Roman Empire and Politics
Who was the first Roman emperor during Jesus’ lifetime?
Augustus
What was the central place of worship for Jews in Jerusalem?
The Temple
What does the word Messiah mean in Hebrew?
Anointed one
What region was known as Jesus’ home area?
Galilee
What event marks the beginning of the Christian church in Acts 2?
Pentecost
What title was given to local rulers like Herod under Roman authority?
Client king / Tetrarch
What annual festival commemorated liberation from Egypt?
Passover
What kind of deliverance did many first-century Jews expect the Messiah to bring?
What city was the political and religious heart of Judea?
Jerusalem
Who was the Roman governor who presided over Jesus’ trial?
Pontius Pilate
Which empire ruled Judea before the Romans?
Greek / Hellenistic Empire
What group withdrew to the desert and practiced communal purity?
Essenes
What Galilean figure was seen by some as a messianic revolutionary before Jesus?
Judas the Galilean
What language did most common Jews in Galilee speak daily?
Aramaic
What apostle spread the gospel across Asia Minor and Greece?
Paul
What major event in 70 CE marked a turning point in Jewish-Roman relations?
Destruction of the Temple (70 CE)
Which Jewish sect emphasized strict observance of both written and oral law?
Pharisees
What title did Romans use for their emperors that paralleled a title that Christians use for Jesus?
Son of God
What is a gentile?
Non-Jew
What title meaning “anointed one” became central to Christian confession?
Christ / the Anointed One
What Roman practice publicly displayed state power through execution?
Crucifixion
What high priestly council served as the main governing body in Jewish religious affairs?
Sanhedrin
What inscription above Jesus’ cross mocked his supposed royal claim?
“King of the Jews”
What city became the center of early Christian mission to Gentiles?
Antioch
What Roman emperor later legalized Christianity in the 4th century CE?
Constantine