Judaism
This person oversaw the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem (10th Century BC)
King Solomon
The Macedonian conqueror who spread the Greek language and culture throughout the Mediterranean world.
Alexander the Great
Name one key teaching from the Sermon on the Mount
Beatitudes, love your enemy, Lord's prayer, generosity, do not worry, golden rule, kingdom of God
This man was called by Jesus at a later point to lead the Church in Jerusalem.
James, Brother of Jesus
Who were the first two recorded female Martyrs?
Perpetua and Felicitas
This term is used to describe how God is one God in three persons
Trinity
These Christians made speeches and written defenses for Christianity.
Apologists
Nero
The Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures
Septuagint
The term for Jewish communities scattered throughout the Mediterranean and Near East, with major centers in Alexandria, Antioch, and Rome
Jewish Diaspora
This event includes Jesus entering Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, and the crowd welcoming him with palm branches, coats, and "Hosanna!"
Triumphal Entry
On this day, the Holy Spirit arrived like a whirling wind and those in the upper room began speaking with tongues of fire.
Pentecost
The belief that Church leadership and teaching authority have been passed down from the Apostles to later Church leaders and bishops.
Apostolic Succession
These individuals were the central subject for the disagreement between Cyprian and Novatian
The Lapsed
A formal statement summarizing essential Christian beliefs
Creed
This Emperor began the Great Persecution in AD 303, ordering churches and scripture to be destroyed.
Diocletian
1. The Seleucid ruler who desecrated the Second Temple.
2. The Jewish leader who led the revolt against him.
3. The Jewish holiday celebrating the Temple's rededication.
1. Antiochus IV
2. Judas Maccabeus
3. Hanukkah
1. Non-Christian religions or beliefs
2. These offered initiation rituals and special religious experiences, such as the cults of Isis, Mithras, and Dionysus.
3. This emphasized loyalty to and worship of the Roman Emperor.
1. Paganism
2. Mystery Religions
3. Imperial Cult
Name the three disciples who were in Jesus' inner circle
Peter, John, and James
1. What happened to Paul on the Road to Damascus?
2. What happened to Paul on his 4th Missionary Journey?
1. Blinded, Jesus appears, commands him to spread the Gospel and go meet a man named Ananais in Damascus.
2. Paul appeals to Caesar, gets in a shipwreck, is put on house arrest for 2 years, and executed by beheading under Nero.
1. Who was Polycarp of Smyrna?
2. What happened to Polycarp?
1. Bishop of Smyrna, Disciple of Apostle John
2. He was Martyred - execution by burning, and pierced with a spear. Miraculous stories.
Marcion believed the Old Testament God was about justice, vengeance, and anger, while the New Testament God was about love, mercy, and goodness.
Define Orthodox.
Define Catholic.
Orthodox: Accepted belief and teaching
Catholic: Universal
Two contradictory rules discussed between Emperor Trajan and Pliny the Younger regarding the treatment of Christians.
1. Christians should not be actively hunted or pursued.
2. If someone is a Christian, the penalty is death.
Name and define 8 Jewish Sects
(1) Pharisees, (2) Sadducees, (3) Essenes, (4) Zealots, (5) Hellenists, (6) Herodians, (7) Samaritans, (8) God-Fearers
Define and describe the three most popular Greek philosophies during the time of Christ
(1) Stoicism: Reason, virtue, self-control, and endurance.
(2) Epicureanism: Tranquility, friendship, moderation, and freedom from fear.
(3) Platonism: Reason, the Good, and reality beyond the physical world.
List five miracles Jesus performed.
- Water into wine
- Healed the paralyzed
- Gave sight to the blind
- Fed 5,000+ with 5 loaves and 2 fish
- Raised Lazarus from the dead
- Cast out demons
- Calmed the storm
- Walked on Water
List the four Gospels and provide a description of each.
1. Matthew - written for Jewish Christians in Antioch.
2. Mark - based heavily on Peter's sermons. Targets Romans.
3. Luke - Orderly account for the Gentiles.
4. John - Theological, written much later.
List the 7 Churches of Revelation, and what each is known for.
1. Ephesus - Lost first love
2. Smyrna - Persecution
3. Pergamum - Compromise
4. Thyatira - Works, no faith
5. Sardis - Faith, no works
6. Philadelphia - Faithful, escapes Tribulation
7. Laodicea - Lukewarm
List the 5 Heresies discussed in class.
1. Gnosticism
2. Docetism
3. Marcionism
4. Modalism
5. Montanism
1. Irenaeus of Lyons: Against Heresies like Gnosticism. Old Testament and N.T. reveal same God
2. Clement of Alexandria: Used Greek philosophy and theology to explain Christianity
3. Tertullian of Carthage: Early apologist and theologian
4. Origen of Alexandria: Controversial. Extensive biblical commentaries, Hexapla, Against Celsus.
5. Justin Martyr: Explained Christian beliefs, supported Christian morality, explained Logos.
List 6 Roman Emperors that persecuted Christians.
1. Nero
2. Domitian
3. Trajan
4. Marcus Aurelius
5. Septimius Severus
6. Decius
7. Valerian
8. Diocletian
9. Galerius
Describe the Jewish expectations of the Messiah and how Jesus both fulfilled scripture and subverted their expectations.
Jews expected a Messiah who would restore Israel, often as a descendant of David and a political liberator. Jesus fulfilled Scripture through his lineage, teachings, and triumphal entry into Jerusalem. However, instead of overthrowing Rome, he taught love for enemies, died by crucifixion, and rose again, revealing a kingdom centered on spiritual salvation rather than political power.
List the significant ways in which Christianity was able to spread throughout the Greco-Roman world
(1) Roman roads connected cities and trade centers, allowing missionaries like Paul to travel efficiently. (2) Bridges made travel easier, while aqueducts and sewage systems supported large cities. (3) The powerful Roman military protected borders, conquered territory, and suppressed rebellions, creating relative stability that allowed Christianity to spread. (4) The empire shared a common language and culture
Recite the Lord's Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven
Hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever
(Matthew 6:9-13)
Describe the process of how Christianity went from oral tradition to a canon of scripture.
Christianity oral at first. Churches exchanged texts. Paul’s letter to the Romans alone could have cost about $10,000 in today's money. Used scrolls (parchment/vellum). Collections developed gradually.
Describe why the Roman Church persecuted Christians.
Scapegoating, Fear that the Gods were angry, restoring Roman Unity, etc.
Defend against each of the 5 Heresies we discussed using Biblical principles.
1. Gnosticism: Salvation comes through Christ, not secret knowledge. God's creation is good.
2. Docetism: Jesus was truly human, suffered, died, and rose again. People touched his scars. He ate food.
3. Marcionism: The Old and New Testament reveal the same God. Jesus fulfills O.T. Prophecy.
4. Modalism: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons. They appear together during Jesus' baptism, etc.
5. Montanism: Church leaders question whether revelations are genuine and agree with scripture and apostolic teaching.
Explain the various misconceptions Romans had against Christians versus the truth of the situation.
Various answers
Describe the story of how Constantine went from Pagan Roman Emperor to a supporter of Christianity
Chi-Ro in a Dream "In this sign conquer," Battle of Milvian Bridge, using the sign on shields, Wins the battle and enacts the Edict of Milan.