Questions about the interpretation, history of the Bible, and historical background

Abrahamic Covenant as described in Genesis

God promises him land, descendants, and all nations will be blessed through him

Athanasius

4th century bishop who listed the 27 new testament books exactly as used today

Autonomous rule under Hasmoneans

140-63 BC when Jews ruled themselves after the Maccabean revolt until Rome took control

Blayney revision of 1769

Standard spelling and wording of King James Bible

Canonization process

gradual recognition of books as scriptures based on apostolic origin, correct doctrine, and widespread church use.

Essenes

Jewish sect stressing purity, strict law, and separation from society (often linked to dead sea scrolls)

exegesis

careful interpretation of scripture based on historical and literary context

“Gospel” meaning

Good news, it is a proclamation of jesus’s life, death, and resurrection

Irenaeus

2nd century Christian leader who defended exactly four Gospels as authoritative

Joshua

Successor to Moses who led Israel into (and conquered) the promised land

King James Version of 1611

English bible translation commissioned by King James I, most influential english bible

four messianic expectations in the time of Jesus

1. Davidic King (political ruler)

2. Priestly messiah

3. Prophet like Moses

4. Heavenly/Son of Man deliverer

“messiah”/“Christ”/“Anointed one”

All mean chosen and anointed ruler sent by God

Original language of the four canonical Gospels

Koine Greek

Papias

Early christian writer who said Mark recorded Peter’s teachings and Matthew compiled sayings of Jesus

Pharisees

Jewish group focused on strict law observance and oral traditions (believed in resurrection)

Prophet like Moses

Expected prophet from Deuteronomy who would teach God’s will with Moses-like authority

Sadducees

Priestly elite who controlled the Temple, accepted only written Torah and denied resurrection

Septuagint

Ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, widely used in the early Church

“son of God”

title meaning God’s chosen king or representative, later understood Christians as divine identity

Tyndale

William Tyndale translated the Bible into English from original languages (executed for it), foundation for later English bibles