Religious Studies Practice Flashcards
The transcript contains study content organized into several categories relevant to religious studies, specifically focusing on the Parables of Jesus, His final days in Jerusalem, and the history of the early Christian church as documented in the Book of Acts.
THE PARABLES OF JESUS
The Parable of the Sower and the Seed (Luke 8:4-15)
Representations: - The seed represents the Word of God. - The Sower represents the Preacher.
Fate of the Seeds on Various Grounds: - Pathway: The seeds were eaten by birds. Meaning: Satan takes the message away. - Rocky Ground: The seeds were burnt by the sun. Meaning: Represents those who give up during testing. - Thorn Bushes: The seeds were choked by thorns. Meaning: Represents those who give up because of worries and riches. - Good Soil: The seeds multiplied. Meaning: Represents those who stay with the kingdom and make more disciples.
General Meaning: The Word of God is preached but does not achieve the same success everywhere. Although it is not successful with everyone, it will eventually be successful and grow. While some follow God's kingdom and turn away, others remain and make more disciples.
The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)
Defintion of 'Lost': To be gone astray, missing, or misplaced.
The Younger Son's Requests and Actions: - He asked his father to divide the inheritance. - He joined himself to a native of the land because he was in want and needed a job. - He worked in a pigs' pen.
The Father's Reception: The father was happy and welcomed the son back with a kiss, a robe, a ring, a pair of shoes, and a party.
Significance of Symbolic Items: - Shoes: Represented freedom and sonship. Slaves were not permitted to wear shoes. - Robe: Represented honor. - Ring: Represented authority. - Party: Represented celebration.
General Meaning: God welcomes back any sinner who repents, and heaven celebrates when a sinner returns to God.
The Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21)
Reason for the Parable: A man asked Jesus to let his brother divide an inheritance left by their father.
The Rich Fool's Problem: He lacked sufficient space to store his harvest and products.
Decisions Made: - He decided to build a bigger barn to store his harvest. - He decided to retire and "Take life easy, eat, drink and enjoy himself."
Lessons Taught: - Jesus instructs everyone to be "rich towards God." - One should not trust in money but in God, who has ultimate power over the end of everyone's life. - Only wealth handled with kindness meets the approval of God.
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14)
Definition of Prayer: Talking to God.
Nature of the Pharisee's Prayer: He was boastful. He claimed he was not greedy, dishonest, or an adulterer like others. He specifically stated he was not like the Publican and mentioned he gave one-tenth of his income to God.
Nature of the Publican's Prayer: He was humble. He said, "Lord, be merciful to me a sinner."
Jesus' Assessment: Jesus answered the Publican's prayer because he was humble.
General Meaning: God hears the prayers of those who humble themselves before Him.
THE LAST DAYS IN JERUSALEM
The Plot Against Jesus (Mark 14:1-2)
Definition of a Plot: A conspiracy or secret plan.
Participants: The chief priests and scribes.
Timing: They planned to kill Jesus after the Passover Festival to avoid a riot, as some people believed Jesus was the Messiah.
A Woman in Bethany (Mark 14:3-9)
Definition of Anoint: To apply oil or ointment, especially as a religious ceremony.
Setting: In Bethany, at the house of Simon the leper.
The Act: Mary Magdalene broke an alabaster box of Spikenard, poured it on Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair.
Reaction of Observers: They were angry, arguing the perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor.
Jesus' Defense: - He explained she was showing gratitude for forgiven sins. - He told them to leave her alone, stating she had anointed his body for burial. - He declared that wherever the gospel is preached, she should be remembered.
Preparation for the Last Supper & The Last Supper (Mark 14:12-26)
Instructions to Disciples: - Locate a man in the city carrying a water jar. - Follow him to the house where the meal would be prepared. - Tell the owner of the house to point out the room for the meal.
Location: The Upper Room, Jerusalem.
Significance of the Passover Festival: Symbolizes Jewish freedom from Egyptian slavery. It commemorates when Israelites were spared from the death plague (death of the firstborn) by placing lamb's blood on doorposts, causing the death angel to pass over.
Common Names for the Last Supper: - The Lord's Supper - The Eucharist - The Fellowship Meal - The Holy Communion
Symbolism of Food Items: - The Bread: Represents the body of Jesus. - The Wine: Represents the blood of Jesus shed on Calvary.
Jesus' Actions with the Bread: He blessed it, broke it, and gave it to His disciples.
Betrayal Prediction: Jesus said the one who dips bread in the cup with Him would betray Him.
Reasons for Christian Celebration: - To remember Jesus' last meal with His disciples. - To commemorate the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. - To show love toward each other as Christ showed love.
The Resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16:1-8)
The Three Women: Mary the mother of James, Mary Magdalene, and Salome.
Purpose of Visit: They went to Jesus' tomb early on the first day of the week to carry spices to anoint his body.
The Event: An angel had rolled back the stone from the tomb door.
Angel's Message: Jesus had risen. The women were told to instruct the disciples to meet Him in Galilee.
LIFE AND PRACTICES OF THE EARLY CHURCH (BOOK OF ACTS)
Introduction to the Book of Acts
Author: Luke.
Recipient: Theophilus.
Main Character: The Holy Spirit.
Alternative Name: The Acts of the Holy Spirit.
Choosing the Twelfth Disciple (Acts 1:12-26)
Successor to Judas Iscariot: Matthias.
Definition of 'Casting of Lots': Candidates' names were written on stones and placed in a pot until one fell out; the name on that stone was the chosen one.
Qualifications for the Apostle: 1. The person must have been with the group through the baptism of Jesus. 2. The person must have been with the group through the ascension of Jesus.
Nominees: Matthias and Barsabbas (also known as Justus).
Fate of Judas' Money: He bought a piece of property called the Field of Blood or 'Akeldama'.
Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47)
Meaning of Pentecost: 'Fiftieth'. A Jewish festival occurring fifty days after Jesus' resurrection.
Believer Count: 120 believers waited for the Holy Spirit's arrival.
Three Reasons for Jewish Celebration: 1. Historical: Celebrated Moses receiving the law from God. 2. Agricultural: Two loaves of bread were offered in gratitude for the harvest. 3. Holiday: The law stated no work was to be done.
Reasons for Christian Celebration: - Marks the beginning of the Christian Church. - Commemorates the Holy Spirit coming to all of God's people.
Nations Present: Egypt, Elam, Judea, Asia (partial list).
Arrival of the Holy Spirit: A loud noise like a strong wind occurred. Something resembling tongues of fire rested on each believer's head, and they spoke in other languages (tongues).
Accusations of Drunkenness: The crowd accused the believers because they heard them speaking in various foreign languages.
Peter's Defense (Summary): - Believers were not drunk because it was too early for bars to open. - This was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel, that all believers would receive the Holy Spirit to preach. - The crucifixion was part of God's plan, and the resurrection proved Jesus was God's chosen one. - He urged the crowd to repent, believe in Jesus, and be baptized.
Outcome: Nearly 3,000 persons were added to the church.
Prophet mentioned: Joel.
Life Among the Believers (Acts 2:42-47)
Lifestyle: They lived in unity, listened to apostles' teachings, worshiped together, and prayed for guidance/power.
Sharing: They shared belongings, sold property, and gave proceeds to the Church. They participated in the Fellowship Meal.
The Common Fund: The name of the fund started by the Early Church.
Barnabas: His name means "One who encourages." He sold property and gave all proceeds to the church.
Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)
Relationship: Husband and wife.
The Offense: They sold property and agreed to give the proceeds to the Church but broke the agreement by stealing some of the money. They lied to the Holy Spirit, claiming the amount presented was the total sale price.
Punishment: Death.
Effect on the Church: Believers were fearful; they learned the Church must operate by honesty, not deception.
The Seven Helpers (Acts 6:1-7)
Reason for Selection: To handle administrative work, specifically ensuring goods and funds were distributed fairly among widows.
Apostles' Refusal to Manage Funds: Jesus had commissioned the apostles specifically to preach the Word of God.
Qualifications: Full of wisdom and full of the Holy Spirit.
Names of the Seven: Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus.
Authority: The apostles prayed and laid hands on them.
Modern Name: Deacon.
The Arrest and Death of Stephen (Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-60)
Definition of Martyr: One who dies for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Facts about Stephen: A helper, full of wisdom/Holy Spirit, performed miracles, was the first Christian martyr.
Opposition: Jews from Cilicia and Asia opposed him because they could not resist his wisdom and miracles.
Arrest Charges: Accused of speaking against the Law of Moses and the Holy Temple, claiming Jesus would tear it down and rebuild it in three days.
Appearance during Trial: His face shone like an angel.
Death: He was stoned to death after saying he saw heaven open. Saul (later Paul) approved of his death.
Last Words: "Lord, do not lay this sin on their charge."
CONVERSIONS IN THE EARLY CHURCH
The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)
Definition of Conversion: To change from one belief or religion to another.
Conversion Process: 1. The gospel is preached. 2. The person believes Jesus is the Son of God. 3. The person is baptized. 4. Sometimes the Holy Spirit is present via speaking in tongues.
Identity of the Eunuch: Treasurer for Candace, the Queen of Ethiopia.
Philip's Assistance: Philip (an evangelist and one of the seven helpers) explained Isaiah 53, which the eunuch was reading, led him to the Lord, and baptized him.
Isaiah 53 Content: Spoke of Jesus' suffering/death; His humility ("did not say a word"), lack of self-defense, and denial of justice.
Saul's Conversion (Acts 9:1-31)
Authority: Saul received letters of authority from the High Priest.
The Incident: While traveling to Damascus to arrest Christians, he met Jesus.
Ananias' Role: Ananias was afraid because of Saul's history of persecution. God reassured him that Saul was chosen to preach to the Gentiles.
Healing: After Ananias laid hands on Saul, something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight returned.
Stay in Damascus: He stayed at the house of a disciple named Judas.
Escape: He escaped death by being lowered in a basket through a hole in the wall at night.
Effect on Church: After his conversion, there was peace, and many were added to the Church.
Cornelius' Conversion (Acts 10:1-48)
Who was Cornelius: A centurion (captain) of the Italian Regiment. He was a religious "God-fearer" who prayed constantly and helped the Jewish poor.
His Vision: An angel told him to send men to Joppa to find Simon Peter at the house of Simon the tanner.
Mission to Joppa: He sent two servants and a religious soldier.
Peter's Vision: Occurred on a rooftop; its meaning was that the gospel is for both Jews and Gentiles, and all are equal in God's sight.
Meeting Peter: Cornelius bowed to Peter (unusual for his status as a centurion). He and his household were baptized and received the Holy Spirit.
PAUL'S MISSIONARY JOURNEYS
Commissioning at Antioch (Acts 13:1-3)
Definition of Commission: Authority to perform a task or duty.
Prophets and Teachers at Antioch: Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, Saul (Paul), and Barnabas.
Commissioned Apostles: Saul (Paul) and Barnabas. They were commissioned through fasting, prayer, and the laying on of hands.
Paphos (Acts 13:6-12)
Idolatry: The worship of idols or materialistic things (cars, houses).
Elymas (Bar Jesus): A sorcerer/magician who tried to turn the governor away from the gospel. Paul made him blind for a season.
Sergius Paulus: The Governor of Paphos during Paul's journey.
Lystra (Acts 14:8-20)
Miracle: A man lame from his mother's womb was healed.
Reaction of Lyconians: They believed gods had come down as men. They called Paul "Hermes" (the main speaker) and Barnabas "Zeus" and tried to sacrifice to them.
Paul and Barnabas' Reaction: Tore their clothes and screamed that they were only men; they urged the people to serve the true God.
Persecution: Paul was stoned and dragged out of the city.
The Meeting at Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-35)
Members: Apostles, Pharisees, and Elders.
Leader: James.
Purpose: To settle whether saved Gentiles should be circumcised.
Rules for Gentiles: 1. Abstain from fornication. 2. Do not eat meat offered to idols. 3. Do not eat any animal that has been strangled or any blood.
Philippi (Acts 16:1-40)
Vision: In Troas, Paul saw a man asking him to help in Macedonia.
Residence: Paul stayed with Lydia, a seller of purple textiles.
Jailing: Paul and Silas were jailed after casting an evil spirit out of a slave girl.
Earthquake: Occurred at midnight, shaking foundations and loosening chains.
Conversion of the Jailer: He was about to commit suicide but Paul stopped him. He and his household were baptized.
Release Refusal: Paul and Silas refused to leave until officers apologized face-to-face for beating Roman citizens.
Athens (Acts 17:16-34)
Observation: Paul was upset because the city was given over to idol worship.
Philosophers: Epicureans and Stoics.
The Altar: Inscribed "To the Unknown god."
Mar's Hill Speech (Summary): - God made everything and is ruler of heaven/earth. - He doesn't live in temples or need human help. - People should seek Him because He is not far away. - We are God's creation, not like man-made idols.
Responses: Some mocked (resurrection issue), some wanted to hear more, and some believed.
Corinth (Acts 18:1-17)
Residence: With Aquila and Priscilla, who left Rome because Emperor Claudius ordered all Jews out.
Profession: Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla were all tentmakers.
Reception: Jews blasphemed and rejected the teaching that Jesus was the Messiah.
Gallio: Paul was brought before him by Jews complaining about Paul's teaching.
Duration: Paul stayed for 18 months.
God's Comfort: A vision where God told Paul not to be afraid and to continue preaching.
Jerusalem (Acts 21, 22)
Purpose: Paul wanted to witness to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah.
Accommodations: Stayed in Caesarea with Philip the evangelist; Philip's daughters had the gift of prophecy.
Agabus: A prophet who used Paul's belt to bind his own hands and feet to show what would happen to Paul in Jerusalem.
Accusations: The Jews accused Paul of bringing a Gentile named Trophimus into the temple and desecrating it.
Arrest: The Captain of the guards accused him of being an Egyptian leader of an uproar.
Defense: Paul gave a testimony of his life before and after meeting Jesus on the Damascus road.