scriptures final

What event marked the rise of Alexander the Great?

Alexander the Great conquered Persia, spreading Greek culture.

What is Hellenization?

The spread of Greek culture across the ancient world, including philosophy, religion, athletics, and language (Koine Greek).

What were the Successor Kingdoms after Alexander's death?

The empire was divided into the Ptolemies, Seleucids, Antigonids, and Macedonia.

What actions did Antiochus IV Epiphanes take against Judaism?

He outlawed Judaism, forced sacrifices to Zeus in the Temple, and set up Zeus images inside the Jerusalem Temple.

Who led the Maccabean Revolt?

Judah Maccabee and the Hasmoneans led the revolt against the Seleucids.

What was the significance of the Maccabean Revolt?

It resulted in the cleansing of the Temple and is celebrated during Hanukkah.

What was the Hasmonean Rule?

The Hasmoneans ruled as kings and high priests, leading to internal conflict and eventual Roman control.

Who ruled Judea as a Roman client king?

Herod the Great ruled Judea, with Galilee under Herod Antipas and Judea under Roman governors.

What is the Deuterocanon?

Books included in the Septuagint but not in the Hebrew Bible, recognized at the Council of Trent.

What are some major Deuterocanonical books?

Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, Greek Esther, Additions to Daniel, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees.

What themes are present in the book of Tobit?

Themes of suffering, God's vindication of the righteous, and assurance of God's presence for diaspora Jews.

What is the story of Judith about?

A fictional story where Judith saves Judea by killing Holofernes, emphasizing faithfulness and piety.

What philosophical influences are seen in the Wisdom of Solomon?

Influences of Platonism and Stoicism, comparing the fates of the righteous and wicked.

What is the significance of Sirach?

It combines Hebrew and Hellenistic wisdom, written as poems on living wisely before God.

What does Greek Esther add to the Hebrew text?

It includes six additions such as a dream, royal edicts, and prayers, aiding diaspora Jews.

What are the Additions to Daniel?

Separate stories, including the Prayer of Azariah and the stories of Susanna and Bel & the Dragon.

What does 1 Maccabees document?

A historical account of the Maccabean revolt, portraying it as the will of God.

What is emphasized in 2 Maccabees?

Encouragement of Hanukkah celebration, martyrdom, and resurrection, particularly in the story of the seven brothers.

What theological transition began in the Hasmonean period?

The beginning of belief in bodily resurrection, seen in 2 Maccabees 7.

What new idea about martyrdom emerged during this period?

The belief that dying for faith is honorable and martyrs receive special rewards from God.

What languages were primarily spoken during the time of Jesus?

Aramaic and Greek were the main spoken languages, with Hebrew used for religious purposes.

What does the term 'Gospel' originally refer to?

It comes from Euangelion, meaning 'Good News,' originally a political term.

What is the Synoptic Problem?

The question of the literary relationship among the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

What is the scholarly consensus regarding Markan Priority?

Mark is the earliest Gospel, with Matthew and Luke using Mark and improving upon it.

What does the Two-Source Hypothesis suggest?

Matthew uses Mark and Q, while Luke uses Matthew, Mark, and Q.

What is the context of the Gospel of Mark?

Written between 64-73 CE in Rome for a Gentile audience during a time of persecution.

What major themes are established in the opening line of Mark?

Christ as the 'anointed one' and Son of God, reflecting major theological themes.

What does John the Baptist preach?

Repentance

What significant event does John the Baptist perform?

Baptizes Jesus

What happens to Jesus after his baptism?

The Spirit drives him into the wilderness for 40 days, where he is tempted by Satan.

How does Jesus call his disciples?

He reverses the norm by calling them, unlike the typical student-teacher dynamic.

What is the central message of Jesus' ministry?

The Kingdom of God is near.

What teaching method does Jesus frequently use?

Parables, which are fictional stories that teach spiritual truths.

What is the Messianic Secret in Mark?

Jesus hides his full identity until the events in Jerusalem.

What do Jesus' miracles demonstrate?

His authority and unique relationship with God.

Who opposes Jesus during his ministry?

Scribes, Pharisees, his family, and his hometown.

What significant event occurs during the Transfiguration?

Jesus appears with Moses and Elijah, confirming his divine authority.

What does Jesus predict during his ministry?

His suffering, death, and resurrection.

What is the significance of the Last Supper?

It is on Passover and establishes the Lord's Supper, symbolizing Jesus' body and blood.

What is the purpose of the Crucifixion according to Mark?

To forgive sins, fulfill predictions of suffering and resurrection, and serve as a ransom for many.

What happens at the resurrection of Jesus?

He is buried, and women find the tomb empty; a young man tells them, 'He is risen.'

What are the two endings of the Gospel of Mark?

The Short Ending emphasizes fear and mystery, while the Long Ending includes post-resurrection appearances and mission.

What genealogy is emphasized in the Gospel of Matthew?

Jesus as the Son of David and Son of Abraham, linking him to royal and covenant blessings.

How does Luke's infancy narrative differ from Matthew's?

Luke includes parallel birth accounts for John and Jesus and describes Jesus' childhood growth.

What myths surround the Christmas story in Matthew?

Joseph's hometown is Nazareth, the number of Magi is unknown, and they arrive later than Jesus' birth.

What is the significance of Jesus' baptism?

It shows solidarity with humanity and publicly anoints him by God.

What do the Beatitudes represent in the Sermon on the Mount?

Proverb-like blessings that emphasize spiritual and social values.

What is the theme of the feeding miracles in Mark?

They echo the New Exodus and portray Jesus as a provider like Yahweh.

What does the Triumphal Entry signify?

Jesus enters Jerusalem as king, fulfilling prophecy and highlighting peace.

What unique details are noted in the Arrest and Crucifixion narratives?

Shared details include darkness and the torn temple curtain; unique additions vary by Gospel.

What is the significance of forgiveness in Matthew's Gospel?

Forgiveness is strongly tied to Jesus' identity, teachings, and authority, and is central to the Lord's Supper.

How does Luke portray forgiveness?

Through Jesus' actions and emphasizes it in the context of prophecy and the mission of repentance to all nations.

What are the key elements of the crucifixion in Matthew?

Represents covenant, forgiveness, and fulfillment of prophecy.

What are the main theories of atonement?

Theories include Moral Influence, Ransom Theory, Christus Victor, Satisfaction Theory, and Penal Substitution.

What does the Moral Influence theory suggest?

It suggests that Jesus' death changes humanity by serving as an example.

What is the Ransom Theory of atonement?

It posits that Jesus' life was offered as a ransom to Satan.

What does Christus Victor emphasize?

It emphasizes that Jesus defeats cosmic evil and frees humanity.

What is the Satisfaction Theory as proposed by Anselm?

It states that Jesus' death restores God's honor and justice.

What does Penal Substitution entail?

It teaches that Jesus takes the punishment humans deserve, and His righteousness is imputed to believers.

What are the resurrection themes in Matthew?

Matthew includes earthquake imagery and ends with the Great Commission.

How does Luke's Gospel address the resurrection?

Luke emphasizes the kingship of Jesus, prophetic fulfillment, and the centrality of forgiveness of sins.

What is the significance of women at the tomb in Luke?

Their presence strengthens the historical credibility of the resurrection accounts despite their status as unreliable witnesses.

What is Johannine literature?

It refers to New Testament writings associated with John, including the Gospel of John, 1-3 John, and Revelation.

What is a key characteristic of the Gospel of John?

It has a similar outline to the Synoptics but presents a distinct theological narrative with 92% unique content.

What major events are absent from the Gospel of John?

John does not include the Transfiguration, Temptation of Jesus, Exorcisms, Parables, or the traditional Last Supper ritual.

What are the main themes of the Gospel of John?

Key themes include Eternal Life, the identity of Jesus, and the relationship between signs and belief.

What are the five major differences between John and the Synoptics?

Differences include geographic focus, chronology of events, teaching style, content of teaching, and presentation of Jesus.

What is the setting of the Gospel of John?

Written in the 90s CE in Ephesus, responding to Docetism and addressing the separation between Jews and Christians.

What does the phrase 'the Jews' refer to in John's Gospel?

It refers to specific religious groups or leaders, not an ethnic category, and its connotation varies by context.

What are the 'I Am' statements in John?

They connect to Exodus 3 and emphasize life, including statements like 'I am the Bread of Life' and 'I am the Good Shepherd.'

What is the purpose of the crucifixion in John's Gospel?

It represents the glorification of Jesus, the drawing of all people to Him, and the pathway to eternal life.

What is the focus of the Johannine Epistles?

They address Docetism and divisions in the early community, emphasizing love, truth, and correct belief about Jesus' humanity.

What event marks the beginning of the Christian mission in the early church?

The descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Who was the first Christian martyr?

Stephen, who was stoned for his faith.

What was Paul's background before his conversion?

Paul was born a Jewish Roman citizen and educated as a Pharisee under Gamaliel.

What significant event marked Paul's conversion?

Paul had a vision on the Road to Damascus, receiving a mission to evangelize Gentiles.

What does the name shift from 'Saul' to 'Paul' signify?

It reflects the context of his mission to the Gentiles, not a literal name change.

What was one of Paul's major contributions to early Christianity?

He was the first major missionary to the Gentiles and wrote letters to the churches he founded.

What was the outcome of the Jerusalem Council regarding Gentiles?

The council decided that Gentiles are not required to follow Jewish law or Torah rituals.

How did Paul die?

He was executed (beheaded) under Nero around 64 CE.

How many letters are attributed to Paul in the New Testament?

Thirteen letters are attributed to Paul, though some authorship is disputed.

What is the standard structure of a Pauline Epistle?

Greeting, Prayer/Thanksgiving, Body, Closing.

What major issue is addressed in 1 Thessalonians?

The concern about believers who have died and the return of Jesus (Parousia).

What was the primary issue addressed in Galatians?

Paul argued against Judaizers who taught that Gentiles must follow the Mosaic Law.

What issues are addressed in 1 Corinthians?

Factions in the church, marriage, food sacrificed to idols, orderly worship, and resurrection.

What is unique about the letter to the Philippians?

It is characterized by joy and gratitude, containing an early Christian hymn.

What is the purpose of the letter to Philemon?

Paul asks Philemon to treat Onesimus as a fellow believer, with an unclear purpose.

What does Galatians 3:28 emphasize about gender in Christ?

It states that there is no male or female in Christ, promoting equality.

What is the significance of the term 'Amanuensis' in the context of Paul's letters?

An amanuensis is a secretary who wrote letters for someone, allowing flexibility in style.

What is pseudonymity, and how does it relate to Paul's letters?

Pseudonymity is writing under another person's name, often to honor a teacher or apply their thoughts.

What are some reasons scholars dispute the authorship of Ephesians?

Different writing style, vocabulary, and theological content compared to undisputed letters.

What major themes are found in the Pastoral Epistles?

Combating false teaching, church hierarchy, and the role of women in the church.

What is the argument against Pauline authorship of the Pastorals?

The vocabulary is too different, and church offices are too developed for Paul's lifetime.

What is the significance of Romans in Paul's writings?

It provides a thorough explanation of the gospel and addresses Jew-Gentile tensions.

What is the main theme of Ephesians regarding the Church?

The Church plays a key role in God's cosmic plan, emphasizing unity between Jews and Gentiles.

What does the term 'Realized Eschatology' refer to in Ephesians?

It indicates that believers are already raised with Christ and seated in heavenly places.

What does 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 suggest about women in the church?

These verses may be a later insertion, reflecting cultural contexts regarding women's roles.

What genre of literature are the gospels?

Ancient biography

Which Gospel was likely written first?

Mark

What is the name for the hypothetical source used by both Matthew and Luke to write their gospels?

Q