Term
| Who are the Hellenists and how do they differ from the Hebrews? |
|
Definition
| The Hellenists are Jewish believers who speak Greek. The Hebrews, on the other hand, are Jewish believers who speak Hebrew. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The Diaspora refers to the expulsion of the Israelites from their homeland, so that they scattered to many different parts of the world. (?) |
|
|
Term
| What is the disagreement between the Hellenists and Hebrews? |
|
Definition
| The Hellenists complained that the Hebrews were neglecting the Hellenist widows when distributing food. |
|
|
Term
| What is the apostles' solution to the dispute between the Hellenists and Hebrews? |
|
Definition
| They appoint administrators to distribute food fairly amongst the early Christian community. |
|
|
Term
| What two key figures emerge when the apostles appoint administrators to distribute food? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| With whom does Stephen debate? |
|
Definition
| The Synagogue of the Freedmen |
|
|
Term
| What charges are brought against Stephen? |
|
Definition
| Speaking against the Temple and the Law of Moses |
|
|
Term
| What key points do we find in Stephen's sermon? |
|
Definition
(1) He reviews Jewish history from Abraham to Moses, to point out that God has been faithful to his promises.
(2) He describes the pattern of Moses, and compared his life and ministry (including his rejection) to that of Jesus.
(3) He provides examples of Jewish stubbornness, pointing out the Jews' historical penchant for persecuting good prophets.
(4) He points out that people worshiped God for generations without a Temple; therefore God is not limited to a Temple, but is available to anyone and everyone.
(5) He finishes by condemning the Jews, proclaiming that they "murdered the Righteous One" and "don't obey the law." |
|
|
Term
| What is the pattern of Moses? |
|
Definition
A first coming in weakness, helping his people, who in turn reject him.
Then a second coming in power, saving his people and performing signs and wonders - yet they still ultimately reject him and turn to idols.
This pattern that parallels in both Moses's and Jesus's lives. |
|
|
Term
| What does Stephen see prior to his death? |
|
Definition
| The Son of Man at the right hand of God |
|
|
Term
| What story from the Gospels is replayed in the trial and death of Stephen? |
|
Definition
| Jesus's trial and crucifixion. |
|
|
Term
| What key figure is introduced at the stoning of Stephen? |
|
Definition
| Saul (who would become Paul) |
|
|
Term
| What happens as a result of Stephen's death? |
|
Definition
| Now under persecution, all the early Christians (except for the apostles) scatter elsewhere, throughout Judea and Samaria. |
|
|
Term
| What is the traditional view regarding the origin of the Samaritans? |
|
Definition
| They came from intermarriage between Jews and immigrants soon after the Assyrian conquest. |
|
|
Term
| In what ways are Samaritans similar to and different from the Jews? How do they feel about each other? |
|
Definition
They are almost exactly the same as the Jews - significantly, they both believe in only one God, and the same God. Only a few key differences separate them:
(1) They believe only the Pentateuch is authoritative.
(2) They have their own temple and priesthood on Mt. Gerizim (they didn't believe there could be only one temple).
There was great antipathy between the Jews and Samaritans - they did not take kindly to one another. |
|
|
Term
| What is unusual about the conversion of the Samaritans? What is the function of this anomaly? |
|
Definition
They are baptized, but do not receive the Spirit until the disciples lay hands upon them.
This ultimately shows acceptance of the Samaritans into Christianity, promoting Luke's theme of universalism. |
|
|
Term
| How is the story of the conversion of the Samaritans connected with the programmatic statement of chapter 1? |
|
Definition
| It relates to the idea of preaching the gospel "through all of Judea and Samaria," meaning Jews and Samaritans alike. |
|
|
Term
| What role does God play in Philip's interactions with the Ethiopian eunuch? |
|
Definition
| God sends an angel to lead Philip to the right road, and then the Holy Spirit prompts Philip to go up to the chariot in which the eunuch was reading Scripture. |
|
|
Term
| What passage of Scripture is the Ethiopian eunuch reading? (the one God leads Philip to) |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Why is Saul so zealous about persecuting the disciples? |
|
Definition
| He sees the Christian movement as dangerous, riddled with heretics to the Jewish law. In addition, their central figure was hung on a tree, and a Jewish law stated that anyone hung on a tree is cursed. |
|
|
Term
| What is this early Christian movement called at this time? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What does Saul experience on the road to Damascus? |
|
Definition
| A vision. He sees a bright flash of light and hears a voice asking him, "Why do you persecute me?" He is then blinded for three days. |
|
|
Term
| What is Ananias's role in the story of Paul's vision on the road to Damascus? |
|
Definition
| He is called by God to heal Saul, but knowing Saul's vehemence towards the early Christians, was hesitant to obey. |
|
|
Term
| What specific statement does the Lord make about Saul's future mission? |
|
Definition
| "Bring my name before nations/Gentiles and kings" and "suffer for my name." (?) |
|
|
Term
| What message does Saul proclaim in the synagogue? (shortly after his conversion) |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Why does Saul leave Damascus? |
|
Definition
| There was a conspiracy among the local Jews to kill Saul. Also, Saul wished to join the disciples in Jerusalem. |
|
|
Term
| What is the response of the disciples in Jerusalem upon Saul's return? |
|
Definition
| They are skeptical of him |
|
|
Term
| When we compare Acts 9 with Galatians, what do we learn about Luke's chronology? |
|
Definition
| It is condensed. Galatians says Saul arrived in Jerusalem 3 years after his conversion, but Acts records no such length of time. |
|
|
Term
| What five features of Judaism appealed to Gentiles? What were some practical reasons to become a Jew? |
|
Definition
(1) Monotheism
(2) High ethical standards
(3) Non-sacrificial worship at synagogue
(4) Ancient (old, reliable) Scriptures
(5) Sense of community
Practical reasons for conversion included
(1) If you were a slave to a Jewish household, it would help to share the same beliefs as your master
(2) [some second thing] |
|
|
Term
| What is the difference between a God-fearer and a proselyte? |
|
Definition
A proselyte is someone who formally "converts" to Judaism, accepting the law and circumcision, and later baptism. But I guess they were still not completely Jews?
A God-fearer could lie anywhere on a wide range of commitments to Judaism. They are sympathetic toward Judaism and strong advocates of it, but are not properly converted to it (many were deterred by circumcision). |
|
|
Term
| What vision does Peter have? What message does this vision communicate to him? |
|
Definition
A large sheet full of unclean animals is lowered to him, and three times a voice says, "Get up Peter, kill and eat." Don't profane what God has made clean.
This showed Peter that accordance to Jewish law no longer separated Jewish Christian and Gentile Christian. |
|
|
Term
| What is Peter's message to the Gentiles? |
|
Definition
(1) God shows no partiality, but accepts those from every nation who fears him - he is available to anyone
(2) Jesus is "Lord of all"
(3) They killed him, God raised him, and we are witnesses
(4) Everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness |
|
|
Term
| What happens while Peter is speaking to the Gentiles? Why is this unusual? |
|
Definition
| The Holy Spirit fell on all and they start "speaking in tongues." This is unusual, because this (as initially interpreted) only happened once when the disciples received the Holy Spirit in tongues of fire. But here, "speaking in tongues" probably means ecstatic speech as opposed to speaking in foreign languages. |
|
|
Term
| Why are the circumcised believers astounded at Philip's message to the Gentiles? |
|
Definition
| They hadn't understood the scope of the disciples' mission. |
|
|
Term
| How do the Jerusalem believers respond to this new turn of events? (after Philips' message to the Gentiles) What conclusion do they reach after Peter recounts the story? |
|
Definition
| They are surprised at Philip's unconventional view on circumcision. (?) They conclude that "God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life." (?) |
|
|
Term
| Why is Antioch an important mission center? |
|
Definition
| It is the 3rd largest city in the Roman Empire. |
|
|
Term
| Who is a key figure in overseeing the disciples' work? Who does he get to help him? |
|
Definition
| Saul (soon to be Paul), assisted by Barnabas |
|
|
Term
| What are disciples called in Antioch? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| How do the Christians in Antioch demonstrate their solidarity with the Jewish believers of Jerusalem? |
|
Definition
| They send relief to the believers in Judea. |
|
|
Term
| Which Herod appears in chapter 12? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| Who does King Herod put to death? |
|
Definition
| The apostle James, brother of John |
|
|
Term
| What does Herod do to Peter? What happens to Peter? |
|
Definition
| Herod arrests Peter, but an angel releases him from prison. |
|
|
Term
| What happens to Herod? Who gives us external verification of this story? |
|
Definition
While delivering a public address, Herod is suddenly struck down. He then dies and is eaten by worms. This happens because he failed to give praise to God in his address.
Josephus provides an external account of this story. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| He was a tent maker/leather worker |
|
|
Term
| What are the characteristics of the Pharisees? |
|
Definition
(1) Tradition and the Torah served as their two pillars.
(2) They were a nation of priests.
(3) They were greatly concerned with following purity rules.
(4) They believed in:
(a) The resurrection of the body
(b) Last judgment
(c) Rewards and punishments in the afterlife |
|
|
Term
| What are the 8 elements summarizing Paul's message at Antioch of Pisidia? |
|
Definition
(1) Paul does NOT focus on Jesus's life and ministry
(2) Instead, he focuses on Jesus as risen Lord (Jesus now, not then)
(3) Works of the Law cannot save
(4) Justified by faith in Jesus Christ
(5) Gentiles should not be circumcised
(6) Christian has new identity
(7) Imitation of a crucified messiah
(8) Paul preaches bodily resurrection |
|
|
Term
| What is the general strategy Paul follows on the missionary journeys? What pattern do we see repeated as Paul preaches on these journeys? |
|
Definition
He targets big cities and starts preaching in the synagogue.
He preaches first to the Jews, then when the Jews reject him, he turns to preach to the Gentiles. |
|
|
Term
| What general area does Paul's first mission cover? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What happens to Elymas/Bar-Jesus? Why? |
|
Definition
| He is struck blind. This serves as a display of power on Jesus's part, demonstrating that he is more powerful than magic. |
|
|
Term
| What two audiences does Paul find in synagogues? |
|
Definition
| Jews and Gentiles (primarily God-fearers) |
|
|
Term
| What is the meaning of the verb from which we get the word synagogue? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What functions did the synagogue serve? |
|
Definition
(1) Sacred assembly on Sabbath
(a) Non-sacrificial worship
(b) Scripture reading and teaching
(2) Banquet hall for communal meals
(3) Temporary housing for travelers/pilgrims
(4) Ritual baths nearby for purification (mikvahs)
(5) Civil and criminal court
(6) Political assemblies |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| Paul heals a crippled man, and the crowds mistake Paul and Barnabas for gods (Hermes and Zeus respectively). |
|
|
Term
| In what way is Paul's message different in Lystra? |
|
Definition
| Paul utilizes natural revelation (whatever that is) and says that God cares for ALL nations |
|
|
Term
| What happens to Paul in Lystra after he preaches? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What functions do elders serve? |
|
Definition
| They function as overseers |
|
|
Term
| What are two theories concerning the possible audience of the letter to the Galatians? |
|
Definition
(1) It is addressed to North Galatia, the unevangelized ethnic area of Celts.
(2) It is addressed to South Galatia, the Roman province where Paul took his first missionary journey. |
|
|
Term
| When was Galatians written according to the theory we adopted in class? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What does it mean to say that Paul's letters are "occasional"? |
|
Definition
| Paul is writing in response to specific events/situations - his letters are reactionary. |
|
|
Term
| Is a proof-text approach to Bible reading good or bad? Why? |
|
Definition
| It is bad, because not every verse speaks its intended truth when taken out of context. With this approach, we can cherry-pick the Bible to make it say whatever we want it to. |
|
|
Term
| What is the situation which Paul is addressing the letter to the Galatians? |
|
Definition
| Gentiles, converted by Paul to Christianity, have been approached by "false" teachers telling them they must obey the Jewish law to be saved. They question Paul's authority, since he is not a "true" apostle. |
|
|
Term
| In Galatians, why does Paul stress his limited contact with the Jerusalem apostles? |
|
Definition
| To emphasize that he did not receive the Gospel from any mere person, but from Jesus Christ himself. |
|
|
Term
| What happens between Paul and Cephas at Antioch? What does Cephas do that upsets Paul? How does Paul respond? |
|
Definition
Paul opposes Cephas. Once a group of false Jewish teachers came along, Cephas stopped eating with Gentiles.
Paul responds he publicly stands up to Cephas and asks him, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?" |
|
|
Term
| In Galatians, what does Paul say about Law and Promise? |
|
Definition
| The Law does not replace God's Promise. |
|
|
Term
| In Galatians, what does Paul say about freedom? |
|
Definition
| Jesus sets you free from the law, but do not use your freedom to indulge in your sinful nature. |
|
|
Term
| What position do the individuals from Judea take when they come to Antioch? Why do they advocate such a position? |
|
Definition
| Unless you are circumcised, you cannot be saved. They advocate this position because they believe you have to be a law abiding Jew in order to be a Christian. |
|
|
Term
| What does Peter say at the Jerusalem council? |
|
Definition
(1) God showed his acceptance of Gentiles by giving the Holy Spirit to them. He made no distinction between Jew and Gentile.
(2) We are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus (not the Jewish law). |
|
|
Term
| What four things does the Jerusalem council decide to impose upon the Gentiles? Who makes this suggestion? |
|
Definition
James suggests the following stipulations:
(1) Abstain from food polluted by idols
(2) Abstain from sexual immorality
(3/4) Abstain from the meat of strangled animals/meat w/ blood |
|
|
Term
| Why do the apostles and elders send representatives with Paul and Barnabas to deliver the decision? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What causes the division between Paul and Barnabas? |
|
Definition
| Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them, but Paul didn't, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and hadn't accompanied them in their work thus far. |
|
|
Term
| What does Paul do to Timothy? Why? |
|
Definition
| He circumcises Timothy. This would remove a barrier so that Jews might hear Paul's message (since Timothy was considered a Jew) |
|
|
Term
| Why does Paul end up going to Macedonia? |
|
Definition
| He receives a vision of a man pleading him to do so and help the people there. |
|
|
Term
| Where does Paul encounter Lydia? |
|
Definition
| At a "place of prayer" by Philippi's city gate |
|
|
Term
| What is the significance of the phrase "place of prayer"? |
|
Definition
| It suggests that there was no synagogue building in Philippi (?) |
|
|
Term
| Why is Paul arrested in Philippi? |
|
Definition
| He casts out the spirit of a fortune teller |
|
|
Term
| What charges are brought against Paul in Philippi? |
|
Definition
| They are charged with advocating unlawful customs (a new unapproved religion) |
|
|
Term
| What punishment does Paul endure in Philippi? |
|
Definition
| He is beaten and cast into prison |
|
|
Term
| What happens the night Paul is arrested in Philippi? |
|
Definition
| An earthquake causes his release |
|
|
Term
| Where does Paul go when he first gets to Thessalonica? What is his message? |
|
Definition
Why, the synagogue, of course!
He proves that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the tomb |
|
|
Term
| What happens in Thessalonica to disrupt Paul's mission? |
|
Definition
| Unbelieving Jews start a riot (out of jealousy), and drag Paul's host Jason before city officials. |
|
|
Term
| What charge is made against Paul and his companions in Thessalonica? |
|
Definition
| "These men are saying there is another king" |
|
|
Term
| How do the people in Berea compare with the Thessalonians? |
|
Definition
| They are more noble in character than the Thessalonians, examining scriptures. |
|
|
Term
| Why does Paul not stay in Berea longer? |
|
Definition
| Because Jews from Thessalonica come and stir up trouble for him. |
|
|
Term
| What does Paul find in Athens that disturbs him? |
|
Definition
| A city full of idols, including an altar to an unknown god. |
|
|
Term
| Who debates with Paul at Athens? |
|
Definition
| Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. |
|
|
Term
| To whom does Paul deliver his key sermon in Athens? |
|
Definition
| Jews and Greek God-fearers. |
|
|
Term
| What are some of the important points Paul makes in his sermon at Athens? At what point does he lose the crowd? |
|
Definition
(1) This "unknown god" the pagans worship is the Judeo-Christian God, who made everything and does not live in temples.
(2) There is only one God.
(3) God made all nations so they would all seek him - he desires relationship with all people.
(4) Paul attacks idolatry and commands repentance.
(5) Coming day to judge the world.
(6) Paul mentions resurrection.
Paul loses the crowd when he brings up that there is only one God, instead of one among many. The crowd also sneers at him when he mentions resurrection. |
|
|
Term
| What are the chief characteristics of the Cynics? |
|
Definition
(1) Diogenes was their most prominent representative
(2) Their goal is self-sufficiency. Therefore, they would get rid of as many possessions as they could to make themselves more independent.
(3) They held apathy and endurance as their highest virtues. To care is to suffer.
(4) They believed that whatever is natural is not indecent, even in public.
(5) They were easily recognized by their (a) woolen cloaks, (b) walking sticks, (c) beggars bags, and (d) long beards. |
|
|
Term
| What are the chief characteristics of the Stoics? |
|
Definition
(1) Zeno founded this worldview.
(2) They believed that everything is made of material stuff. Nothing immaterial exists, including gods or souls.
(3) They were pantheistic, believing in all gods as a divine reality that pervades the universe, like a soul in a body.
(4) God is identified with external reason (logos), and is not personal.
(5) Their highest virtue was living according to nature/logos/reason (to live in flow with the ways of the universe).
(6) They believed you can control internal things (beliefs, judgments, desires), but you should be indifferent to what you cannot control (external things). |
|
|
Term
| What are the chief characteristics of the Epicureans? |
|
Definition
(1) They were named after Epicurus
(2) They believed everything is made of atoms that are neither created nor destroyed. Therefore, the universe is infinite and eternal - has always been here and always will be.
(3) They believed nature has no purpose, but merely follows physical laws.
(4) They believed that gods existed - immortal, made of refined atoms, and uninvolved in human life or nature. It's appropriate to honor the gods, but don't pray to them and expect anything from them.
(5) They believed the human soul is mortal. Death is the absolute end, meaning there's no afterlife punishment to worry about.
(6) Life's goal is peace of mind, an avoidance of pain and agitation. |
|
|
Term
| What are the 7 chief characteristics of Greco-Roman paganism in Hellenistic-Roman times? |
|
Definition
(1) Nonexclusive (all gods from all religions welcome)
(2) Deification of Virtues (liberty, victory, and peace, for instance, were personified as gods)
(3) Tendency toward monotheism (one main god, many lesser deities)
(4) Power of fate (belief in the influence of the stars)
(5) Magic was popular
(6) Public celebrations (not a private religion, like Judaism or Christianity often was)
(7) Morality wasn't closely associated with religion |
|
|
Term
| What are the three principal acts of worship? |
|
Definition
(1) Sacrifice
(2) Votive offerings (conditional promises with the gods)
(3) Prayer |
|
|
Term
| What role did religion play at home? |
|
Definition
| The male head of the household would lead home rituals, in which household gods were honored at in-home shrines called lares. |
|
|
Term
| What is the chief characteristic of mystery religions? |
|
Definition
| Initiation ceremonies with secret rituals |
|
|
Term
| What similarities did the mystery religions have with Christianity? |
|
Definition
(1) An initiation ceremony, including special meals and washings
(2) A sense of community
(3) Promise of a blissful afterlife |
|
|
Term
| What did the mystery religions promise that the Olympian gods did not? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What was one of the most popular mystery religions in the 1st century? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What is the difference between the emperor cult in the east and west? |
|
Definition
| It was a test of political loyalty in the west, while it was a test of religious belief in the east. |
|
|
Term
| How does the emperor cult impact Christians? |
|
Definition
| Christians were persecuted for not worshiping the emperors, and were considered political traitors |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
To ward off evil spirits and make use of good spirits.
Alternately, to curse people or concoct one-night-stand love potions. |
|
|
Term
| What was the relationship between Jews and magic? |
|
Definition
| They were often associated with magic, especially Solomon |
|
|
Term
| Who is Apollonius of Tyana? |
|
Definition
| A miracle-working philosopher, who healed, cast out demons, and raised people to life. Markedly NOT a sorcerer. |
|
|
Term
| What three items were taboos in Greco-Roman morality? |
|
Definition
(1) Incest
(2) Murder of a relative
(3) Cannibalism |
|
|
Term
| What were pagan attitudes toward adultery? |
|
Definition
| It was viewed as a property violation and only applied to men having sex with married women - men were free to have sex with virtually anyone else (i.e. prostitutes and slaves) |
|
|
Term
| What are some examples of the cruel nature of Roman society? |
|
Definition
(1) They watched public executions and gladiator fights (people killing each other) for entertainment.
(2) If they decided they didn't want a newborn child, they would leave it somewhere in the wilderness to starve, get eaten, or be adopted by some stranger passing by.
(3) Slaves were treated as mere property. |
|
|
Term
| When was Corinth founded as a Roman colony? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| With whom does Paul reside in Corinth? Why are they there? What do they have in common with Paul? |
|
Definition
Priscilla and Aquila, who are there because the Edict of Claudius forced them to leave Rome.
Like Paul, they are tent makers/leather workers. |
|
|
Term
| What kid of response does Paul find in Corinth? |
|
Definition
| He is opposed by the local Jews |
|
|
Term
| How long does Paul stay in Corinth? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The Corinthian synagogue leader near the beginning of Paul's visit to Corinth |
|
|
Term
| What charges are brought against Paul at Corinth? |
|
Definition
| "He is persuading people to worship God in ways contrary to the Jewish law." |
|
|
Term
| Who was Gallio? Why is he important for developing a Pauline chronology? |
|
Definition
He was the Roman proconsul of Achaia.
He is important for developing Paul's chronology because we know for a fact that Gallio was in Corinth at 51 or 52 CE. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The Corinthian synagogue leader near the end of Paul's visit to Corinth. He is beaten. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| He is a minister, who became a missionary to the Samaritans, preaching and performing miracles. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A magician who (falsely) receives conversion. He later becomes a heretic according to tradition. |
|
|
Term
| Who is Ananias of Samaria? |
|
Definition
| He is called by God to heal Saul as he recovers from his blindness. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A Gentile Peter converts to Christianity. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| The author of the book of Mark, who Barnabas takes with him on his missionary journey after splitting with Paul. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A false prophet/magician, also known as Bar-Jesus, who is struck blind. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| He preached with Paul at the church in Corinth, and supposedly cowrote the Corinthian letters with Paul. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| One of Paul's traveling companions, who Paul had circumcised. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A rich Philippian businesswoman who Paul converts to Christianity. She may have been the host of the first Philippian house church. |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
| A prophet who predicted a famine in Rome |
|
|
