Key Themes in the Pentateuch and New Testament

Pentateuch/Torah

The first five books of the Bible; foundational texts of Jewish law and history.

First and Second Creation Stories

Genesis 1: God creates by speaking; Genesis 2: God is portrayed more personally, forming man from dust.

Abram/Sarai (Abraham and Sarah)

Patriarch and matriarch of Israel; their covenant with God is foundational to Jewish identity.

Patriarchs

Founding fathers of Israel: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Theophany

A visible manifestation of God to humans (e.g., the burning bush).

Infancy Narratives (OT & NT)

OT foreshadows birth stories; NT includes Jesus' birth (Matthew and Luke). Shows divine purpose and fulfillment of prophecy.

Jewish Feast of Passover

Celebrates Israel's deliverance from Egypt; foreshadows Jesus as the 'Paschal Lamb' in NT.

Sinai Covenant & Ten Commandments

God's covenant with Israel through Moses; gave moral and religious laws.

Moses

Leader of the Exodus; prophet who received the Law from God.

Manna and Quail

God's provision to Israelites in the desert—spiritual and physical sustenance.

Golden Calf

Idolatry by the Israelites; breaking the covenant with God.

Ark of the Covenant

Sacred container holding the Ten Commandments; symbolizes God's presence.

Babylonian Exile (587 BCE)

Israelites were exiled to Babylon; shaped Jewish faith and prophetic messages.

Temple in Jerusalem

Central place of worship; destroyed and rebuilt; symbol of God's dwelling.

King David

Second king of Israel; established Jerusalem, wrote Psalms, seen as a model king despite flaws.

Role of Kings

To lead under God's rule; often failed due to idolatry or injustice.

The Poor and Vulnerable

God calls for justice and care for these groups; prophets emphasize this.

Prophets (Major and Minor)

Messengers of God who call for faithfulness, justice, and covenant loyalty.

Marks of Prophets

Called by God, speak truth to power, often rejected, promote justice and faithfulness.

Gospel & Evangelist

'Gospel' means 'Good News'; Evangelists are the authors of the four Gospels.

Synoptic Gospels

Matthew, Mark, and Luke—similar in structure and content.

Source Q

A hypothetical source of Jesus' sayings used by Matthew and Luke.

Infancy Narratives (Matthew vs. Luke)

Matthew: genealogy to Abraham, focus on Joseph, Magi visit. Luke: genealogy to Adam, focus on Mary, shepherds visit.

Kingdom of God

Central to Jesus' message; God's reign of justice, love, and peace.

Parables and Metaphors

Teaching tools used by Jesus to reveal truths in everyday stories.

Sermon on the Mount & Beatitudes

Matthew 5-7: teaches humility, mercy, righteousness, and trust in God.

Miracles in the Gospels

Life Restoration (e.g., Lazarus), Physical Healing, and 'Signs' in John that reveal Jesus' identity.

Last Supper & Passover

Jesus' final meal before crucifixion; parallels Passover and inaugurates New Covenant.

Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, Zealots

Jewish sects with different beliefs.

Gentiles

Non-Jews, included in Jesus' mission.

Temple & Synagogue

Temple: sacrifices and festivals. Synagogue: prayer, reading, and teaching.

Sabbath and Purity Laws

Jesus healed on the Sabbath and broke purity laws to emphasize mercy over ritual.

Judea, Samaria, Galilee

Major regions of Roman Palestine in NT times.

Jerusalem (Theological/Political)

Center of worship and national identity; site of Temple and crucifixion.

Paschal Mystery

Jesus' Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension—central to salvation.

Incarnation

God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus.

Eucharist (Thanksgiving)

Sacrament of Jesus' body and blood, instituted at the Last Supper.

Meals & Hospitality in Luke

Meals as inclusive acts of grace; emphasize outreach to the poor and sinners.

Women in the Gospels

Played key roles; first witnesses of resurrection; examples of faith.

Christology in John

Focuses on Jesus' divinity; emphasizes unity with the Father.

I Am Sayings (John)

Reveal Jesus' divine identity (e.g., 'I am the light of the world').

Important Disciples of Jesus

Peter, Mary Magdalene, Judas, Thomas, and John the Beloved Disciple—each played a unique role in the ministry and Passion narrative.