Final (Essay Questions)

Question 1

First Quest for the Historical Jesus

Answer 1

First Quest: 18th-20th century; separating historical Jesus from the Christ of faith; Albert Schweitzer (argued that the historical reconstruction was highly speculative and was influenced by the cultural biases of the researchers, and that ended up being the conclusion of this first quest); Herman Samuel Reimarus, David Friedrich

Question 2

Second Quest for the Historical Jesus

Answer 2

Second Quest: mid 20th century; emphasized the importance of understanding Jesus in His Jewish context; sought to understand what He actually did and said and couple those things with the messianic expectations of the Jews; Ernst Kasemann, Joachim Jeremias (Jesus’ prophetic ministry, social justice as central to His message)

Question 3

Third Quest for the Historical Jesus

Answer 3

Third Quest: late 20th century - present; historical, literary, and sociological methods are used to reconstruct the historical Jesus while considering the influence of His socio-cultural context; John Crossan, E.P. Sanders (Jesus as Jewish reformer, Kingdom of God); NT Wright

Question 4

Compare and contrast Luke’s Infancy Narrative with that of Matthew. What appears to be the common witness concerning the birth and beginning of John the Baptist and Jesus’ respective ministries. What appears to be Luke’s distinctive contribution and theological emphasis?

Answer 4

Matthew: no birth narrative for John the Baptist; the Magi and their interaction with Herod

Luke: John the Baptist’s birth narrative (Zecheriah and Elizabeth); Gabriel before Mary and Mary and Elizabeth meeting as pregnant women; the Magnificat

Question 5

Identify and explain the major OT trajectories and/or themes that run throughout Luke and why they are significant for understanding his narrative. Be sure to give specific examples with explanations from the text.

Answer 5

Fulfillment of Prophecy (Jesus reading Isaiah and sitting down in Luke 4)

Universal Salvation (Jews & Gentiles welcomed in (Abraham); Simeon in Luke 2)

Social Justice & The Poor (parable of Lazarus in Luke 16)

Exaltation of the Humble (the Magnificat in Luke 1)

Journey to Jerusalem (Luke 9-19 (triumphal entry))

Question 6

Summarize the literary and theological significance of Acts 1-2 for understanding the role and/or activity of the Holy Spirit throughout the narrative of Acts, as well as how that narrative takes shape and progresses.

Answer 6

1. Sets the stage for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the subsequent growth of the early Christian community (Acts 1: ascension, Matthias; Acts 2: Pentecost)

This transition from Jesus’ departure to the Spirit’s arrival marks a crucial turning point in the narrative

2. The Holy Spirit is portrayed as the empowering presence of God, enabling the disciples to carry out their mission and proclaim the message of Jesus with boldness and effectiveness (Acts 1: Spirit promised; Acts 2: Spirit empowers)
3. The signs that were performed at Pentecost and the proclamation of the gospel in various languages demonstrate the Holy Spirit’s transforming and unifying work among different people groups (Babel connection)
4. Acts 1 and 2 establish a pattern that continues throughout the rest of the book. The Holy Spirit remains a central figure, guiding and empowering the early believers as they spread the gospel and establish Christian communities. The healing, the miracles, and the conversions of the Holy Spirit are recurring themes that shape the narrative and illustrate the continued presence and influence of Him

Question 7

Compare and contrast John’s Gospel to the Synoptics. What are the major continuities and what are the major discontinuities between John and the Synoptic Gospels? What makes John distinctive and not a “synoptic” gospel? How should these particular attributes or distinctions shape how we read the book?

Answer 7

Continuity: Jesus identity as Messiah, message, miracles, and Passion narrative

Discontinuity: different chronology; Cana, Lazarus, the woman at the well, focus on Jesus’ divinity rather than the Kingdom

Poetic nature of John, extended dialogues, and lack of Kingdom language make John especially unique

Question 8

Identify and explain the major OT trajectories and/or themes that run throughout John and why they are significant for understanding his narrative. Be sure to give specific examples with explanations from the text.

Answer 8

Exodus/Wilderness Motif (Feeding of the Five Thousand and Bread of Life in John 6

Tabernacle/Temple Motif (Jesus “dwelt” among us (literally tabernacled) in John 1; “I will rebuild this temple in 3 days” in John 2)

Suffering Servant Motif (the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep in John 10; Jesus’ passion in John 18-20)