New Testament Exam 2 Flashcards
The word “canon” means….?
A reed - it refers to a measuring rod, or standard
What is the earliest example of an “‘official” list of New Testment books called?
The Muratorian Canon
Which Bishop had the first list containing our modern list of 27 books as the canon?
Bishop Athanasius
Who formalized the list we recognize today
The Council of Carthage in 397 AD
What era brought about new inquiries into the canonicity of scripture?
The Reformation period
Who called the book of James’ “an epistle of straw”
Martin Luther
Who rejected the authoriship of Hebrews and 2 Peter, and never accepted all 27 books into the canon?
Calvin
List the criteria used for Canonicity by the early Church Fathers
- Must conform with the teachings handed down from disciple to disciple
- Must be authored by an Apostle (Apostolicity)
- Must have widespread usage and acceptance among the churches
Name the three synoptic gospels
Matthew, Mark, Luke
What does the term “synoptic” mean?
Seeing together
Are the synoptics identical?
No - they maintain different emhasis, themes and arrangements
What is the “Synoptic Problem”?
A set of questions surrounding the relationship between these three Gospels
Why is it referred to as a Synoptic “PROBLEM”?
In an academic setting it simply refers to something yet to be adequately solved and needing more study
How does John’s gospel differ from the synoptics?
His perspective is different - he views more of heavan coming down rather than earth going up
What are the four areas identified in the Synoptic Problem?
- Similarities in arrangement
- Similarities in vocabulary and style
- Similarities in two gospels only
- Divergences
What five areas must be addressed in moving toward a solution to the Synoptic Problem?
- The need to account for external testimony
- A place for personal reminiscence
- The distinction between authorship and editorship
- The value of simplification
- The role of the Holy Spirit in overseeing the entire process
Name the four theories provided as options for a solution to the Synoptic Problem.
- The Orginal Gospel Hypothesis
- The Oral Tradition Theory
- The Written Fragment Theory
- The Interdependence Hypothesis
What is the Orginal Gospel Hypothesis?
The four gospels were all based off of an original gospel that is now lost
What is the The Oral Tradition Theory?
Oral tradition was used for each Gospel and accounts for the differences among them
What is The Written Fragment Theory?
The evangelists composed their Gospels from written documents that contained only parts of Jesus’ life
What is The Interdependence Hypothesis?
One of the Gospels were written first and all others were based on that one
What has been dubbed as “Q”?
A reference to a supposedly lost book of Jesus’ sayings
In the “Interdependence Hypothesis” - what theories are used to support this?
- The Augustinian Proposal - Matthew written first
- “Two-Gospel Hypothesis”- Matt. first, then Luke, and Mark borrowed from them
- “Two Source Hypothesis” - Mark and “Q” used to write Matt and Luke
- “Four Source Hypothesis” - The “two source hypothesis” and two addtional unknownw sources called “M” and “L”
What was the most popular gospel in the early period?
Matthew
Who is the author of Matthew?
Technically it is anonymous, but thought to be Matthew
Who was the audience of Matthew?
Jews
What was the purpose of Matthew?
No stated purpose but obviously to evangelize Jews, disciple Christians, and sharpen apologetics
What are the dates of Matthew?
80-100 AD
What are the themes of Matthew?
- Christology - Jesus is King
- Kingdom of Heaven
- The Church
- Discipleship
- Practical Righteousness
Who authored Mark?
John Mark - who possibly penned the testimony of Peter
Who was the audience of Mark?
Gentiles in Rome
What was the purpose of Mark?
To share “the good news”
What three distinctions does Mark have?
- Its the earliest written gospel
- It shows the most action - “immediately”
- Two endings exist in manuscripts (one long and one short)
What are the themes of Mark?
- Lots of actions
- Lots of miracles
- Jesus is son of man
- Jesus is emotional
Who is the author of John?
John - the son of Zebedee
How is John affectionately referred to?
the “beloved disciple”
What was the purpose of John?
John said - “the things have I written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ” (20:31).
Who is the audience of John”
Diaspora Jews
What are the two major themes of John?
BELIEF and SIGNS
What signifigant textual variance is contained in John?
1:18 - “only begotten Son” or “only begotten God”
Who is the author of Luke and Acts?
Luke
What does “Acts” mean?
Former Book
Could Luke and Acts have been one book?
Yes - but not likely
What is the weakest, strongest, and best purpose of Luke and Acts
Strongest- the expansion of the church
Weakest - Instructions on the Holy Spirit
Best - To demonstate the freedom of the gospel
What are the themes of Luke and Acts?
- Holy Spirit
- Prayer
- Social Ministry
- Parables
What are the critical issues related to Acts?
- The histprical precedant
- Chronology in relations to Galatians
- Textual variants
- The abrupt ending
What was Luke occupation?
Doctor and Evangelist
What are the chronological dates of the Gospels?
- Mark - 55-70
- John - 55-95
- Luke / Acts - 75-95
- Matthew - 80-100
How does each Gospel present Jesus
- Matthew - King
- Mark - Servant
- Luke - Man
- John - God
