Overview of the Old and New Testaments

Question 1

Hebrew People

Answer 1

The descendants of Abraham and Sarah who became known as the Israelites after the Exodus and who later were called the Judeans or Jews

Question 2

Torah

Answer 2

A Hebrew word meaning “law”, the Jewish OT

Question 3

Pentateuch

Answer 3

A Greek word meaning “five books”, the Catholic OT

Question 4

Historical Books

Answer 4

Tell us about the many trials and triumphs of Jewish history before Christ, recounting the lives of various leaders, including kings, judges, warriors, and prophets

Question 5

Prophetic Books

Answer 5

Proclaim the messages of visionary religious reformers whom God called to challenge the people of Israel to stop their idolatrous practices, to act justly, and to care for the people

Question 6

Wisdom Books

Answer 6

contain poetry that is steeped in emotion, as well as practical advice on what it means to be wise

Question 7

Hellenism

Answer 7

The acceptance of Greek culture, language, and traditions

Question 8

Pharisees

Answer 8

Conservative in that they believed in keeping separate fro the gentiles, followed the law strictly, and added traditions of their own

Question 9

Sadducees

Answer 9

Liberal in that they wanted to accommodate Judeism in modern life and they didn’t believe in resurrection

Question 10

Essenes

Answer 10

Withdrew to a life of solitude and prayer, to prepare for the coming of God

Question 11

Herodians

Answer 11

Political leaders who collaborated with the Roman Empire

Question 12

Zealots

Answer 12

Revolutionaries concerned with the restoration of Jewish independence

Question 13

The Gospels

Answer 13

Tell us about the life, ministry, and teachings of Christ, as well as his passion, death, resurrection, and ascension

Question 14

Acts of the Apostles

Answer 14

Tells us about the early Christian community under the leadership of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit

Question 15

Pauline Letters

Answer 15

Offer empowering advice, teaching, community news, and pastoral encouragement and support. Written to early Christian communities by Paul and his disciples

Question 16

Non-Pauline Letters

Answer 16

Serve essentially the same function as the letters Paul wrote, but other authors wrote them

Question 17

Revelation

Answer 17

Offers words of support to those enduring persecution. It speaks of the second coming of Christ at the end of time

Question 18

Parousia

Answer 18

The prophesied return of Christ to earth at the Last Judgment

Question 19

Septuagint

Answer 19

A Greek version of the Old Testament