Chapter 4 – The Historical Setting of the Gospels Test Review

Flashcards covering key historical background questions, true/false review, multiple choice content, and short answer analysis of John 14:6 from Chapter 4.

Is Julius Caesar given credit for establishing the Pax Romana?

False

Was John Hyrcanus the leader nicknamed "Maccabeus" who took over the Maccabean revolt after the death of his father Mattathias?

False

What was the ethnic heritage of Herod the Great, son of Antipater, who ruled Palestine for the Romans?

He was an Edomite.

Which translation became the Bible of Diaspora Jews?

The LXX

Was the Second Temple destroyed by the Romans in 73 A.D.?

False

Which son of Herod executed John the Baptist?

Herod Antipas

Where was the Ptolemaic empire centered, which dominated Palestine from 323-198 B.C.?

Egypt

Did Akiba help to re-establish Judaism after the Jewish war at the coastal town of Jamnia?

False

Was the Seleucid period primarily known for tolerance shown to Jewish culture and religion?

False

Following the conquests of Alexander the Great, did Greek become the language of the common people in Palestine?

False

After the destruction of Jerusalem, whose teaching generally became normative (the standard) for rabbinic Judaism?

The Pharisees

In which mountain fortress did Zealots hold out against the Romans until A.D. 73 during the Jewish War?

Masada

Which Jewish feast celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over their Syrian oppressors?

The Feast of Hanukkah

Who was the Roman emperor that ruled during Jesus’ public ministry?

Tiberius

Which aristocratic group arose from the supporters of the Hasmonean dynasty?

The Sadducees

What was the most important influence of Alexander the Great for New Testament background?

The process of Hellenization that he initiated

Who committed the desecration of the Temple, or "abomination of desecration," which prompted the Maccabean Revolt?

Antiochus IV "Epiphanes"

Why was Herod primarily known as "the Great"?

Because he was a great builder

Which son of Herod ruled in Judea after him, but was replaced by Roman governors because of misrule?

Archelaus

Who led the second Jewish revolt of A.D. 132?

Simon bar Koseba

Based on John 14:6, what did Jesus mean when He said He was "the way"?

He is the only way to a right relationship with God, salvation, & eternal life.

Based on John 14:6, how is Jesus' statement both exclusive and inclusive?

Exclusive: He's the only way - there is no other way; inclusive: it's an open invitation, whoever believes in Him can have eternal life - everyone's invited.