Key Figures and Events in Biblical History

Moses

Chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt; received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.

Pharaoh

Ruler of Egypt who refused to free the Israelites until the tenth plague.

Aaron

Moses' brother; helped him speak to Pharaoh; later built the Golden Calf when the Israelites grew impatient.

Passover

A Jewish holiday that remembers how God spared the Israelites during the final plague (death of the firstborn) in Egypt.

Tenth Plague

The death of all Egyptian firstborn sons, including Pharaoh's own, which led to the Israelites being allowed to leave Egypt.

Ten Commandments

A set of laws given to Moses that includes prohibitions against other gods, killing, adultery, stealing, lying, and coveting.

Tabernacle

A holy tent where God would dwell among His people.

Levites

Tribe set apart to be priests and care for the Tabernacle.

Israelites

The chosen people of God who were led out of slavery and given the Law.

Golden Calf

An idol the Israelites worshipped when Moses was on Mount Sinai.

Idolatry

The act of worshipping a false god, which the Israelites did by creating the Golden Calf.

Ark of the Covenant

A golden chest holding the Ten Commandments and symbolizing God's presence.

Leviticus

Laws for worship and holy living.

Numbers

Tells of the Israelites' journey in the desert.

Deuteronomy

Moses' final speeches and instructions before entering the Promised Land.

Joshua

Moses' successor; led the Israelites into the Promised Land and conquered Jericho.

Rahab

A Canaanite woman who hid Israelite spies; her family was spared in Jericho's fall.

Deborah

Only female judge; led Israel to victory.

Ruth

Loyal Moabite woman; great-grandmother of King David.

Saul

First king of Israel; disobeyed God.

Samuel

Prophet who anointed Saul and David.

David

Second king; united Israel, wrote Psalms.

Solomon

David's son; built the Temple; known for wisdom.

Judge

A leader chosen by God to save Israel during times of trouble.

Prophet

A messenger sent by God to guide, warn, and remind people to follow Him.

Jericho

The city where the Israelites marched around for seven days; the walls fell after they blew their trumpets and shouted.

Sadducees

Wealthy priests; followed only the written Law (Torah); denied resurrection.

Pharisees

Focused on both written and oral law; believed in resurrection.

Sanhedrin

Jewish court/council made of Sadducees and Pharisees; judged Jesus.

Essenes

Lived in isolation; strict, waited for two messiahs.

Zealots

Wanted to overthrow Roman rule using violence.

Herod the Great

King of Judea; known for cruelty; ordered killing of infant boys in Bethlehem.

Role of Each Sect

Each group had different beliefs and attitudes toward Roman rule and the Law. Their conflicts shaped the political and religious climate during Jesus' life.

Jesus Christ

Son of God; Savior of the world.

St. John the Baptist

Prepared people for Jesus' coming; baptized Jesus.

What are the Gospels?

Books telling Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

Shortest Gospel?

Mark

Longest Gospel?

Luke

Which Gospels are Synoptic?

Matthew, Mark, and Luke—they share similar stories and structure.

Who wrote each Gospel and Acts?

Matthew (Apostle), Mark (disciple of Peter), Luke (companion of Paul), John (Apostle), Acts: Written by Luke.

What is an Epistle?

A letter written by apostles (especially Paul) to early Christian communities.

What are the Acts of the Apostles?

A book about the early Church and the Apostles after Jesus' Ascension.

How is the New Testament divided?

Gospels, Acts, Epistles, Revelation.

Apostles

12 chosen followers of Jesus who helped spread the Gospel.

Types of Miracles

Healing - making the sick well; Nature - calming storms, walking on water; Exorcism - driving out demons; Raising the Dead - bringing people back to life.

How many miracles did Jesus perform?

Around 37 recorded miracles.

Why did Jesus use miracles?

To show His divine power, teach about faith, and help others.

Sermon on the Mount vs. Plain

Mount (Matthew) - Beatitudes, Lord's Prayer, teachings; Plain (Luke) - Similar teachings, but with a focus on the poor.

What is a Parable?

A short story with a moral or spiritual lesson.

Judas Iscariot

Betrayed Jesus for 30 silver coins.

Peter

Denied Jesus 3 times; later became leader of the Church.

Barabbas

Criminal released instead of Jesus.

Simon of Cyrene

Helped Jesus carry His cross.

Annas/Caiaphas

High priests who judged Jesus.

Pontius Pilate

Roman governor who sentenced Jesus to death.

What is the Cup of Consummation?

The final cup in the Passover meal; Jesus completes it on the cross, symbolizing the New Covenant.

What happened at the Last Supper?

Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples, instituting the Eucharist.

What day commemorates the Last Supper?

Holy Thursday.

Mary Magdalene

First to witness the resurrected Jesus.

Joseph of Arimathea

Donated his tomb for Jesus' burial.

How many days after death was Jesus resurrected?

On the third day (Easter Sunday).

What happened at the Resurrection?

Jesus rose from the dead, defeating sin and death, and appeared to His disciples.

How many days after Easter did the Ascension occur?

40 days.

What happened at the Ascension?

Jesus rose into Heaven in the sight of His disciples.

How many days after Easter was Pentecost?

50 days.

What happened at Pentecost?

The Holy Spirit came to the Apostles in tongues of fire, empowering them to preach.

What is the Gift of Tongues?

Ability to speak in different languages to spread the Gospel.

What is important about Saul's conversion?

He went from persecuting Christians to becoming one of the most important apostles.

Know Paul's conversion story

On the road to Damascus, a light blinded him. Jesus asked, 'Why are you persecuting me?' Saul was healed and baptized by Ananias, becoming Paul.