Bible Questions - Unit 1

What were the regions in Palestine? Describe each region.

- Galilee: up north, contained a number of geographical features with a small area, fertile land and beautiful hillsides, Jews and Gentiles populated there. Jews in Jerusalem were suspicious of Jews in Galilee because they socialized with the Gentiles - Samaria: separated the Jews in Galilee from those living in Judea, populated by Samaritans - Judea: located on the south, the largest of the three areas, included Jerusalem: most important city in the world according to the Jews, Jerusalem: the city of David and the sight of God's temple

When was the Bible first translated into English?

1526

When was the Bible first translated into Irish?

1690

When was the Bible first translated into Chinese?

1992

List three characteristics of the Greek Empire.

Ever conquering & expanding, controlling, and influential

After reading Matthew 2, provide examples of Herod the Great and his sons' impact on the story of Christ's birth and decisions that Mary and Joseph made.

Herod the Great impacted the story because he killed all the male children two and under in Bethlehem so there wouldn't be a new potential king. His son impacted the story because since he was ruling in Judea, Joseph was afraid to go to Israel, and instead, him, Mary, and Jesus went to Nazareth instead.

Why do you think that most of the New Testament books were written between A.D. 50-100?

I think it was written between A.D. 50-100 because that's when God planned for them to be written. He wanted them to be written so people after the death of His Son could hear what He did for them on Earth, show others what impact He had on the world, and what His future plans are for us.

How do the Gospel writings differ from a biography or a history textbook?

It differs because you don't hear much about his family, youth, or appearance.

The greatest portion of the Gospels focuses on the last week in Jesus' life. Why?

It focuses on it because it starts showing us the events that happened leading up to Jesus' death on the cross and his resurrection. It was such a significant event in the Bible and a main focus for us because believing that God died on the cross for us, the good news, and it is what makes us Christians.

Why was the synagogue important to Jewish life?

It was a place for corporate worship, prayer, and teaching. It was first created during the Jewish exile as a way to retain Jewish culture, traditions, and religions. They also used it as a way for Jews, inside and outside of Palestine, to unite them in their cities and towns.

How was God's timing for Christ's coming perfect?

It was perfect because the Roman Empire had been at peace for about 25 years. Since a common language there was Greek, Jesus used that language to spread the gospel message to others. There were also safe transportation routes Jesus' followers would use to follow Him and to spread the good news about Him to the world.

What warnings did Jesus give his disciples concerning the Pharisees and the Sadducees (Matthew 16)?

Jesus told them to guard themselves against the teachings of the Sadducees and the Pharisees.

Describe the divisions of the New Testament books.

The first four books in the New Testament are called the Gospels. They focus on the ministry and life of Jesus. Then it's the Book of Acts which talks about the spread of the gospel message and growth through the early church. These five books together are historical books in nature. Then there are a series of letters which included letters to the churches (doctrinal letters), Romans and Colossians, and letters to individual people (personal letters), 1 and 2 Timothy and 1, 2, and 3 John. It is then followed by Hebrews then some more letters from a variety of other authors like Peter and John. The last section is of prophecy which is Revelation.

What difficulties did the Jews face when the Seleucids instead of the Ptolemaics took control of Palestine.

The upper-class Jews decided to follow the Greek culture, but the ones who stayed faithful to God were outraged with the fact that the Seleucids forced them to worship Greek gods. With this, it led to a Jewish revolt.

The Gospel writers did not include many historical details. Why do you think they chose to write from a large historical perspective instead of a minute one?

They did this because they wanted to focus more on the teachings and miracles of Jesus and what they mean instead of the historical details. It also helps us connect to them as well.

Why did the Jewish people dislike the Samaritans?

They thought of the Samaritans as neither Jew nor Gentile. They also disliked them because the Samaritans interfered with the rebuilding of the temple and Jerusalem's walls. They were also descendants of the Assyrians.

Briefly describe the various members of the Sanhedrin and their beliefs.

They were composed of 70 Jewish elders who were given authority over religious matters among the Jews. There were two religious groups within the Sanhedrin: the Sadducees and the Pharisees. Sadducees only accepted the written Torah and nothing written after it. Their movement was tied to temple sacrifices, which lead them to be destroyed when the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. The Pharisees wanted to separate themselves from worldly practices. They remained religious leaders after the temple was destroyed because their movement wasn't tied to it.

If Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament, why do Christians still need to read it?

We still need to read it so we know what prophecies Jesus did fulfill and so that we know how the world was before Jesus came to die for us.