NT 1 Final Exam
In Matthew, the disciples are portrayed in a somewhat more positive light than in Mark. (T/F)
True
In general, women were not viewed as reliable witnesses in first century Palestinian culture. (T/F)
True
In the shorter ending to Mark's Gospel (ending at 16:8), the disciples are vindicated and restored to fellowship with Jesus. (T/F)
False
John places a greater emphasis on the role of "the Twelve" apostles than do the Synoptics. (T/F)
False
Luke's birth narrative (Luke 1:5 -2:52) is written in a finer Greek literary style than the rest of Luke's Gospel and the book of Acts. (T/F)
False
Minor characters in Mark are generally negative examples, demonstrating lack of faith. (T/F)
False
Most of Jesus' parables are theological allegories, with each element carrying spiritual significance. (T/F)
False
Pilate is viewed in secular sources as generally fair and well-liked by the Jewish religious leaders. (T/F)
False
The Greek term Ioudaioi ("the Jews") is common in the Synoptics, but very rare in John. (T/F)
False
The title "Lord" (kyrios) always refers to a divine being, or god. (T/F)
False
The tone of the crucifixion scene in Mark is one of victory and triumphalism (T/F)
False
Women play a less prominent role in Luke's Gospel than in the other three Gospels. (T/F)
False
For each "avenue" of reading described give the title that is used in the book and provide a 1-2 sentence description of that avenue of reading.
1. Behind the Text- This reading focuses on the information and origins that contributed to the writing of the text. Examples of this are: historical events, where the author was, when the book was written, various forms of criticism (form, source, redaction), etc. 2. In the Text- This reading focuses on the biblical texts as literary units themselves, seeking to determine the themes and ideas that the text is seeking to point to. An example of this can be the structure of the text. 3. In Front of the Text- This reading focuses on how the text has been interpreted and received over time, as well as various ideas that go beyond the authorial intent or text. Examples of this are: history of interpretation, biblical theology, etc.
Fill in the blanks of the following outline for Matthew: Chapter; Title; Theme A) Mt. 5-7; Sermon on the Mount; 1 (Theme) B) Mt. 10; 2 (Title); Power and Persecution of being witnesses C) 3 (Chapter); Parables; Separation of all people through the revelation of divine mysteries D) Mt. 18; 4 (Title); The Church as the New People of God E) 5 (Chapter); Judgment; 6 (Theme)
1. Greater righteousness and the right way of being in the world for disciples 2. Mission and Witness 3. 13 4. Ecclesiological 5. 23-25 6. Judgment now and in the future of all peoples
Of the categories of the 'Themes and Theology of Matthew' that Dr. Pennington lectured about, list four of them, using the exact titles given:
1. Righteousness 2. Christology 3. Heart 4. Kindgom
What are the final steps to applying Gospel texts. Hint: It is the final steps after "II. Articulate Revelation and Identification" You will also want to include the three "framing questions"
1. The Revelation of God in Christ 2. Identification of Character Traits to be Emulated or Avoided 3. Framing Questions (FC-RS-VF) A. What is the fallen condition (FC) B. What is the redemptive solution (RS) C. What is the virtue formation (VF)
Name 5 of the 9 reasons we need the Gospels according to chapter 3 of Reading the Gospels Wisely
1. The gospels have been central to the church historically. 2. The gospels give us a comprehensive, paradigmatic type of map. 3. The gospels give us an up-close, personal encounter with Jesus. 4. The gospels help us understand the great storyline of the Bible. 5. The gospels give us different discourses of truth.
Dr. Pennington discussed 5 characteristics of the ideal reader. List 3 of the 5 with a one-sentence description of each.
1. The ideal reader has experienced conversion. This means that the reader is a born again deliver in Jesus Christ. 2. The ideal reader is filled with the Holy Spirit. This means that the reader is able to discern by the Spirit all that the text is saying to the believer, especially in light of the whole canon of Scripture. 3. The ideal reader is ecclesially situated. This means that the reader is situated (active) within the church (universally and locally).
Unlike Matthew, Luke traces Jesus' genealogy back to: Select one: a. Adam b. Abraham c. Moses d. Melchizedek
A. Adam
The philosophical system known as _______ claims that God created the world, but then left it to run wholly by natural laws. Select one: a. deism b. atheism c. agnosticism d. pantheism
A. Deism
John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the: Select one: a. Lamb of God b. Wisdom of God c. Son of Man d. Son of David
A. Lamb of God
The _________, like Jesus and Paul, believed in a future bodily resurrection when God would reward the righteous and judge the wicked. Select one: a. Pharisees b. Sadducees c. Stoics d. Cynics
A. Pharisees
Crucifixion was a __________ method of execution. Select one: a. Roman b. Jewish
A. Roman
Match the work of Jewish literature with the description. A. An Aramaic paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures. B. Intertestamental literature written under an assumed name, generally later than the Apocrypha. C. Included as part of the Roman Catholic Bible. D. The oldest part of the Talmud, it was put into writing around A.D. 200. E. Discovered beginning in 1947, probably the greatest archaeological find of the 20th century.
A. Targum B. Pseudepigrapha C. Apocrypha D. Mishnah E. Dead Sea Scrolls
Jesus' words at the last supper, that his blood is poured out "for many" (Mark 14:24) and the ransom saying in Mark 10:45 ("to give his life a ransom for many"), both likely allude to: Select one: a. the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 b. the exaltation and enthronement of the Messiah in Psalm 110 c. the new covenant of Jeremiah 31 d. the Messiah's arrival in Zechariah 9
A. The suffering servant of Isaiah 53
Match the group within Judaism with the description. A. They advocated the violent overthrow of the government. B. They sought to meticulously keep the Law, both oral and written. Paul was one. C. They were "lawyers," or experts in the Mosaic law. D. This party dominated the Sanhedrin in Jesus' day. E. This tribe was not given an allotment in the land, serving as assistants to the priests. F. Those who held out against the Romans at Masada were part of this group. G. This group arose from the supporters of the Hasmonean priesthood H. They probably established the Qumran community that produced the Dead Sea Scrolls.
A. Zealots B. Pharisees C. scribes D. Sadducees E. Levites F. Zealots G. Sadducees H. Essenes
During Jesus' Galilean ministry, he faced opposition primarily from: Select one: a. the scribes and Pharisees b. the leading priests and Sadducees c. the Roman authorities d. the Essenes and Zealots
A. the scribes and Pharisees
The only "rationalistic" explanation for the resurrection widely promoted by scholars today is: Select one: a. the vision and legendary-development theory b. the swoon theory c. the stolen body theory d. the wrong tomb theory
A. the vision and legendary-development theory
Adolf Jülicher claimed that Jesus' parables: Select one: a. were not allegories, but similitudes, or extended similes b. must be interpreted allegorically c. had multiple meanings d. were mostly inauthentic
A. were not allegories, but similitudes, or extended similes
In John's Gospel, in contrast to the Synoptics, eternal life is especially emphasized as: Select one: a. a future inheritance b. a present possession
B. A Present Possession
The most widespread "messianic" expectations of Jesus day were for the: Select one: a. Son of Man b. Davidic Messiah c. Moses-like prophet d. Servant of the LORD
B. Davidic Messiah
Which best describes Dr. Pennington's outline of Matthew? Select one: a. Chronological b. Discourse-Narrative c. Narrative plot-focused d. Discourse-focused e. Narrative-discourse
B. Discourse- Narrative
One key structural characteristic of Matthew's Gospel is his ______ blocks of discourse material (speeches). Select one: a. three b. five c. seven d. twelve
B. Five
The Jewish charismatic rabbi, whose prayers for rain were reportedly answered, was named: Select one: a. Simon Magus b. Honi c. Hillel d. Bar Kokhba
B. Honi
According to the text, there are two main portraits that control Matthew's Christology. The first is Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of God's promises; the second is: Select one: a. Jesus as the Incarnate Word made flesh b. Jesus as Immanuel, the presence and wisdom of God c. Jesus as the Son of Man, coming in the clouds of Heaven d. Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who cares for the flock of God
B. Jesus as Immanuel, the presence and wisdom of God
According to the early church leader, Papias, John Mark became _____________ interpreter and passed on his version of the Gospel. A. Paul's B. Peter's C. Barnabas' D. James'
B. Peter's
Jesus' statement "You strain out a gnat (Aramaic: galma) but swallow a camel (Aramaic: gamla)" (Matt. 23:24) is an example of the figure of speech known as: Select one: a. similie b. pun c. paradox d. metaphor
B. Pun
The accounts in the Gospels where Jesus raises people from the dead are best understood as: Select one: a. true resurrections from a Jewish perspective b. resuscitations to mortal life c. reception of glorified and immortal bodies
B. Resuscitations to mortal life
The primary purpose of the signs in John is to: Select one: a. demonstrate the power of the kingdom of God b. reveal Jesus' glory and provoke faith in him c. confirm the authenticity of Jesus' exorcisms and healings
B. Reveal Jesus' glory and provoke faith in him
The ________ did not believe in the afterlife or the resurrection of the body. Select one: a. Pharisees b. Sadducees c. Essenes d. Zealots
B. Sadducees
According to the text, the primary character trait of the religious leaders in Luke is that they are: Select one: a. evil to the core b. self-righteous c. unredeemable and intractably lost d. pawns of the Roman authorities
B. Self-righteous
The important place given to the Holy Spirit in Luke-Acts is primarily to demonstrate: Select one: a. that the Holy Spirit will bring conviction of sin to the world b. that the coming of the Holy Spirit heralds the dawn of the new age of salvation c. that the Holy Spirit will bring to remembrance all that Jesus taught the disciples
B. That the coming of the Holy Spirit heralds the dawn of the new age of salvation
A voice from heaven addresses Jesus twice in Mark, at his Baptism and at the: Select one: a. temptation in the wilderness. b. Transfiguration. c. trial before the Sanhedrin. d. cross.
B. Transfiguration
When Jesus "cleansed" the temple, he would have raised the greatest opposition from: Select one: a. the scribes and Pharisees b. the leading priests and Sadducees c. the Roman authorities d. the Essenes and Zealots
B. the leading priests and Sadducees
Theophilus was most likely: Select one: a. a pseudonym for all believers who love God b. the patron who sponsored the writing of Luke's Gospel c. a person of low social status
B. the patron who sponsored the writing of Luke's Gospel
If Mark's narrative comment in Mark 13:14 ('let the reader understand') is a reference to the outbreak of the Jewish War, then Mark probably wrote his Gospel in the late________ of the first century. A. 40's B. 50's C. 60's D. 70's
C. 60's
There are ______ "signs" in John's Book of Signs. Select one: a. 3 b. 5 c. 7 d. 12
C. 7
Jesus' miracles show some similarities to the first century Hellenistic wonder worker (or "divine man") from Tyana known as: Select one: a. Simon Magus b. Elymas bar Jesus c. Apollonius d. Cerinthus
C. Apollonius
The kingdom of God in Mark is: Select one: a. a present reality b. a future hope c. both a present reality and a future hope
C. Both a present reality and a future hope
Jesus' description of the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, is drawn from the Old Testament passage: Select one: a. Isaiah 9:1-6 b. Jeremiah 23:5-6 c. Daniel 7:13-14 d. Micah 5:2
C. Daniel 7:13-14
In John 5, Jesus justifies his healing on the Sabbath by pointing out that: Select one: a. People have authority over the Sabbath b. He is Lord of the Sabbath c. God works on the Sabbath and so Jesus does also d. Christians will from now on worship on Sunday, not Saturday
C. God works on the Sabbath and so Jesus does also
According to the text, the best description of Jesus' relationship to the Law is that: Select one: a. Jesus abolished the Mosaic Law. b. Jesus abolished the ceremonial aspects of the Law, but kept the moral aspects. c. Jesus fulfilled the whole Law, transforming it for all time. d. Jesus reaffirmed the whole Law and encouraged believers to keep it.
C. Jesus fulfilled the whole Law, transforming it for all time
According to the Gospels, Jesus was buried in the tomb of _____________. Select one: a. Nicodemus b. Caiaphas c. Joseph of Arimathea d. Simon of Cyrene
C. Joseph of Arimathea
Which kinds of miracles are described in the text as "enacted parables"? Select one: a. healings b. raising the dead c. nature miracles d. exorcisms
C. Nature Miracles
The Aramaic phrase Maranatha means: Select one: a. Praise the Lord! b. Yahweh saves! c. Our Lord come! d. Hear our prayer, O Lord!
C. Our Lord come!
The strongest early church tradition claims that Mark wrote his Gospel from: A. Jerusalem B. Antioch C. Rome D. Ephesus
C. Rome
Jesus' favorite title for himself was: Select one: a. Messiah b. Son of David c. Son of Man d. Son of God
C. Son of Man
Jesus taught that God's kingdom was: Select one: a. a present reality b. a future inheritance c. both of the above d. none of the above
C. both of the above
According to the text, Jesus was crucified for ____________ reasons. Select one: a. political b. religious c. both, since the two were inseparable in first century Palestine
C. both, since the two were inseparable in first century Palestine
Jesus' statement "Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it..." (Luke 9:24) is an example of the figure of speech known as: Select one: a. hyperbole b. pun c. paradox d. metaphor
C. paradox
The journey to Jerusalem (also known as the "gospel to the outcasts") climaxes with (Gospel of Luke): Select one: a. Peter's confession b. the transfiguration c. the Zacchaeus account d. the parable of the good Samaritan
C. the Zacchaeus account
According to the text, the central theme of John's Gospel is: Select one: a. salvation by grace through faith b. the dawn of end time salvation and coming of the Kingdom of God c. the revelation of the Father through the Son d. the fulfillment of the Old Testament through Jesus the Messiah
C. the revelation of the Father through the Son
In quotations from the Old Testament, Matthew's Gospel follows: Select one: a. the Hebrew text of the Old Testament b. the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Hebrew Scriptures c. the Aramaic Targums, paraphrases of the Hebrew Scriptures d. at some places the Hebrew text; at others the Septuagint
D. At some places the Hebrew text; at others the Septuagint
The most significant philosophical opposition to the miraculous came from the eighteenth century philosopher: Select one: a. Spinoza b. Descarte c. Hegel d. Hume
D. Hume
Which writer, who provides the earliest written testimony of the resurrection, claims that more than 500 people saw Jesus alive? Select one: a. Peter b. James c. John d. Paul
D. Paul
Which of the following is not unique to John (meaning that it appears in the Synoptics as well)? Select one: a. the raising of Lazarus b. turning water to wine at Cana c. Jesus' regular visits to Jerusalem d. the feeding of the 5000
D. The feeding of the 5000
According to the text, the primary purpose for Jesus' healings and exorcisms in the Synoptic Gospels is: Select one: a. to reveal the deity of Christ b. to put the religious leaders to shame c. to bring glory to Jesus d. to reveal the presence and power of the kingdom of God
D. To reveal the presence and power of the kingdom of God
Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem on a colt seems to be an intentional fulfillment of the messianic prophecy of: Select one: a. Isaiah 11:1-11 b. Jeremiah 31 c. Micah 5:2 d. Zechariah 9:9
D. Zechariah 9:9
Jesus' resurrection is viewed in the New Testament as: Select one: a. the renewal of mortal human existence. b. a spiritual rather than bodily resurrection. c. a unique event, completely different from the future resurrection of believers. d. the beginning of the end time resurrection of believers.
D. the beginning of the end time resurrection of believers
Which of the following is not a literary feature of Luke's Gospel: Select one: a. fine Greek style b. a ten chapter long travel narrative of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem c. a strong historiographic interest d. the claim to a first person eyewitness account
D. the claim to a first person eyewitness account
To read the Gospels "vertically" means: Select one: a. to compare the Gospels to one another to discern their distinctives. b. to search for the sources behind each Gospel. c. to examine the historical contexts and background to each Gospel. d. to follow each story through from beginning to end.
D. to follow each story through from beginning to end
According to the text, when Jesus speaks of blessings for the "poor," he is referring only to spiritual poverty, not physical poverty. (T/F)
False
For its length, Mark's Gospel has fewer miracles than the other three Gospels. (T/F)
False
Hebrew poetry normally rhymes. (T/F)
False
Historical evidence confirms that in Jesus' day, the charge of blasphemy could be made against someone only for pronouncing the divine name, not for idolatry, arrogant disrespect for God, or insulting God's chosen leaders. (T/F)
False
In the Jewish literature of Jesus' time, the Kingdom of God referred only to God's sovereign reign over the universe, not a future kingdom that God would establish on earth. (T/F)
False
In the lecture on cultural hermeneutics Dr. Pennington talked about that in Western Christianity we often discuss guilt/righteousness but in Nabeele Jabbour's book The Crescent Through the Eyes of the Cross he outlines three other pairs of paradigms that we often times miss . List the remaining three pairs and give a one-sentence description
Honor/Shame- This paradigm shows the necessity of honor in a culture (keeping family happy, nation is well represented, etc.), with shame bringing rejection to you as an individual, your family, and your people. Fear/Power- This paradigm shows the tension between those who have power (oftentimes Kings, rulers, etc.), and those who ought to be fearful (those who don't have power). Defilement/Clean- This paradigm shows the distinction between the benefits of being a clean person (participating in particular events and living in particular places), and the results of being defiled (rejected from the community, must go through cleaning rituals to return, etc.)
List the first six steps of the method for reading individual Gospel episodes (hint: the first one is "Isolate the literary unit")
Isolate the literary unit Read the story multiple times Identify the settings and characters Observe the story Isolate the different scenes Analyze the narrative
The miracles of changing water into wine and feeding the multitudes with loaves and fishes present Jesus in the role of host of the ____________ ___________.
Messianic Banquet
In what way is the Jewish claim that the disciples stole the body (Matt. 28:11-15) indirect evidence for the resurrection?
The claim that the disciples stole the body must mean that the tomb was empty.
According to Dr. Pennington, what is our goal for reading Holy Scripture? Be sure to give a word-for-word sentence according to the lecture notes.
To encounter and engage with the Triune God - our Creator Father, through the Savior Son Jesus the Christ, by the power of the present Holy Spirit - such that we experience and embrace his transforming love.
A theology of the resurrection is not well developed in the Old Testament, appearing explicitly only in Daniel 12. (T/F)
True
According to the text, Jesus' actions in the temple were not just a "cleansing," but a symbolic act of judgment and destruction. (T/F)
True
According to the textbook, the longer ending of Mark's Gospel (Mark 16:9-20) is probably not authentic. (T/F)
True
Almost all New Testament scholars - whether liberal or conservative - accept that Jesus was widely acclaimed as an exorcist and healer. (T/F)
True
Although Jesus never explicitly identifies himself as "God" in the Synoptic Gospels, he speaks and acts with divine authority. (T/F)
True
In the Gospels, Son of God is sometimes almost synonymous with "Messiah". (T/F)
True
Jesus repeatedly identified himself with the persecuted and suffering prophets of the Old Testament. (T/F)
True
Jesus' use of the address Abba in prayer to God suggests he claimed a unique relationship with the Father. (T/F)
True
Luke identifies Jesus as a great prophet. (T/F)
True
Luke provides a more positive presentation of the disciples than Mark's Gospel. (T/F)
True
Most contemporary scholars today acknowledged that both the Romans and the Jewish authorities must have played some role in Jesus' death. (T/F)
True
The Gospels have much in common with Greco-Roman works known as bio, or biographies. (T/F)
True
The evidence confirms that Jesus was executed by the Romans under the charge of sedition—rebellion against the government. (T/F)
True
Virtually no credible historians today deny that Jesus existed or that he was crucified in Judea under orders from Pontius Pilate around A.D. 30. (T/F)
True
While John presents Jesus as equal with God the Father, he also strongly emphasizes Jesus' functional subordination to the Father. (T/F)
True
While the Jewish teachers of Jesus' day appealed to the traditions of the rabbis before them, Jesus taught with a sense of personal authority. (T/F)
True
While the study of miracles is outside the realm of strict scientific investigation —which involves repeatability and observation—it is not outside the realm of historical research, which depends on written and oral reports. (T/F)
True
The Gospels are identified in the text as historical ________________ motivated by ______________ concerns.
narrative; theological
