English Bible - NT Flashcards
To attain to a high degree of familiarity with the content of the English Bible (New Testament), including canonical divisions, book outlines, textual locations of key passages and characters, and historical dates.
Name the general divisions of the New Testament, and the books in each.
419-481
(4) Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
(1) History - Acts
(9/4) Pauline Epistles (4 Pastoral) - Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon
(8) Other/General/Catholic Epistles - Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, Jude
(1) Prophetic/Apocalyptic - Revelation
Which are the “Prison Epistles?”
Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Philemon
Which are the “Pastoral Epistles?”
1 & 2 Timothy, Titus
Which are the “Catholic/General Epistles?”
James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, Jude
What are the distinctive features of Matthew’s Gospel?
Matthew’s Gospel emphasizes Christ’s kingship (initially Davidic, and progressively universal) and bears a Jewish character, indicating that the Jews were Matthew’s initial audience. Consider the following unique traits: the Jewish genealogy; lack of explanation for ceremonial washings; emphasis on the Kingdom, but a favoring of the term Kingdom of Heaven (33 times) over Kingdom of God (4 times); Jesus was called the Son of David 9 times in Matthew, versus 3 in Mark and Luke, and 0 in John; numerous (65) quotes or allusions to the Old Testament.
What are the distinctive features of Mark’s Gospel?
The shortest of the Gospels, Mark emphasizes Christ’s humanity. Christ’s activity is prominent (the word “immediately” is used 40 times), particularly his service and suffering. Also, Mark gives special attention to Christ’s emotions: compassion, severity, anger, sorrow, tenderness, and love.
What are the distinctive features of Luke’s Gospel?
Luke’s Gospel is the longest Gospel (and longest book in the New Testament). Luke is the most comprehensive of the four Gospels: Luke provides fuller information on Christ’s infancy and childhood, his genealogy goes all the way back to Adam, and there is an account of the Ascension (not in the other Synoptic Gospels). He emphasizes prayer (11 of Christ’s 15 prayers are in Luke). He emphasizes the ministry of the Holy Spirit: Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and led into the wilderness (4:1); Jesus was anointed for His work by the Holy Spirit (4:14, 17-21); Jesus offered prayer while rejoicing in the Holy Spirit (10:21-22); Jesus instructed his disciples to wait for power from on high from the Holy Spirit (24:49).
What are the distinctive features of John’s Gospel?
John’s Gospel is the one non-Synoptic Gospel. It records a total of about 20 days of Christ’s life (chapters 13-19 narrate a single day). John emphasizes Christ’s Incarnate Deity: John begins in chapter 1 with Christ’s preexistent state and incarnation; John utilizes many abstract concepts (light/darkness, life, truth); John frequently uses the titles “Son of God,” “Son of Man,” or just Son; John records Jesus’ “I Am” statements (I Am the Bread of Life; I Am the Living Bread; I Am the Light of the World; I Am the Door of the Sheep; I Am the Good Shepherd; I Am the Resurrection and the Life; I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; I Am the True Vine; and “Before Abraham was, I Am.”
Outline the Life of Christ.
- Spoken of before His birth; Annunciations - Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2, John 1
- Birth and childhood - Matthew 2, Luke 2
- Baptism - Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3
- Temptation in the Wilderness - Matthew 4, Mark 1, Luke 4
- First five Disciples (Andrew, Peter, James, John, and Philip) chosen, and Nathaniel believes - John 1
- First miracle of turning water into wine - John 2
- Early Judean Ministry - John 2-4
- Great Galilean Ministry - Matthew 4-15, Mark 1-7, Luke 4-9, John 4-6
- Retirement/Withdrawn Ministry to the 12 - Matthew 15-18, Mark 7-9, Luke 9
- Later Judean Ministry - Luke 9-13, John 7-10
- Perean Ministry - Matthew 19-20, Mark 10, Luke 13-19, John 10-12
- The Triumphal Entry to the Garden of Gethsemane - Matthew 21-26, Mark 11-14, Luke 19-22, John 12-18
- Passion Week (Arrest, Trial, Crucifixion, Burial) - Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-16, Luke 22-23, John 18-19
- The Resurrection - Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20-21
- The Ascension - Mark 16, Luke 24, Acts 1
Locate and briefly discuss the Parable of the Sower and the Seeds.
Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8
A sower sows seed and some seed falls on the path (wayside) with no soil, some on rocky ground with little soil, and some on soil which contained thorns. In these cases the seed is taken away or fails to produce a crop, but when it falls on good soil it grows, yielding thirty, sixty, or a hundredfold. Jesus explains to His disciples that the seed represents the Gospel (the sower being anyone who proclaims it), and the various soils represent people’s responses to it (the first three representing rejection while the last represents acceptance).
Locate and briefly discuss the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares.
Matthew 13 (exclusive to Matthew) The field in the parable stands for the world (not the church); the wheat are the sons of the Kingdom and the tares are the “sons of the evil one.” God permits both to coexist and grow “until the harvest” (13:30). Only at the end - not prematurely - will the Kingdom come and the wicked be separated from the righteous, when the Son of Man will send out his angels to separate the wheat and cast it into the fiery furnace.
Locate and briefly discuss the Parable of the Mustard Seed.
Matthew 13
The end resultant expanse of the Kingdom of Heaven is contrasted with its modest beginnings. It will grow to such an extent that it will be a blessing in the earth. The emphasis is on the size of its beginning (like a mustard seed) in comparison to its full potential or zenith (the mustard tree).
Locate and briefly discuss the Parable of the Yeast and Leaven.
Matthew 13
Christ’s kingdom will grow gradually, increasingly, and thoroughly, until the end.
Locate and briefly discuss the Parable of the Hidden Treasure.
Matthew 13
The parable illustrates the great value of the Kingdom of Heaven (either the Gospel or the church). It is worth giving everything up to secure.
Locate and briefly discuss the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price.
Matthew 13
This parable is generally interpreted as illustrating the great value of the Kingdom of Heaven (i.e. the Gospel) to the regenerate man. Alternatively, a less common interpretation of the parable is that the merchant represents Jesus, and the pearl represents the Christian Church.
Locate and discuss the Parable of the Dragnet.
Matthew 13
The dragnet stands for the Kingdom of God, which collects both believers and unbelievers into its visible expression. Not until the Day of the Lord will God finalize his judgment on men, casting enchurched unbelievers into Hell, and welcoming enchurched believers into glory.
Locate and discuss the Parable of the House Owner.
Matthew 13
After sharing a series of parables related to the Kingdom, Jesus says that a Scribe in the Kingdom of Heaven is like the head of a household, who has both old and new treasures to put to use. The function of the pastor-scholar, or New Covenant Scribe, is one of provision and leadership.
Locate and discuss the Parable of the House Built Upon the Rock
Matthew 7 and Luke 6
Christ presents His authoritative teaching and Person, for He alone can declare the full meaning of the law because He is its Author. He alone is the only sure ground upon which to build one’s life. Any other foundation will crumble in the storms of trial and judgment.
Locate and discuss the Parable of the Wicked Tenants.
Matthew 21, Mark 12, and Luke 20
This parable exposed the long history of failure of Israel’s shepherds to care for God’s vineyard (His people), and revealed the plot of the Jewish leaders to murder Christ. Further, it showed that God would turn these wicked men out and give the vineyard over to others (namely, the Gentiles).
Locate and discuss the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Luke 10
This parable exposed the hypocrisy of Jewish religious externalists, who know what is right (in the parable, to come to the aid of a man who has suffered ill-treatment), but refuse to do what is right. To drive home His point, Jesus tells of a despised Samaritan man who practices true religion.
Locate and discuss the Parable of the Rich Fool.
Luke 12
The context of this parable is that of contentment and covetousness. The main point of the parable is that it is far better to be rich toward God than to be rich with the things of this world, which we cannot take with us.
Locate and discuss the Parables of the Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son.
Luke 15
Each of these parables illustrate God’s valuation ofHis Elect. God is the Seeker of that/those which is/are lost. In the Parable of the Lost Son, there is the added dimension of the “faithful” son who scorns his brother, and suffers rebuke/reproach from the magnanimous father.
Locate and discuss the Parable of the Unjust Steward.
Luke 16
From Matthew Henry: “The lord referred to in this parable commended not the fraud, but the policy of the steward. In that respect alone is it so noticed. Worldly men, in the choice of their object, are foolish; but in their activity, and perseverance, they are often wiser than believers. The unjust steward is not set before us as an example in cheating his master, or to justify any dishonesty, but to point out the careful ways of worldly men. It would be well if the children of light would learn wisdom from the men of the world, and would as earnestly pursue their better object.”
Locate and discuss the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man.
Luke 16
The point in this parable is to warn the worldly minded to think on their eternal destiny, to comfort the poor in spirit, and to anticipate the Resurrection as a proof of Christ’s Messiahship.
Locate and discuss the Parable of the Widow and the Unjust Judge
Luke 18
Simply, this parable encourages persistence, urgency, sincerity, earnestness, and belief in prayer.
Locate and discuss the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican.
Luke 18
This parable contrasts the public prayers of the proud hypocrites who put on a show of religion, and those prayers of the humble who cry out to God in contrition and sincerity of heart.
Locate and discuss passages in which Jesus miraculously heals a paralytic.
Matthew 9, Mark 2, Luke 2 By this (and other signs) Jesus demonstrated that His claims to power were justified. Specifically here, He justifies His claim to be able to forgive sins by a demonstration of power (over paralysis).
Locate and discuss passages in which Jesus miraculously healed a man with a shriveled hand.
Matthew 12, Mark 3, Luke 6
This miracle was performed on a Sabbath and served as opportunity to refute the Pharisees’ shriveled view of the Sabbath. Jesus shows that God never intended the for Law to obstruct acts of mercy. Further, the entire scene demonstrates that Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath.
Locate and discuss the Raising of Lazarus.
John 11
Earlier in the chapter, Jesus used Lazarus’ death as an occasion to declare Himself to be the Resurrection and Life. This could not be mistaken as rhetorical flourish or symbolism when shortly thereafter he calls forth a dead man from his tomb.
Locate and discuss the healing of the ten lepers.
Luke 17
In this account only one of the ten lepers who were healed returns to give thanks to Jesus, and he was a Samaritan. True grace prompts true thanksgiving. It also shows that the grace of God is not limited to the Jews.
What are the four basic elements found in each of the sermons recorded in Acts.
- Narrative of Jesus ministry and passion.
- Divine attestation of His Messiahship in the resurrection, of which the speakers are eyewitnesses.
- Testimony from the OT proving Jesus to be the Messiah.
- An exhortation to repentance and faith.
Relate the writing of the Pauline epistles to the life of Paul.
At Damascus - AD 37-40
First Missionary Journey - 45-47
Second Missionary Journey - 51-53; he wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians in 52
Third Missionary Journey - 54-58; he wrote 1 and 2 Corinthians in 57, Galatians in 55-57, and Romans in 57-58
Imprisonment in Judea - 58-60
Voyage to Rome - 60-61
First Imprisonment in Rome - 61-63; Ephesians in 62, Colossians in 62, Philippians in 62, and Philemon in 63
Post-Imprisonment Journeys - 63-67; 1 Timothy and Titus in 64-65
Second Imprisonment in Rome - 66-67; 2 Timothy
Locate and discuss at least two passages that deal with Law and Grace.
In Galatians 2:11-21, Paul takes the occasion of Peter’s sin regarding the ceremonial law to admonish the Galatians. He uses strong language to show that law-keeping can never lead to justification: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” (2:16). He goes on to make clear that righteous living (“I might live unto God” 2:19) is only done by faith in the Son of God, which is of grace. Thus our law-keeping is a fruit of our right standing with God, born of our union with Christ – not the grounds by which we come to God. For “if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain” (2:21).
Romans 6:1-23: In this chapter, Paul shows that our freedom from the law is not a license to sin. By grace, we have been liberated from sin (“we died to it” 6:1; “no longer be slaves to sin” 6:6), set free to become slaves to righteousness as worshipers of God. No longer does sin reign over us. Moreover we now obey from the heart; “though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin you became slaves of righteousness” (6:16-17). Grace does not free us from obligation, but from striving in vain after works-righteousness, and the wages of our sin: death.
Discuss briefly the life and significance of Herod the Great. Reference relevant Scripture passages.
Herod the Great was launched into public life by his father who had a position in Judea as proconsul, having been appointed by Julius Caesar. Through various activities, both on and off the battle field, Herod distinguished himself and gained the confidence of Rome which settled on him the title of ‘King of the Jews’ around 40 B.C. (reigning about 40 years). His family was of Edomite origin.
Accomplishments: active in suppressing lawlessness; active administrator (particularly during a famine); a great builder (fortresses throughout his lands; the city of Caesarea, rebuilt the city of Samaria; a palace for himself in Jerusalem; most importantly the reconstruction of the JewishTemple).
Wickedness: Had his second (of 10) wife executed; also her grandfather, brother and mother, and the two sons she bore. He had his eldest son (by his first wife) executed just days before he himself died.
Most horrific: the slaughter of the innocents associated with Christ’s birth (Matthew 2)
Bonus Historical Fact: Because Herod publicly kept the Jewish law, including its dietary restrictions, and yet was so murderous in his domestic circle, Augustus is reputed to have said it was, “safer to be Herod’s swine than Herod’s son.”
He is referenced in Matthew 2 and Luke 1.
Discuss briefly the life and significance of Herod Antipas. Reference relevant Scripture passages.
Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great, also known as Herod the Tetrarch. He ruled over Galilee and Perea for about 30 years. He sought the title of King, and succeeded in getting banished to Gaul instead.
This is the Herod who killed John the Baptist (Matthew 14; Mark 6). He had a curious desire to see Christ (Luke 9), which was met at Christ’s trial (Luke 23) where Herod and his soldiers mocked Christ. Christ at one time referred to him as a fox (Luke 13).
Discuss briefly the Pharisees and their significance. Reference relevant Scripture passages.
The Pharisees were a religious sect/party amongst the Jews. This party was extremely precise in law-keeping (canonical and traditional), and largely made up of the “working class.”
Beliefs: immortality of the soul, the resurrection of the body, and angels and spirits, authority of Scripture (and tradition). Politically they were intensely Jewish. Their morality seems to have rested on the strictest outward conformity to the Law. They conflicted with Christ over the Sabbath (Matthew 12, Mark 3, Luke 6); their traditions (Matthew 15, Mark 7); and Christ’s claim of
deity (John 8). Christ excoriates them and their hypocrisy (in numerous passages) but most strongly in Matthew 23.
Nicodemus (John 3) was a Pharisee, as was Saul/Paul (Philippians 3:5).
Discuss briefly the Sadducees and their significance. Reference relevant Scripture passages.
The Sadducees were a religious sect/party amongst the Jews. This party did not continue past the destruction of the ancient nation. They were rivals of the Pharisees, primarily drawn from the wealthy and aristocratic classes. They controlled the office of High Priest.
Beliefs: only the Pentateuch was binding; denied the immortality of the soul, resurrection, and the existence of angels and spirits (Acts 23:8). Jesus warned against their (and the Pharisees’) teaching (Matthew 16), and refuted their argument against the resurrection (Matthew 22). They were active opponents of Peter’s ministry (Acts 4-5).
Name the Apostles
Matthew 10:2-4 - “Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him.”
Discuss briefly the life and significance of Peter. Reference relevant Scripture passages.
Peter is recognized as the de facto leader of the Apostles. A fisherman by trade, Peter was noted for his bold temperament, as illustrated by his desire to walk on water (Matthew 14:28), his confession and then rebuke of Christ (Matthew 16), his declaration of loyalty (Matthew 26) and denial (Luke 22), and his cutting off of a servants’ ear (John 18). He led the Apostles in the first years after Christ’s ascension (Act. 1-12), though Paul becomes more prominent later. He authored two epistles bearing his name, and is thought to have been martyred in Rome.
Discuss briefly the life and significance of Cornelius. Reference relevant Scripture passages.
Cornelius was a godly Roman centurion who is mentioned in Acts 10. He was a god-fearing Gentile who while praying was instructed to send for Peter. Peter reluctantly heeded the summonses and thus brought the gospel to the Gentiles which was accompanied by the Holy Spirit. This is the outworking of the falling of the dividing wall between the two groups (Jews and Gentiles).
Discuss briefly the life and significance of Barnabas. Reference relevant Scripture passages.
Barnabas was a missionary and associate of the Apostle Paul (Acts 11-15). He was a Cyprian Levite in origin. He is noted for selling property for the good of the church (Acts 4), introducing Paul to the church after he was converted (Acts 9), undertaking a missionary journey with Paul to Cyprus, Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13) Lystra, Derbe, and Antioch (Acts 14), and delivering (with Paul) the letter of the Jerusalem council (Acts 15). Eventually Paul and Barnabas parted after disagreeing over whether to take Barnabas’ nephew Mark with them on their next journey (Acts 15).
Discuss briefly the life and significance of Stephen. Reference relevant Scripture passages.
Stephen was the first recorded martyr of the Christian church. He was chosen as part of the seven ‘deacons’ to serve the widows of the church (Acts 6). He was a man full of the Spirit, and he contended for the faith against the Jews who seized him (Acts 6). He delivered a powerful sermon (Acts 7) that drove them to such a rage that they stoned him. As he was dying, he saw a vision of Christ and prayed for forgiveness for his murderers (which included Saul of Tarsus).
Discuss briefly the life and significance of Paul. Reference relevant Scripture passages.
Paul was the great Apostle to the Gentiles. He was born at Tarsus and trained under Gamaliel (Acts 22). He was a tent maker by trade (Acts 18) and a Pharisee by training (Acts 23; Philippians 3). He was a persecutor of the church before his conversion (Acts 9, 22, 26), and held the cloaks of Stephen’s murderers (Acts 7). He was converted by the direct intervention of Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9, 22).
Three extensive missionary journeys of his are described in the New Testament: the first (Acts 13-14), the second (Acts 15-18), and the the third (Acts 18-21).
He authored 13 New Testament books (and many believe Hebrews as well). At the end of Acts he is in prison, but there is much evidence that he was released and took another journey (that included Crete and Ephesus), authored the last three books (the pastorals) at this time, and was then imprisoned again and executed around AD 67.
Discuss briefly the life and significance of Timothy. Reference relevant Scripture passages.
Timothy was a “young” associate of the Apostle Paul. He was a believer from Lystra (Acts 16). He accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 16-20). He was sent to Corinth to help settle problems there (1 Corinthians 4; 16). He was also sent to lead the church of Ephesus, and it is there that the two Epistles bearing his name are sent.
Discuss briefly the life and significance of James, son of Zebedee. Reference relevant Scripture passages.
James was an Apostle, son of Zebedee, and brother of John. With his brother John and Peter, James formed the closest circle of disciples. They were at the Transfiguration (Mark 9) and in Gethsemane (Mark 14). James and John were called the “sons of thunder” (Mark 3) and suggested calling fire down on unbelievers (Luke 9). James was martyred by Herod Agrippa (Acts 12).
Discuss briefly the life and significance of James, son of Alphaeus. Reference relevant Scripture passages.
James was an Apostle and the son of Alphaeus (Matthew 10). Little is known of this apostle. He is sometimes referred to as “James the Younger” to distinguish him from James, son of Zebedee.
Discuss briefly the life and significance of James, brother of Christ. Reference relevant Scripture passages.
James was the half-brother of Jesus. Initially, he did not accept Christ’s claims (Matthew 13). Jesus appeared to him after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15). He became a leader in the Jerusalem church (Acts 12, Galatians 1), and presided over the Jerusalem council (Acts 15). Josephus says he was stoned at the instigation of the Ananus ben Ananus. He is the accepted author of the epistle bearing his name.
Where (book and chapter) do you find Jesus’ birth, involving the shepherds?
Luke 2
Where (book and chapter) do you find Jesus’ birth, involving the wise men?
Matthew 2
Where (book and chapter) do you find Jesus’ baptism?
Matthew 3, Mark 1, and Luke 3
Where (book and chapter) do you find the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness?
Matthew 4, Mark 1, and Luke 4
Where (book and chapter) do you find the Sermon on the Mount?
Matthew 5-7, Luke 6
Where (book and chapter) do you find the Lord’s Prayer?
Matthew 6, Luke 11
Where (book and chapter) did Christ say, “Take my yoke…?”
Matthew 11:28ff
Where (book and chapter) do you find the Parables of the Kingdom?
Matthew 13
Where (book and chapter) do you find the Parable of the Prodigal Son?
Luke 15
Where (book and chapter) do you find the exchange between Jesus and His disciples at Caesarea Philippi, and why was it significant?
Matthew 16, Mark 8
In the exchange with His disciples at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks them who people say He is, they confess that He is the Christ, and he foretells His death for the first time.
Where (book and chapter) did Christ say, “I will build My church?”
Matthew 16
