The Role of High Priests in New Testament Politics

Questions and Answers

What was Paul's main focus in his teachings?

Experiencing and proclaiming new life in Christ (correct)

Following the ethical teachings of Jesus

Establishing the kingdom of God

Historical facts about Jesus

How did Paul view history in relation to Jesus?

Characterized by two ages: Adam and Jesus (correct)

Marked by the teachings of various prophets

Divided into pre-Jesus and post-Jesus eras

As a continuous flow without distinct ages

What did Paul consider essential for the guarantee of the general resurrection?

Jesus' death and resurrection (correct)

Preaching of the apostles

The kingdom of God

Jesus' parables

What term did Paul NOT use as a key-word in his teachings?

Kingdom of God Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the state of Christians according to Paul?

They are 'Christoform', conformed to Christ's experience Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul's anticipation of the final fulfillment hinge upon?

Personal experiences of liberation Signup and view all the answers

How does Paul interpret Christ's death?

As a gateway to a new life of glory and liberation Signup and view all the answers

What does Paul mean by Christians being conformed to Christ's experience of bondage and liberation?

They participate in the liberation brought through baptism Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant political role played by the High Priests during the Roman occupation?

They maintained the Temple worship under Roman oversight. Signup and view all the answers

Which group was known for entirely withdrawing from the national political sphere?

The Essenes Signup and view all the answers

What did the Essenes hope to achieve after the defeat of the Romans?

To gain control of the Temple. Signup and view all the answers

Which sources provide evidence about the Pharisees?

Josephus and several rabbinic sources Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the relationship between the Sadducees and Jesus?

They considered Jesus a threat to their status with Rome. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the Essenes' lifestyle set them apart from the general Jewish community?

Their ascetic and communal lifestyle Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to ascertain the real religious and political profile of the Pharisees?

There is conflicting information in available sources. Signup and view all the answers

What was a defining characteristic of the Sadducees during the Roman occupation?

They collaborated with Roman authorities. Signup and view all the answers

Which three Episcopal sees were present in England at the beginning of the fourth century?

York, London, and Lincoln Signup and view all the answers

What marked the recognition of Christianity as legal?

Galerius and his co-rulers' announcement in 311 Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the growth of Christianity in the fifth and sixth centuries?

The emergence of separate churches Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred in the seventh century that affected Christian progress in Arabia?

The rise of Islam Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the separate churches emerging from the fourth century on?

Doctrinal controversies within the Church Signup and view all the answers

How did Christianity advance in North-West Britain during the sub-Roman period?

Despite Roman dominion ending in the fifth century Signup and view all the answers

What role did Pope Celestine I play in the spread of Christianity to Ireland?

He sent Palladius as bishop to the Irish Christians Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable feature of Christianity's expansion in rural areas during the fourth century?

It represented a significant penetration into rural life Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of family rites during the Graeco-Roman period?

To ensure harmony within the family unit Signup and view all the answers

How did popular astrology adapt during the Graeco-Roman period?

By incorporating Greek precision and cosmological advances Signup and view all the answers

What was a key outcome of the Roman emperor cult in relation to its subjects?

Maintaining a socio-politically prescribed relationship Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the relationship between celestial deities and devotees in mystery cults?

Deities provided remedies for devotees’ misfortunes Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes localized cults from those that spread throughout the Graeco-Roman world?

Their geographical focus and influence Signup and view all the answers

How might one classify the mysteries of Isis in the context of the Graeco-Roman world?

As a cult that originated but spread across the world Signup and view all the answers

What typology was suggested for Hellenistic mystery cults?

Distinguishing between localized and internationalized practices Signup and view all the answers

What notable issue arose during the Graeco-Roman period regarding localized rituals?

Growing isolation from an international culture Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to the spread of Christianity during the first two centuries?

Favourable travel conditions and great mobility Signup and view all the answers

What role did teachers play in the propagation of Christianity by the late first century?

They replaced charismatics by promoting faith as 'true philosophy' Signup and view all the answers

What was a common criticism of Christianity in its early years?

Its claim to religious exclusivity Signup and view all the answers

How did Christianity fulfill a certain demand in society during its early spread?

By providing religious and ethical direction Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic was NOT a feature of the early catholic Church by the end of the second century?

A comprehensive ecclesiastical organization Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Christian communities was viewed negatively by pagans?

Their religious exclusivity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following early Christian figures is associated with promoting Christianity as a 'true philosophy'?

Justin Martyr Signup and view all the answers

How did Christianity demonstrate diversity during its early expansion?

Through disagreements over the Mosaic Law Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Temple State and Political Compromise

High Priests in Jerusalem were appointed by the Roman governor, indicating compromised authority.
Roman troops occupied Jerusalem, yet Temple worship continued as long as peace was maintained.
Opposition to Jesus from religious leaders stemmed from concerns over Roman relations.
Apostles also faced persecution from these leaders, as recorded in Acts.

Essenes and Pharisees

Essenes formed an ascetic sect, distinct from established communities, choosing to live in isolation.
Their existence is documented in writings by Philo, Josephus, and Pliny the Elder, not found in the Bible or Talmud.
Essenes abandoned communal Jewish life, creating alternative rituals, aiming to regain control over the Temple post-Roman defeat.
Pharisees, discussed in various historical texts, had a complex religious and political identity, with writings indicating opposition and varied beliefs.

Paul's Theology

Paul focused on the death and resurrection of Jesus as transformative events, contrasting with Jesus' focus on the "kingdom of God."
Emphasized the concept of a new age through Christ, portraying sin as bondage and faith as liberation.
Believed in sharing benefits of the new life brought by Christ's resurrection, asserting that Christians embody this transformation (Christoform).
Paul's writings highlight the communal rites aimed at ensuring harmony within families and society.

Cultural Context of Graeco-Roman Period

Hellenistic mystery cults adapted local practices to fit broader cultural demands, often intertwining with astronomy and astrology.
Attributes of good fortune were linked to interactions with deities in mystery religions, emphasizing relationship harmony.

Expansion of Early Christianity

Early evangelization occurred through the apostles and daily relationship-building during favorable travel conditions.
Shift from charismatic leaders to teachers, such as Justin Martyr and Clement of Alexandria, marked a progression in Christian teachings.
Christianity faced suspicion due to exclusivity and rejection of traditional religious practices, yet provided a sense of identity and ethical direction.

Formation of the Catholic Church

Disagreements within Christianity led to diversification and the early emergence of a "catholic" Church by the late second century.
Defined by a common faith, established episcopal order, and a canon of New Testament scriptures.
By the fourth century, multiple Episcopal sees existed in England, indicating a localized but established Christian presence.

Persecution and Legal Recognition

Despite persecution under Diocletian, Christianity firmly established itself in the Roman Empire.
Legal recognition under Galerius in 311 led to expansion despite the emergence of doctrinal controversies.

Growth and Division in Christianity

Continued Christian growth occurred into rural areas, but divisions emerged by the fourth century due to differing theological beliefs.
Growth in Arabia halted with the rise of Islam, while northern regions like Britain saw Christian influence expand beyond Roman borders despite skepticism.
Pope Celestine I's mission to Ireland marked significant outreach efforts during the fifth century.

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Description

This quiz explores the complex relationship between the High Priests and Roman authority during the New Testament period. It examines their compromises and the impact on Temple worship amidst political tensions. Delve into the historical implications of their actions in Jerusalem.