Key Concepts in Christian Theology and Gospel Studies

St. Stephen

The first Christian martyr who witnessed to his faith in Jesus and was killed for preaching the Gospel.

Messiah

A Hebrew word meaning "Anointed One." Jesus is the Messiah who fulfills God's promise of salvation.

Life in First-Century Palestine

The Jewish people lived under Roman rule, divided into different religious and social groups, while awaiting the coming of the Messiah.

Conversion

A change of heart, turning away from sin and toward God, accepting His love and will.

Incarnation

The mystery of the Son of God becoming truly human while remaining truly divine in the person of Jesus Christ.

Groups in Judaism

Pharisees—strictly observed the Law; Sadducees—wealthy priests who accepted only the Torah; Essenes—separated community awaiting the Messiah; Zealots—revolutionaries resisting Roman rule.

Mark's Gospel

The earliest Gospel, written for persecuted Christians in Rome, emphasizing Jesus as the Suffering Servant who calls his followers to discipleship.

Paschal Mystery

Christ's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension—his work of redemption through which humanity is saved.

Senses of Scripture

The ways the Church interprets Scripture: the literal sense (what the words mean) and the spiritual sense (what the events signify for faith, including allegorical, moral, and anagogical meanings).

Divine Revelation

God's self-communication by which He makes known the mystery of His divine plan, most fully realized in Jesus Christ.

Stages of the Gospels' Formation

1) The life and teaching of Jesus, 2) Oral tradition by his followers, 3) The written Gospels under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Dating and Themes of the Gospels

Mark—Jesus' suffering and humanity; Matthew—Jesus as Teacher and New Moses; Luke—universal salvation and compassion; John—the eternal Word and divinity of Christ.

Sacred Scripture

The written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and handed down in the Bible.

Revelation

God revealing Himself and His plan of love and salvation to humanity through words and deeds, culminating in Jesus.

Sacred Tradition

The living transmission of the Gospel message in the Church's life, teaching, and worship, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Magisterium

The living teaching office of the Church, consisting of the Pope and bishops, who interpret and preserve the truths of faith under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Hypostatic Union

The union of Jesus Christ's divine and human natures in one divine Person.

Emmanuel

A name meaning "God with us," revealing that in Jesus, God became present to His people.

Divine Knowledge of Jesus

Jesus, as the Son of God, possesses full divine knowledge but chose to experience human limitations and emotions.

Philippians 2:5-11

A hymn describing Jesus' humility: He emptied Himself, became human, obeyed God even to death, and was exalted by the Father.

Faith in Jesus

A personal response to God's love—trusting Jesus completely, believing in Him as the Son of God, and following His example in daily life.

Divine Revelation vs. Human Discovery

Revelation is God's initiative in making Himself known; human discovery is our response in faith and reason to that Revelation.

Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition Relationship

Together they form one sacred deposit of faith, both inspired by the Holy Spirit and entrusted to the Church.

Mark's Focus on Discipleship

Following Jesus means accepting suffering, serving others, and remaining faithful even in hardship.

Paschal Mystery's Meaning for Believers

Through Jesus' death and resurrection, believers are freed from sin and given new life with God.