Bible Final Sem 1 Flashcards
General statistic ab NT
27 books
260 ch
9 authors
Covered 100 yrs
Main sections of NT
Gospel, Acts, Epistles, Revelation
What does it mean the Bible is infallible
Trustworthiness of Bible in fulfilling purpose for which God intended scripture to be written
Western’s statement of faith
We believe the Bible, composed of the Old and New Testaments, is the Word of God, a divine, supernatural, infallible revelation
What documents that inform us ab the silent period
Apocrypha, pseudepigrapha, writings Josephus and Philo, dead sea scrolls
Which nations controlled Israel and when
605 BC Babylon
539 BC Persians
How did Israel increase importance of Jewish Law in their nation
During silent period, Ezra, Nehemiah, & Malachi
Spiritual reformation
What are the three linking elements between the Old and New Testaments?
All of the Bible is God’s Word, God has a unified plan for all of history, predictions and prophecies first and fulfillments later
Define Messiah
Human individual who would come to earth and perform work of deliverance
How does NT fit into Bible as narrative
Portion of narrative of God and humanity that includes redemption/reconciliation
What was Hellenism
Civilization and culture of Ancient Greece, adoption and dissemination of Greek thoughts, customs, and lifestyle
Who spread Hellenism and how
Alexander the Great by being devoted to world domination and spreading Greek culture
What was Alexander the Great’s path to world dominationi
Conquering Persians, Asia Minor and Palestine
Describe why standardized Greek language was so important to Biblical history
Greek became a common language and more people could read God’s Word
What were the Ptolemy and Seleucid Empires and why were they significant to Jewish history?
They were Empires that controlled the Jews. The Ptolemy controlled the Jews for over a decade and during that time, the Septuagint was made and the Seleucid pushed Hellenism and was hostile toward jewish culture
What is the Septuagint and under what ruler was it created?
Greek translation of OT. Ptolemy II
Describe the rule of Antiochus the IV. What were some of the terrible things he did to Israel?
Antiochus the IV was very hostile. His goal was to turn Jerusalem into a Greek city, temple worship forbidden, temple became a shrine for Zeus, have to celebrate heathen festival, sabbath day not allowed to be observed, anyone reading/possessing torah dies and torah burned
How did Mattathias start the Maccabean revolt?
He disobeyed the king, killed Jew who was going to offer sacrifice to pagan god, and destroyed the altar. Actions led to successful revolt which led to independence
What were the two keys to the Maccabean revolts success under Judas? (aka: how did they defeat superior forces?)
Good strategy and religion emphasis
Who was the first official leader of the Hasmonean Empire AFTER Judas gained independence for Israel?
Simon
Which Roman leader came to Jerusalem first? Why did he come? And what did it lead to in Jewish history?
Pompey, civil war in Hasmonean dynasty, leaders asked him to come
Roman rule
Describe the Roman rule of Israel
Political and religious unrest and misunderstanding eventually led to Jews trying to rebel and Rome destroyed the Jerusalem city. Jerusalem and Jews were now under complete and submissive Roman rule
Who is Cyrus King of Persia? Why was he significant and helpful to the Jews?
He was the king that let the Jews back into Israel and rebuilt the temple
How did Malachi help Ezra and Nehemiah?
Built the Jerusalem walls and elevated the Word of God
Who was John Hyrcanus II? How did he gain his position
He’s a leader and priest. Gained by making a treaty with Rome, had good military record
Who entered the temple and angered the Jewish people?
Pompey
Know the difference between Matthew and Luke’s genealogies of Jesus and how they are significant to linking Jesus to some or all people
Matthew: Begins with David
Luke: Goes to Adam
Ultimate redemption and salvation from Christ is for ALL people
What are the English words we can use to help us better understand Hebrew words for prophecy Ro’eh, hozeh
Perceive or perception
What is Protoevangelium? What does it mean? What does it say?
First instant of the Messiah, means first mention of the Good News, it says the chosen one will bruise the heel of the serpent and it will bruise his head
What is example of David and Samuel that we discussed that points to Jesus
Samuel promised throne of David was to be established permanently
What are each of the 3 levels of need for a Messiah and how do they link Christ to you
Israel’s need for a Messiah, prophecies regarding a needed Messiah, theological (global) need of Messiah
Malachi
Helped Nehemiah and Ezra build the Jerusalem walls and elevate the Word of God
Alexander the Great
Spread Hellenism and spreading Greek culture
Herod the Great
The puppet king of the Jews during Jesus’ birth
Antiochus III
Pushed Hellenism through Palestine (Israel)
Ptolemy II
Septuagint was created under his power
Antiochus IV
Very hostile. His goal was to turn Jerusalem into a Greek city
What does the word “Gospel” mean?
The good news
What is an ancient novel like?
Fictional prose narratives emphasizing the themes of love, travel, violence “providing“ edification in an entertaining form
What are the “cons” to the Gospels being history, a novel or a biography?
History: Mentioning world events s limited
Novel: Not fiction, no focus on romantic relationships between man and woman
Biography: Little info on Jesus’ immediate family and education
What are the definitions to the genres we studied
Ancient novel: Fictional prose narratives emphasizing themes of love, travel, violence, providing edification in an entertaining form
History: Historical monographs focused on an important sequence of events during a restricted period of time
Biography: Every detail of a person
What is the genre name that is created for the Gospels?
Proclamation
What is the goal of the gospel writers?
To share a part of who Jesus is
Describe the Synoptic Problem
There seems to be an interrelationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke
Solutions to the Synoptic Problem
Oral tradition: The apostles and early leaders of the church preached about the works and teachings of Jesus in a fixed form.
Why it could work: Militant memorization always accurate. By the time they were written down they were memorized in detail.
Problems: Doesn’t account for differences between the gospels
Markan priority: Mark is the oldest and is a prototype for the other Gospels.
Problem: There is a identical language that is not in Mark.
Why is works: Though Matt and Luke are different from each other, Mark shares up to 93% with them
Q doc theory: The 2 theory. The need for a 2nd source of sayings also known as Q.
Why it works: Answers the question regarding matching verbiage.
Problem: The “Q” source is yet to be found anywhere
Matthean priority: Introduced by Augustine, based on the canonical order of the Bible.
Why it works: The nearly unanimous testimony of the church until the 19th century was that Matthew was the 1st. Hard to ignore this evidence and see Luke 1.
Problem: If mark is first why does Matthew and Luke have their own matching material
Who are the audiences of the gospels and how did that effect the way they portrayed Jesus in their writings?
Matthew: Jewish people
Mark: Romans
Luke: “Theophilus” and Gentile Christians
John: Everyone
Different perspectives
Theme: Focuses on life and ministry of Jesus and solidify what many already knew
Luke
Theme: The Holy Spirit
Luke
Theme: The powerful deeds of Christ
Mark
Theme: Christ as King
Matthew
Theme: Who is writing to those who need help because they are of low social standing?
Luke
Theme: The Sovereignty of Jesus
John
Theme: Who writes a lot about the gentiles and Samaritans?
Luke
Theme: The Amazing Jesus
Mark
Theme: I AM
John
Know the writing styles of the Gospels: the “newscaster” , The “historian” , the “theology guy”, the “Jewish” guy
Newscaster: Mark
Historian: Luke
Theology: John
Jewish: Matthew
What did John say explicitly in his Gospel was his purpose in writing his book?
confirm and secure Christians in their faith
Know the commonalities of Matthew and Luke’s version of the birth story
Herod as King
Joseph as the human father
Engaged virgin named Mary as the birth
mother
Spirit causes the pregnancy
Announcement of angels
Called the Messiah
Location of Bethlehem
Know why we can trust Matthew and Luke’s narratives as history
Luke explicitly states that he has carefully investigated the accuracy of his gospel just before presenting the birth narratives.
There are common features between the two narratives
Why are commonalities between Matthew and Luke important
Shows accuracy and consistency with material of birth narratives
Why have historians changed the date of Jesus’ birth? What year
5 or 4 BC. Herod was alive during Jesus’ birth but died 4 BC
What was Herod’s family background that made him unliked by the Jews?
He was an Iduman/Edomite
Herod’s sons
Herod Antipas, Herod Philip II
Herod’s grandson and great grandson
Agrippas
Which perspectives does Matthew and Luke explore the announcements of Jesus’ birth?
Matthew- Joseph
Luke- Mary
Why were Mary and Joseph perfect to be Christ’s parents?
Perfect family line
Perfect age
What does Joseph gain by trying to divorce Mary QUIETLY?
His moral integrity and protect Mary
What are the differences between modern and ancient engagement?
Ancient engagement- To be engaged was already legally binding in Jewish law
Know the comparison chart between Mary and Zechariah
Zachariah:
In the temple serving the Lord
Older
High priest
Shows clear doubt
An older person “can” have a baby
Fear/disbelief
Mary:
Nowhere of religious significance
12-15 yrs old virgin
Simple girl
Question of curiosity
A virgin can’t have a baby
I am the Lord’s servant
What is the significance in the comparison to Mary and Zechariah?
Humanness
Purity of the heart of Mary/uncorrupted
Faith
Willing to serve
Brave
What is a census and who was governor at the time?
Roman decree
Quirinius
Know the general facts (“where it is/what is looks like”) about Bethlehem.
5 miles (8 km) SW of
Jerusalem
2,550 ft above sea level
Hill country of Judea
Main road to Hebron and Egypt
Significance - City of David
Verse of the prophecy of Bethlehem as Jesus birth place
Micah 5:2
What was the ancient Jewish understanding of an inn?
Location specifically for travelers, very informal public shelter
Where were the Magi likely from? And what were their gifts listed in the Bible?
Arabia Felix
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh
What are reasons Jesus survived Herod’s craziness?
Magi ignore Herod’s instructions
Angel appears to Joseph in a dream and gets warned of Herod’s plot to kill Jesus
Go to Egyptian border
Which group opposed Hellenism
Pharisees
Which of the groups believed in God’s Providence, angels, resurrection and the afterlife?
Pharisees
What made Essenes unique to other groups
Away from mainstream Jewish culture, found Hellenistic and Pharisaic tradition detestable
Many _________________ were Pharisees, but most Pharisees were not ____________
Scribes
How did the Sadducees feel about the Romans
They didn’t oppose
What was John the baptist’s main plan and purpose from God
to prepare the people for the advent of the Messiah
Why the Pharisees believe they were entering the Kingdom of Heaven?
their descent to Abraham
John: repentance and baptism
The Father always uses the devil’s evil intention for…
Strengthening Jesus in his Messianic role
The main theme of John the Baptists preaching is…
about the near coming messianic kingdom
What is true about John the Baptist’s version of a baptism?
An external sign of repentance
Why was the descendance of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus important
a sign that Jesus was inaugurated as King
4 main points about Doctrine of Trinity
Only 1 true and living God
God exists eternally in 3 persons
All completely equal and same divine nature
Each is completely and fully God but not identical
Why did the Holy Spirit lead Jesus in the wilderness to be tempted?
So that Jesus would be able to set an example for his followers
What do we know about the wilderness of Judea?
In Judea
Hilly and rocky
How was Jesus connected to his humanity
By struggling with hunger for 40 days,
When Satan said “If you are the Son of God…” was his attempt to…
get Jesus to doubt his identity as the divine Messiah
Which verses AND phrase does Jesus use a response to EACH of Satan’s temptations?
Man shall not live on bread alone– Deuteronomy 8:3
“You shall worship the LORD your God, and serve him only.” –Deuteronomy 6:13
“You shall not put the LORD your God to the test.” (Deuteronomy 6:16)
Know the significance to the phrase, “Man shall not live on bread alone.”
Specifically: What is more important that fulfilling one’s physical needs?
Satan is telling Jesus to satisfy his own flesh desire for food rather than trust God to supply all he needs
Why can Satan not truly offer “all the kingdoms of the world”?
Satan is offering something he does not own
Know information about the temple the devil and Jesus stood on.
Located at the top of the temple: southeastern corner of the Temple Mount which overlooks Kidron Valley about 300 feet up (certain death if you fall)
What does Jesus show in his third response?
Demonstrates PROPER use of scripture
What is the main theme of the temptation narrative?
Obedience of the Son to the will of the Father
What is another key quality of the Messiah?
Complete righteousness
What is the Analogy of Adam?
Adam the first son of God failed his test of obedience while Jesus resisted his temptation
What are the names of the disciples we have focused on and in what order did they become disciples? (who brought who to Jesus)
Andrew- brought by John the Baptist
Simon Peter- Brought by Andrew
Philip- Personally called by Jesus
Nathanael- Brought by Philip
Which disciples brought others to Jesus
Andrew, Philip
What is the meaning of the title Lamb of God
Connects to the sacrificial lamb in the OT- Passover Lamb
Image of innocence and vulnerability
Isaiah’s suffering servant who was led like a lamb to slaughter
What are some of the names given to Jesus in the “Gathering Disciples” verses in the book of John?
Rabbi, Messiah, Son of God, King of Israel
Andrew
o How was he related to?
o What miracle was he present at?
o How was he killed?
Simon Peter’s brother
Feeding of the 5000
Martyred in Achaia – he was crucified on an X – shaped cross which is now called “St. Andrew’s Cross”
Peter
o Name change
o What his name means
Simon -> Peter (Cephas)
Rock
Philp
o Where is he from?
o Who does he bring to Jesus?
o What miracles did he witness?
o What was he known for in his ministry? Where did he practice his ministry?
From Bethsaida
Brang Nathanael
Feeding of 5000
Known for struggling with understanding
Known for bringing Gentiles to Jesus
Practice at Asia Minor
Nathanael
o What word best describes Nathanael when he first meetings Jesus?
o What titles does he give Jesus? (see John 1:49)
Skeptic
Rabbi, Son of God, King of Israel
Teaching of Jesus
o What is the significance of “Truly Truly”?
o What is the importance of the title “Son of Man”
Formal authoritative nature… in other words “PAY ATTENTION”
One who will rule over all nations of the earth forever
Definitions of miracle
An event that cannot be explained by nature – “supernatural”
An action that cannot be explained with reason or science that leads to an increased understanding of the
divine Messiah
What was the mindset of Israel regarding spirituality during the time of Jesus ministry?
The Israelites were very religious but not “spiritual”
What is the key purpose of ALL miracles in general?
to provide evidence that Jesus was the Messiah
Know the unique purposes of ALL 4 the miracle sub categories.
Nature Miracles- Demonstrate Jesus Power over Nature
Healings- intended to reveal the presence and power of the kingdom in his ministry
Exorcisms- to reveal the presence and power of the kingdom in his ministry in the presence of EVIL
Raising of the Dead-symbolically inaugurating the kingdom of God and the new creation.”
What is some of the information we know about the place called Cana
Small village in Galilee
Archeologists have focused on Khirbet Kana (about 8 miles north of Nazareth)
Circular path from Galilee to Jerusalem to
Galilee again
Describe ancient Jewish weddings at the time of Jesus
VERY extravagant weddings: could last an entire week or more
Would include the entire village… including Jesus’ whole family
Running out of wine= embarrassment to fam
What is the cultural significance to the term “woman” when Jesus addresses his mother?
A culturally polite expression showing distance
Why did Jesus wait to reveal himself as the Messiah?
The people are not ready people of
Israel have misconceptions about the Messiah.
Who tasted the water and discovered it was the best?
The Master
What is the significance to the rites of purification jars?
often used in ceremonial washings
Jewish legalism
Why is it important that Jesus creates the “best wine”?
the revelation of divine glory of the Messiah
What does Jesus want to supply his sheep with?
good food and eventually eternal life
What do the disciples show when they ask Jesus if the people should go and find food
spiritual immaturity -> dependence upon physical need rather than trusting the Father
How many denarii worth of bread to the disciples think they should get and what is the significance to this detail? Which disciple specifically is mentioned in John?
200 denarii
Represented 200 days’ wages for a labor worker
Philip
What is the ancient Jewish connections to the bread in the feeding of the 5000 story?
reminder of the Passover deliverance and the Exodus from Egypt
Approximately how many people were truly at the feeding?
5k-10k
What is the detail in this story that shows Jesus’ ability to fulfill in abundance?
Disciples picked up 12 other baskets (leftovers)
What is the connection between the feeding of 5000 and the changing of water into wine?
Messianic Banquet
What are the key meanings/outcomes from the feeding of 5000?
Everyone ate and was satisfied
Christ came into the world, not only to restore, but to preserve and nourish spiritual life; in Christ there is enough for all that come
Essay: what is and solutions to the Synoptic Problem and what do you think is better
There seems to be an interrelationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke
Oral tradition: The apostles and early leaders of the church preached about the works and teachings of Jesus in a fixed form.
Why it could work: Militant memorization always accurate. By the time they were written down they were memorized in detail.
Problems: Doesn’t account for differences between the gospels
Markan priority: Mark is the oldest and is a prototype for the other Gospels.
Problem: There is a identical language that is not in Mark.
Why is works: Though Matt and Luke are different from each other, Mark shares up to 93% with them
Q doc theory: The 2 theory. The need for a 2nd source of sayings also known as Q.
Why it works: Answers the question regarding matching verbiage.
Problem: The “Q” source is yet to be found anywhere
Matthean priority: Introduced by Augustine, based on the canonical order of the Bible.
Why it works: The nearly unanimous testimony of the church until the 19th century was that Matthew was the 1st. Hard to ignore this evidence and see Luke 1.
Problem: If mark is first why does Matthew and Luke have their own matching material
Essay: List the 3 main links between the Old and New Testament and explain one of them in more detail.
Bible is all God’s word - Everything in the Bible is from God even though it was written with human hands. Everything in the Bible is what God wants to communicate to us it’s infallible.
God has a unified plan for all of history - The Bible is a unified story that leads to Jesus. Both the OT and NT are vital to completely understanding God’s message
Prophecies and predictions first fulfillments later- Throughout the Old Testament there are promises made by God regarding the need and coming of a Savior Messiah. The NT is the answer/fulfillment of the OT promises
Essay: What are the three temptations and what was symbolic significance and meaning of each
Satan was tempting Jesus to turn stone into bread -Physical need
Satan was offering Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and authority over them- Pride
Satan was telling Jesus to jump off the temple and an angel will save him
Essay: What is the general definition of a miracle and what is the specific definition of a miracle for the purposes of this class and Jesus. What are the miracle categories and what are their unique purposes
Definition of a miracle is an event that cannot be explained by nature, reason, or science – “supernatural” that leads to an increased understanding of the
divine Messiah. As defined in this class: miracles serve a purpose and, though God works in wondrous ways, they are not ALL defined as miracles as we are speaking of them in the case of.
Nature Miracles- Demonstrate Jesus Power over Nature
Healings- intended to reveal the presence and power of the kingdom in his ministry
Exorcisms- to reveal the presence and power of the kingdom in his ministry in the presence of EVIL
Raising of the Dead-symbolically inaugurating the kingdom of God and the new creation
Jesus.
Essay: Choose one of the 4 miracle types and be able to explain its unique significance and have a specific biblical example in mind
Nature: Demonstrates Jesus’ power and authority over nature
Water to wine: Jesus and his family attended a wedding and the hosts ran out of wine and Jesus’ mom told him to do something. Jesus told the servants to get some water and the servants retrieved water in purification jars and Jesus turned that water into wine when the master of the feast drank it
Essay: What is the significance to the purification jars being used by Jesus at the changing of water into wine
represent Judaism and its ritual purifications, which are transformed by Jesus into the best wine
jars often used in ceremonial washings
What is the Messianic Banquet and HOW do the two key miracles (Water to wine and feeding of 5000) connect to this concept?
It is a figurative massive banquet in heaven that Jesus provided in abundance so there is a lot of the best tasting food and wine. The miracles connect to this concept because Jesus provided tons of the best wine and also multiplied loaves of bread and fish that was enough to satisfy everyone and have leftovers.
