Synoptic Gospels and Themes of Jesus's Death

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes on the Synoptic Gospels, the themes surrounding Jesus's death, and key theological ideas.

Synoptic Gospels

The Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, which share similar content and structure.

Oral Traditions

Verbal stories and teachings that circulated within early Christian communities before being written down.

Passover

A Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, during which Jesus’s Last Supper is also traditionally celebrated.

John the Baptist

A key prophetic figure in the Gospels, known for preaching repentance and baptizing Jesus.

The Synoptic Problem

The question of the relationships and differences among the three Synoptic Gospels.

Pseudonymity

The practice of writing under a false name, common in ancient texts, including some biblical writings.

Apocalyptic Literature

A genre of prophecy regarding the end times and divine judgment, exemplified by the book of Revelation.

Historical Accuracy

The degree to which a historical narrative is maintained in ancient biographies, often less prioritized than character representation.

Scapegoat

A person or group blamed for the faults or problems of others, such as Jesus in the context of his crucifixion.

Messiah

The anticipated savior of the Jewish people, whose role is interpreted differently in various Gospels.

Fulfillment of the Scriptures

The concept in Christian theology that Jesus's life and actions fulfill Old Testament prophecies.

Eschatology

A part of theology concerned with the final events of history, or the ultimate destiny of humanity.

The Number of the Beast

A biblical symbol in Revelation associated with evil, represented by the number 666.

Synoptic Gospels

The Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, which share similar content and structure.

Oral Traditions

Verbal stories and teachings that circulated within early Christian communities before being written down.

Passover

A Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, during which Jesus’s Last Supper is also traditionally celebrated.

John the Baptist

A key prophetic figure in the Gospels, known for preaching repentance and baptizing Jesus.

The Synoptic Problem

The question of the relationships and differences among the three Synoptic Gospels.

Pseudonymity

The practice of writing under a false name, common in ancient texts, including some biblical writings.

Apocalyptic Literature

A genre of prophecy regarding the end times and divine judgment, exemplified by the book of Revelation.

Historical Accuracy

The degree to which a historical narrative is maintained in ancient biographies, often less prioritized than character representation.

Scapegoat

A person or group blamed for the faults or problems of others, such as Jesus in the context of his crucifixion.

Messiah

The anticipated savior of the Jewish people, whose role is interpreted differently in various Gospels.

Fulfillment of the Scriptures

The concept in Christian theology that Jesus's life and actions fulfill Old Testament prophecies.

Eschatology

A part of theology concerned with the final events of history, or the ultimate destiny of humanity.

The Number of the Beast

A biblical symbol in Revelation associated with evil, represented by the number 666.

Synchronic vs. Diachronic Periods

A synchronic approach analyzes a phenomenon at a single point in time, focusing on its structure and relationships within that specific moment. A diachronic approach examines a phenomenon over time, tracing its development and evolution through different historical stages.

Synoptic Gospels

The Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, which share similar content and structure.

Oral Traditions

Verbal stories and teachings that circulated within early Christian communities before being written down.

Passover

A Jewish festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, during which Jesus’s Last Supper is also traditionally celebrated.

John the Baptist

A key prophetic figure in the Gospels, known for preaching repentance and baptizing Jesus.

The Synoptic Problem

The question of the relationships and differences among the three Synoptic Gospels.

Pseudonymity

The practice of writing under a false name, common in ancient texts, including some biblical writings.

Apocalyptic Literature

A genre of prophecy regarding the end times and divine judgment, exemplified by the book of Revelation.

Historical Accuracy

The degree to which a historical narrative is maintained in ancient biographies, often less prioritized than character representation.

Scapegoat

A person or group blamed for the faults or problems of others, such as Jesus in the context of his crucifixion.

Messiah

The anticipated savior of the Jewish people, whose role is interpreted differently in various Gospels.

Fulfillment of the Scriptures

The concept in Christian theology that Jesus's life and actions fulfill Old Testament prophecies.

Eschatology

A part of theology concerned with the final events of history, or the ultimate destiny of humanity.

The Number of the Beast

A biblical symbol in Revelation associated with evil, represented by the number 666.

Synchronic vs. Diachronic Periods

A synchronic approach analyzes a phenomenon at a single point in time, focusing on its structure and relationships within that specific moment. A diachronic approach examines a phenomenon over time, tracing its development and evolution through different historical stages.

Historical Setting of Jesus's Ministry

Jesus's public ministry is generally placed between 27-30 CE to 30-33 CE, culminating in his crucifixion, within the Roman province of Judea.

Formation Period of the Gospels

The period following Jesus's death, roughly from the mid-1st century CE to late 1st century CE, during which oral traditions about Jesus were gradually collected and written into the Synoptic Gospels and later the Gospel of John.