exam 2 Flashcards
Who was Heraclitus? Where was he from, and how have his writings made it down to us?
Heraclitus was a Greek philosopher from Ephesus in the 5th and 6th centuries BCE. His writings have only survived in fragments and in what other authors preserve.
How did Heraclitus define the logos
Logos is the source of all things in the universe that brings things into being.
Is the logos of Heraclitus eternal? Does it bring things to pass? Does it bring things into being?
There was something eternal which brought things into being an through which all things came to pass
Who was Xenocrates and his relationship to Plato? How did he change the perception of the daimon?
Xenocrates was Pluto’s student. Plato viewed the daimon as a guardian angel to individuals or cities, a companion or divine element of a person. Xenocrates creates a system by assigning human traits to them, so some become good and some become bad.
When did daimons start to become evil in their portrayal and why?
when Xenocrates created the system of demons
How was Socrates’ daimon described?
As a divine sign or voice that gives warnings, tries to prevent mistakes but isn’t a guide.
How did the term satan originally begin? Did it refer to a role or a proper name of an angel in the earliest Hebrew Bible texts?
First early source is Num. 22:22-35. Term begins by referring to a role. Hebrew Bible did not have a specific word equivalent in meaning.
In the Book of Job, is the satan an independent agent of evil that can act without God’s permission?
No, acts as an adversary of God
What is the importance of the 1 Chronicles 21:1 text and the debate surrounding the use of “Satan” in it?
Satan stood up against Israel and incited David to count the people of Israel.
How does the role of the satan shift in Second Temple Judaism shift? What is one key development at this time? How does the Book of the Watchers attest to this development?
After the Exiles, the was not used before Satan, indicating that it is a proper name and a separate individual rather than an emissary of God. Mastema and the group of fallen angles rise. Describes the Watchers as a group of select, divine angels placed in charge of watching over humanity. However, their lust for human women leads to their fall.
How did Roman religion differ from Greek religion?
Roman gods were viewed as more functional while Greek gods as human-like figures.
Why did the Romans view religion with such a civically minded focus?
Because performance was more important than understanding.
How did the Romans first come to gain influence in Judea as a client-state?
When Pompey intervened in the Hasmonean civil war, he captured Jerusalem and installed John Hyrcanus as the High Priest.
Who was Pompey, John Hyrcanus II, and Aristobulus II, and each of their roles in the end of Jewish (Hasmonean) independence
- Pompey was a Roman general who intervened in the civil war between the Hasmonean brothers, Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus II.
- Hyrcanus II was high priest in Judea from 76 to 40 BCE and sought Roman intervention, eventually was stripped of his royal title by Pompey.
- Aristobulus II, who succeeded his mother on the throne. He attempted to regain power but became a Roman prisoner and died.
Why did Hyrcanus II seek out Roman aid
He was vying for control against his brother after their father died
What did Pompey do on the Sabbath in Jerusalem
Kills hundreds even though they did not resist intervention. He enters the Holy of Holies but doesn’t raid it.
How did the Jewish religion differ from Greco-Roman religion?
Judaism is monotheistic, focused worship on reading and studying of their scripture, continued purity and dietary restrictions, insisted could not be expressed in image and was invisible, and avoided civic festivals of roman deities.
How did the Romans seek to keep peace with the Jews and try to avoid revolts in and around Judea?
- Romans and Jews avoided rebellions because they would cost money and be disruptive. Let the region be under the control of a Jewish governor loyal to the Empire.
- Rome also let Jews observe the Sabbath, run their internal courts, pay tax to the upkeep of the Temple, avoid military service, and ask for exemptions from participating in Roman festivals and sacrifices.
When did Judea become a full Roman province?
6 AD
What was the difference between Judea as a client-state of Rome and it being a full Roman province in terms of its leadership?
The client king was the native dynasties approved by Rome. Used before 6 AD.
Prefects – Roman governors that had direct authority to exercise Roman control over an area.
Who was a very famous client-king that we discussed at the time of Jesus’ birth?
Herod the Great/Herod I
Was Pilate a client-king or a prefect?
Pilate was a prefect
What is the Synoptic Problem? Which Gospels are the Synoptic Gospels?
The Synoptic Problem is the question of the relationship between the three synoptic gospels, explaining the literacy relationship.
- Matthew, Mark, and Luke
What is the Two Source Theory and its connection to the “Q”, “M”, and “L” sources?
Two-Source Theory – Matthew and Luke use Mark. Mark is the first source that explains the similarity between the Synoptics. Matthew and Luke also share material not found in Mark: Quelle.
- M: Matthew’s unique source, 3 wise men and parable of sheep and goats.
- L: Luke’s unique source, parables of the prodigal son and good Samaritan
What is the Farrer and Griesbach theories?
- Griesbach theory – Matthean priority. Luke wrote 2nd and edited Matthew’s work, Mark is composed last and edits condenses both Matthew and Luke.
- Farrer theory – Mark is the earliest gospel. Matthew uses Luke. Lukes uses Mark and Matthew
The Griesbach theory gave which Gospel status as earliest
matthew
Where do most scholars still think Mark was originally composed?
Rome
Who was Mark’s audience?
Jews and Gentile convert.
What did Papias of Hierapolis have to do with the connection of the name “Mark” to this Gospel?
Made the first association that the Gospel was authored by “Mark”
How is Jesus’ family portrayed in Mark?
Jesus family is unsupportive of his mission
What are intercalations?
stories that interrupt other stories
What key event do scholars use to help date Mark’s Gospel?
How does the mini-apocalypse in Mark 13 speak to this dating and event?
Destruction of the 2nd Temple in Jerusalem
Discusses the destruction of the Temple, people fleeing to the mountains for safety, and issues Christians faced in Judea at this time.
What are some key themes in Mark?
Jesus as the suffering Messiah. Kingdom of God as a central message. Jesus as an eschatological prophet.
What does it mean to say Jesus is secretive of his identity?
He would often tell those he healed to say nothing. Possibly to avoid premature persecution
How is faith a key theme in Mark, and how does Mark use this idea in Jesus’ inability to do many miracles in Nazareth.
The people in Nazereth were lacking faith that prevented Jesus from doing more than a few healings. Healing connects to the amount of faith the seeker has in Jesus’s ability
How does Jesus’ family react to his preaching? For what reasons did we discuss?
Jesus’ family reacted with concern and disbelief
How does exorcism show Jesus’ authority?
Jesus has authority over all of Earth and all the demons, he is stronger than satan.
How does exorcism and control over demons separate Jesus from being just another Hebrew prophet? How does this help Mark make Jesus a ‘Son of Man’?
He is more than a prophet, Jesus can defeat and overthrow Satan by word and healing.
Does Jesus show the Jewish leaders a sign?
No, he refused
Who was the original developer of the notion of the Messianic Secret in academia? What did Wrede’s theory originally posit?
William Wrede – claimed that early Christians invented the motif for secrecy and commands for silence to affirm their belief in Jesus as Messiah.
What are the passion predications? When do they occur
He has come with God’s authority to preach the kingdom and rule over Satan/the demons, but the divinely ordained plan is the Messiah must suffer and die.
Who first recognizes Jesus’ identity as Messiah?
peter
What type of Messiah were the Jewish people likely expecting? (Hint: the chant upon Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem)
Ancestor of David, a conquering king
How do we see Mark’s portrayal of Jesus’ identity shift towards the second half of his Gospel?
Jesus is initially presented as a powerful miracle worker and teacher. He is then seen as a suffering Messiah followed by His death.
What is the meaning behind the Parable of the Cursed Fig Tree?
The spiritual barrenness of Israel and the judgment awaiting those who outwardly appear religious but lack genuine faith and produce no spiritual fruit.
Why did Jesus likely become offended at the selling of animals in the Gentile court?
Because they turned God’s house into a market
What holiday were the Jews preparing to celebrate during his Last week in Jerusalem?
Passover
How does the Parable of the Wicked Tenants connect to Jesus’s arrest and his charge of blasphemy?
Foreshadows his arrest and execution.
Jesus’ trail before the Sanhedrin: Where did it take place, and where should it have taken place? At what time of day?
Sanhedrin took Him to Caiaphas’s house at night. It should be in the morning in the Hall of Hewn Stones
Jesus’ trail before the Sanhedrin: witnesses
they were false witnesses and it didnt line up
Jesus’ trail before the Sanhedrin: What is the connection to Deuteronomy
The Sanhedrin violating their own practices and principles – handling of the witnesses
Why is Jesus’ response to whether he is the Messiah unique in Mark’s Gospel?
Jesus openly declares his identity as the Son of Man
Could the Sanhedrin carry out a death sentence?
They can cast one but need the Romans’ approval to carry it out
How does Mark construct his resurrection? Why do scholars think Mark 16:9-20 is a later addition to the Gospel?
He adds 9-20 with the women arriving at the temple and being confronted by a young man.
What is the traditional story regarding Matthew’s authorship and the issues scholars have with this traditional interpretation? Do we know the true author?
Only synoptic gospel that attributes traditional authorship to a direct disciple. Matthew is one of Jesus’ disciples who was a tac collector but scholars question this because he uses Mark heavily as a source. The author remains unknown.
What sources did Matthew use?
Mark, M, and Q
What is “Q” and does this source currently exist?
Quelle. Nonexistent source of oral or written origin that does not exist today.
Where is the most likely place for Matthew’s composition?
In Antioch, the capital of Roman province Syria.
Who is Matthew writing to? Who are Jewish Christians? Review the background of this group
Writing to Greek-speaking, urban Jewish converts. Jewish Christians were the earliest of early Christians were majority Jews before Christianity became a largely Gentile religion.
Who were the 3 Pillars? The 7?
3 pillars are Peter, John, and James
7: Hellenistic Jews
What does Matthew emphasize in his Gospel? What is his attitude towards the Torah, Judaism, and Jesus?
Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, King of Israel. One who fulfills the Torah. Author emphasizes the importance of Torah and Jewish Tradition.
In what 2 ways did we discuss that Matthew portrays Jesus?
Jewish Messiah – willing to suffer. Link Jesus; lineage to Hebrew Bible, David, and Abraham. Authoritative teacher
How was Jesus like Moses? Where did Jesus succeed where Moses failed?
Both were leaders who delivered God’s people, both perfomed miracles and talked with God. Jesus was successful in that he opened a path to eternal life and forgiveness.
What evolution do we see in Matthew in terms of Jesus’ message being preached to only Jews then the addition of Gentiles in the Great Commission? How does this evolution reflect the community to which Matthew is currently writing?
The focus from the lost sheep of Israel (Jews) to include all nations. Shows that Matthew is writing to Jews and Gentiles
Which two Jewish figures does Matthew link Jesus’ lineage to in his genealogy?
Abraham and David
How do we see Jesus as the ultimate teacher and Torah interpreter in the Sermon on the Mount?
Jesus fulfills and reinterprets the Torah, presented as the new Moses, and Jesus stresses the importance of inner purity and righteousness.
What can the entire Sermon on the Mount be summarized in?
Explains the rewards of good characteristics. Emphasizes low and compassion, love for enemies, describes the Kingdom and how to get there etc.
How does this explain the new covenant that Jesus has come to make between God and the people?
The New covenant shows God’s forgiveness and His will to write the Torah on our hearts.
What shift do we see towards the Jewish people in Matthew’s Passion?
The trial: names the High Priest – Caiaphas. Jesus answers the question regarding his status as the Son of God
How does Matthew’s resurrection differ from Mark’s?
Matthew closes with the Great Commission. He also added the earthquake and the angel rolling away the stone. Also, priests paying soldiers to claim the disciples stole Jesus’s body.
How does Matthew bring his Gospel full circle in the Great Commission?
Jesus reaffirms the women that he will meet the disciples in Galilee.
Matthew begins the birth story and says He shall be called Immanuel.
Who is Theophilus? What does Luke’s opening tell us about our author?
Theophilus – not sure if this is a person or general name, ‘friend of God”
The purpose is to write an orderly account.
What are Luke’s sources? Where was this Gospel composed?
Mark (33%), Q, Matthew, L source
Hellenistic environment?
What is Luke’s key theme in his presentation of Jesus as the Messiah?
Salvation is open for all.
What other birth does Luke add to his infancy narrative?
Adds John’s birth story. The Angel appeared to Zechariah and told him that his wife, Elizabeth, will bear a son to be named John.
How does the inclusion of the shepherds at Jesus’s birth tie into Luke’s message of salvation?
Shepherds are considered unclean at this time. Shepherds are cleaning up after animals, may have had contact with blood, did not wash themselves are the Law demanded. The inclusion is that Jesus’s message of salvation is for ALL.
what is the meaning of Jesus using the two proverbs
In Jesus’s rejection at Nazareth, Jesus criticized his townspeople by stating that “no prophet is accepted in his hometown” and by contrasting their lack of faith with the faith of Elijah and Elisha who were sent to help those in need, not their own people
Who provokes who in Luke’s account?
Pharisees and the scribes provoke Jesus
Why is Luke 4 important? And how does it still speak to historically marginalized people to this day?
Context: Jesus returns from temptation in the wilderness, He is fueled by the Holy Spirit. The Jews thought the Holy Spirit had stopped speaking to them when the age of the prophets ended.
He reads a text from Isaiah that says that the Spirit of the Lord is upon Him. Jesus basically says His entire mission. He is too bring the good news to the poor, release the captives, restore sight to the blind, and set the oppressed free.
How does Luke’s Sermon on the Plain differ from Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount?
Focuses on tangible, social justice issues – poverty and hunger. Includes woes and blessings.
What are Greek mystery religions?
Secret religious cults in the Greco-Roman world, people commonly devoted to more than one, cutivating mystic bonds diverse gods.
Who was Orpheus/Orphism
A mortal poet and musician. He travels to the underworld to his dead wife, Eurydice. As the ascend to the earth, Hades tells Orpheus that he cannot look back until they get there but he failed the condition and she went back.
Orphism believes in reincarnation, original sin, monotheistic towards Dionysus.
Who was Mithras?
Most rigorously organized and politically effective cult. Mithras means covenant. Does baptism, communal meals, oaths of celibacy. Women could not be admitted to the service
What is the emperor cult?
The practice of venerating Roman empowers as having divine attributes
How was Alexander’s land split after his death? What were the two key empires we discussed and are also picture in Harris on pg. 91?
Seleucid (Syria) Kingdom (more north)
Ptolemaic (Egypt) Kingdom (more south)
How will the Jewish lands come under Ptolemaic control? Seleucid control? And Hasmonean control?
When Ptolemy took control of Egypt, he also acquired Palestine. The Jews inhabiting Judea enjoyed peace and prosperity. Years later, Seleucid kinds assumed control - Epiphanes was king - promoting Hellenization. After the Maccabean revolt, Maccabees made themselves king, establishing the Hasmonean dynasty.
What is the Maccabean Revolt?
Matthias and his 5 sons revolt against the Seleucid kings and their persecution. Judas Maccabaeus led most of it.
What are some different approaches to reading the Gospels? (Hint: especially any bold terms in this section)
Ranges from uncritical acceptance of every statement to intense skepticism that denies the works any historical credibility. Best to be rid of common misconceptions. Fundamentalism - infallible regardless of science, history, or theology.
What is historical criticism? Redaction criticism?
Historical - involves the analysis of documents that purport to record historical events, investigating the historical setting in which they were written.
Redaction - emphasizes the author-editors importance in assembling, rearranging, and reinterpreting his sources.
Which apostle does Matthew give prominence to in his Gospel? Who is the “rock” on which Jesus says he will build his church? Is this declaration unique to Matthew?
Peter, unique to Matthew’s
What is the term for the opposing idea that Jesus introduces in his explications on the Torah following his declaration of the commandment?
Antitheses
What is lex talionis?
Law of retaliation, served to limit excessive revenge. Receiving an injury does not give you the right to kill the one.
what is gehenna?
a symbol of posthumous (occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator) torment
Luke links crucial events in Jesus’ life more than any of the other Gospel to what?
With Jerusalem and the Temple
What term does Luke use for Jesus who deliver believers from sin?
Savior
What modifications does Luke make to Mark’s apocalyptic urgency, and what traditional elements does he keep?
Luke omits the markan tradition that Jesus would appear in Galilee. Luke adds the road to Emmaus and jesus appearing to his disciple mid-meal.
