Key Concepts in the Life and Ministry of Jesus

Why was it necessary for God to give us four accounts of the ministry of His Son?

Each Gospel presents a unique perspective on Jesus' life and ministry, highlighting different aspects of His character and mission.

What does Galatians 4:4 mean by Jesus being born in the 'fullness of time'?

It signifies that Jesus came at the perfect moment in history, fulfilling God's plan for salvation.

List two events in the childhood of Jesus, aside from His birth and the visit of the shepherds and wise men.

1. The presentation at the Temple. 2. Jesus at the Temple discussing with teachers.

What are the differences in the lineages of Jesus given by Matthew and Luke?

Matthew traces Jesus' lineage through Joseph, emphasizing His royal descent from David, while Luke traces it back to Adam, highlighting His humanity.

Define 'incarnation' as it relates to Jesus.

The incarnation refers to God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.

List three ways Jesus displayed He was God during His ministry.

1. Performing miracles. 2. Forgiving sins. 3. Teaching with authority.

List two ways Jesus displayed He was human during His ministry.

1. Experiencing hunger and thirst. 2. Showing emotions such as compassion and sorrow.

Why was it a sin for Jesus to turn stones to bread as tempted by Satan?

It would have been an act of disobedience to God's will and a misuse of His divine power.

What is interesting about the backgrounds of Matthew and Simon (not Peter)?

Matthew was a tax collector, while Simon was a zealot, representing two opposing views in society.

What was the main message of the preaching and ministry of Jesus?

The Kingdom of God is at hand, calling for repentance and faith.

Define the kingdom of God.

The reign of God over all creation, characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy.

What is a parable? List two parables Jesus used to teach about the kingdom of God.

A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. Examples include the Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Parable of the Hidden Treasure.

What sermon serves as an excellent example in Matthew 5-7 of how Jesus used preaching during His ministry?

The Sermon on the Mount.

List three miracles Jesus performed that illustrated He had power over disease.

1. Healing a blind man. 2. Curing a leper. 3. Restoring a paralyzed man.

Why did Jesus ride the colt of a donkey into Jerusalem before His crucifixion?

To fulfill the prophecy of Zechariah and to present Himself as the humble King.

Why did Jesus curse a fig tree before turning over the money changers' tables?

The fig tree represented Israel's unfruitfulness, and the act symbolized judgment on the temple's corruption.

What were the two elements Jesus used to institute the Lord's Supper? Where did He get those elements?

Bread and wine, taken from the Passover meal.

What happened to Peter, James, and John when Jesus asked them to watch Him pray in the Garden of Gethsemane?

They fell asleep.

Why does the Bible mention two men as high priest when Jesus is arrested?

Annas and Caiaphas were both high priests, reflecting the political and religious complexities of the time.

What crime was Jesus convicted of under Jewish law that warranted capital punishment?

Treason.

List three reasons why Jesus' trial was illegal under Jewish law.

1. It was held at night. 2. False witnesses were used. 3. The trial was not conducted in a proper court.

Why did Pilate initially send Jesus to Herod?

Because Herod was the ruler of Galilee and had jurisdiction over Jesus.

What spiritual significance can be drawn from Simon of Cyrene being compelled to carry the cross of Jesus?

It symbolizes the call for believers to share in Christ's suffering and burdens.

List the seven things Jesus said while He was on the cross.

1. 'Father, forgive them…' 2. 'Today you will be with me in paradise.' 3. 'Woman, behold your son…' 4. 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' 5. 'I thirst.' 6. 'It is finished.' 7. 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.'

Who is the human author of Acts?

Luke.

The book of Acts concentrates on the ministries of which two men?

Paul and Peter.

What is the story behind the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira?

They lied about the proceeds of a sale and were struck dead for their deception.

Is Acts history or theology?

It is both history and theology.

Why were deacons elected in Acts?

To help the church because widows needed to be fed.

What happened in Acts 7 that caused the Jewish Christians to flee Israel?

The stoning of Stephen.

Where did Paul come to terms with Jesus?

On the road to Damascus.

What was Paul's first preaching/teaching assignment?

In the synagogues of Damascus.

From what tribe of Israel was Paul?

The tribe of Benjamin.

Paul learned from what famous Rabbi?

Gamaliel.

Who was Paul's partner on his first missionary journey?

Barnabas.

Who was Paul's partner on his second missionary journey? Why is it not the same as the first journey?

Silas; Barnabas and Paul had a disagreement.

Name three places Paul visited on his first missionary journey.

1. Cyprus. 2. Pisidian Antioch. 3. Iconium.

Who did Paul meet on his second missionary journey at Lystra?

Timothy.

What was the reaction of Paul and Silas when they were thrown into prison in Philippi?

They prayed and sang hymns to God.

Where was Paul when he encountered the altar to the unknown god?

Athens.

Where did Paul meet Aquila and Priscilla? Where were they really from?

In Corinth; they were from Rome.

In what city did Paul's second missionary journey end?

Jerusalem.

In what city did Paul's third missionary journey begin?

Antioch.

What happened to Paul when he returned to Jerusalem at the end of his 3rd missionary journey?

He was arrested.

How did Paul end up in Rome at the end of the book of Acts?

He appealed to Caesar.

List all the church letters found in the New Testament.

Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews.

List all the general letters found in the New Testament.

James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude.

List all the pastoral letters found in the New Testament.

1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus.

What do we mean when we say the New Testament letters were situational?

They were written to address specific issues or circumstances faced by the early church.

List three problems the church at Corinth was having at the time Paul wrote to them.

1. Divisions among members. 2. Moral issues. 3. Questions about spiritual gifts.

Where was John when he wrote Revelation? Why was he there?

On the island of Patmos, exiled for his faith.

Explain the difference between prophecy and apocalyptic literature.

Prophecy typically addresses immediate events and calls for repentance, while apocalyptic literature reveals divine mysteries and future events.

Define Tribulation Period. List one alternate name for the Tribulation.

The Tribulation Period is a time of great suffering and distress before the second coming of Christ; it is also known as the Great Tribulation.

Define Millennial Kingdom.

A future 1000-year reign of Christ on earth.

Where is the devil during the Millennial Kingdom?

He is bound and imprisoned.

List and explain the three main ways to interpret the time of the return of Jesus in the context of the Millennial Kingdom.

1. Premillennialism: Jesus returns before the Millennium. 2. Amillennialism: The Millennium is symbolic and occurs now. 3. Postmillennialism: Jesus returns after the Millennium.

Name the two men who took the responsibility to bury Jesus.

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.

Briefly explain why the resurrection of Jesus is theologically important.

It confirms Jesus' divinity, validates His teachings, and provides hope for eternal life.

List two objections made to the authentic resurrection of Jesus and how those objections are answered.

1. The disciples stole the body; response: Roman guards were posted. 2. Jesus didn't really die; response: He was confirmed dead by multiple witnesses.

What is the most compelling evidence that Jesus is alive?

The transformation of the disciples from fear to bold witnesses after the resurrection.

What is the number of dynasties that ruled in the Northern Kingdom?

Nine.

Who moved the capital of the Northern Kingdom to Samaria?

Omri.

Who married Jezebel?

Ahab.

Which widow filled many jars of oil miraculously during her ministry?

The widow of Zarephath.

Who caused an iron ax head to float?

Elisha.

Who ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire and a whirlwind?

Elijah.

What happened to a group of young people who mocked a prophet?

They were eaten by bears.

Which widow never ran out of oil and flour during her ministry?

The widow of Zarephath.

Who gave instruction to Naaman about how to heal his leprosy?

Elisha.

Who married a harlot?

Hosea.

Who was a herdsman and gatherer of sycamore fruit?

Amos.

Who was the last prophet to preach to the Northern Kingdom?

Hosea.

What world power took the Northern Kingdom captive?

Assyria.

What was the date the Northern Kingdom was taken captive?

722 BC.

What world power took the Southern Kingdom captive?

Babylon.

What was the date the Southern Kingdom was taken captive?

586 BC.

How many good kings ruled in the Northern Kingdom?

None.

Who was the worst of the evil kings of the Southern Kingdom?

Manasseh.

Name a good king of the Southern Kingdom.

Hezekiah.

Name one of the last four kings of the Southern Kingdom.

Zedekiah.

Which prophet had a vision of a plumbline and a basket of summer fruit?

Amos.

Who is the most quoted Old Testament prophet in the New Testament?

Isaiah.

Other than Isaiah, who saw the throne room of God?

Ezekiel.

Who predicted the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem?

Micah.

Who predicted the virgin birth?

Isaiah.

Who was the son of Pethuel?

Joel.

Who did Peter quote during his sermon on the Day of Pentecost?

Joel.

What does the name 'Obadiah' mean?

'Servant of the Lord'.

What does the name 'Zebulun' mean?

'Dwelling'.

What does the name 'Haggai' mean?

'Festive'.

What does the name 'Malachi' mean?

'My messenger'.

In which book was the temple rebuilt?

Ezra.

In which book was the wall of Jerusalem rebuilt?

Nehemiah.

Who saw a large hand writing on a wall?

Daniel.

Who was the last of the inspired Old Testament writers?

Malachi.

Who preached that the people were putting wages into a bag with holes?

Haggai.

Who received visions that encouraged the people to finish the temple?

Zechariah.

Who was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes?

Nehemiah.

Who predicts the coming of 'Elijah' (John the Baptist)?

Malachi.

What book contains the phrase, 'the people had a mind to work'?

Nehemiah.