Studied by 1 person
How many books does the NT contain?
27
How does God reveal Himself?
Through salvation history (God’s saving action, covenant agreement, and more)
The purposes of the Incarnation (“God became flesh”)
World-made-flesh saves all humanity by reconciling human being w/ the Father
Jesus reveals God’s love to the world
Jesus is the perfect model for holiness
Word of God’s shared w/ humans to humans
Historical evidence/basic facts for and about Jesus
Born as a Palestine Jew in Bethlehem between 6 and 4 BC of a woman named Mary
Lives in Nazareth, Galilee
Around AD 28 - baptized by John the Baptist and began his public ministry teaching of God’s kingdom and messages of repentance
AD 30 or 33 - was arrested by Jewish and Roman authorities. Was turned over and sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate
Who were the Non-Christians that confirmed the existence of Jesus and how did they do so?
Tacitus (Roman historian): reports the famous fire that broke out in Rome under emperor Nero. Confirmed Jesus’ living during Tiberius’ reign
Suetonius (Roman biographer): states Emperor Claudius kicks the Jews out of town who were incited by “Chrestus”
Pliny the younger (writer): wrote a letter to emperor Trajan asking for advice on legal proceedings for those accused of Christianity
Josephus (Jewish historian): didn’t question historical existence of Jesus
How can I meet/encounter Jesus today?
Sacred scripture
Sacraments
Prayer
In others
Names and titles for Jesus
Christ: “anointed one”
Son of God: The one and only son and shares the same divine nature
Lord: translates to Greek word “Kyrios” and Hebrew word “Adonai”
YHWH: Most holy name for God
What are the three criteria from the Church in order for a book to be included in Sacred Scripture (NT canon)?
Apostolic origin: witnesses of the Apostles
Widespread acceptance: widely circulated and accepted by the Church
Conformity to the rule of faith: writings reflect traditional faith of early Church abt Jesus and teachings. CANNOT stray from the truth (heresy)
How were the Gospels formed?
Public life and teachings of Jesus (6-4 BC to AD 30-33)
Oral tradition (AD 30-50)
NT writings (AD 50-120)
Source criticism
Tries to determine what source or sources the Gospel and other NT writers used to compose their works
Form criticism
Being able to distinguish various types and styles of writing
Historical criticism
Analyzes language, consistency, convergence, and originality to determine what the Gospels report about Jesus can be traced directly back to Him
Redaction criticism
Focuses on evangelists as editors: how and why they arranged their sources the way they did
What are the three rules to interpret the Scripture?
we must personally search the scriptures.
the Bible explains itself
we must think of and express what we learn from the Bible the same way God does
What does Jesus mean?
“God Saves” or “YHWH is salvation”
What does Christ mean?
“Anointed one”
What does Son of God mean?
“Shares the same divine nature as God the Father”
What does Lord mean?
“Jesus is God”
What languages did He primarily speak?
Aramaic: language He spoke on the daily
Hebrew: Jesus would’ve likely learned Hebrew in the synagogue and we know He could read this since the Hebrew scriptures were written in Hebrew and we see Him reading OT scrolls in the NT
Greek: common language throughout the Roman empire, would’ve been useful in Jesus’ trade. May have spoken this w/ Pontius Pilate
Latin: probably used in Palestine because of Roman occupation forces, but Jesus probably didn’t speak it
Sadducees
Very powerful priests and aristocrats w/ lots of money
Collaborated w/ Romans to stay in charge
conservative religiously: only Torah’s inspired scripture
Believes in free will (God doesn’t control your life)
NT references group 13x
Pharisees
Strict observance of 10 commandments
Believes in afterlife
Accepted by the prophets and writings in the scripture and Torah
Intention: To be good and thoughtful Jews
Jesus’ beliefs and practices closely related to this group
Essenes
Apocalyptic group: believed God would come in Kingdom dramatically and catastrophic
Lived strict and pure lives
DID NOT MARRY
NOT IN NT
Disappeared after Temple was destroyed
Zealots
Violent
Doesn’t like roman’s
Wanted to overthrow Romans
What language were the Gospels written in?
Greek
Explanation of the Jewish beliefs and practices of Jesus’ time
Synagogue:
House of prayer
place of discussion
a local school
Temple:
located in Jerusalem
Where God dwelled in a special way
offered animal sacrifices to God
Jews in the 1st century AD believed that YHWH would send a messiah very soon
Torah:
The Law
contained in the Pentateuch (first five books of the OT)
Heart of Jewish life, not a list of rules
What role did the tax collectors, Gentiles, women, and common people have in the life of Christ?
Tax collectors: greatly despised by society but Jesus interacted with them
Gentiles: non-Jews that Jesus interacted with
Women: treated unequally but Jesus treated them with dignity and respect
Common people: didn’t have a significant role but many created crowds around Jesus
When was Mark’s Gospel written and who is believed to be the author of the Gospel of Mark?
Author: John Mark, may have been a traveling companion with St. Peter and Paul
When: 65-70 AD (a time when Jews were persecuted)
Who was the audience of Mark’s gospel?
Gentile Christians
What is Jesus known as in Mark’s Gospel
The suffering servant
What is the Messianic Secret?
refers to Jesus’ directive that people, even his own disciples, keep quiet about his true identity. The fullness of his identity as the Suffering Servant would be revealed in and through his suffering and death.
How does Mark present the most vivid portrait of the human Jesus?
He stresses how God shares our pain and carries us through it and portrays Jesus as an active healer and miracle worker, who accepts loneliness and suffering as the cost of obedience to his Father’s will.
What happened with Jesus and his Apostles on the road to Caesarea Philippi? What did Jesus ask them?
He asked them, “Who do people say that I am.” The disciples responded with Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. He then said “But do who you say that I am?” Peter then said, “The Son of God.”
What is the most frequently used title for Jesus in Mark’s Gospel? What does this title emphasize about Jesus?
Authoritative teacher, healer and miracle worker, and passionate human. It emphasizes that Jesus cared for others.
During what time in the Catholic Church is the Paschal Mystery commemorated?
Easter Triduum
What major Christian sacrament was instituted at the Last Supper?
Holy Communion
Identify 5 or more major events in the Passion Narrative in the Gospel of Mark (in chronological order)
Anointing at Bethany
The betrayal by Judas
The Lord’s supper
Peter’s denial predicted
Agony in the Garden
The betrayal and arrest of Jesus
Jesus before the Sandhedrin
Peter’s denial of Jesus
Jesus before Pilate
Mockery by the soldiers
The crucifixion
The death of Jesus
The burial of Jesus
The resurrection of Jesus
What is the way of discipleship as shown in the Gospel of Mark?
Jesus clearly explains that He is the suffering servant who will obey His father and the disciples must likewise humble themselves
What does the Parable of the Rich Man teach us about the challenges of discipleship from Mark?
It teaches us that conflicts form when we hold on to worldly wealth and possessions. We must prioritize God over wealth if we want eternal life.
Why did Pilate find Jesus guilty?
Because the people were forcing him to make that decision
Why did Jesus die?
He died to follow God’s plan: the redemption and salvation of humanity
What are three things that Jesus did that angered the religious leaders of his day?
He associated with the sinners
He performed miracles on the Sabbath
He claimed that he was the Son of God
Who is believed to be the author of Matthew’s Gospel? When was it written?
Author: A Jewish Christian scribe who may have known Matthew the Apostle
When: AD 80’s
Who was Matthew’s audience?
Jewish-Christian
Who from the OT does Matthew compare Jesus to?
Moses
Themes of Matthew’s Gospel
Judgement
Jesus as Emmanuel
Discipleship
Church
Right instruction
What are three differences between Matthew and Mark’s Gospel?
Mark:
Shorter than Matthew
Presents Jesus as the suffering servant
Ends abruptly w/ no Resurrection
Matthew:
Presents Jesus as New Moses
Ends w/ two resurrection appearances
Begins with Infancy narrative
Sermon on the Mount
Summarizes the New Law of the Gospel - love, grace, and freedom!
Major theme: interior conversion that leads to putting into practice one’s discipleship
Share in mission of salvation - one’s presence should help make the world more loving and consequently, more livable.
Contains Beatitudes
Sharing Faith With Others
Proclaim the Gospel
Have a spirit of poverty + receive hospitality
Holy Spirit will help
Relationships may be difficult
Suffering comes with the job
Parables about the Kingdom
Reveals the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven
All are invited into the family of God
Reflect deeply on the meaning
Jesus Founds and Instructs the Church
Message: Greatness lies in serving
Stories: Greatness in the kingdom, temptations to sin, parable of the lost sheep, brother who sins, parable of the unforgiving servant
The Final Judgement
Jesus will come in dramatic fashion
Apocalyptic
Sometimes called the eschatological discourse from the Greek word eschaton which means “end time”
What scripture verse in Matthew points to how we will be evaluated at the end of our life?
Matthew 24:45-46
What is Jesus trying to tell us with the Parable of the Judgment of Nations?
He is telling us that our eternal destiny is determined on whether we fed the hungry, give drinks to the thirsty, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and imprisoned
How is Jesus portrayed in the gospel of Luke?
The compassionate Messiah and universal Savior
What was Luke’s target audience?
Gentile Christians
Connection with Luke and Acts of the Apostles
It was written by the same author, Luke
Parable of the Prodigal Son
Illustrates Jesus’ particular concern for the lost and God’s love for the repentant sinners
Shows more about the boundless love of a father than a “lost” son
God loves sinners and is merciful to everyone
How is Jesus “Compassionate to the Poor”
He tells a story of Lazarus, which is living off of scraps from a rich man. Jesus says that the rich man will go to hell but the poor man will have eternal life and happiness
How is Jesus a “Friend of Outcasts”
Jesus made friends with a tax collector Zacchaeus, who was a notorious sinner
How is Jesus a “Lover of Enemies”
A person asked Jesus how to attain eternal life. Jesus answered him that he should love God and treat your neighbor as you want to be treated. Jesus says that a neighbor is everyone, including your enemies.
How is Jesus a “Friend of Sinners”
He welcomes and eats with sinners. This is imitating the love of His Father.
How is Jesus a “Savior for all People”
His mission is to offer salvation to all people, even Jews and Gentiles
How do women hold a special role in Luke’s Gospel?
Luke has many stories in which women play a significant role. For example, Mary plays a key role in the infancy narrative while Joseph is in the background. Luke elevates their status and worth.
What is significant of the story “Appearance on the way to Emmaus”
The disciples realized that Jesus resurrected and that they are witnesses of His resurrection.
Who wrote the Acts of the Apostles and why?
St. Luke wrote this because he wanted to provide an account of the early years of the Church. He also wanted a sequel to his previous Gospel.
Who was St. Paul
He was a convert to the faith and the Church’s greatest missionary. Even though he didn’t spend time with Jesus on earth, he is called the “Apostle to the Gentiles.”
What is the significance of John’s prologue?
It states the main themes of the gospel: life, light, truth, the world, testimony, and the preexistence of Christ who reveals God the Father
Who wrote the Gospel of John and when?
Traditional view: the “beloved disciple”
Recent view: A disciple of the Apostle John
When: 90-100 AD
What is the target audience for John?
Jewish Christians who were expelled from synagogues after the First Jewish Revolt
What are the themes of the Gospel of John?
Jesus is the Word of God
Faith is essential
Jesus promised an Advocate
Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life
What is the Book of Signs?
It is the 1st major part in the Gospel of John. It’s organized around 7 miracles that reveal Jesus’ identity, the purpose of Incarnation, and his relation to his Father. After each sign, the writer provides a long discourse to help the reader comprehend the significance of what just happened.
What are the 7 signs and its significance?
Changing water to wine = Faith/Jesus’ power over nature
Cure of the Royal Official’s son = Faith in Jesus rescues a person from spiritual death
Cure on the Sabbath = Jesus is the source of life
The multiplication of the loaves = a reference to the Eucharist
the walking on the water = reveals that Jesus is God’s Holy One
Cure of the man born blind = If you believe, you will be able to see
The raising of Lazarus = prefigures Jesus’ own Death and Resurrection
How is the Gospel of John different from the synoptics?
He only includes people and incidents such as Nicodemus, Lazarus, man born blind, and a Samaritan woman
Jesus on himself as God’s revelation
Only Gospel to provide details of Jesus making several trips to Jerusalem for festivals and attends 3 passover festivals, not just one
No mention of demonic possessions
What are the major conflicts seen in the Gospel of John?
Light of Christ vs. darkness of the world
Faith vs. unbelief
Truth vs. untruth
How God thinks vs. how people act
What does it mean to call Jesus the “Word of God”
He is God Himself
What is the Book of Glory and what is its purpose, including the themes?
Contains two sections: The Last Supper discourses and Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection
Purpose: to show the significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection
Themes: love, sacrifice, faith, and eternal life
How is Jesus washing the feet of his disciples a model of serving others?
This is a task for lower class men, and Jesus washing the feet showcases his humility and how he wants to serve others
What is the “High Priestly Prayer”
Sending of the Holy Spirit
What is the meaning behind Jesus saying, “I am the vine…”
This means that we are the branches, meaning, we get our life from Jesus
What does the Resurrection accomplish?
It accomplishes victory over death, atonement for sin, defeat of evil powers, assurance of new life, confirmation of Jesus’ identity, and the commissioning of believers to continue his mission
Who was St. Paul and is he important in the life of the Church?
A converted Evangelist whose letters were influential in the development of the early Church
What significant event transpired in Paul’s life in AD 36?
On the road to Damascus, Saul is blinded by a light, and God asked him why he is persecuting Christians
What was the goal of Paul’s letters?
To instruct and teach, encourage and support, unite and reconcile, and defend and apologize
Who was Jesus Christ for paul?
Jesus helped convert Paul into an Apostle
What are the Catholic letters?
a collection of 7 NT letters
Why are the letters specifically called “catholic”
It addresses a universal and worldwide audience. And catholic means universal.
What is the Book of Revelation?
The last book of the Bible, also know as the Apocalypse. It focuses on symbolism and bring it out through imaginative language and its use of symbols such as beasts and plagues
Why was the Book of Revelation written?
To encourage wavering Christians to remain faithful during the times of persecution, false teaching, and complacency.
Major themes of the Book of Revelation
The Lamb of God has triumphed
What is Jesus’ identity in the Book of Revelation?
He is the risen Lord exalted by God the Father in eternal glory, the alpha and omega, and the ruler of all
Ascension
The event in salvation history when Jesus’ humanity entered into the divine glory in heaven forty days after his Resurrection
Beatitudes
Eight blessings preached by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mouth. Means “supreme happiness” or “state of blessedness.”
Canon
The official list of inspired books of the Bible
Christology from Above
The understanding of Jesus Christ that emphasizes his divine nature and preexistence
Conversion
a significant and transformative change in an individual’s beliefs, values, attitudes, or religious affiliation
Paschal Mystery
Christ’s work of redemption, accomplished principally by his Passion, Death, Resurrection, and glorious Ascension. This mystery is commemorated and made present through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist
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