synoptic gospels and Acts

Question 1

What is the Synoptic Problem?

Answer 1

The question of the relationship and similarities between the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke)

The Synoptic Problem explores how these gospels share content and structure.

Question 2

What are the Synoptic Gospels?

Answer 2

Matthew, Mark, and Luke

These gospels are called ‘synoptic’ because they can be viewed together due to their similar content and narrative style.

Question 3

What is a key theme of the Gospel of Matthew?

Answer 3

Fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies

Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the Messiah who fulfills Jewish prophecies.

Question 4

What is a key theme of the Gospel of Mark?

Answer 4

The suffering servant and the urgency of Jesus’ mission

Mark portrays Jesus as a figure of action and suffering.

Question 5

What is a key theme of the Gospel of Luke?

Answer 5

Inclusivity and compassion of Jesus

Luke highlights Jesus’ concern for the marginalized and outcasts.

Question 6

How was the synagogue used in New Testament times?

Answer 6

As a place of worship, teaching, and community gathering

Synagogues played a central role in Jewish life during this period.

Question 7

What are the Beatitudes?

Answer 7

Blessed statements found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-12) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20-23)

They express the values of the Kingdom of God.

Question 8

What is the turning point in both Matthew and Mark?

Answer 8

After Peter’s confession, Jesus focuses on his journey to Jerusalem

This marks a shift towards the Passion narrative.

Question 9

What was Jesus’ message at the beginning of Matthew and Mark?

Answer 9

Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand

This message mirrors that of John the Baptist.

Question 10

What is the main purpose of Jesus’ teaching about end times?

Answer 10

To prepare and warn his followers about future events

This is particularly detailed in Matthew 24-25.

Question 11

Which Gospel has a statement of purpose at the beginning?

Answer 11

The Gospel of John

John explicitly states his purpose in John 20:31.

Question 12

Why were the Gospels written?

Answer 12

To convey the message of Jesus to specific audiences with unique themes

Each Gospel writer tailored their account to meet the needs of their audience.

Question 13

What was a key theme in the events of the last week of Jesus’ life?

Answer 13

Conflict with religious leaders

This theme is notably explored in the Gospel of Matthew.

Question 14

What is the significance of Caesarea Philippi in the Gospels?

Answer 14

Location of Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah

This event is pivotal in understanding Jesus’ identity.

Question 15

What is the significance of Capernaum?

Answer 15

It was Jesus’ home base of ministry

Capernaum is often referred to as Jesus’ adopted home.

Question 16

What is the Court of Women?

Answer 16

A section of the Temple where women could gather and worship

This area allowed women to participate in religious life.

Question 17

What is a simple definition of the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?

Answer 17

Attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to evil forces

This concept is discussed in the context of unforgivable sin.

Question 18

What is the basic meaning of the Beatitudes?

Answer 18

Blessings pronounced on those who embody specific virtues

They outline the characteristics valued in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Question 19

What was the central message of Jesus’ preaching regarding the Kingdom of God/heaven?

Answer 19

The announcement of God’s reign and the call to repentance

Jesus emphasized the nearness of God’s kingdom in his teachings.

Question 20

What is the definition of repentance?

Answer 20

A sincere turning away from sin and towards God

Repentance is a fundamental aspect of Jesus’ message.

Question 21

What is a parable?

Answer 21

A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson

Jesus used parables to convey deep truths in relatable ways.

Question 22

What did each gospel writer concentrate up to 1/3 of their gospel on?

Answer 22

The events surrounding the last week of Jesus’ life

This highlights the significance of the Passion narrative.

Question 23

What is a key theme of discipleship in the Gospels?

Answer 23

Following Jesus and living according to his teachings

Discipleship involves commitment and understanding of Jesus’ mission.

Question 24

For what did Jesus primarily condemn the Pharisees?

Answer 24

Hypocrisy and legalism

This condemnation is particularly emphasized in the Gospel of Matthew.

Question 25

What is the Great Commission?

Answer 25

Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20) ## Footnote It involves baptizing and teaching followers.

Question 26

In Luke 4-9, who identifies Jesus the best?

Answer 26

Peter ## Footnote Peter's confession reveals his understanding of Jesus' identity.

Question 27

What is the purpose of Matthew’s Genealogy?

Answer 27

To establish Jesus' lineage as the Messiah from David and Abraham ## Footnote This genealogy underscores Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy.

Question 28

Who are Elizabeth and Mary in Luke’s Gospel?

Answer 28

The mothers of John the Baptist and Jesus, respectively ## Footnote Their stories highlight themes of divine intervention and motherhood.

Question 29

Who is the author of Acts?

Answer 29

Luke ## Footnote Acts is often considered a sequel to the Gospel of Luke.

Question 30

What happened at Pentecost?

Answer 30

The Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, enabling them to speak in tongues ## Footnote This event marks the birth of the Christian Church.

Question 31

Who was the first martyr?

Answer 31

Stephen ## Footnote Stephen's martyrdom is recorded in Acts 7.

Question 32

What did God use as Paul’s 'goads'?

Answer 32

Experiences and encounters to guide and direct him ## Footnote Paul often described his experiences as divine nudges toward his mission.

Question 33

In which city did Paul invest 3 years of ministry?

Answer 33

Ephesus ## Footnote Ephesus was a major center for early Christianity.

Question 34

What does Diaspora (dispersion) describe?

Answer 34

The scattering of Jewish people outside their homeland ## Footnote This term often refers to Jews living in foreign lands.

Question 35

What was the issue addressed at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)?

Answer 35

The inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian faith ## Footnote The council decided on guidelines for Gentile believers.

Question 36

What were the implications of the Jerusalem Council's decision for the gospel?

Answer 36

It affirmed that faith in Christ, not adherence to the law, is the basis for salvation ## Footnote This decision was crucial for the spread of Christianity among Gentiles.

Question 37

What is the basic structure of the book of Acts?

Answer 37

The spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth ## Footnote Acts is often divided into two main parts: the ministry of Peter and the ministry of Paul.

Question 38

What are the 3 key leadership qualifications mentioned in Acts 6?

Answer 38

* Full of the Spirit * Full of wisdom * Good reputation ## Footnote These qualifications were essential for selecting leaders in the early church.

Question 39

What did Peter command those listening to his first sermon to do?

Answer 39

Repent and be baptized ## Footnote This command was part of his call to conversion after preaching on Pentecost.

Question 40

What were the 4 activities mentioned in Acts 2:42 that the early Christians devoted themselves to?

Answer 40

* Apostles' teaching * Fellowship * Breaking of bread * Prayer ## Footnote These activities were foundational to the life of the early church.

Question 41

What was Hellenization?

Answer 41

The spread of Greek culture and influence ## Footnote Hellenization affected language, culture, and governance in the ancient world.

Question 42

What were Paul's missionary strategies?

Answer 42

Establishing churches, using existing trade routes, and engaging with local cultures ## Footnote Paul was strategic in his approach to spreading the Gospel.

Question 43

How many missionary journeys did Paul undertake in Acts?

Answer 43

Three missionary journeys ## Footnote These journeys are detailed in the book of Acts and significantly contributed to the growth of the early church.

Question 44

What is Paul’s apologia in Acts 21-28?

Answer 44

Paul's defense of his ministry and the Gospel before various authorities ## Footnote He presented his case multiple times throughout these chapters.