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.