O-Z Flashcards
What is the Old Testament?
The first part of the Bible, believed by Christians to have its laws and prophecies fulfilled in Jesus.
The Old Testament includes texts sacred to both Judaism and Christianity.
What does the olive branch symbolize?
A sign of peace.
Originated from the branch brought by a dove to Noah’s ark signifying that the flood was receding.
What event is referred to as original sin?
The eating of the forbidden fruit by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
This act led to their expulsion from Eden by God and is seen in Christian theology as the fall of all humans from divine grace.
What are parables?
Stories told by Jesus in the New Testament to convey his religious message.
Examples include the parable of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son.
What does Passover commemorate?
The deliverance of the Israelites from the worst of the plagues of Egypt.
True or False: The phrase ‘there is no new thing under the sun’ suggests that everything that happens has happened before.
True
Fill in the blank: The act of eating the forbidden fruit by Adam and Eve is known as _______.
original sin
Name two parables told by Jesus.
- Good Samaritan
- Prodigal Son
What is the Passover festival commemorating?
The escape of the Israelites from Egypt
It includes a whole roasted lamb as the main dish, and the blood of the lamb was used to mark the Israelites’ houses.
What was the role of the Angel of Death during Passover?
To kill the firstborn males of the Egyptians
The Angel would ‘pass over’ the houses marked with lamb’s blood.
What meal do Jews repeat each spring in memory of their departure from Egypt?
The Passover meal
What significant event did the Last Supper represent?
A Passover meal
How are the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus interpreted in relation to Passover?
As the new Passover of the New Testament
Who are considered the patriarchs in the Old Testament?
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the sons of Jacob
Refer to the story of Joseph and his brothers.
Who was Paul in the context of early Christianity?
An ancient Christian preacher and teacher, formerly an enemy of Christians
What transformative experience did Paul have on his way to Damascus?
He was blinded by a strong light from heaven and spoke to God
What does the phrase ‘pearl of great price’ symbolize?
Anything that is very valuable
What is the meaning of the saying ‘cast not your pearls before swine’?
Do not share something of value with those who will not appreciate it
What does Pentecost commemorate in the New Testament?
The day the Holy Spirit came to the disciples
What happened to the disciples on Pentecost?
They were filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke in other tongues
Who was Peter among the Apostles?
Chief among the Twelve Apostles, originally named Simon
What name did Jesus give to Simon, and what does it mean?
Peter, meaning ‘Rock’
What significant event did Peter deny during Jesus’ trial?
Being a follower of Jesus
What prophecy did Jesus make regarding Peter?
That Peter would be the rock upon which Jesus would build his church
What do Roman Catholics believe about Peter’s martyrdom?
He was crucified upside down in Rome
What is depicted in Perugino’s fresco ‘Christ Delivering the Keys of the Kingdom to Saint Peter’?
A detail from the fresco found in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
What significant church was built over what was believed to be Saint Peter’s burial site?
Saint Peter’s Basilica
What title was given to the kings of ancient Egypt?
Pharaoh
In the story of Joseph and his brothers, what role does the Pharaoh assign to Joseph?
In charge of his entire kingdom
What did the Pharaoh refuse to do in the Book of Exodus?
Let the Israelites leave Egypt
What were the consequences of the Pharaoh’s refusal in the Book of Exodus?
The plagues of Egypt
Who were the Pharisees?
A group of teachers among the Jews at the time of Jesus
How does Jesus describe the Pharisees in the Gospels?
Like ‘the blind leading the blind’ or ‘whited sepulchers’
Who were the Philistines in the Old Testament?
Enemies of the Israelites
What does the term ‘philistine’ commonly refer to today?
A person who is ignorant and uncultured
What does the proverb ‘Physician, heal thyself’ mean?
People should take care of their own defects
According to the Gospels, why did Jesus not perform many mighty works in Nazareth?
Because of their unbelief
Who was Pontius Pilate?
The governor of the Jews at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus
What did Pilate do to indicate his lack of responsibility for Jesus’ fate?
Washed his hands
What are the plagues of Egypt?
A set of disasters inflicted by God before the Pharaoh let Moses lead the Israelites out
What was the final and most horrible plague in Egypt?
The death of every Egyptian firstborn male child
Who is the Prodigal Son?
A character in a parable told by Jesus about forgiveness
What did the Prodigal Son do with his inheritance?
Wasted it with riotous living
What did the Prodigal Son do when he ran out of money?
Worked tending pigs
How did the father react to the Prodigal Son’s return?
Rejoiced and ordered the fatted calf to be slaughtered for a feast
What was the reaction of the elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son?
He was angry because he felt unappreciated despite his diligence.
The elder brother complained that he had never been treated to such a feast.
What assurance did the father give to the elder son in the Parable of the Prodigal Son?
The elder son would still receive his inheritance.
The father emphasized the importance of celebrating the return of the Prodigal Son.
What is the Promised Land?
The land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the land of Canaan.
It is also described as a ‘land flowing with milk and honey.’
What does the term ‘Promised Land’ signify beyond its biblical context?
An idyllic place or state of being that requires patience and determination to reach.
It symbolizes hope for a better future.
Define a prophet.
Someone who brings a message from God to people.
Prophets are often known for their themes of true worship and upright living.
Name some of the best-known prophets of the Old Testament.
- Daniel
- Elijah
- Isaiah
- Jeremiah
- Jonah
- Moses
Who did Jesus refer to as a prophet in the New Testament?
John the Baptist.
Christians view him as a bridge between the Old and New Testament prophets.
What distinction does Jesus make regarding prophets?
He mentions ‘true prophets’ and ‘false prophets.’
What is the significance of the phrase ‘A prophet is not without honor save in his own country’?
It describes how local people may not recognize the authority of someone they know personally.
This reflects Jesus’ experience in Nazareth.
What is the Book of Psalms?
An Old Testament book containing 150 prayerful songs and songs of praise.
Many psalms are ascribed to David.
Who was Rachel in the biblical context?
The second wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
Rachel was initially sterile for many years.
What event is described as the parting of the Red Sea?
An action of God that allowed the Israelites to escape from Egypt during the Exodus.
God divided the waters, enabling them to walk on dry land.
What did Jesus mean by ‘Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s’?
It implies that worldly authorities have the right to collect taxes, as long as religious duties are not compromised.
What is the Resurrection in Christian belief?
The rising of Jesus from the tomb after his death, a central and distinctive belief of the Christian faith.
It signifies the belief that all Christians will triumph over death.
On which day do Christians celebrate the Resurrection?
Easter Sunday
This day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
What is the Book of Revelation also known as?
The Apocalypse
It is the last book of the New Testament traditionally attributed to the Apostle John.
What major events does the Book of Revelation foretell?
- The violent end of the world
- Armageddon
- The Second Coming of Jesus
- Judgment Day
- A new Heaven and a new Earth
These events are revealed at the end of time.
Who is Ruth in the biblical context?
The great-grandmother of King David, known for her kindness and faithfulness.
Ruth married Boaz, a relative of her deceased husband.
What does the Sabbath commemorate?
The last of the seven days of creation, the day God rested from his labors.
This is described in the Book of Genesis.
What day do Christians traditionally observe as a day of rest?
Sunday
This is in adaptation of the Jewish observance of the Sabbath.
Who is Salome in biblical history?
The stepdaughter of Herod Antipas, who arranged for the beheading of John the Baptist.
Her name is not mentioned in the Gospels.
What does the phrase ‘salt of the Earth’ imply?
A person of admirable character.
This phrase originates from Jesus’ words to his disciples in the Sermon on the Mount.
What is salvation in Christianity?
Being ‘saved’ from the effects of the Fall of Man through faith in Jesus.
Salvation leads to eternal happiness in Heaven for those who maintain friendship with God.
Who was Samson in the Old Testament?
An Israelite servant of God known for his invincible strength against the Philistines.
He was ultimately betrayed by Delilah.
What did Delilah do to betray Samson?
She cut Samson’s hair while he slept, leading to his capture by the Philistines.
His strength was tied to his uncut hair.
Who is Satan in the Bible?
The Devil, the tempter who encourages the fall of Adam and Eve and torments Job.
He is also known as the Prince of Darkness.
True or False: Satan will one day be confined in Hell.
True
Until then, he roams the Earth.
How has Satan been depicted in various forms?
- A man with horns
- Goat hooves
- A pointed tail
- A dragon
- An angel with bat-like wings
These depictions vary across cultures and interpretations.
Who was the first king of Israel?
Saul
Saul battled repeatedly with the Philistines and became jealous of David.
What was Saul’s original name?
Saul was also the Apostle Paul’s original name.
What is the Second Coming?
The return of Jesus to judge the living and the dead and bring about the final triumph of good over evil.
Which writings express the belief that the Second Coming will happen soon?
The writings of the Apostles in the New Testament.
Name two Christian denominations that believe in the imminence of Jesus’ return.
- Seventh-Day Adventists
- Jehovah’s Witnesses
What is the Sermon on the Mount?
The first sermon of Jesus found in the Gospel of Matthew, expressing his teachings regarding the new age.
What are the Beatitudes?
Blessings pronounced by Jesus at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.
What is the Golden Rule as stated in the Sermon on the Mount?
“Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”
Fill in the blank: Jesus said, ‘Be ye ______, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect.’
[perfect]
What does the term ‘shibboleth’ refer to in biblical context?
A password used by the Israelites; an arbitrary test to prove membership in a group.
What mountain did Moses ascend to receive the Ten Commandments?
Mount Sinai.
What happened to Sodom and Gomorrah?
They were destroyed by God with a rain of fire and brimstone.
Who was the only good man found in Sodom before its destruction?
Lot.
What happened to Lot’s wife when she looked back at Sodom?
She became a pillar of salt.
Who was Solomon?
A Hebrew king, son and successor of David, known for his wisdom and wealth.
What is the ‘wisdom of Solomon’ known for?
Being proverbial.
What is the Song of Solomon?
A collection of poems about sexual love and courtship attributed to Solomon.
What does the Song of Solomon represent in Christianity?
Allegories of God’s love for Israel and the love of Jesus for his people.
What is the central place of worship for the Israelites?
The Temple.
Who built the first Temple in Jerusalem?
King Solomon.
What was kept in the central chamber of Solomon’s Temple?
The stone tablets with the Ten Commandments.
What is the significance of the Western Wall?
It is one of the most sacred places for Jews today.
The Western Wall is a remnant of the temples that were built on the site.
What are the Ten Commandments?
The heart of the divine law in the Old Testament, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, typically enumerated as:
* I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt have no other gods before me.
* Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
* Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
* Honor thy father and thy mother.
* Thou shalt not kill.
* Thou shalt not commit adultery.
* Thou shalt not steal.
* Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
* Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house.
* Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.
What does ‘like a thief in the night’ mean?
‘To appear or arrive swiftly and stealthily.’
This phrase comes from the epistle to the Thessalonians in the New Testament.
What is the meaning of ‘thirty pieces of silver’?
The money Judas Iscariot received for betraying Jesus.
It is also referred to as ‘blood money’ and signifies payment for a treacherous act.
Who is Thomas, the doubting apostle?
An apostle who first doubted the resurrection of Jesus but later believed after seeing Jesus and touching his wounds.
What does ‘through a glass darkly’ imply?
To have an obscure or imperfect vision of reality.
This expression comes from the writings of the Apostle Paul.
What does ‘A time to be born and a time to die’ signify?
There is a right moment for all actions.
This phrase is from the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes.
What is a tithe?
A tenth part of one’s annual income contributed to support the clergy or a church.
What is the tree of knowledge of good and evil?
A tree in the Garden of Eden, the fruit of which God forbade Adam and Eve to eat.
Eating the forbidden fruit brought about the Fall of Man.
What does ‘turn the other cheek’ mean?
To accept injuries and not seek revenge.
This concept is based on a command of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.
What is the Twenty-third Psalm known for?
It is the best known of the Psalms, often read at funerals as a profession of faith in God’s protection.
What does the phrase ‘valley of the shadow of death’ represent?
The perils of life from which God protects believers.
This expression is drawn from the Twenty-Third Psalm.
What is the major theme of the Book of Ecclesiastes?
The pointlessness of human activity.
The author insists on keeping God’s laws regardless of the outcomes.
Who is referred to as ‘the voice of one crying in the wilderness’?
John the Baptist.
This phrase is quoted from the Book of Isaiah, indicating John was preparing the way for Jesus.
What is the Vulgate Bible?
A Latin translation of the Bible made by Jerome in the fourth century.
It was the standard Bible of the Western world until the Reformation.
What miraculous act did Jesus perform according to the Gospels?
Walking on water.
This event occurred on the Sea of Galilee as Jesus rejoined his disciples.
Fill in the blank: ‘Whither thou goest, I will go’ is part of a promise of _______.
fidelity.
This promise was spoken by Ruth to Naomi.
Who were the Wise Men?
Gentile sages who visited Jesus after his birth.
They followed a star and brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
What does the phrase ‘the wolf shall also dwell with the lamb’ signify?
A description of an Earthly Paradise following the restoration of Israel.
This saying is found in the Book of Isaiah.
What does ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ metaphorically refer to?
False prophets.
This metaphor is derived from Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount.
Where is Mount Zion located?
In Jerusalem.
It is the mountain on which the fortress of the city was built.
