

A hypothetical source of sayings of Jesus shared by Matthew and Luke but not found in Mark.

What does the Two-Source Hypothesis propose?

That Mark was written first, and both Matthew and Luke used Mark as a source, along with the Q source.

What is the Messianic Secret in Mark's Gospel?

A theme where Jesus reveals his divine identity but instructs people not to disclose it.

What significant prediction does Jesus make about his mission in Mark?

That the Son of Man must suffer, be rejected, and die, redefining messianic expectations.

What is emphasized about discipleship in Mark's Gospel?

Discipleship involves sacrifice, and true leadership means serving others.

What key events are included in the Markan Passion Narrative?

Jesus's entry into Jerusalem, Last Supper, arrest, trial, and crucifixion.

How does Mark depict opposition to Jesus?

As intense and hostile, especially from religious leaders like the Pharisees.

What is notable about the resurrection narratives in the Gospels?

Matthew includes unique appearances, while Luke and John have different locations for Jesus' appearances.

What do scholars believe about the ending of Mark's Gospel?

The earliest manuscripts do not include verses 16:9-20, suggesting they were added later.

What does the term 'Four-Source Hypothesis' refer to?

The theory that Matthew and Luke contain unique material in addition to Mark and the Q source.

What does the Gospel of John emphasize in its resurrection accounts?

Distinct appearances of Jesus that are theologically independent from the Synoptic Gospels.

What literary nature do the Gospels possess?

They include interpretation and are faith-based reflections shaped by early Christian communities.

What is the significance of the opening verse of Mark's Gospel?

It declares Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God, setting the theological tone for the entire Gospel.