christian scriptures test 4

Alexander the Great

King of Macedonia who consolidated the Greek armies, conquered the Persian Empire in 332 BCE, and gained control of territories in Egypt and Palestine.

Hellenism

Greek culture and ideas; usually associated with the spread of the Greek Empire by Alexander the Great.

Judea

The southern region of Palestine surrounding Jerusalem, which was an important center of Jewish religious and political life.

Ptolemies

The Greek descendants of Alexander the Great's general Ptolemy who gained control of Egypt—and, at some points in time, Palestine—after Alexander's death.

Seleucids

The Greek descendants of Alexander the Great's general Seleucus who gained control of the Syrian region north of Judea after Alexander's death. By 198 BCE, the Seleucids had become the established overlords of Palestine. They were viewed very negatively by most Jews.

Antiochus IV Epiphanes

Seleucid king who came to power in 175 BCE and took the title Epiphanes ("god manifest"). He brutally forced Hellenism on the Jewish people and persecuted their religious practices.

Judas Maccabeus

A Jewish leader who led the Maccabean Revolt against Seleucid rule and religious persecution, helping restore Jewish religious freedom.

Hasmonean Dynasty

Established after the success of the Maccabean Revolt, these Jewish rulers reigned over an independent Judea between 142 and 63 BCE.

Herod the Great

Ruler of Judea at the time of Jesus's birth. He reigned from 37 to 4 BCE. A client ruler of Rome, he is known for expanding the Jerusalem temple and, according to Matthew, ordering the mass execution of male babies around Bethlehem.

Judaism

The religious tradition of the Jewish people, centered on belief in one God, the Torah, the covenant, and Jewish religious practices.

Synagogues

Jewish gathering places used for prayer, reading and studying Scripture, and teaching.

Pharisees

A sect of Judean Jews that probably emerged in the second century BCE who strove to embody the virtuous life the Mosaic law prescribed so that they would be rewarded for their faithfulness with bodily resurrection in the afterlife. They were skillful interpreters of Scripture and revered oral traditions. After the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 CE, the Pharisees morphed into rabbinic Judaism.

Sadducees

A sect of Judean Jews that probably emerged in the second century BCE and was often associated with the Jerusalem temple and the upper classes of society. They did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, an afterlife, or the authority of oral traditions about the law.

Essenes

A sect of Judean Jews in the first century CE who believed in the afterlife and strove to live pure and righteous lives. They criticized the temple establishment for being corrupt and often isolated themselves into their own communities.

Destruction of the Second Temple (70 CE)

The Roman destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 CE, which ended the Second Temple period and significantly changed Jewish religious life.

Bar Kochba Revolt

Led by Simon bar Kosiba (later known as Simon bar Kokhba) in 132 CE, this was the last notable attempt by Judean Jews to oust the Romans. In response, the Romans leveled Jerusalem and forbade Jews from living in Judea. This revolt is also known as the second Jewish revolt.

Gospel (term)

Meaning "good news," this term initially referred to an oral announcement or proclamation but came to be associated specifically with the message of and about Jesus Christ.

Gospel (genre)

Writing that narrates the life and ministry of Jesus. The biblical Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The genre is best understood as ancient biography, reflecting the theological and literary concerns of their authors.

The Synoptic Gospels

The name given to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke because they share similar structure, content, and wording. Synoptic means "seen together."

Two-Source Hypothesis

A solution to the Synoptic Problem that argues that Matthew and Luke independently used Mark's Gospel and a hypothetical source known as Q.

Jesus, Christ and Son of God

Jesus is the central figure of Christianity; Christ means "anointed one" or Messiah; Son of God expresses Jesus's unique relationship with God and divine identity.

Life of Christ (basic events)

Jesus's birth, baptism, temptation, Galilean ministry, journey to Jerusalem, entry into Jerusalem, Last Supper, arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection.

Baptism and temptation

Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit descends upon him, and God identifies him as his Son. Jesus is then tempted by Satan in the wilderness.

Galilean ministry

The period when Jesus teaches, performs miracles, calls disciples, and proclaims the kingdom of God in Galilee.

Entry into Jerusalem

Jesus enters Jerusalem before Passover, welcomed by crowds. This marks the beginning of the final events leading to his crucifixion.

Crucifixion and resurrection

Jesus is executed by crucifixion under Roman authority and rises from the dead, becoming the foundation of Christian belief.

John the Baptist

A prophetic figure who prepares the way for Jesus by preaching repentance and baptizing people. He baptizes Jesus and recognizes his importance.

The Twelve Disciples

The twelve followers Jesus specifically chooses to accompany him, learn his teachings, and continue his ministry. They represent the twelve tribes of Israel.

Parables

A brief, fictional story that teaches a lesson or principle. Though found in the Old Testament, parables are most often associated with Jesus's teachings in the Gospels.

Gospel of Mark

The second Gospel in the New Testament, traditionally associated with Mark, which emphasizes Jesus's suffering, miracles, and identity as the Son of God.

Mark - Audience (hypothesized)

Primarily Gentile Christians, possibly in Rome, experiencing persecution and hardship.

Mark - Unique style and themes

Fast-paced storytelling, frequent use of "immediately," miracles, suffering, disciples misunderstanding Jesus, and the Messianic Secret.

Mark - Overall emphasis / portrait of Jesus

Jesus is the Son of God and suffering Messiah who must experience rejection and death.

Messianic Secret

Primarily found in Mark's Gospel, the term for Jesus's practice of keeping his identity a secret until after his arrival in Jerusalem. Jesus commands both demons and his disciples not to share their knowledge of his identity.

Intercalation

A literary device in which one story is framed by another. This "sandwich" storytelling style is particularly prominent in the Gospel of Mark.

Gospel of Matthew

A Gospel that presents Jesus as the Jewish Messiah who fulfills Hebrew Scripture and teaches about the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew - Audience (hypothesized)

Primarily Jewish Christians who were familiar with Jewish Scripture and traditions.

Matthew - Unique style and themes

Emphasizes fulfillment of prophecy, Jewish Scripture, Jesus's teachings, righteousness, and the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew - Overall emphasis / portrait of Jesus

Jesus is the promised Jewish Messiah, Son of God, and teacher who fulfills the Hebrew Scriptures.

Genealogy of Jesus (Matthew)

Matthew traces Jesus's ancestry through Abraham and David to demonstrate his Jewish heritage and connection to God's promises.

Infancy Narrative (Matthew)

Matthew's account of Jesus's birth and early childhood, including Joseph's dreams, the visit of the Magi, Herod's attempt to kill Jesus, and the family's escape to Egypt.

Matthean Discourses

Five major collections of Jesus's teachings in Matthew, organized around instructions about discipleship, the kingdom of heaven, and righteous living.

Sermon on the Mount

Jesus's major teaching section in Matthew 5–7, including the Beatitudes and instructions about righteousness, prayer, forgiveness, and living according to God's will.

The Great Commission

Jesus's final command in Matthew 28

Gospel of Luke

A Gospel that emphasizes Jesus as the compassionate Savior who brings salvation to all people, including Gentiles and marginalized groups.

Luke - Audience (hypothesized)

A broader Christian audience, especially Gentile readers, rather than one specific local community.

Luke - Unique style and themes

Emphasizes salvation, prayer, the Holy Spirit, concern for the poor and marginalized, and the inclusion of Gentiles.

Luke - Overall emphasis / portrait of Jesus

Jesus is the compassionate Savior who brings salvation to all people.

Theophilus

The person to whom Luke addresses both his Gospel and Acts, possibly a patron or someone interested in learning about Christianity.

Infancy Narrative (Luke)

Luke's account of the births of John the Baptist and Jesus, including the angel Gabriel's announcements, Mary's visit to Elizabeth, Jesus's birth, and the shepherds.

Genealogy of Jesus (Luke)

Luke traces Jesus's ancestry backward to Adam, connecting Jesus not only to Israel but to all humanity.

Sermon on the Plain

Jesus's teaching in Luke 6

Travel Narrative

The section in Luke (9

Salvation History

The understanding that God's plan of salvation unfolds throughout history, connecting Israel's past, Jesus's ministry, and the continuing work of the early Christian community.

Gentile Inclusion

The idea that salvation through Jesus is available to non-Jewish people as well as Jewish people.

Gospel of John

A Gospel that emphasizes Jesus's divine identity, his relationship with God, and the promise of eternal life through belief in him.

John - Audience (hypothesized)

A Christian community associated with the Johannine tradition that experienced conflict with other Jewish and Christian groups.

John - Unique style and themes

Uses symbolic language, extended speeches, signs, and theological explanations. Emphasizes Jesus's divine identity, belief, and eternal life.

John - Overall emphasis / portrait of Jesus

Jesus is the divine Son of God and Logos (Word), who existed before creation and brings eternal life to believers.

The one whom Jesus loved

An unnamed disciple in John's Gospel who has a particularly close relationship with Jesus and is traditionally associated with the author or source of the Gospel.

Supersessionism

The theological belief that Christianity replaces or supersedes Judaism as God's covenant people or religious tradition.

Logos

A Greek term that carried a variety of meanings in antiquity (e.g., word, statement, thought). Stoic philosophers used the term logos to refer to the unifying agent or logic of the universe, and Jewish writers used the same term to refer to God's creative and redemptive work in the world. The author of John builds on these ideas in the prologue (John 1

The Book of Signs

The first major section of John's Gospel (chapters 1–12), which presents Jesus's identity through signs and miracles that encourage people to believe in him.

Lazarus

A friend of Jesus whom Jesus raises from the dead in John 11. This miracle demonstrates Jesus's power over death and identifies him as the source of life.

The Book of Glory

The second major section of John's Gospel (chapters 13–20), focusing on Jesus's final teachings, crucifixion, death, and resurrection.

Mary Magdalene

A female follower of Jesus who witnesses his crucifixion and becomes the first person in John's Gospel to encounter the resurrected Jesus.

Restoration of Peter (addendum)

The scene in John 21 where the resurrected Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him and instructs him to care for his followers, restoring Peter after his three denials.

Acts of the Apostles

The New Testament book that describes the spread of Christianity after Jesus's resurrection and ascension, focusing on the Holy Spirit, the apostles' ministry, and the expansion of the Christian community.

Apostle

One closely associated with Jesus, particularly as a witness to his resurrection, who has been sent (Greek, apostellō, "to send") to continue Jesus's work.

Pentecost

Also known as the Festival of Weeks; one of three major festivals in Israel's calendar. It originated as a celebration of the first fruits of harvest but eventually came to include the commemoration of the giving of the Torah. It is significant in Christianity because of the giving of the Holy Spirit to Jesus's followers (Acts 2).

Peter

One of Jesus's twelve disciples and a leading figure in the early Christian community who preaches about Jesus and helps expand Christianity.

Peter's Vision

The vision in Acts 10 in which Peter sees a sheet containing animals considered unclean under Jewish law. God tells him not to call impure what God has made clean, leading Peter to recognize that Gentiles can receive salvation.

Paul (Acts)

A former persecutor of Christians who experiences a conversion after encountering Jesus. He becomes a major missionary who spreads Christianity to Gentiles throughout the Roman Empire.

The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15; Gal 2)

The assembly of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem that met to debate how Gentiles receive salvation. It concluded that Gentiles were not required to follow all Jewish ritual laws to become Christians.

Broadening Community of Acts

The expansion of Christianity from a primarily Jewish movement into a community that includes Gentiles and people from different nations and backgrounds.

Epistle

A formal letter written to individuals or Christian communities that provides instruction, encouragement, correction, or theological teaching.

Pauline Epistles

Letters associated with Paul that address the beliefs, problems, and practices of early Christian communities. They include letters written by Paul and letters traditionally attributed to him.

General information

Basic background about an epistle, including its author, date, location, intended audience, and historical circumstances.

Recipient context and occasion

The specific community or individual receiving the letter and the circumstances or problems that caused the author to write it.

Overall message/answer to occasion

The main theological point or instruction the author communicates in response to the recipient's situation.

The Collection

The gathering of Paul's letters into a collection that eventually became an important part of the New Testament. These letters circulated among early Christian communities and were recognized as authoritative writings.

Pauline Epistle structure

Most Pauline letters follow a general pattern

Nature of Pauline Epistles

Paul's letters are occasional writings, meaning they were written to address specific situations and problems within early Christian communities rather than as general theological textbooks.

Soteriology

The theological study of salvation, including how humans are saved and the role of Jesus Christ in bringing salvation.

Pseudonymity

The practice of writing under a false name. This practice was common in the Greco-Roman world, especially in philosophical traditions in which a disciple would write in the name of the philosophical founder.

Disputed Pauline Epistles / Pseudo-Paul

Letters attributed to Paul whose authorship is debated by scholars. Some are believed to have been written by later followers who continued Paul's teachings and traditions.

First Letter to the Thessalonians

One of Paul's earliest letters, written to encourage a young Christian community. Paul addresses their faith, perseverance during persecution, and questions about the return of Jesus.

The Parousia

The Greek word for the "presence" or "arrival" of an individual that the New Testament writings apply to Jesus's expected return.

Immanent Eschatology

The expectation that the end times and Jesus's return are near or will happen soon.

Letter to the Galatians

Paul's letter defending his understanding of the Gospel and arguing that Gentile Christians do not need to follow Jewish ritual laws, particularly circumcision, to receive salvation.

Polemic

A strong verbal or written argument against an opposing viewpoint or belief.

First Letter to the Corinthians

Paul's letter addressing problems within the Corinthian church, including divisions, sexual immorality, lawsuits, marriage, worship, spiritual gifts, and questions about the resurrection.

Prooftexting

Using individual biblical verses or passages as evidence to support a particular argument or belief, sometimes without considering their larger context.

Canonical criticism

A variety of approaches that emphasize the final form of a biblical book and how that book has been received and interpreted as authoritative (or "canonical"). A text's historical process of canonization and its location in the canon are also contexts for interpretation.

Second Letter to the Corinthians

Paul's letter defending his authority as an apostle and explaining his relationship with the Corinthian church. He addresses conflict, suffering, reconciliation, generosity, and the challenges of Christian ministry.

Composite document

A document constructed by bringing together multiple smaller texts or fragments of texts and editing them into a unified whole.