New Testament Midterm

Palestine is 45 miles wide by 145 miles long.

The 5 regions of Palestine are the Coastal Plain, Foothills, Central Mountain Range, Jordan Valley, and the Eastern Mountain Range.

There were 6 administrative districts in Palestine.  They included Judea, Galilee, Caesarea Philippi, Decapolis, Samaria, and Perea.

Jewish religion in Jesus’ day included different unifying factors like historical uniqueness, monotheism, a sense of place (Isreal), messianic fervor, the synagogue, the law, and the temple.  There were also several religious groups like the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Zealots.

For a New Testament book to be considered for Canonicity, it must be written by a close friend or apostle of Jesus and must be centered on the true message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The three elements of the gospel are 1) God’s offer of salvation, 2) the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and 3) the call to faith in light of upcoming judgment.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke are the synoptic gospels.

The purpose of the book of Matthew is to prove that Jesus is the better Moses.

Matthew’s 5 discourses are 1) The Sermon on the Mount, 2) Instructions for the 12, 3) Parables of the Kingdom, 4) Life in the Kingdom, and 5) the End and Judgement.

The Messianic Secret is the repeated instructions of Jesus not to reveal his identity after healing or performing a miracle.

Luke has 5 purposes.  1) God’s universal work, 2) Jesus is the Savior of the world, 3) the events of Jesus’ early life, 4) The place of women in Jesus’ ministry, and 5) the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

The place of women in Jesus’ ministry is highlighted in Luke.

John contains many I am statements, like the bread of life, the light of the world, the gate for the sheep, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way, the truth, the life, and the true vine.

Historical criticism is beneficial because it provides meaning, and significance for today, and shows how it relates to the lives of those who wrote it and those it was written to.

Paul took 4 missionary journeys.

Pentecost is the appearance of the Holy Spirit and God calling his people. 

Christianity spread because of Pax Romana, a common language, social order enabling safe travels, and a network of roads and sea routes.

Romans was a heavily influential book because of the Reformation.

The book of Romans is structured with a diagnosis (the knowledge of God and the sinful fall of humanity), 2 prognoses (justified by faith in Jesus Christ & redeemed by grace), and finally, a prescription (faithful servants in action).

Theologica gloriae is the theology of glory.

Theologia cruces is the theology of the cross.

These relate because the way to glory is through the cross.