New Testament Final

Why is “context” or Sitz im Leben important?

Sitz-im-Leben means “setting in life.” The meaning of something is only understood in context. Taken out of context, something may be misunderstood.

List 4 elements which may characterize biblical faith.

Belief, trust, commitment, action. Biblical faith is more than just mental “believing.”

What are the 5 major geographical subdivisions of Palestine which run north and south?

Coastal plains, Western hills, Jordan River valley/cleft, Transjordan plateau, Eastern desert

What is the meaning of covenant? How are the two Testaments to be understood in relation to one another?

A covenant is an agreement which heralds some kind of relationship and mutual responsibility. God established his “covenant” with the Hebrew people in the Old Testament, with all people through Jesus in the New Testament. While the Old Testament is “promise” (cf. Gen. 12), the New Testament is “fulfillment.”

How many books are in the Bible? The Old Testament? The New Testament?

In the Protestant Bible, there are 66 books. The Catholic Bible also includes the so-called Apocrypha and thus totals 78 books. There are 39 books in the OT and 27 books in the NT.

In what languages was the Bible originally written? The Old Testament? The New Testament?

The OT was written in Hebrew (with some Aramaic). The NT was written in Greek.

List at least 4 different types of books to be found within the New Testament.

Gospels, Acts (a theological history), Letters, Apocalypse (Revelation)

Some might distinguish between “epistle” and “letter” and some might add “theological tracts.”

Explain how the Bible may be seen as both “Word of God” and “words of men.” Do you agree or disagree with such a characterization? Why or why not?

The professor would suggest the Bible is the “Word of God” written in the “words of human beings.” God’s Word is made known to human beings, who express their understanding of that Word.

What three things (as presented in class) are necessary to designate something as “scripture”?

It must be written, express divine authority, and be designated as “scripture” by a particular community of faith.

What is the meaning of revelation? What is meant by “general revelation”? What is meant by “particular revelation”?

“Revelation” means to unveil or make known. To perceive God in the created order may be an example of “general” revelation, whereas “particular” revelation might be seen in an event like the Exodus or the Christ event.

What is meant by inspiration?

“Inspiration” is the divine impulse to re-present in some manner the revelation that has come to one.

History deals with what three things (as presented in class)?

Events, Facts, Interpretations

What is the relationship between the Bible and history? Why is the Bible termed “theological history”?

The Bible deals with historical events and historical peoples. Those peoples interpret the events of history in terms of their understanding of God.

What is the full meaning of the phrase “Greco-Roman” world?

It refers to the Mediterranean world which was Greek according to culture and Roman in terms of political rule.

List 5 major Christian cites (centers) of the 1st century New Testament world.

Jerusalem, Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, Thessalonica, Antioch

Manuscript

Something produced by hand, abbreviated “ms.” or “mss”

Uncial

a manuscript in all capital letters

Minuscule

A manuscript in small, cursive script

Papyrus

Writing material derived from a reedy plant

Parchment

writing material derived from animal skin, the finest grade of which was called “vellum”

Canon

An accepted or authoritative listing of sacred books

Which 7 New Testament books were disputed in formation of the canon?

Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation

Who was Athanasius and what is important about the date 367 CE?

First to give the exact listing of 27 New Testament books in his letter to the churches in Alexandria

What are 4 tests of “canonicity”?

Words of Jesus, words of apostles, age, universal significance

Text

Technically, a work given in its original language

Version

a text translated into another language

Translation

a rendering which moves from one language to another language

Paraphrase

A rendering which stays in one language, but offers different wording

Who was John Wyclif?

He translated the Bible from Latin to English in the 14th Century

Who was William Tyndale?

He translated the New Testament into English directly from the Greek in 1526. He is called the “father of the English Bible.”

List in order the 1st three “authorized” Bibles in English.

Great Bible (1536)
Bishops’ Bible (1568)
King James Version (1611)

What is the meaning of the term “Hellenistic” or “Hellenism”?

“Hellenism” refers to things Greek. “Hellenistic” describes Greek influence after Alexander the Great in what became a “Roman” world.

What is the meaning and significant of the term “Diaspora”?

Refers to the spread or dispersion of the Jews outside Palestine after the Exile

Who were the Selecuids and the Ptolemies? What is their significance for Judaism?

Ptolemies–Dynasty that controlled Egypt after Alexander the Great; uncoerced Hellenization of the Jews.
Seleucids–Dynasty that controlled Syria after Alexander the Great; coerced Hellenization of the Jews.

Who was Antiochus IV Epiphanes?

Seleucid ruler who sought to forbid Judaism and coerce the Jews to worship Greek gods; provoked the Maccabean Revolt in 168 BCE by profaning the Temple.

What was the cause of the Maccabean Revolt?

Jewish revolt against profanation of Judaism by Antiochus IV Epiphanes

Who were some principal figures of importance? What were the results of the revolt?

Led by family of Mattathis, a Hasmonean. Judas Maccabaeus, his son, led guerilla warfare and rededicated the Temple in 165 BCE. His brother Simon later gained Jewish independence.

What religious developments occurred during this time that are of importance to the New Testament?

Jewish parties, such as Sadducees and Pharisees, arise during the Maccabean period (165-63 BCE). Maccabean period ended by Roman rule in 63 BCE.

List 3 basic Jewish institutions and give the basic significance of each one.

Temple–Only one, located in Jerusalem. Central place of sacrifice and worship.
Synagogue–Located wherever there were 10 or more adult male Jews. Place of gathering and study of Torah.
Sanhedrin–Jewish court which rendered legal decisions, with Great Sanhedrin located in Jerusalem.

What is the “tradition of the elders”?

The equivalent of the “oral law”

What is the Mishnah?

The writing down of the oral law in the 3rd century CE

What is the Gemara?

The further development of the oral tradition after the Mishnah

What is the Talmud?

Equals the Mishnah plus the Gemara and represents authoritative Jewish tradition

List 4 characteristics of the worship of Judaism

Study of Torah, sacrificial worship, Sabbath day observance, preaching, ritual observances

List 4 positive contributions which came as a result of Roman rule.

Pax Romana or “Roman peace.”
Unification of Mediterranean world
Increased trade and commerce
Better communication

List 3 emperors of Rome who persecuted Christianity in the 1st century CE?

Claudius–banished Jews and Christians from Rome.
Nero–blamed Christians for fire in Rome.
Domitian–persecution in Asia Minor.

List 3 contributions of Herod the Great.

Controlled the Parthian threat.
Efficient rule over Palestine.
Building projects, including beautification of the Temple.

Who was Josephus?

First century Jewish historian, extremely important for understanding Jewish and Christian history.

List the 4 Jewish parties or groups that are mentioned by Josephus. Which one is not mentioned in the New Testament?

Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, Zealots. The Essenes were the only group not mentioned in the New Testament.

Who were the Sadducees?

Aristocratic, priestly. Religiously conservative, politically liberal. Did not believe in
resurrection.

Who were the Pharisees?

Lay persons, skilled in Torah. Religiously liberal, politically conservative. Believed
in resurrection.

Who were the Essenes?

More conservative than Pharisees, with similar theological beliefs. Religious
fundamentalists. Only group not mentioned in the New Testament. Associated with Qumran.

Who were the Zealots?

Politically liberal, who supported Jewish freedom and war against Rome

What were the major subdivision of the great Herodian Temple?

Court of the Gentiles, Court of Women, Court of Israel, Court of the Priests, Holy of Holies

What is the importance of the Dead Sea Scrolls for the New Testament period studies?

Earliest biblical manuscripts (OT) available, dating back to 2nd century BC.
Unique writings gives insight into Judaism and Jewish sect at dawn of Christianity.

List 5 elements contained in the early Christian kerygma.

Jesus was the Christ.
He fulfilled Old Testament scripture.
Jewish leadership had him put to death at the hands of the Romans.
God raised him from the dead.
Jesus reigns as Lord and will come again.n

Kerygma

Greek word for “preaching” or “proclamation”

Ekklesia

Greek word for church or assembly

Koinonia

Greek word for fellowship, sharing, partnership

What were the 4 majors groups of people reached by the gospel in the book of Acts? List them in the order reached.

Jews, Samaritans, God-fearers, Gentile pagans

Who were the four major people groups reached by the gospel in the book of Acts in the order they were reached? To which of these groups will Paul have a ministry?

The four major people groups reached in the book of Acts were Jews, Samaritans, Gentile God-fearers, and Gentile pagans. Paul will have a ministry to all of these except Samaritans.

What is the meaning of the name “Jesus”? With what Old Testament name is it to be related?

The name “Jesus” is the equivalent of the Old Testament name Joshua and means “God is salvation.”

Didache

Greek word for “teaching” or “instruction”

Which book in the latter part of the New Testament deals particularly with translating faith into action?

James

List the five books in the latter part of the New Testament which seek to refute errors in teaching.

1, 2, 3 John, 2 Peter, Jude.

What three New Testament books were written in response to persecution of Christians? What type of message do these books seek to offer, generally speaking?

Hebrews–issue of faith and apostasy.
1 Peter–message of hope.
Revelation–assurance, victory belongs to God

What three areas in the church’s life called for reassessment in the latter New Testament books?

Beliefs, Worship, Authority

As the church changed and adapted to changing conditions in the latter part of the first century, list the five areas of concern (as presented in class) with which the church had to deal.

Growth, organization, heresy, social change, frustrated hopes, external persecution.

List the three “Pastoral Epistles.”

1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus.

What arguments are generally set forth to suggest Paul did not write the Pastoral Epistles?

See OAB introduction to 1 Timothy–vocabulary, style, theological usage, historical situation reflected

What is paraenesis? Which New Testament book is rather thoroughly paraenetic?

General moral exhortation. James

List four themes treated in the book of Jacob (James).

Read the book and list four.

Joy under trial, doers not only hearers of the Word, faith dead without works, favoritism, the tongue, prayer in faith

Which New Testament book ends like a letter even though it does not begin like a letter?

Hebrews

List five specific things which characterize either the nature or the content of the book of Hebrews.

Anonymous, pre-eminence of Christianity over Judaism, apostasy, high-priestly Christology, superiority of Christ, encouragement to faith.

What seems to be the purpose of the writing of the book of Hebrews?

To encourage to remain faithful and to reassure during a time of apostasy as a result of persecution.

What seems to be the purpose for the writing of 1 Peter?

To offer encouragement and hope to Christians facing persecution.

What is an “amanuensis”? Is this term important with regard to 1 Peter? Why?

A professional, recording secretary. 1 Peter 5.12 mentions “Silvanus” as the author’s recording secretary or “amanuensis” who wrote the letter

2 Peter is to be most closely associated with what other book in the New Testament?

Jude

Almost the whole book of Jude is contained in what other New Testament book?

2 Peter

What was Gnosticism?

Gnosticism was a dualistic belief that posited an ongoing struggle between good and evil. Salvation was seen to consist of “knowing” secret things or having secret knowledge. Gnosis=knowledge.

What was Docetism?

Docetism was a particular expression of Gnosticism attacked by 1 John, the idea that Jesus could really not have been divine, because matter (evil) and spirit (good) cannot mix. The Docetic Gnostics were denying the reality of the incarnation. 1 John refutes.

What is the nature and purpose of the book of 1 John? Why should it not be seen as a letter? List three themes or concepts found in the book.

It seeks to refute and correct the heretical gnostic doctrines and teachers, particularly Docetism. It does not begin or end like a letter. It may be a sermon or theological “tract.” Read the book. Abiding in God, warning about antichrists, encouragement to discern the spirits, abiding in love