Religion W2022

Who were likely the "Herodians" mentioned in the New Testament? (pg. 138)

- Active supporters of Pro-Roman Herodian dynasty - Were the opposites of social bandits and revolutionaries

What popular Jewish worldview seems to have developed during the time of the New Testament (beginning around 200 B.C.) and what were the main views of this worldview? (pp. 138-139)

- Began to have more apocalyptic view and looked to the intervention of God to save the righteous, judge sinners... many times is pseudonymous... "crisis" literature meant to encourage readers to persevere in difficult times

What social conditions was the "stem of Jesse" expected to usher in at his coming? (11:6-9)

- Conflict will vanish and natural made enemies will be at peace in the knowledge of their Lord

What issues motivated Judean nationalist groups like the zealots, social bandits, and other revolutionaries? In what ways did these groups act on their views? (pp. 136-138)

- Economic inequality (robbed the elite and gave to the poor) - Political aims to overthrow the state and establish Jerusalem as independent - Followed charismatic leaders that taught of God's deliverance - Allowed only God's rule and so refused to subject selves to Roman rule

Rule of Antiochus IV Ephiphanes

175-164 BC

What national event was expected to accompany the appearance of the "stem of Jesse"? (Isaiah 11:10-16)

- Gathering of Israel?

What was the message of the unrecognizable "stranger" as he re-interpreted passages from the Torah ("Law of Moses") and prophetic writings to them? What effect did this fresh reading of the Old Testament have on the disciples, and what did they come to recognize? (24:25-35)

- He taught of the prophecies of old about Christ (himself); his teachings burned the hearts of those listening and as he blessed and brake the bread their eyes were opened

Amos 9: "The Booth of David" Following his vision of the severe judgments of God that would come upon Israel (Amos 9:1-10), what did the Old Testament prophet Amos see would happen to the fallen "booth of David"? What would happen to Israel during this event? (Amos 9:11-15)

- It will be raised up and its breaches closed - Israel would be put in captivity again and would build the waste cities, inhabit them, plant vineyards, make gardens... will overtake their captors and never be pulled from their inherited land

Be able to briefly describe the following primary sources for the world of the New Testament: Josephus, Philo, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the "Apocrypha," the "Pseudepigrapha," and rabbinic writings. (pp. 140-145

- Josephus: most important source for first-century Jewish history - Philo: wrote more than seventy treatises (49 surviving), which includes commentary on biblical books, philosophical writings, and apologetic works defending Judaism against Pagans; gives insight into how Hellenistic Jews sought to integrate Greek philosophical traditions into Jewish worldviews... well known for allegorical interpretation of the Hebrew scriptures - Dead Sea Scrolls: give insight to the Jewish sect that produced them; contain a lot of information on the manuscript tradition of Old Testament - The Apocrypha: Roman Catholicism identify as "second canon" and give full authority as scripture (unlike Protestsants); give insight on historical, literary, cultural, and religious life of Jews between the old and new testaments - Pseudepigrapha: gives background info for history, culture, and religion for New Testament - Rabbinic writings: gives important info on Jewish first-century background (oral traditions that were memorized and passed down, eventually written); the Targums were Aramaic paraphrases of Hebrew test and showed how Rabbis interpreted the biblical text (such as an emphasis on the Messiah)

What appears to be the origins of the Essenes? What were their main religious beliefs, and what modern discovery seems to contain their "sectarian library"? What expectations and hopes did they have for the immediate future? What similarities existed between the Essenes and John the Baptist? (pp. 135-136)

- Like Pharisees, probably came from Hasidim movement except they are way more strict than the Pharisees!! - Developed their own strict legal code and may have even written the Dead Sea Scrolls... did not do animal sacrifices in temples bc/regarded Priesthood as corrupt... many lived in celibacy... saw their ruler as illegitimate... followed the Righteous Teacher - They believed that God would intervene and that they would join his army of angels to battle the Romans... believed in a military messiah of David's lineage and a priestly messiah of Aaron's lineage - Similarities between Essenes and John Baptist: apocalyptic teaching and ascetic desert lifestyle

Among those Jews who did expect some kind of messianic deliverance, what was the most popular expectation of the coming messiah? What was the messiah expected to accomplish and how? (pg. 139)

- Most popular expectation was a Davidic Messiah that would destroy Israel's oppressors, reestablish her independence, and reign forever on David's throne in justice and righteousness

How did the Sadducees feel about a messianic deliverance? What type of messiah did the Samaritans expect? What were the messianic expectations of the Qumran community (i.e., the Essenes)? (pg. 140)

- Sadducees were content with priestly rule - Samaritans were expecting a Moses-like deliverer known as the Taheb - Qumran (Essenes) expected a military/political messiah from David's line and a priestly messiah from Aaron's line

Numbers 24: "The Star of Jacob" According to the "Balaam Oracle" in Numbers 24, what did the non-Israelite soothsayer Balaam see in vision? What imagery did he use to describe this future Israelite leader, and what would this leader accomplish? (24:15-25)

- Saw God pouring out his water and giving them a king higher than Agag - This leader would "eat up the nations his enemies", smite the corners of moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth, impure nations will perish

Luke 24: The Disciples on the Road to Emmaus Following the death of Jesus on the cross (and before the disciples knew he was resurrected), what were the disciples on the road to Emmaus discussing when they were joined by the unrecognizable "stranger"? Why were they so sad? What did they originally believe (hope?) Jesus would be, and how did his death on the cross dash those hopes? (24:13-21)

- They were discussing Christ's crucifixion; they had hoped he would redeem Israel but since it had been three days past his death, they were unsure

What were the general tendencies of the lower-class Judean population regarding the Jewish sects, Hellenism, and Roman rule? (pg. 138)

- Typically, the more elite a group, the more likely they were to support Hellenism and Roman rule - Jewish sects made up very little of the population... most were just meager farmers and craftsmen who resented Roman taxation

Isaiah 11: "The Stem of Jesse" According to Isaiah's most popular "messianic prophecy," what would the "stem of Jesse" bring to the earth? What will happen to the righteous, and what would happen to the wicked when this individual appears? (11:1-4)

- Will bring the spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, and fear of the Lord - Will judge not after the eyes nor the ears but will judge with righteousness and slay the wicked

List and briefly describe three core Jewish beliefs in the biblical period. (pp. 124-125)

1. Monotheism is the belief in the one true God. 2. The Covenant is the Abrahamic Covenant and promises Abraham a great land, posterity, and great blessings. Israel as God's Chosen people- covenant sealed when God delivered people of Israel from Egypt. 3. The Law (Torah) is what the Jewish people had to be obedient to. Main points: worship of God circumcision sabbath day observance dietary laws

Persian Empire dates

539-332 BC

Who overthrew that ancient Near Eastern empire and what culture did he introduce to the region? Define the terms Hellas and "Hellenization." (pp. 95-96)

Alexander the Great. He introduced Greek language and culture. Hellas means Greece. Hellenization refers to the spreading of Greek language and culture.

Describe the decrees of Antiochus IV. How did some Jews respond? How was this decree enforced? How did Antiochus IV fulfill Daniel's prophecy of the "abomination of desolation" (Dan 9:27)? (1 Mac 1:41-67)

Everyone was to become a single people. Most people responded favorably. Those who didn't obey were put to death. Everyone began indulging in great wickedness. Many died.

In ancient Judaism, where did God dwell among his people (Israel), and what religious activities were performed there? (pp. 125-127)

God dwelt in the temple (or the tabernacle before that). It was a place for sacrifice and worship and was also a center for judicial, religious, and community life.

In what ways did the Seleucid (Greek) king Antiochus IV Epiphanes seek to eradicate Judaism? What were his decrees regarding Jerusalem, the temple, the priesthood, and Jewish law? (pp. 100-101)

He commanded disobedience to the Law of Moses and imposed serious penalties to those who disobeyed. Examples: decrees Jewish temple is converted to a temple of Zeus, priesthood is not hereditary but a political appointment to highest bidder, bans Jewish law and text (Torah), priests adopt Hellenistic lifestyle

What was the extent of the conquests of Alexander the Great? (1 Mac 1:1-10)

He conquered many, many nations, beginning with Darius, the king of Persia and Medes.

How did Menelaus come to replace Jason as High Priest? (2 Mac 4:23-29)

He flattered the king by his appearance of authority.

What did the Greek king Antiochus IV do to Jerusalem after his campaign in Egypt? (1 Mac 1:20-42)

He invaded and stole many precious things from the Temple.

In another ancient account of these events (2 Maccabees), how did Jason obtain the High Priesthood during the reign of Antiochus IV? In what ways did Jason introduce Hellenism into Jerusalem? (2 Mac 4:7-20)

He promised the king a lot of money in exchange for the High Priesthood. He planted gymnasiums everywhere.

Who ruled Judea as "ethnarch" after the death of Herod the Great, and who assumed control of the province after he was deposed? Who ruled Galilee as "tetrarch" during the life and ministry of Jesus? (pp. 108-109)

Herod Archelaus ruled Judea- Pontius Pilate made roman prefect after Archelaus was desposed Herod Antipas ruled Galilee

What appears to be the origins of the Sadducees? In what religious institutions were they heavily involved, and what was their general attitude toward Hellenism and Romanization? What was their view of scripture and a coming messiah? (pg. 131)

It is uncertain but it appears that they arose from the priestly aristocracy of Jerusalem that supported the Hasmonean dynasty. They considered the Pentateuch (first of five books of Moses) to be the only fully authoritative scripture. They weren't looking for a Savior.

What is the Septuagint (LXX)? (pp. 98-99)

It was the most widely used Greek translation of the Old Testament.

In ancient Judaism, who mediated the relationship between God and Israel? How was this group appointed to their office and what were their main religious duties? (pg. 128)

Levites and priests were descendants of Aaron. They offered daily sacrifices, cleaned the temple grounds, collect tithes, pronounce blessings, and perform purification rites. The high priest collected taxes, performed administrative functions, and oversaw temple worship. He also entered the Holy of Holies once a year. The Sanhedrin was the highest court.

How did the Maccabean Revolt begin? (1 Mac 2:1-28)

Matthias and his sons were true to the religion of their ancestors and, when told to surrender to the decrees of the king, Matthias slew a man who stood in their way on the altar. He also killed the king's commissioner.

What military power from the west put an end to the Hasmonean dynasty and ultimately annexed Judea? Who did this group proclaim as "King of the Jews" in the decades leading up to the birth of Jesus? What do we know about the political and cultural interests of Herod the Great? (pp. 104-107)

The Romans. Herod the Great was "King of the Jews". He worked to crush opposition. He was clever, cruel, and efficient. Tried to gain favor of the Jews. Feared conspiracy; even killed his own family members because of it

What appears to the origins of the Pharisees? Among what groups were the Pharisees popular, and what was their general attitude toward Hellenism and Romanization? What were some of the religious emphases and practices of the Pharisees? Where does the term "Pharisee" seem to come from, and how does that apply to their religious lifestyle? In what ways did Jesus both conflict and agree with the Pharisees? (pp. 132-134)

Probably arose from Hasidim (pious Jews who fought with the Maccabees against the oppression of Antiochus Epiphanes. They were mostly middle-class people, got more support from the general population. Strict adherence to the Torah. They believed in the resurrection (unlike the Sadducees). Pharisees criticized Sadducees for being hellenizers. Sadducees criticized Pharisees for being persianizers. Pharisee today means hypocrisy and strict obedience. Christ agreed with them on many doctrinal points but the Pharisees accused him of being above the Sabbath. The Pharisees also accused Christ of associating with tax collectors and sinners.

What empire was the dominant power in the Near East at the end of the Old Testament period? With what events does Old Testament history end? (pp. 94-95)

The Persian Empire. The Old Testament ends with the return of the Babylonian exiles to Israel under the Persian ruler Cyrus the Great. Temple rebuilt and Israel restored.

According to the author, what are the benefits of understanding the historical context of the New Testament, and what are the dangers of not understanding that context? (pg. 92)

The stories come to life as we understand the context. If we don't understand the context, we risk putting a twenty-first century perspective and context into the stories.

In what ways did some Jews support Antiochus IV Epiphanes and embrace Hellenism? (1 Mac 1:10-16)

They asked the King for permission to practice their religion.

How did conservative ("pious") Jews respond to Antiochus' decrees, and what was the result of their actions? What dynasty ruled Judea following these events? (pp. 101-104)

They rebelled (Maccabean Revolt 167-142 BC) and offered sacrifices and eventually beat the Syrian army. The new dynasty was the Hasmonean dynasty (142-63BC).

LDS Bible Maps 11-12 (Holy Land in NT Times; Jerusalem at the Time of Jesus) *Be able to identify all of the major locations relevant to the life of Jesus for Exam I.

Topography: Dead Sea; Sea of Galilee; Jordan River; Mediterranean Sea Cities: Bethlehem; Nazareth; Capernaum; Chorazin; Bethsaida; Magdala; Tiberias Cana; Caesarea Philippi; Gadara; Jericho; Bethany; Jerusalem; Emmaus Regions: Judea; Samaria; Galilee; Decapolis Jerusalem Features: Temple; Kidron Valley; Mount of Olives; Pool of Bethesda Pool of Siloam; Upper Room; House of Caiaphas; Herod's Palace; Hinnom Valley

What were the different Jewish responses to Hellenization? What was the most common language among Jews before Alexander? After Alexander, what was the most common language of the Jewish upper classes and what was (still) spoken by other Jews? In what language would the New Testament eventually be written? (pp. 96-98)

Upper class/elite Jews embraced Greek customs and philosophy (some even participated in the gymnasiums). Countryside Jews remained more conservative, even in some cases adding new laws of holiness in opposition to Hellenism. Koine. Greek became the main language. Originally Jews spoke Hebrew. When the Persians conquered the Babylonians, Aramaic became the most common language. Which answer is right? Aramaic, Greek, and Latin were used in the time of Jesus. The most common language would have been Greek. The New Testament was eventually written in English. Greek