Fall 26 JCNT Unit 1 Test Chapters 1-4

Vocabulary study cards covering key theological definitions, historical figures, and Jewish sects from Chapters 1 through 4 of the JCNT curriculum.

Saul

Another name by which Saint Paul was originally known.

Grace

A gift from God that aids human efforts to avoid sin, live as Jesus teaches, and discover and follow God's plan for life.

Patriarchal Culture

A social structure prominent in first-century Palestine in which men held political, economic, and religious power.

Conversion of Paul

The transformative turning point in Paul's life that took place when he experienced a vision of Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Emperor Nero

The Roman emperor who persecuted Christians, blamed the devastating fire of Rome on them, and burned Christians on crosses.

Messianic Expectation

The prevalent belief among first-century Jews that the promised Messiah would arrive as an earthly military or political ruler.

Suffering Messiah

Jesus' shocking revelation that the Messiah must endure suffering and death rather than conquer earthly rulers.

Mary Magdalene and the Women

The individuals who are recorded in the Gospel of Mark as the first to discover that Jesus is resurrected.

Hypostatic Union

The theological mystery of the union of two complete natures—one divine and one human—in the single Divine Person of Jesus Christ.

Divine Revelation

God's self-communication to humanity, the fullness of which is found in Jesus Christ and transmitted via Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition.

Synoptic Gospels

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which share a common perspective and narrative outline of Jesus' life and ministry.

Parables

Short narrative stories utilizing everyday images to convey profound religious truths and messages.

Miracles

Jesus' manifestations of divine power and signs of the Kingdom of God recorded throughout the synoptic Gospels.

Conversion

Responding to Jesus' offer of love by turning away from sin and its effects while actively seeking to fulfill God's will.

Paschal Mystery

The work of salvation accomplished by Jesus Christ primarily through his Passion, death, Resurrection, and Ascension.

Sacred Tradition

The living, continuous transmission of the Gospel message through the Church.

Magisterium

The official teaching office and authority of the Church, composed of the Pope in communion with the bishops.

Apostolic Succession

The continuous, unbroken transmission of spiritual authority from the Apostles directly to all bishops.

Free Will

The gift from God that empowers human beings to choose among various courses of action, for which they are held morally accountable.

Incarnation

The mystery of Jesus Christ, the Divine Son of God, taking on human nature and becoming man.

Redemption

The process through which humanity is brought back from enslavement to sin and restored into right relationship with God.

Salvation

The forgiveness of sins accompanied by the assurance of everlasting, permanent union with God.

Chief Priests

Jewish religious leaders who oversaw services and animal sacrifices at the Jerusalem Temple, benefited under Roman governance, and were viewed by many as Roman collaborators.

Pharisees

A Jewish religious group known for strictly adhering to the written and oral laws of the Old Testament and maintaining faith in the Resurrection.

Sadducees

A wealthy Jewish aristocratic group with close political and religious ties to the chief priests.

Scribes

The professional scholars and instructors responsible for interpreting and teaching Jewish Law and Sacred Scripture.

Zealots

A Jewish faction convinced that God willed Israel to be an autonomous nation, advocating the violent rebellion against Roman occupation.