Exam 3 note

Alexander the Great: A significant historical figure whose conquests spread Greek culture widely, leading to the establishment of Hellenism.
- Hellenism: The spread of Greek civilization, language, and culture across the territories conquered by Alexander.
Judea: The Jewish homeland that existed during the Hellenistic period, influenced by both Greek and local traditions.
Ptolemies and Seleucids: Two major dynasties that ruled over Judea after Alexander's death.
- Ptolemies: Ruled Judea from Egypt and were known for their cultural developments.
- Seleucids: Took over portions of Alexander's empire, including Judea, and were often in conflict with the Ptolemies.
Antiochus IV Epiphanes: A Seleucid king whose reign was marked by severe persecution of Jews, leading to a resistance movement.
Judas Maccabeus: Leader of the Jewish revolt against Antiochus IV, which resulted in the establishment of the Hasmonean Dynasty.
- Hasmonean Dynasty: A ruling dynasty of Judea after the Maccabean revolt, characterized by a mix of Hellenistic and Jewish practices.
Herod the Great: A notable king of Judea known for his architectural projects and ruthless politics.

Judaism: The monotheistic religion of the Jewish people, which underwent significant developments during the Hellenistic period.
Synagogues: Places of Jewish worship and community gathering, emerging as important centers of Jewish life.
Halakha: The collective body of Jewish law that guides religious practice, evolving in response to changing circumstances.
Pharisees and Sadducees: Two prominent Jewish sects during this time.
- Pharisees: Advocates of oral law and traditions; believed in resurrection and an afterlife.
- Sadducees: Priestly and aristocratic group; rejected oral law and emphasized the written Torah.
Essenes: A separatist group believed to live communally and adhere strictly to Jewish law; associated with the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Destruction of the Second Temple (70 CE): A pivotal event in Jewish history, marking the end of the Second Temple period and the rise of Jewish diaspora.
Bar Kochba Revolt: A Jewish uprising against Roman rule (132-135 CE), which ultimately failed.

Gospel (term): A word meaning 'good news', specifically referring to the accounts of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
Gospel (genre): A literary form unique to the New Testament, describing the life and teachings of Jesus.
The Synoptic Gospels: The first three Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) that present similar narratives.

A scholarly theory proposing that Mark's Gospel and a hypothetical collection of Jesus's sayings (Q) are sources for both Matthew and Luke.

Baptism and Temptation: The beginning of Jesus's public ministry.
Galilean Ministry: Jesus's teaching and miracle-working period primarily in Northern Israel.
Entry into Jerusalem: The triumphant entry, associated with Palm Sunday.
Crucifixion and Resurrection: Central events in Christian belief regarding Jesus's death and resurrection as atonement for sin.

John the Baptist: Precursor to Jesus, preaching repentance.
The Twelve Disciples: Close followers of Jesus, each playing a key role in his ministry.

Audience: Believed to be written for Christians facing persecution.
Unique Style: Urgent and concise, emphasizing the humanity of Jesus.
Themes: Focus on the Messianic Secret (Jesus’s hidden identity) and Intercalation (inserting one story within another).

Genealogy of Jesus: Traces Jesus’s lineage to David; emphasizes his Jewish roots.
Infancy Narrative: Accounts of Jesus's birth and early life.
Matthean Discourses: Multiple teachings, particularly significant is the Sermon on the Mount.
Great Commission: Jesus's instructions to disciples post-resurrection.

Audience: Dedicated to Theophilus, emphasizing the historical reliability of Jesus's life.
Infancy Narrative and Genealogy of Jesus: Unique details surrounding the birth of Jesus.
Sermon on the Plain: Ethical teachings, contrasting with Matthew's Sermon on the Mount.
Travel Narrative: Focus on Jesus’s journey towards Jerusalem.
Salvation History: Presents Jesus as a savior for all, including Gentiles.

“The one whom Jesus loved”: Referring to the beloved disciple.
Supersessionism: The concept that Christianity supersedes Judaism.
Logos: Concept of the Word (John 1:1), signifying Jesus as divine.
The Book of Signs: Accounts of Jesus's miracles.
Lazarus: The resurrection of Lazarus seen as a pivotal miracle.
“I Am” Statements: Claims made by Jesus about his identity.
The Book of Glory: Covers the events surrounding Jesus's passion and resurrection.
Mary Magdalene: Significant figure who discovers the empty tomb.
Restoration of Peter: A post-resurrection interaction emphasizing forgiveness and commission.

Apostolic Ministry: The spread of the early Christian Church post-resurrection.
Pentecost: The event when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in tongues.
Peter: Central figure in the early Church, often depicted in Acts.
Peter’s Vision: A significant moment indicating the inclusion of Gentiles in Christianity.

Paul’s Role: Transition from persecutor to apostle, detailing his missionary journeys.
The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15; Gal 2): A critical meeting determining the relationship between Jewish law and Gentile believers.

General Information on Pauline Epistles: Letters attributed to Apostle Paul addressing various Christian communities.
Recipients: Typically specific churches or individuals, with context reflecting issues they faced.
Overall Message: Each letter addresses particular occasions or theological questions.
The Collection: Efforts by Paul to gather support for the Jerusalem Church.
Structure: Typical structure includes greeting, thanksgiving, body, and conclusion.
Nature of Pauline Epistles: Engage in theological discussion, moral exhortation and practical issues.

Discussion surrounding the authorship of certain letters; some attributed to Paul may have been written by followers.
First Letter to the Thessalonians: Discusses the return of Christ (Parousia) and related eschatological beliefs.
Immanent Eschatology: Belief in the imminent return of Christ during the lifetime of the original audience.
Letter to the Galatians: Paul’s polemic against the influence of Judaizers.
First Letter to the Corinthians: Addresses issues of division and immorality within the church; contains concepts of prooftexting.
Second Letter to the Corinthians: Recognized as a composite document, addressing reconciliation with the community.