reading 5-6 Flashcards
(53 cards)
What is one proposed solution to reconcile the differing Gospel accounts about Peter’s denial?
Peter denied Jesus a total of six times on the morning of the crucifixion.
What is the third objection to the concept of biblical inerrancy?
It miscasts the fundamental purpose of Scripture, focusing on form rather than its saving function.
What is considered the true purpose of the Scriptures?
To lead human beings to a saving relationship with God.
Is the concept of inerrancy explicitly stated in the Bible?
No, nowhere do the writers assert that all their statements are inerrant; it is deduced from divine inspiration.
What approach do opponents of inerrancy advocate for understanding Scripture?
An inductive approach, considering the data provided by the Bible itself rather than deductive reasoning.
Why do Seventh-day Adventists reject strict biblical inerrancy?
Because Ellen G. White allowed for minor discrepancies in the Bible and did not claim her own writings were infallible.
How many documents does the Protestant Christian Bible contain?
Sixty-six documents in two major divisions: Old and New Testaments.
How many authors wrote the Old Testament, and in what languages?
About thirty different people over ~1000 years; originally in Hebrew, except parts of Daniel and Ezra written in Aramaic.
What types of literature are found in the Old Testament?
History, legal material, poetry, prophetic writings, and apocalyptic literature.
What is the overall theme of the Old Testament?
God’s dealings with the people of Israel, including rescue from Egypt, nation formation, apostasy, captivity, and restoration.
What does the term ‘Apocrypha’ mean and who includes these writings?
‘Hidden’ or ‘doubtful’; Catholic versions include 14-15 documents written 200 years before Christ, Protestants do not.
Why is the Apocrypha controversial?
The New Testament never quotes them; early church figures differed in accepting their authority.
How many documents are in the New Testament, and who wrote them?
Twenty-seven documents, written entirely in Greek by about eight writers over 50-60 years.
What is the main theme of the New Testament?
The mission of Jesus and the ministry of the apostles.
What is ‘biblical criticism’ concerned with?
Questions about authorship, date, audience, purpose, and form of biblical documents to understand their history.
What is the purpose of textual criticism?
To explore the history of Bible transmission and determine the most accurate biblical text.
What does ‘biblical canon’ mean?
A body of sacred writings recognized as authoritative by a religious community.
What three collections made up the Jewish Scriptures at the time of Christ?
The Law, the Prophets, and the Writings.
How did the Christian canon form?
By adding New Testament writings to the Hebrew Scriptures, finalized by the 4th century.
Why was the apostolic witness important to early Christians?
Apostles were official witnesses of Jesus’ ministry, giving authority to their writings.
Who was chosen to replace Judas among the apostles?
Matthias.
What special status did Paul have among the apostles?
He was a ‘living link’ to Jesus and insisted his call was directly from God.
What principle justifies the closure of the canon?
No postapostolic writing can have the same authority since only the first generation personally knew Jesus.
Does the creation of the canon mean the church created the Bible’s authority?
No, the church recognized the authority already present within the writings.
