Study Guide for the Third Exam, RL 1143

Study Guide for the Third Exam, RL 1143

Overview of the Exam Structure

• Total Points: 300 points, with each exam worth 100 points.

• Content Coverage:

  • Exams cover specific unit material and reading assignments; they are not comprehensive.

  • Exam format includes multiple choice and true/false questions.

• Question Breakdown:

  • A total of 25 questions, each worth 2 points.

  • 50 points dedicated to writing an outline of the Grand Drama of the Bible from Acts 1 to Acts 6 as per the provided guidelines.

• Supplementary Resources:

  • A sample outline can be found on the Blackbaud Bulletin Board titled "Grand Drama Outline PRACTICE Sheet."

Reading Assignment Key Works

• Main Text: Goheen, Michael W. and Craig G. Bartholomew, The True Story of the Whole World: Finding Your Place in the Biblical Drama. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2020.

  • Important sections to focus on: The Intertestamental Period, Act 4, Act 5, and Act 6.

Key Themes and Concepts

Interlude: A Kingdom Story Waiting for an Ending (Pages 93-105)

• Historical Influences:

  • Alexander the Great: His conquests impacted Jewish life and thought.

  • Hasmoneans: A dynasty that arose after the Maccabean revolt and led to Jewish independence.

  • Rome: The political power during the time of Jesus, significant for the backdrop of the New Testament.

  • Herod the Great: Known for his ruthless reign and the construction of the Second Temple.

• Cultural Factors:

  • The Present Age vs. The Age to Come: Understanding the eschatological views of the period.

  • Religious Groups:

  • Pharisees: Focused on oral traditions and the law.

  • Essenes: Isolated community known for their apocalyptic beliefs, potentially linked to the Dead Sea Scrolls.

  • Sadducees: Aristocratic group that denied resurrection and held power in the Temple.

  • Sanhedrin: The ruling council of the Jews that played a pivotal role in the trials of Jesus.

  • Common People: Comprised the majority, often marginalized in power structures.

Act 4: The Coming of the King - Restoration Accomplished (Pages 107-138)

• Key Concepts:

  • Kingdom of God: Central theme representing God's reign and authority.

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

  • John the Baptist: Forerunner to Jesus, preached repentance and baptised in the Jordan River.

  • Baptism: Symbolizing initiation into the Christian faith and repentance.

  • Temptation of Jesus: Jesus' resistance to sin in the wilderness highlights His divinity.

  • Good news/euangelion: The gospel message, literally translating to 'good news.'

• Important Terms:

  • Father/Abba: Personal name for God used by Jesus, indicating intimacy.

  • Capernaum: Jesus' ministry base and location for many miracles.

  • Pharisees and Sabbath Laws: Discuss the controversy surrounding Jesus’ interpretations of the law.

  • Missionary Apostle: Individuals sent to spread the gospel message.

  • Spirit-Empowered Life: The role of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

• Themes of Sacrificial Love:

  • The emphasis on love and care for marginalized groups, including sinners, the sick, and the poor.

  • Table Fellowship: Jesus' acceptance and inclusion of all, symbolizing the kingdom's values.

• Messianic Titles:

  • Anointed One/Messiah/Christos: Referring to Jesus as the promised deliverer.

  • Son of God/Son of Man: Highlighting Jesus’ status and theological implications.

  • The Way of Suffering: Reflects the concept of discipleship that involves self-denial and suffering for the sake of others.

• Key Events:

  • The Last Supper and Passover: Crucial events leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion.

  • Judas Iscariot: His betrayal was significant in the Passion narrative.

  • Gethsemane: The agony of Jesus before His crucifixion.

  • The Trial: Involvement of figures like Caiaphas and Pilate, highlighting themes of blasphemy and treason.

  • Crucifixion: Crucial moment marked by the inscriptions such as