New Testament Bible Exam Prep Questions Flashcards
Who was the Jewish philosopher from Alexandria who provides background to the Second Temple period?
Philo
T/F A Targum is an Aramaic paraphrase of the Bible.
True
T/F Josephus was a Jewish historian who lived during the Maccabean revolt (about 165 B.C.).
False; 37-100 AD
Which Old Testament book does not appear in the Dead Sea Scrolls?
Esther
T/F The Apocrypha is included in the canon of the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.
True (Most Of It)
Which Persian ruler first allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem?
Cyrus the Great
What was the name of the Jewish colony in Egypt which built its own temple (destroyed in 410 B.C.)
Elephantine
Who was Alexander’s father?
Philip of Macedon
The process of establishing Greek rule and culture throughout Alexander’s captured lands was known as…
Hellenism
What is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible called?
Septuagint
What is the name of the dynasty which controlled Israel after the Maccabean revolt?
Hasmonean Dynasty
Who was the elderly priest who first led the revolt against the Greeks?
Mattathias
What is the title given to the “successors” of Alexander the Great?
Diadochoi
T/F: Alexander’s empire was managed by his young son for many years before being divided into four parts.
False
Which of Alexander’s generals controlled Syria?
Seleucus I Nicator
Which of Alexander’s generals controlled Egypt?
Ptolemy I Lagi Soter
Who was the Selucid king who decided to force Hellenism on Judea?
Antioches IV Epiphanes
What did Jesus call the despoiling of the Temple in Matt 24:15-16?
Abomination of Desolation
Who was the leader of the Jewish rebellion against the Selucids?
Judas called “Maccabeus”
What does the nickname “Maccabaeus” mean?
Hammer
What is the feast associated with the rededication of the Temple?
Hanukah / Festival of Lights
Where is the feast associated with the rededication of the Temple referred to in the New Testament?
John 10:22
In what year did Rome first conquer Palestine?
63 BC
Who was the Roman general who first took the city of Jerusalem?
Pompey
Who was the first emperor of Rome, who lived at the time Jesus was born?
Octavian / “Augustus”
When did Rome destroy Jerusalem and the Temple?
70 AD
Octavian is also known as. . .
Augustus
Know the first five Roman Emperors in order.
Augustus, Tiberias, Gaius Caligula, Claudius, Nero
The unprecedented peace and prosperity of the Roman Empire was known as . . .
Pax Romana
Who did Caesar appoint as king of Judea?
Herod the Great
What was Herod’s most famous building project?
The Temple
What was the name of Herod’s fortified palace overlooking the Dead Sea?
Masada
Who did Herod put to death for allegedly plotting against him?
Wife and Two Sons
Where are the original blocks for the Temple foundation still visible today? (Specifically, not “in Jerusalem!)
Western Wall
T/F The Roman procurators who governed Judea were usually wise and dealt with the Jews fairly.
False
In what year was the Jewish Temple destroyed?
70 AD
Who were the future Roman emperors who destroyed the temple?
Vespasian and his son Titus
What was the revolt in A.D. 135 called?
Second Jewish Revolt / Bar Kochba Revolt
What was the central social unit of the Greco-Roman world?
The Family
List a few of the ways a person might become a slave in the Roman world.
Defeated in War, Voluntary Entrance, Birth into Slave Family
T/F People did not voluntarily become slaves in the Roman world.
False
What was central to the economic and political life of the Roman world?
Patronage Relationships
T/F Rome used prefects and procurators to govern regions, not client kings.
False
Which school of philosophy engaged in shocking behavior in order to make the point that pious living should be “naturalistic”?
Cynics
Which school of philosophy focused on successful rhetoric?
Sophists
Which school of philosophy thought life was about maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain?
Epicureans
Which school of philosophy argued that the world was fundamentally the expression of rational force – the logos?
Stoics
Which school of philosophy developed Plato’s concept of ideas / forms as more substantial than their physical expression?
Middle Platonists
T/F Usually there was only one main temple in a Roman city dedicated to that city’s patron god or goddess.
False
T/F Most Roman homes had a lararium where daily libations (liquid sacrifices) were made to household gods.
True
T/F Hero worship and emperor worship were widespread in the Roman world.
True
What were religions called which had secret initiations and practices?
Mystery Religions
T/F Since most people in the Roman world were polytheistic, few were attracted to the monotheism of Judaism and Christianity.
True (yet some were)
What was the “charge” made against Christians who refused to worship Roman gods?
Atheism
Which of the “key social groups” name means “separated ones”?
Pharisees
Which of the “key social groups” name probably is derived from Zadok, David’s priest?
Sadducees
Which of the “key social groups” opposed payment of taxes to Rome?
The Fourth Philosophy / Zealots
Which of the “key social groups” were the subject of extreme prejudice from the Jews (and vice versa)
Samaritans
Which of the “key social groups” are associated with Qumran?
Essenes
Which of the “key social groups” accepted only the Law as authoritative?
Sadducees
Which of the “key social groups” were assassins?
Sicarii
Which of the “key social groups” summarized the law into 613 commandments?
Pharisees
To which of the “key social groups” did Simon, one of Jesus’ disciples, belong?
The Fourth Philosophy / Zealots
Which of the “key social groups” were an offshoot of the Jewish people?
Samaritans
Which of the “key social groups” did not believe in the resurrection of the dead?
Sadducees
Which of the “key social groups” is associated with the Dead Sea Scrolls?
Essenes
Which of the “key social groups” claimed to be “blameless” according to the Law of Moses?
Pharisees
Which of the “key social groups” are the “spiritual fathers” of modern Judaism?
Pharisees
What is the name of a Jewish place of worship for those who could not go to the Temple?
Synagogue
What is the name of the “martyrdom cult” of first century Palestine?
The Fourth Philosophy / Zealots
Which social group did the Essenes call “seekers of soft things”?
Pharisees
To which social group did Caiaphas the High Priest belong?
Sadducees
To which social group did Gamaliel, Paul’s teacher belong?
Pharisees
T/F: We can learn a great deal about the Sadducees by the literature they produced.
False
T/F: The Pharisees thought their “oral tradition” was a “fence around the Law.”
True
T/F: The Pharisees believed in strict predestination, while the Sadducees believed people were completely free to make their own choices.
False
T/F: The Essenes were known to have practiced communal meals.
True
T/F: Besides Jesus, there were several men who claimed to be the messiah in the first century.
True
T/F: The Egyptian is a “revolutionary prophet” mentioned in the book of Acts.
True
T/F: The Sicarii took their name from their founder, Sicarius.
False
List the four gospels.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
T/F Even though the gospels are historical writings, they are not always presented in strict chronological order.
True
T/F Acts belongs to the same genre as the gospels.
False (Gospels = Bio, Acts = Legitimization)
How old is the earliest known manuscript of the New Testament? What does it contain?
135 AD; John
The New Testament was originally recorded on what kind of material?
Papyrus
Roughly, how many New Testament manuscripts are there?
5,300
T/F: The textual support of the New Testament is far superior to that of other ancient writers.
True
T/F: No two manuscripts of the New Testament are exactly alike.
True
The New Testament is written in what language?
Greek
What does the word “gospel” mean?
Good News
Which two gospels were written by eye-witnesses (i.e. apostles)?
Matthew and John
Which gospel was likely written first? Which was written last?
First= Mark; Last = John
Which gospel was written by the “beloved disciple?”
John
Which gospel was likely written from Rome?
Mark
Which gospel was likely written in Ephesus?
John
Which Gospel is especially concerned with Jesus’ relationship with Israel?
Matthew
Which gospel speaks little about the kingdom of God, but rather focuses on eternal life?
John
Which Gospel uses geographical movement from Galilee to Jerusalem to describe Jesus’ ministry?
Luke
Which Gospel presents Jesus as the royal, messianic son of God?
Matthew
Which Gospel has seven “I Am” sayings?
John
In which Gospel is Jesus described as forming a new community called the “Way”?
Luke
In which gospel is the kingdom of God presented as a mystery which starts out small, but will grow into a full harvest?
Mark
In which Gospel is Jesus presented as the Messiah, Servant, and Lord?
Luke
Which gospel was written by a companion of Peter and reflects the preaching of Peter?
Mark
What is the word used to describe the three gospels that share the same basic outline?
Synoptic
T/F The Gospel of Mark has only seven miracles, which he calls “signs.”
False
T/F The Gospel of Matthew describes Jesus as the eternal logos.
False (John)
T/F The Gospel of Luke describes Jesus as superior to several Jewish institutions and celebrations.
False (John)
T/F The Gospel of Mark describes Jesus as the suffering servant.
True
T/F The Gospel of Matthew has five long sections containing the teachings of Jesus.
True
Where was Matthew when Jesus called him to be a disciple?
Tax Collectors Booth (Matthew 9:9)
By what other name is Matthew known?
Levi
What is the traditional date of Matthew’s gospel?
Late 50s to Early 60s
Who is the earliest witness to Matthew’s authorship of the Gospel?
Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis in Asia Minor (135 AD)
T/F While there are several competing traditions for the authorship of the first Gospel, Matthew has the most internal evidence.
False (No Competing Tradition Exists)
Many scholars suggest what location for the original audience of Matthew?
Church in Antioch of Syria
Which group was offended by Jesus eating with the wrong sorts of people?
Pharisees
T/F The most notable literary feature of Matthew is his use of proverbs and parables.
False (His Rhythmic Movement between Blocks of Narrative and Discourse)
T/F Matthew is fond of the term “Son of David” to describe Jesus.
True
How many teaching sections are there in Matthew? List them along with their chapters (see chart on 1827 as well):
5; Sermon on the Mount (chs. 5-7), Authoritative Mission of the Messiah’s Messengers (ch. 10), Parabolic Discourse (ch. 13), Community of the Messiah Revealed (chs. 18-20), Olivet Discourse (chs. 24-25)
Jesus was born in the city of ….
Bethlehem
Who visits the newborn Jesus in Matthew?
Wise Men from the East
T/F: The innkeeper is rather rude in Matthew’s gospel, leading some scholars to claim he was a Gentile.
False
Who warns Joseph to flee to Egypt?
Angel of the Lord
Who is the “voice calling in the wilderness?
John the Baptist
Where did the family of Jesus settle after Herod died?
Galilee
Who were the parents of John the Baptist?
Zechariah (Priest) and Elizabeth (Both Were Elderly)
T/F: John the Baptist’s baptism evoked prophetic images of cleansing, characterizing the messianic age.
True
Who lead Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted? For how long?
The Spirit; 40 Days and 40 Nights
How did Jesus “answer” each temptation?
By Quoting Scripture
In what town did Jesus call his first disciples?
Capernaum
The name of given to the “blessed are….’ sayings is….
The Beatitudes
T/F Matthew 5:17 can be used to argued that Jesus abolished the Law.
False
What is the fate of the one that says “you fool!”?
Hell
T/F Jesus reverses the Old Testament law on divorce in Matt 5
False
To what did the word hypocrite originally refer?
Greek Actors who Wore Masks
Where did Jesus tell his disciples to go when they pray?
Their Room
T/F Jesus condemns fasting in Matt 6
False
T/F Jesus summarizes the Law into a single sentence, known as the “Golden Rule.”
True
T/F Everyone that calls Jesus Lord will enter the kingdom of Heaven.
False (Matthew 7:21)
What was the reaction of the people after Jesus finished his teaching (7:28-29)
Astonishment
What was a Roman soldier who commanded 100 men was called?
Centurion
T/F It was normal for a Jewish rabbi to have disciples.
True
Who had a high fever and was healed by Jesus?
Peter’s Mother-in-law
Where do the demons go after Jesus casts them out of the Gadarene Demonicas?
Herd of Pigs
After the calling of Matthew, what do the Pharisees complain about?
Jesus Eating with Tax Collectors and Sinners
By whose authority do the Pharisees think that Jesus casts out demons?
Beelzebub / Prince of Demons
In Matthew 12, the Pharisees complain that Jesus’ disciples are breaking what law?
Sabbath
When the Pharisees ask for a sign, Jesus refuses to do a miracle, but instead gives the sign of….
Jonah
What is the “teaching style” used in Matthew 13?
parable
What Old Testament prophet does Jesus quote to explain his use of Parables when teaching the crowd?
Isaiah (Isaiah 6:9-10)
What is Jesus’ example for a tiny thing that grows into a large plant?
Mustard Seed
T/F The people of Nazareth were the first to accept Jesus message.
False
T/F In the parable of the sower, the seed that is stolen by birds means that some people hear the preaching of Jesus, but the Devil comes and “snatches” them away.
True
T/F In the Parable of the weeds, the weeds are tossed in a fiery furnace, “where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
False
T/F The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant who sells his goods for little or no profit in order to help the poor.
False
T/F The disciples enjoyed the parables because they understood them so easily.
False
According to widespread evidence from the early church, from whom did Mark get the material for his gospel?
Peter
What is the most convincing date for the gospel of Mark?
Mid-to-late 50s
During which emperor’s reign was Peter in Rome?
Claudius
What is the approximate year of Peter’s death?
64 AD
What is the ultimate purpose and theme of the Gospel of Mark?
To Present and Defend Jesus’ Universal Call to Discipleship
From what city was the Gospel of Mark written?
Rome
T/F While Mark makes the point that Jesus was certainly human, he does not present Jesus as the Son of God.
False
T/F One misunderstanding that Jesus must correct is the common Jewish idea that the Messiah was going to die.
True
Who held a grudge against John the Baptist, resulting in his execution?
Herodias (the Wife of Philip (Herod’s Brother))
Who was the woman who danced before Herod Antipas?
Herodias’s Daughter
The gospels record approximately how many parables of Jesus?
32
How did Jesus describe the people just before he fed them miraculously?
Sheep without a Shepherd
When Jesus walked across the water to meet the boat, the disciples thought he was a …
Ghost
In Mark 7, the Pharisees complain to Jesus that his disciples were not . . .
Following the Traditions of the Elders
The word for a gift that is “devoted to God” was….
Corban
What did the Syrophoenician woman ask from Jesus?
To Cast a Demon from Her Daughter
When Jesus was in the region of Decapolis, he healed a deaf-mute by….
Putting His (Jesus’) Fingers in the Man’s ears and touching the man’s tongue after he (Jesus) spit
Which of the disciples is the first to confess that Jesus is the Christ (Mark 8:28-29)?
Peter
Which three disciples witnesses the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-:12)?
Peter, James, and John
Who appeared with Jesus at the Transfiguration?
Moses and Elijah
What did the voice from heaven say at the Transfiguration?
“This is My Beloved Son; Listen to Him.”
According to Mark 10:45, why did Jesus come into the world?
To Save and Give His Life as a Ransom for Many
The rich young man who came to Jesus asked him….
“What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Which two disciples ask to sit on either side of Jesus in the Kingdom?
James and John
How do the Pharisees try to trap Jesus into saying something against Rome?
The Pharisees (Supporters of Jewish Rule) brought the Herodians (supporters of Rome) and asked if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar
Who gave the greatest offering in the temple? (How much was it worth?)
Poor Widow; 1/64 Day’s Wage
T/F Mark omits the temptation story and the birth of Jesus.
False (omits Birth Story)
T/F Mark has two miracle-feeding stories, one of 5000, another of 4000.
True
T/F Jesus cursed a fig tree because he came to it expecting fruit, but it had none.
False
Who will men see coming in the clouds, according to Mk 13:26? This image is similar to what Old Testament passage?
Son of Man; Daniel 7:13
T/F The Temple Mount occupied one sixth of the area of the city of Jerusalem.
True
What was the name of the Roman fortress on the NE side of the Temple Mount?
The Antonia Fortress
T/F Since there were few Gentiles who came to worship at the Temple, the Court of the Gentiles is rather small.
False
T/F The Court of the Women is closer to the Temple than the Court of the Gentiles.
True
What is the name of the church which has been venerated as the place of Jesus’ burial for centuries?
Church of the Holy Sepulcher
T/F It is clear that the same person who wrote Luke also wrote the book of Acts.
True
What is the earliest date possible for Luke-Acts?
62 AD
T/F Luke is mentioned in Colossians, Philemon, and 2 Timothy as a companion of Paul.
True
T/F The Church historian Eusebius thought that Luke was a gentile.
True
To whom is the gospel of Luke addressed?
Theophilus
T/F One of the reasons the Gospel of Luke was written was to assure the reader of the certainty of what they had been taught.
True
Luke 7:33-35 describes Jesus as a friend of…..
Tax Collectors and Sinners
Give an example of someone with whom Jesus shared a meal that was unacceptable to the Pharisees.
Tax Collectors and Prostitutes
How does Jesus enter Jerusalem? (i.e. riding on a….)
Colt
What is the Mount from which Jesus begins the Triumphal Entry?
Olivet
Where did Jesus spend the night while he was teaching in the temple?
On the Mount Called Olivet
What is the point of the cursing of the fig-tree?
Jesus’ Judgment on Jewish Religious Leaders
Which “day” of the final week of Jesus’ life was the Last Supper?
Thursday (14th of Nissan)
What is the shocking, unexpected thing that Jesus does at the beginning of the Last Supper? (LGW, but also John 13).
Washing the Disciples Feet
What does the Passover meal celebrate in Jewish history?
The Passover Event in Egypt (Exodus 12)
The betrayer of Jesus was….
Judas Iscariot
The betrayer was given how much money for his information?
30 Pieces of Silver
What do the bread and wine at the Last Supper represent?
Bread= Body of Jesus that was Broken; Wine= Blood of Jesus that was Poured
Which of the disciples is going to be “sifted as wheat”?
Peter (Luke 22:31)
What are the two possible years for the crucifixion of Jesus?
30 AD or 33 AD
How did Judas identify Jesus?
Kiss
How does Peter try to defend Jesus?
With a Sword (Cuts Off Ear of Servant of the High Priest)
T/F Pilate is known from history to be a wise and judicious man.
False
Who was the Jewish King who was pleased to see Jesus?
Herod
What is the accusation that the Jews make against Jesus to the Roman authorities?
Misleading the nation, forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, and claiming to be Christ–a king (Luke 23:2) (They do this as opposed to presenting Religious reasons for their claims)
Who is the Roman governor who must decide what to do with Jesus?
Pilate
Who was offered to the people instead of Jesus?
Barabbas (insurrection starter and murderer)
What is the name of the place where Jesus was crucified? (The name and the meaning?)
Golgatha, meaning “the skull”
Who was forced to carry the cross of Jesus?
Simon of Cyrene
What was written on the sign on the cross above Jesus’ head?
“King of the Jews” (Luke 23:38)
When Jesus gave up his spirit, several things happen – list them.
Curtain separating the Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom, Centurion praised God, Earthquake, Tombs opened as many people in Jerusalem were resurrected
Who declares that Jesus was the Son of God when he dies?
Centurion
Who was the man that buried Jesus in his own tomb?
Joseph from Arimathea
Two disciples were traveling to what city when they met the resurrected Lord.
Emmaus
When Jesus appears in the room with the disciples, they thought he was a ghost, so he did something to prove he had flesh and bones….what was it?
Let Them Touch Him
What does Jesus do in Luke 24:45-49 to help the disciples understand the events of his death and resurrection?
Open their minds to Scripture concerning his death and promised the Holy Spirit
T/F: A Latin inscription with the name of Pilate was discovered in 1961
True
T/F The Roman soldiers took bribes and said that the body of Jesus was stolen.
True
T/F There is some early Roman graffiti mocking the Crucifixion of Jesus.
True
What is the range of dates possible for the Gospel of John?
70 - 100 AD
What is the most likely place of writing for the Gospel of John?
Ephesus in Asia Minor
The disciple John is not mentioned in the book, rather, he is called….
“The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved”
What are the three literary “ingredients” combined in the Gospel of John?
Genre = Gospel; 1) What Jesus Did, 2) What Jesus Said (discourse and dialogue), 3) Responses of People to Jesus
T/F One of the most important theological teachings of John is that Jesus is God.
True
What is the word used to describe Jesus in John 1?
The Word
T/F The Greek of John 1:1 could be read to imply that Jesus was “a god” rather than “God.”
False
Who has seen God?
No One (John 1:18)
What is the Old Testament text quoted by John in response to the Pharisees’ question?
Isaiah 40:3
How many signs are there in the book of John?
7
What are the 7 signs given in John?
Changing Water Into Wine (John 2:1-11), Healing the Officials Son (John 4:46-54), Healing the invalid (John 5:1-15), Feeding the Multitude (John 6:5-13), Walking on the Water (john 6:16-21), Healing the Man Born Blind (John 9:1-7), Raising Lazarus (John 1
Where was John baptizing when he was confronted by the Pharisees?
In Bethany Across the Jordan
When John the Baptist sees Jesus in John 1:29, 35, how does he describe Jesus?
The Lamb of God
Who is the disciple that says “can anything good come from Nazareth?”
Nathanael
What was the “first sign” of Jesus? Where was this sign done (i.e. the city).
Water to Wine in Cana (in Galilee)
What is the symbolic action found in John 2:12-25? How is this different than the synoptic gospels?
Cleansing the Temple; the synoptic gospels record a second, later temple clearing, just prior to the crucifixion (Mark 11:15-19)
Who comes to Jesus by night in John 3? What do you know about the man?
Nicodemus; He is a Pharisee
At the end of John 3, how does John the Baptist describe Jesus?
He Who Comes From Above, He Who Comes From Heaven, He Whom God Has Sent
Who does Jesus meet in John 4? (And where does the meeting happen?) What do you know about her?
Samaritan Woman at Jacob’s Well in Samaritan Town call Sychar; She Has Had an Adulterous Relationship with 5 Men
Jesus heals an invalid at a pool called….?
Bethesda (“House of Mercy”)
Why were the sick waiting around at the pool?
To Be Healed (by Having and Angel of the Lord Stir the Waters)
T/F Jesus has little success in Samaria – the people there would never believe a Jew.
False (John 4:39)
T/F The city of Cana is mentioned in all four gospels.
False
In John’s Gospel, who first discovers the empty tomb?
Mary Magdalene
At what location does Jesus give his disciples a “great commission”?
Mountain in Galilee
From what location did Jesus ascend into heaven?
Mount of Olives Near Jerusalem
Who wrote Acts?
Luke
To whom was the book of Acts addressed? What does his name mean?
Theophilus; “Lover of God”
T/F Acts ends with Paul preaching the gospel in Spain.
False
T/F The early manuscripts of Acts have a greater variety than other New Testament books.
True
T/F Acts is one of several books in the New Testament that tell of the ministry of the apostles.
False
One third of Acts is made up of . . .
Speeches / Sermons
T/F Acts shows that the faithful witness to the gospel must be prepared to suffer and even die for their testimony.
True (Acts 5:41-42; 7:54-60)
What is the power behind the witness in Acts?
Holy Spirit
Acts of the Apostles is primarily concerned with the ministry of which two apostles?
Peter and Paul
Who was the replacement for Judas Iscariot?
Matthias
What did Judas do with this money earned by betraying Jesus?
Gave it to the Chief Priests (who effectively bought a field as though Judas had bought it)
What are the qualifications for the replacement for Judas?
Must Have Been with Jesus Since his Baptism Until His Ascension and Be a Witness to the Resurrection
How many followers of Jesus are in the upper room waiting for the Holy Spirit?
120 (Acts 1:15)
What is another name for Pentecost?
Feast of Weeks
Which Old Testament prophet did Peter use in his message at Pentecost? (See 2:17-21)
Joel
Where is the “new covenant” found in the Old Testament?
Jeremiah 31
At what location does Peter heal the beggar?
Temple
What “greatly disturbed” the Sadducees when Peter and John were preaching in Acts 4?
They Preached the Resurrection of the Dead in Christ
What was surprising about the speech of the disciples before the Sanhedrin?
They Were Boldly Speaking as Uneducated, Common Men
Who were the man and wife that tried to lie to the Holy Spirit? What happened to them?
Ananias and Sapphira; They Died
To whom did Ananias and Sapphira lie?
Holy Spirit
In Acts 5:19 who released the apostles when they were imprisoned?
Angel of the Lord
What Pharisee defended the preaching of the disciples? What is his recommended course of action?
Gamaliel; They should wait to see what happens. If their ministry is the will of man it will fall away like all others before them, but if it is of God it will succeed no matter what.
To what two other “messianic pretender” are the disciples compared?
Theudas and Judas the Galilean
T/F Since they gave a good account of themselves, Peter and John are released without any further punishment.
False
In Acts 6, the Apostles appoint seven….
Servants / Deacons
Who was the first martyr?
Stephen
What is the word used to describe Jews living outside of the land of Israel?
Diaspora (“dispersed”)
Whose sermon recorded in Acts 7 summed up the key elements of apostolic instruction in the early church? (BTW, it is also the longest speech in the book of Acts.)
Stephen’s
T/F Stephen’s speech mentions Abraham, Joseph, Moses and David.
True
What enemy of the church witnessed the stoning of Stephen?
Saul (Paul)
How did the Jews react to the preaching of Stephen?
Enraged/Ground Their Teeth, Stoned Him
Where did Philip the Evangelist first go when persecution broke out in Jerusalem?
Samaria
Where did the apostles stay when the persecution broke out?
Jerusalem
Who tried to purchase the power to give the Holy Spirit from Philip?
Simon the Magician
Where was Philip the evangelist traveling when he met the Ethiopian eunuch?
South on the Road from Jerusalem to Gaza
What was the scroll from which the Ethiopian was reading?
Isaiah
Where does Philip eventually settle, continuing his ministry?
Caesarea
To where was Saul traveling when the Lord appeared to him?
Damascus
How far is Damascus from Jerusalem?
135 Miles (Northeast from Jerusalem)
To what disciple was Saul sent to restore his sight? (Where did that disciple live?)
Ananias; Damascus
Who introduced Saul to the Apostles in Jerusalem?
Barnabas
In what city was Saul / Paul born?
Tarsus
About what year did Paul meet Jesus on the road to Damascus?
33 or 34 AD
Who vouches for Paul when he attempts to meet the apostles in Jerusalem? What does his name mean? (LGW)
Barnabas; “Son of Encouragement”
Who did Peter heal that had been paralyzed for eight years?
Aeneas
Who was the woman Peter raised from the dead? (She had two names, one Aramaic and one Greek, both of which mean……?)
Tabitha (Aramaic) / Dorcas (Greek); “Gazelle”
Peter had an important vision when staying at the home of….
Simon the Tanner
Who as the Centurion to whom Peter was sent?
Cornelius
What does it mean that Cornelius was a “God-Fearer”?
He is a Gentile that worships Israel’s God and was in some way attached to a synagogue, but did not submit to Jewish conversion rites (especially circumcision)
Who predicted a famine would occur during the reign of Claudius?
Agabus
Which two significant people meet in the church at Antioch?
Barnabas and Paul
Who was the first Apostle killed by King Herod?
James the Brother of John
How did Peter get out of jail in a Acts 12?
Followed an Angel of the Lord
To whose house does Peter go after getting out of prison?
Mary (the Mother of John Mark)
Who is the girl that opens the door for Peter after he escapes prison?
A Servant Girl Named Rhoda
What did Herod do to the guards who were on duty when Peter was released from jail?
Put Them to Death
Why was King Herod struck dead?
He did not give God glory when crowds declared him to have the “voice of a god, not man.”
T/F Peter immediately understood and obeyed the vision when it was first given.
False
T/F Herod was eaten by worms, and died.
True
About what year did Paul’s first missionary journey begin?
46 or 47 AD
Who sets Barnabas and Saul apart for “the work”?
The Holy Spirit
To whom do Barnabas and Saul preach the gospel when they arrive in Salamis?
To the Jews in the Synagogue
Who is with Barnabas and Saul? (See 12:12 and 12:25)
John Mark
Who was the Jewish sorcerer who tried to Stop Saul/Paul from preaching? What happened to him?
Elymas; Blinded For a Time
When Paul preaches boldly in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, what is the initial reaction of the Jewish listeners? What happened the next week?
They beg to hear more next Sabbath and follow Paul and Barnabas; The next week the whole city had gathered on the next Sabbath but Jews had become jealous and contradicted Paul’s teaching
What happened when Paul healed a man crippled in his feet in the city of Lystra?
The People Thought Barnabas was Zeus and Paul was Hermes
After the Jews arrived in Lystra, what happed to Paul?
He Was Stoned
What did Paul and Barnabas do in order to establish churches in the towns they visited? (See 14:21-25)
Appointed Elders
What is the “controversy” in Acts 15?
Circumcision (specifically whether Gentiles have to be Jewish to be Christians)
What Pauline book deals with the problem of Gentile circumcision and keeping the Law?
Galatians
T/F After Acts 15, Gentiles were not forced to keep the law, except for Sabbath and food laws.
False (just food laws)
Who is the non-apostle who appears as a “key leader” in the Jerusalem Council?
Barnabas
Read Acts 16:10-11 …notice that the author says “we got ready….” What does this imply?
Luke (the author) was with Paul
Why do Paul and Barnabas have an argument and eventually split up?
Barnabas Wanted to Bring John Mark and Paul Did Not
Who joins Paul’s ministry team to replace Barnabas? (15:36-40)
Silas
Describe Timothy’s parents.
Mother was Jewish Believer and Father was Greek
What is the first public place Paul typically went after arriving in a city to preach the gospel?
Synagogue
What is the vision Paul receives in Acts 16?
Macedonian Man
Who is the first convert in Europe? (In Philippi…)
Lydia
Why was Paul put in prison in Philippi?
They commanded a demon out of a fortune-telling slave girl which upset her masters who made a profit from her demon given ability to tell the future
What happened at midnight when Paul was in chains in Philippi?
An Earthquake Shook the Prison Foundations which Opened the Doors
Why do the Philippian officials invite Paul to quietly leave their city?
They did not know that Paul was a Roman Citizen and therefore mistreated him
What is the name of the road connecting Philippi and Thessalonica?
Egnatian Way
For how many Sabbaths did Paul “reason” with the Jews in Thessalonica?
3
Who put up the bail for Paul when there was trouble in Thessalonica?
Jason
Who were “more noble” than the Thessalonican Jews?
Bereans
Where did Paul preach while in Athens?
Areopagus (Mars Hill)
To what god was there an altar to in Athens which Paul used to preach the gospel?
The Unknown God
What does the name “Areopagus” mean?
“Hill of Ares”
What is the name of the ancient marketplace?
Agora
Why does Paul quote two pagan philosophers?
To Relate to the Audience in Athens and “meet them where they are at”
Who are the two fellow tent-makers Paul meets in Corinth?
A Jew named Aquila and his wife Priscilla
Why are Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth, instead of their hometown, Rome?
Claudius demanded that all Jews leave Rome
Who was the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth who converted to Christianity?
Crispus
Who was the proconsul of Achaia when Paul was arrested in Corinth?
Gallio
What year did Gallio the proconsul rule in Corinth?
51-52 AD
How long did Paul stay in Corinth?
1 Year and 6 Months
What did Paul do when he reached Cenchrea? Why?
Cut His Hair because of a Vow (He likely had completed the vow)
Who was the native of Alexandria living in Corinth who only knew the “baptism of John”?
Apollos
T/F Paul frequently invokes his Roman citizenship to get out of jail or other difficult situations.
False
T/F Paul and Barnabas usually began their ministry by visiting the market place and other public meeting halls.
False (Synagogue First)
Whose disciples did Paul find when he arrived in Ephesus?
John the Baptist’s
Paul held lectures in this person’s hall in Ephesus for two years.
Tyrannus
Who were the men who attempted to drive out demons in the name of Jesus and Paul? How well did that work out for them?
Seven Sons of Sceva; They Became Possessed Themselves
What did those who had practiced sorcery do when they believed?
Public Burning of Their Books
What was the value of the scrolls destroyed by the magicians?
Fifty Thousand Pieces of Silver
Why did Demetrius the Silversmith want to stop Paul’s ministry?
Paul preached against idols which are a large source of income for silversmiths
Who was the goddess worshiped in Ephesus?
Artemis
Who did Paul raise from the dead when he was in Troas? (What does his name mean, ironically?)
Eutychus; “lucky” (he fell asleep in a window and died from the fall while listening to Paul)
Paul quotes Jesus in Acts 20:35; Where is this line found in the gospels?
Nowhere (it is an example of how Jesus said and did much more than what could be recorded in the Gospels. This must have been a teaching of his that was preserved orally)
When Paul is speaking to the Ephesian elders, he says that The Spirit compels him to go to what city?
Jerusalem
T/F: The temple of Artemis was one of the “seven wonders” of the ancient world.
True
What did Agabus predict in Acts 21:20-21?
Paul would be bound by Jews in Jerusalem and delivered to the Gentiles
Why was Paul arrested in Jerusalem?
Some thought he had brought Greeks into the Temple
Who did the Roman guard think that Paul was in Acts 21:38?
An Egyptian Leader of a Revolt involving Assassins
Why did the Roman centurion not flog Paul at the end of Acts 22?
Paul was an Uncondemed Roman Citizen
Who does Paul call a “whitewashed wall” when he is speaking before the Sanhedrin?
Ananias the High Priest
Who warns Paul that the Jews are plotting to ambush him when he is called before the Sanhedrin?
The Son of Paul’s Sister (his nephew)
Who is the Roman governor in Caesarea who initially hears Paul’s case?
Felix
Who is the Lawyer sent to make the case against Paul on Caesarea?
Tertullus
Who was the wife of Felix who was a Jewess?
Drusilla
Who succeeded Felix as governor?
Festus
To whom does Paul appeal in Acts 25?
Caesar
What does Festus think has driven Paul insane? (Acts 26:24-25)
Paul’s Great Learning
What is the Old Testament Prophetic passage Paul cites as true about these Jews (around the time of Paul’s trial)?
Isaiah 6:9-10
T/F Paul prophesied that everyone would survive the shipwreck, but three people died anyway.
False (no one was harmed)
T/F Agrippa would have set Paul free had he not appealed to Caesar.
True (if Agrippa was being honest in Acts 26:32)
T/F Paul was under house arrest in Rome for about 2 years, and was allowed to preach and teach freely during this time.
True
How many epistles are there in the New Testament?
21 (13 of Paul)
T/F We can be fairly confident of an approximate date for most of the letters.
True
What is the earliest letter, according to the ESVSB?
????!
What is the latest letter, according to the ESVSB?
1,2, and 3 John
What is the first element in the opening of a letter?
The Sender
T/F Paul often includes his travel plans in the closing of his letters.
True
T/F Because they are letters, the epistles have not had a great deal of influence on the development of Christian doctrine.
False
T/F In almost every instance, the epistles address specific situations facing the church.
True
What is the practice of writing a letter in someone else’s name?
Pseudonymity
What is the evidence that people did not forge letters in the early church?
It was discouraged and punished
What is the word used for the secretary who assisted in writing letters?
Amanuensis
What are the six major themes of the Epistles?
1) Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promises in redemptive history. He is Messiah, Lord, the Son of God, and the true revelation of God. 2) The new life of believers is a gift of God, anchored in the cross and empowered by the Holy Spirit. 3) Chri
What is the word used to describe Jews living outside the Land?
Diaspora (“dispersed”)
What were the main “boundary markers” which separated Jews from their Gentile neighbors?
Circumcision, Dietary Laws, Sabbath
T/F In general, Gentiles were tolerant and accepting of the unique practices of the Jews.
False
Paul says that he is from which of the tribes of Israel?
Benjamin
Paul says he was from which “party” within Second Temple Period Judaism?
Pharisees
What was the usual age for a young Jewish man to begin his study of the Torah?
12
Which books are “prison epistles”?
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon
Which books are “pastoral epistles”?
1 & 2 Timothy, Titus
What is the earliest Pauline letter?
Galatians
What is the last Pauline letter?
2 Timothy or 2 Thessalonians
Which letter of Paul was written to a congregation struggling with the problem of Gentiles and the Law?
Galatians
Which book was written as an introduction to Paul’s theology for a church Paul hoped would help him on a missions trip to Spain?
Romans
Which letter was written as a thank-you letter to a church which helped Paul financially?
Philippians
Which letter was written to a church Paul did not establish?
Colossians
Which letter deal with questions about the return of Christ?
1 & 2 Thessalonians
Which letter was written to a man working as an overseer of several churches on Crete?
Titus
Which letter concerns a runaway slave?
Philemon
Which letters were written to a congregation struggling to integrate their faith and culture?
1 & 2 Corinthians
Which letter was a circular letter to churches in (western) Asia Minor?
Ephesians
Which letter was written from Corinth at the end of the third missionary journey?
Romans
Which letter is usually associated with Paul’s Roman imprisonment, but could have been written as early as the mid-50’s?
Philippians
Which book was written near the end of the first missionary journey, before Acts 15?
Galatians
Instead of worshiping the creator, humans worship….
“the creature” / idols
Because humans suppress the truth of God, what does God do to them?
Gave Them Up to the Lusts of Their Hearts
By the end of Romans 3, who is righteous before God?
No One
What is the ultimate result of sin?
Death
T/F Paul teaches that “Freedom in Christ” does not free one from proper moral and ethical behavior.
True
In which letter does Paul deal most extensively with the believer’s relationship with the Law?
Romans
T/F The Old Testament predicts that Gentiles will replace Jews as the people of God.
False
T/F Jews in the first century thought that the Law would come to an end at some point in the future.
False
Who is the Old Testament character used in Romans 4 as an analogy of someone made right with God apart from the Law?
Abraham
T/F Abraham was made right with God after he was given the rite of circumcision.
False (he was made right BEFORE circumcision)
How was Abraham made right with God?
Faith
What has God done “in the past” to provide for our salvation?
Chose Us In Christ and Predestined Us for Adoption as Sons
Define “Grace.”
Unmerited Favor / an undeserved and unearned gift
What is the act of accepting Christ’s sacrifice on the cross?
Faith
T/F Paul stands on the foundation of the Hebrew Bible when he describes salvation as a gift of grace.
True
What is the verse which best describes our salvation as “by grace through faith”? (Book Chapter:verses)
Ephesians 2:8-10
T/F Paul says that the one who is in Christ ought to do good works in order to maintain their salvation.
False
What is the word used to describe someone turning from their sin toward God?
Repentance
What is the Law-Court metaphor for salvation used by Paul?
Justification (a criminal acquitted despite guilt)
Define justification.
Declared Righteous Before God
What is a key text in Romans which describes justification?
Romans 4:4-5
What is the metaphor for salvation which is drawn from Greco-Roman slave markets?
Redemption
What is a key verse in Romans which describes redemption?
Romans 8:1-4
What is the metaphor for salvation which is drawn from the military or political world?
Reconciliation
What is the metaphor for salvation Paul frequently uses to describe our being “in Christ”? (Titus 3:5-6, for example).
Washing
T/F While Jews might understand the idea of “washing” as a metaphor for salvation, it is unlikely the Roman world would have understood Paul’s meaning.
False
T/F The metaphor of “washing” is drawn from Leviticus and the practice of ritual washing.
True
T/F The Holy Spirit is frequently described in liquid terms in the Old Testament.
True
What is the goal of our new life in Christ?
Be Holy as God is Holy
Who is it that makes the believer holy (Gal 5:16-27)?
The Spirit
What is the metaphor Paul uses to describe our new life in Christ which was drawn from Roman family life?
Adoption
T/F to become holy is to be “Christ-like.”
True
T/F Adoption was rare in the Greco-Roman world.
False
T/F Unlike other metaphors for salvation in Paul, Adoption does not have an eschatological aspect.
False
What are the three metaphors for the church most frequently used by Paul?
The People of God, The Body of Christ, the Temple of the Holy Spirit
Which metaphor for the church emphasizes a continuity with the Old Testament?
People of God
Which metaphor for the church emphasizes the headship of Christ?
Body of Christ
Which metaphor for the church emphasizes the enabling power of the Holy Spirit?
Temple of the Holy Spirit
What are the two aspects of the church emphasized in 1 Cor 12:12-31?
Unity (One Body) and Diversity (Many Members)
What are the two “offices” in the early church?
Elder; Deacon
In what books are the qualifications for these offices found?
Titus & 1 Timothy
T/F Leadership through “elders” is unique to Paul’s view of the church, there is nothing quite like it in the Old Testament.
False
T/F There is no reference to deacons in the book of Acts.
False
What is the basic foundation for Ethics in Paul?
A Living Sacrifice
According to Romans 121-2, the believer is not to be….to this word, but rather…..
Conformed; Transformed by the Renewal of His Mind
T/F Paul’s ethics in Romans 12 are quite similar to the prevailing culture of his day, perhaps explaining why his gospel was so attractive to the Romans.
False
T/F Paul’s ethical teaching clearly demands that we obey the government because governments are appoint by God.
True
What was a major ethical problem Paul must deal with in Romans 14 which is somewhat obscure today?
Clean vs. Unclean Food
T/F Revenge was considered acceptable in the Roman world.
True
T/F At the time Romans was written, Roman emperors were relatively righteous, even “godly.”
False
What is the Old Testament book which reflects the same sort of ideas on debt as Paul does in Romans?
Leviticus
T/F Paul teachers that the Christian ought to be abstain from rich foods and alcohol.
False
T/F Paul’s expectations about the future are similar to the Jews of the first century.
True
T/F Clearly Paul believed that the Lord would not return in during his lifetime.
False
What is a brief definition of “eschatology”?
Study of Last Things
T/F Based on the writings of Paul, it is fairly easy to develop a time-line of future events.
False
What is the word used to describe the “catching away” of believers at the end of this age?
The Rapture
What are the three possible times when the rapture could happen with respect to the tribulation?
Pre, Mid, Post
Where did Paul get his teaching on the rapture in 1 Thess 4?
Jesus
What is Paul’s point in teaching the rapture?
It’s a Comforting Hope
Why were the Thessalonians disturbed in 2 Thess?
They thought they missed the rapture
Who must be revealed before the “end can come”?
Man of Lawlessness
What are the three descriptions of the Day of the Lord Paul uses in 1 Thess 5?
Thief in the Night, Labor Pains, Sudden Destruction
T/F Paul explains that the Rapture cannot happen until all seven signs appear.
False
T/F The Thessalonians thought that Nero was the Antichrist, so they must have missed the rapture.
True
T/F The Rapture only appears in 1 Thess 4
False
T/F Paul draws his teaching on the rapture from Isaiah 53 and Daniel
True
What will Jesus do when he returns, according to Eph 1:21?
Rule Over All Things
According to Eusebius, who is the only one who knows who wrote Hebrews?
God
What is the “critical issue” for dating the book of Hebrews?
Whether the Destruction of the Temple has already happened at the time of writing
Who did Martin Luther suggest as the author of Hebrews?
Apollos
Which of the following is not a suggested author of Hebrews?
Potential… Early Church = Barnabas and Paul, Scholars = Clement, Luke, Apollos
What is the main theme of the book of Hebrews?
Supremacy and Sufficiency of Christ
T/F Hebrews frequently encourages readers to endure and remain faithful.
True
What are some of the things that Jesus is “greater than” in the first few chapters of Hebrews?
Angels, Priests, Old Testament Institutions
What early Church writer appears to have quoted Hebrews?
Clement
When Jesus came in the flesh, he was made a little lower than…
The Angels
In Hebrews 3:1-12 the writer warns his readers not to….
Have Hardened and Distant Hearts
Jesus is a high priest in the order of…..
Melchizedek
Who is the priest mentioned in Hebrews 5? Where is he found in the Old Testament?
Melchizedek; Genesis 14
