NT Final Exam Study Guide

New Testament Mrs. Hartman Study Guide ~ Final Exam

General Information

  • Final exam format: Cumulative multiple choice test completed by scantron.

  • Essentials to bring: Multiple #2 pencils, erasers, Bible, and Chart the Gospels handout.

  • Permitted materials: Bible and Chart the Gospels handout. Other notes and handouts are not allowed.

Unit 1: Introduction and Context

Key Concepts

  • Exegesis: Critical examination of a text to derive meaning from it.

  • Eisegesis: Interpretation of a text by injecting personal biases or preconceptions.

  • Number of books in the New Testament: 27 books.

Definitions

  • Divine Revelation: God’s communication to humanity.

  • Biblical Inspiration: The belief that the authors of the Bible were guided by the Holy Spirit.

  • Bible: Sacred scriptures of Christianity.

  • Synoptic Gospels: The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke which present similar narratives.

  • Deposit of Faith: The body of revealed truth in the Scriptures and Church traditions.

  • Gentile: A person who is not Jewish.

  • Incarnation: The Christian doctrine that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.

  • Exegete: A person who interprets a text, especially the Scriptures.

  • Lectionary: A book or list that contains a collection of Scripture readings.

  • Consecration: The act of dedicating something to a sacred purpose.

  • Q Source: A hypothetical written collection of Jesus' sayings believed to be used by Matthew and Luke.

Unit 2: Formation of the Synoptic Gospels

Key Aspects

  • Stages of Development: How the Gospels were formed over time.

  • Earliest Gospel Written: Traditionally attributed to Mark.

Definitions

  • Reign of God: God’s sovereign rule; synonymous terms include Kingdom of God.

  • Son of Man: Title used by Jesus for himself, emphasizing his humanity.

  • Audience of Mark’s Gospel: Generally considered to be Gentiles.

  • Attribution: The assignment of authorship to the Gospel texts.

  • Messianic Secret: Concept in Mark’s Gospel where Jesus conceals his messianic identity.

  • Synoptic: Referring to the three Gospels that tell the same story from a similar viewpoint.

  • Scribes: Scholars or teachers of Jewish law.

  • Messiah: Anointed one; expected leader who would deliver God's people.

  • Sanhedrin: The assembly of Jewish leaders that held significant power during the time of Jesus.

Unit 3: Gospels of Matthew and Luke

Key Themes

  • Differences in the Infancy Narratives: Variations in accounts of Jesus' birth in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

  • Jesus as the Bread of Life: A metaphor describing Jesus' role as sustainer of spiritual life.

  • Reason for Matthew’s Placement: Consideration of its Jewish audience and portrayal of Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy.

  • Goals of Matthew’s Author: To demonstrate that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah.

  • Matthew’s Genealogy: Traces Jesus' lineage to uphold his messianic credentials.

Christology

  • Christology of Luke’s Passion Narrative: Focus on Jesus' compassion and inclusion of outcasts.

  • Uniqueness of Luke’s Passion Narrative: Emphasizes themes of forgiveness and mercy.

Definitions

  • Theophilus: Recipient of Luke's Gospel, possibly a patron or symbol for all believers.

  • Magi: Wise men from the East, visitors at Jesus' birth.

  • Canticle: Hymn or song of praise, notably found in Luke.

  • Commission: Official assignment given by Jesus to his followers.

  • The Beatitudes: Jesus’ teachings on blessings; found in the Sermon on the Mount.

  • Annunciation: The announcement by the angel Gabriel to Mary.

  • Ascension: Jesus' elevation to heaven.

  • Magnificat: Mary's song of praise.

  • Paschal Mystery: The passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.

People to Know

  • Mary: Mother of Jesus.

  • Zechariah: Father of John the Baptist.

  • Anna: Prophetess who recognized Jesus at the temple.

  • Simeon: Righteous man who prophesied regarding Jesus at the temple.

  • Elizabeth: Mother of John the Baptist.

  • The Shepherds: Visitors who were the first to receive the news of Jesus' birth.

Unit 4: Gospel of John

Key Highlights

  • Stories & Characters Unique to John’s Gospel: Focus on specific account and figures not found in the Synoptic Gospels.

  • Jesus’ Signs: Miracles performed by Jesus that reveal his divinity.

  • Christology of John’s Gospel: Strong emphasis on the divine nature of Jesus.

  • Style of Writing: Poetic and reflective compared to Synoptic Gospels.

  • When was it Written?: Traditionally believed to be later than the Synoptic Gospels, around 90-100 AD.

  • Structure of the Gospel: Organized around themes like signs and teachings.

Prologue

  • Purpose of the Prologue in the Early Church: Introduced key Christological themes and affirmed Jesus’ divine nature.