Historical Connections and Biblical Prophecy Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering early church history, gnostic texts, historical figures, and biblical narratives surrounding the nativity and prophetic fulfillments.

Gospel of Mary

A text dated to ca. 2 CE (fragments acquired in 1896) written by an unknown author under the name of Mary Magdalene that expands her role from a devout follower to a spiritual leader receiving visions from Jesus.

Gnosticism

A belief system holding that salvation is learned through obtaining mystical knowledge, rather than through Jesus' crucifixion.

Pliny the Younger

A Roman administrator, author, and lawyer (61-113 CE) born in Comum, Italy, who wrote to Emperor Trajan for counsel on Christians and mentioned torturing two female slaves called deaconesses.

The Great Persecution (303-313 AD)

A period of Roman persecution under Emperor Diocletian where a North African raid seized items including 13 pairs of men's shoes versus 47 pairs of women's shoes, reflecting that two-thirds of the Christian senatorial class were women.

Celsus

A 2nd-century CE Greek Platonist philosopher who wrote "True Word" (175-180 CE) to criticize Christianity, quipping that Christians only convince the foolish, dishonorable, stupid, slaves, women, and little children.

Canonical Gospels

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, written around 70-90 AD, which focus on Jesus' earthly life, suffering, and kingdom to call people to faith.

Gnostic Gospels

Texts from the 2nd to 4th centuries (such as the Gospels of Thomas, Judas, and Mary) that targeted specific groups with secret teachings and falsely used apostles' names to gain legitimacy.

Maccabean Revolt (164 BC)

A historical event that led to 100 years of peace under one family, ending with Queen Salome Alexander as the final monarch of peace before civil war and Roman oppression.

Prophecy

In the lecture context, a concept described as being like a pregnancy test that holds both the present and the future at the same time in tension.

Zechariah

A priest from the line of Aaron/Levites who was visited by an angel in the temple, became mute due to his disbelief, and fathered John the Baptist.

Elizabeth

The elderly and previously barren wife of Zechariah who became pregnant with John the Baptist and spoke the first prophetic words in the New Testament since Malachi upon greeting Mary.

Mary's Song (Luke 1:46-55)

A lengthy poetic, prophetic speech delivered by Mary in response to Elizabeth, celebrating God scattering the proud, bringing down rulers, lifting up the humble, and filling the hungry.

Simeon

A devout man in the temple led by the Spirit who was promised he would not die before seeing the Messiah, who blessed baby Jesus and prophesied that a sword would pierce Mary's soul.

Anna

An 84-year-old prophetess from the tribe of Asher who was widowed after 7 years of marriage, lived in the temple, and became the first person explicitly called a prophet since Malachi to publicly proclaim Jesus to those waiting for Jerusalem's rescue.