Epistles
Why were the letters written?
To address real situations and teach Jesus' followers how to live as his people.
What is the primary goal of biblical narratives?
To communicate a theological message through the medium of story.
How many books does the Bible have in total?
66
What is the purpose of parables?
To announce God’s Kingdom, conceal and reveal truth, provoke thought, and invite engagement through indirect communication.
How does parallelism enrich biblical poetry?
It adds layers of meaning and enhances the reader’s experience.
Why can't we read the letters as “God’s word directly to me”?
They were written to specific people in a specific time and culture.
Are biblical narratives literal recordings of events?
No, they are artistic, literary representations of events.
How many books are in the Old Testament?
39
Why do parables use indirect communication?
Parables use metaphor and story to bypass defenses, awaken insight, and challenge entrenched views.
What does “terseness” mean in biblical poetry?
Using as few words as possible to communicate as much meaning as possible.
What three big themes shape the letters?
Image of God, Family of Abraham, and the Messiah.
What three basic tools do biblical authors use to shape narratives?
Plot, character, and setting.
How many books are in the New Testament?
27
What is the literary genre that presents the essence of a person’s life and message, often persuasive and thematic rather than chronological?
Ancient Biography (Gospels)
What is parallelism in Hebrew poetry?
The use of parallel lines that express similar or contrasting ideas, often enhancing the poetic structure.
What is “mirror reading”?
A method to guess the situation behind a letter by clues in the text.
What are the basic elements of a plot in biblical narrative?
A character in a setting, an unexpected event, conflict, resolution, and character change.
How long did it take to write the Bible?
Span of 1500 years
Why are parables not moralistic tales?
They challenge assumptions rather than teach simple morals; they confront listeners with God’s Kingdom and invite transformation.
Why is understanding literary structure important when reading biblical poetry?
It helps interpret meaning within the context of the poem’s design and theological message.
What does “honor and shame” mean in the Roman world?
Public reputation determined worth; early Christians redefined honor through Jesus.
Who is the only character present throughout the entire biblical narrative?
God
What is the Big Story of the Bible?
God’s redemption of sinful people and His restoration of a broken world.
What event is presented as the climax of Jesus’ life and occupies significant narrative space in all four Gospels?
Crucifixion and Resurrection.
What is chiasm in biblical poetry?
A literary structure where ideas are arranged in a mirrored pattern (ABBA or ABAB) for emphasis and symmetry.