Key Terms from the New Testament Studies pt 1

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts from New Testament studies to help with exam preparation.

Tabernacle

The portable sanctuary constructed by Israel in the wilderness, designed according to divine command, where God’s presence dwelled and sacrificial worship occurred before the building of the Temple.

Melchizedek

A mysterious priest-king who appears in Genesis 14, ruling Salem and blessing Abraham, used in Hebrews as a pattern for Christ’s eternal priesthood.

Platonism

A philosophical tradition rooted in the teachings of Plato that distinguishes between the imperfect, material world and the perfect, eternal realm of forms.

Word of Exhortation

A formal term for a sermon or pastoral address intended to encourage, warn, and instruct the community, as referenced in Hebrews 13:22.

Catholic Epistles

A collection of New Testament letters (James; 1–2 Peter; 1–3 John; Jude) addressed to broader audiences, meaning 'universal.'

Wisdom Literature

Biblical writings that teach about righteous living and the fear of God, such as Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes.

Diatribe

A rhetorical technique where a speaker argues with an imagined opponent; Paul often uses this method.

Descent into Hades

The belief that Christ descended to the realm of the dead after his crucifixion, based on passages like 1 Peter 3–4.

Haustafel

German for 'household code,' which lists moral instructions regarding relationships within ancient households.

Supersessionism

The theological position that the church has replaced Israel as God’s covenant people.

Creed

A formal statement of shared belief, developed for teaching, worship, and safeguarding doctrine.

Diaspora

The dispersion of Jewish communities outside the land of Israel, maintaining religious and cultural identity.

Amanuensis

A trained scribe or secretary who writes a document on behalf of someone else.

1 Enoch

An ancient Jewish apocalyptic work attributed to Enoch, which influenced early Jewish and Christian thought.