New Testament Test

By the end of which century were all New Testament writings in existence?

The first century

How is the word "canon" defined as it pertains to the New Testament?*

The word is used to refer to writings of NT as a list of books

Define the term "homologoumena" as it pertains to the New Testament. What New Testament books are included in this respective group?*

"agreed upon"Books: 4 Gospels, Acts, 13 letters of Paul, 1 Peter, 1 John

Define the term "antilegomena" as it pertains to the New Testament. What New Testament books are included in this respective group?*

"spoken against" Books: Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2-3 John, Jude, and Revelation

What three points indicate the existence of the New Testament canon in this era?

1. The books are alluded to, more often without mention of author or title than by way of formal quotation 2. The thought and life of the church were being shaped by the content of the NT 3. The NT assumed a position of authority in the churches that they shared with no other writings

Describe further evidence about the authority exercised by the New Testament writings

The NT writings (mainly Gospels) were read in worship services of the churches, interchangeably with the OT

What did Marcion do that forced early Christianity to deal with the question

He constructed a canon of his own

What do the writings of Irenaeous, Clement, and Tertullium show us about the development of the canon?

They indicate that all but one of the 27 books were somewhere known and accepted in the Christian church. They show that there was practical unanimity in the churches in all except 7 of NT books

What does the Muratorian Fragment tell about the status of the canon in AD 170?

Gives a clear and complete picture of the canon of the church of Rome

Describe the important contributions of Origen in solidifying in New Testament canon

Because of his wide knowledge of the various branches of the Early Church; he knew what writings were normative for the church. Used all 27 books for the New Testament canon

What is noteworthy regarding the situation of the antilegomena in the third century?

Are slowly gaining ground in the churches

How can the status of the canon be depicted when Euscbis of Caesaren (Ad 325) wrote his history of Early Christianity? What are his three classes of books?

His discussion of the canon is in essence a historical survey of what had happened to the various books in the churches. 3 classifications of books: homologoumena, antilegomena, and the "spurious"

What similarities exist with Cyril of Jerusalem (AD 350) and Athanasius (AD 367) regarding the understanding of the canon?

Draws a sharp line between canonical and heretical works with their fictions claim to antiquity and authenticity. He also makes no distinction between homolgoumena and antilegomena

What are the oldest manuscripts of the Bible available to us today?

Dead Sea Scrolls

What order did Constantine give to encourage the spread of the Bible? Even with this order, why were Christians still without a Bible of their own?

He commissioned 50 complete copies of the Bible in Greek for use in new churches he was constructing. However, these books were often too expensive to purchase and too difficult to carry about

What two breakthroughs during the middle ages finally allowed for widespread access to the Bible?

The University of Paris developed what is called the Paris Bible. Allowed for more access. The 1287 constitution of Augustinians calling to read the Bible

Tell about the early translations of the Bible, such as the Septuagint, Vulgate, and Luther Bible

Septuagint: Translated to Greek Vulgate: Translated to Latin (popular) Luther Bible: Translated to German

Who was the first person to provide a good English translation of the Bible? What happened to him?

William Tyndale. He was persecuted by England, strangled, and burned at the stake

Describe the rise to power of Alexander the Great and the extent of his conquests.

His dad was murdered and he assumed power at 19. He set out to destroy Persia and gained control from Asia Minor to Egypt including control over Palestine and the Jews

How did Alexander the Great treat the Jewish people?

He treated the Jews well, although he moved them from Palestine to Alexandria, he did not seek to change their religious practices

What were the three major results of Alexander the Great's conquests?

1. Hellenization. He sought to introduce Greek ideas and culture into conquered territory 2. He founded Greek cities and colonies throughout conquered territory 3. Greek became a universal language with its spread across the entire region

After the death of Alexander, his generals fought for power and territory. What two generals (and their successors) continued to fight over control of Palestine?

Ptolemy and Antigonus struggled over control of Palestine. Scleucus was given Antigonous' territory, including Palestine. Ptolemy took over control of Palestine and continued to be fought over by the Ptolemites and the Seleucus Ptolemy -> Egypt -> Palestine Seleucus -> Babylonia -> Syria

How did the Jews fare under the rule of the Ptolemies?

They had much self-rule and their religious practices were not hampered

How did Jews fare under the Seleucid rulers, especially Antiochus IV Epiphanes?

Tax burden of the Jews increased, as did pressure to Hellenize others to adopt Greek practices. Antiouchus allowed his troops to kill as many of the Jews and sought to end the Jewish religion

What were the roles of Mattathias and Judas Maccabeus in the Jewish revolt?

Matthaias refused to sacrifice to Zeus and when a Jew did, he killed an officer and the Jew and started a revolt. Judas, his son, inherited the role of leadership. He was the ideal guerrilla leader and was successful in fighting battles

Describe changes regarding the high priesthood under Simon, the last son of Mattathias? Also, what was the name of the Dynasty established under Simon?

He secured freedom from taxation for the Jews by 141 BC. They had achieved political freedom. The high priesthood was made hereditary with him and his descendants. The Hasmonean was established

Detail the atrocities of Alexander Jannaeus (103-76 BC) and the role of Alexandra.

He used foreign soldiers and did not always follow prescribed rituals. Alexandria succeed her husband and married her husbands brother. Crucifixion of Pharisees. Alexandra created peace

How did Rome become involved in the political situation in Palestine?

Rome became involved in the Civil War between Aistobulus and Hyrcanus. The Romans took control over Palestine

Describe the situation of taxation and religious freedom the Jews experienced under Roman rule.

The Jews paid heavy taxes, but their religious views were not changed under Roman rule

Who was Antipater and what was his role in Palestine?

He was named governor of Palestine and exercised Roman power

How did Herod become king of Judea?

Through the Roman senate at the urging of Antony and Octavian (Augustus)

How was Herod the Great viewed by the Jewish people?

The years of his rule were a time of turmoil for the Jewish people. He could never satisfy them

What are the accomplishments of Herod the Great?

He kept peace among a people who were hard to rule. He used his own funds to feed the people during a time of famine, allowing perception of generosity despite his cruelty

How was the kingdom divided after Herod the Great's death?

He left the kingdom to his 3 sons and they each ruled a different section of the region

What are the Dead Sea Scrolls and what do they tell about the preservation of the Old Testament text?

Are the final group of writings from the Roman Period. The discovery of it extended our knowledge of the Hebrew text back 1000 years. Jewish scribes preserved the integrity of the text

Distinguish between Jesus' place of birth and place he grew up. What is the significance of both places regarding Jesus?

Jesus was born in Bethlehem and grew up in Nazareth. He grew up in a holy place, yet kept company with prostitutes, tax collectors, and overall dirty people. Jesus had Davidic ancestry of Bethlehem, a humble origin for a King.

Although the New Testament details Jesus preexistence as the eternal Word and Son of God, how does it also depict his humble origins?

Despite his royal ancestry and his heavenly preexistence as the eternal word and the son of God, he was of humble origins. He was viewed humble by people

Although God the Father proclaimed Jesus as Son of God at his baptism, how widespread was Jesus' identity during his early ministry?

Jesus' identity was not widespread early on in his ministry, He didn't want the question of his identity raised prematurely

What two things about Jesus' temptation have special bearing on his ministry as a whole?

He hadn't come to glorify or proclaim himself, but solely make "The Father" known

Jesus' own identity continued to be revised first by the powers of evil

How did Jesus react to those who wanted to broadcast his divine identity prematurely?

He silenced the demons, he told the people he cured to not speak of it to anyone. The more he urged silence, the faster word spread

What initially was Jesus' primary mission? How does this become apparent in the words and actions of Jesus?

Was to reach the lost sheep of Israel. This is apparent through his reach toward social outcasts.

Yet, in what ways does Jesus make it apparent that he also came for the Gentiles?

"Not to the righteous, but to the sinners" extended the good news of the kingdom of God to the Gentiles. He also responded to the initiatives of Gentiles seeking his help

How could one describe Jesus' relationship with the Jewish leaders? Provide evidence for your description.

Healing and saving activities set a grim precedent with Jewish leaders and made his arrest, trial, and execution inevitable

How closely do Jesus' predictions of his last days correspond to the actual events? Provide evidence for this

In Jerusalem corresponded in a broad outline to the predictions attributed to him earlier. He entered Jerusalem knowing he was going to die there

What were the roles of the Sanhedrin and Pontius Pilate in the last days of Jesus?

Sanhedrin was the Jewish ruling council that convicted Jesus. Pontinus Pilate was the Roman governor who pronounced Jesus innocent 3 times and eventually sentenced him to his crucifixion

What was the important role of the faithful women, including Mary Magdalene, at the resurrection of Jesus?

They went to the tomb, rolled away the stone and discovered the missing body of Jesus. They brought word to the 11 disciples of the news

Describe Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, as attested in the Gospels and Acts

Jesus appeared to the gathered disciples. He appeared to one of the women on Easter. He gathered with the disciples two times. He appeared by the lake of Galilee

In what ways did the resurrection of Jesus transform his scattered, cowardly followers?

They became a nucleus of a coherent movement able to challenge and change the Roman Empire forever

What is the benefit of recalling that none of the Gospel accounts of Jesus' resurrection is complete?

Most of the difficulties contained in the resurrection story will vanish

How do the Gospel accounts of the specific people at the empty tomb demonstrate that their contents are supplementary, not contradictory?

There is an agreement between the accounts as far as the women who visited the grave are concerned (Mary Magdalene). Mark is the only one to state that Salome visited the grave, while Luke is the only one to mention Joanna.

How can apparently contradicting Gospel information be resolved about the time the women arrived at the tomb?

John and Mark seem to contradict each other. It is resolved by looking at John thinking of the time of departure for the grave and Mark refers to the time of arrival there.

How can apparent tensions about the number of angels at the tomb be resolved?

It is important to know the news of the resurrection didn't come from a human being, or a disciple, but from an angel. The number of angels is of secondary importance. The accounts depicting the angel could refer only to the angel that conveyed the news to the women, disregarding the presence of another angel who was in the tomb when the women arrived to the grave and discovered the resurrection

How can Matthew's account of the women telling the disciples about Jesus' resurrection (28:8) be resolved with Mark's statement (16:8) about them saying nothing?

The statement from Mark refers to the attitude of the women while they were returning home. He doesn't intend to create the impression that they did not inform the disciples of the message of the angels. Not telling the disciples would have disobeyed God and them being God-fearing women, did not make them inclined to disobey

Pharisees

A Jewish sect at the time of Jesus known for its strict adherence to the Law. Monotheistic. Written and oral law. Believed in life after death, the resurrection of the body, and demons.

Sadducees

Rejected resurrection, supported first five books as authoritative written law. Had control over the temples

Zealots

Believed God had right to rule over Jews. Total obedience must be apparent before God. Devoted to laws and Jewish faith. Opposed Roman rule, engaged in terrorism against Rome.

Herodians

Wealthy, influential group. Mostly political, not religious. Embraced Hellenization and foreign ruler-ship

Essenes

Celibate, strictly followed law. Pacifists. Rejected temple worship and offering. Worldly pleasures were evil. Believed in immorality of soul with no resurrection

How many letters of the New Testament did St. Paul write and what percentage of the New Testament does this comprise?

He wrote 13 epistles that comprise of almost 25% of the New Testament

Tell about the hometown, Israelite tribe, and family trade of Paul

Paul was born in Tarsus. He was of the tribe of Benjamin. He came from a family of tent makers or leather-workers

What was the importance of Roman citizenship for Paul and how might he have attained it?

Paul was born a Roman citizen. His father or grandfather was honored with citizenship because some special service rendered to a military proconsul

Who was Paul's rabbinic teacher and why might that be important? What was Paul's connection to the Pharisees?

Rabbi Gamaliel, this may be important because he was a leading Jewish leader in Paul's day. Paul identified himself with the sect of Pharisees, like his father had been

Describe Paul's connection with Christian persecution

He imprisoned believers and punished them for their beliefs

What were the circumstances of Paul's conversion to Christianity?

At the appearance of Christ, Saul immediately surrendered to His authority and went into the city to further await orders. He received the Holy Spirit and accepted believer's baptism

How did the early travels of Paul connect with the leaders of the Jerusalem church?

The pillars of the Jerusalem church approved the no-law Gospel preached by Paul and is focus of Gentile evangelism

What Roman province was the emphasis of Paul's first missionary journey (AD 47-48)?

Galatia

What was the topic, resolution, and individuals involved in the Jerusalem Council (AD 49)?

Gentile salvation

Law-free gospel supported by Jesus, introduced by Peter People - Peter and Barnabas

Who accompanied Paul for the second missionary journey and where did they travel (AD 50-52)?

Paul went through Macedonia and Achaia. He was accompanied by Barnabas and his nephew, John Mark

Where did Paul mainly spend his third missionary journey (AD 53-57) and what did he do?

The city of Ephesus. He wrote 1st and 2nd Corinthians on this journey

How did Paul end up in a Caesarean prison and finally in Rome?

Jewish opponents incited a riot when Paul was performing a ritual to demonstrate his Jewish faithfulness to some Jerusalem believers

Detail the likely sequence of events with Paul from the end of Acts until his death under Nero.

Paul was acquitted or exiled and fulfilled the dream of carrying the Gospel to Spain. Then probably wrote 1st and 2nd Timothy along with Titus. Then he was arrested and had a harsher punishment in prison. He was then condemned and beheaded

Define Law & Gospel and explain their purpose and how they function.

Law
1. A term for the first five books of the Old Testament (Torah)
2. Shows us our sins/unwelcome diagnosis
Gospel
1. The genre of the first four books of the New Testament
2. Shows us our savior/needed remedy

Why is important to distinguish between Law & Gospel when reading God's word?

We cannot dilate God's law or it will be ineffective and lessen the severity of sin. We cannot use God's promise of forgiveness as an excuse to sin

How are Law and Gospel used or applied to people's lives?

When sin and guilt burden your heart, Gospel is the cure. Wounding through law and healing through Gospel

In what ways does the Good News Magazine employ medical concepts of wounding, healing, and cancer treatment to illustrate Law & Gospel usage?

Cancer cells can be killed through radiation, doctors can also replace the destroyed cancer cells with life-giving bone marrow. Similar to the law killing and destroying and the Gospel giving life

By the end of the ______ century A.D. all new testament writings were in existence

First

Regarding the New Testament, the term "canon" refers to....

The collection or list of books normative for Christianity

Those books of the New Testament that were always recognized as canonical are called ________.

Homologoumena

Books of the New Testament whose position in the canon was sometimes questioned are called _______.

Antilegomena

The Septuagint (285 B.C.) is a ______ translation of the Hebrew Old Testament

Greek

The Vulgate by Jerome (A.D. 400) is an early translation of the Bible into ________.

Latin

In 1534 Martin Luther translated the Bible into what common language of the people?

German

How did Jesus react to those who wanted to broadcast his divine identity prematurely?

He silenced them

What was the role of Pontius Pilate in the trial of Jesus?

1. He hesitantly gave the order to crucify Jesus 2. He was the Roman official in charge of Judea 3. He declared Jesus to be innocent

Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, according to the Gospels and Acts, include the following

1. These appearances occurred over a period of 40 days 2. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene after rising from the dead 3. He appeared to two disciples as they walked to Emmaus

In what ways did the resurrection of Jesus transform his scattered, cowardly followers?

They became a bold movement that changed the Roman Empire

How many books of the New Testament did St.Paul write?

13

What was St.Paul's hometown?

Tarsus

Roman citizenship was important in the ancient world since it granted _______.

1. The right of appeal after trial 2. Protection from degrading punishment 3. Exemption from imperial service

What was the likely trade of the family of St.Paul?

Tent making

Long Essay: Detail the development of the New Testament canon, particularly telling about the three stages of the canon's growth. In your discussion, define "canon," "homologoumena," and "antilegomena."

Three Stages of canon's growth
1. Books are introduced and developing credibility
2. All 27 books but one were somewhat known and accepted in the Christian church
3. All 27 books used in New Testament canon. Antilegomena are slowly gaining ground in the churches, 3 classifications of books established
Homolegoumena - accepted
Antilegomena - not accepted
Canon - list of books

Long Essay: Tell about Law and Gospel in the Bible and their respective functions? Why is it important to distinguish Law and Gospel? Take one section (story, event, etc.) of the New Testament and explain how it illustrates the usage of Law and/or Gospel.

Law - command to do or not do something
Gospel - saves us from penalty of sin
Law Text -> Matthew 5:43-44. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
Gospel Text -> Ephesians 2:8-9. For by Grace you have been saved through faith, done by God

Early Christian criteria for canon

the term is a description of the books in the history of the church, not primarily a judgment on their value