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PROVERBS AND ECCLESIASTES: Wisdom Literature:is accumulated insights god god’s people through generations, in the Hebrew Bible, part of The Writings (Kethubim:skill,knowledge ), includes Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Proverbs is practical wisdom, focusing on living wisely. It is traditionally attribute...

PROVERBS AND ECCLESIASTES: Wisdom Literature:is accumulated insights god god’s people through generations, in the Hebrew Bible, part of The Writings (Kethubim:skill,knowledge ), includes Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Proverbs is practical wisdom, focusing on living wisely. It is traditionally attributed to Solomon. The book emphasizes virtues such as honesty, diligence, and humility, while warning against vices like pride and foolishness. Wisdom is personified as Woman Wisdom, who calls for righteous living, while the Foolish Woman leads to destruction. Parallelism is used to express ideas, with antithetical, synonymous, and stair-step types. For example: Antithetical: "The wise inherit honor, but fools get disgrace". Synonymous: "A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul". Stair-step: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding". Proverbs of Solomon provide moral instruction, and the Ideal Wife/Wise Woman, in Prov. 31 virtues like strength, wisdom, and kindness, an example for women. Ecclesiastes presents skeptical wisdom through Qoheleth. book questions the meaning of life, calling many human pursuits vanity (hevel, meaning fleeting or vapor).Proverbs-certainty, Ecclesiastes reflects on life as unpredictable and fleeting. Qoheleth (one who gathers people “teacher” life’s meaninglessness, noting that wisdom alone doesn’t guarantee success. He critiques wealth, pleasure, and even wisdom as ultimately empty..key diff between the voices of P and E is that Proverbs offers practical advice for living rightly, while Ecclesiastes presents a more speculative and critical view of life’s purpose and the limitations of human understanding.Qoheleth sees life as short (time),death as inevitable.Wisdom is valuable, but it can’t solve questions of life. E:accepting hevel JOB: An invitation to trust gods wisdom:. Theodicy: defending God's goodness in the face of innocent suffering. The prologue introduces Job as a righteous man tested by God through immense suffering, instigated by a challenge from Satan to prove the depth of his faith. Job (righteous) faces immense suffering, raising questions about whether suffering is a test or divine punishment. Job's wife reacts with despair, urging him to curse God and die (2:9). She represents the human impulse to give up in the face of suffering.prologue (1-2), the Satan (the Adversary) challenges Job's righteousness, suggesting that Job only serves God because of his blessings. The Satan's role is to test Job's faith by stripping him of his prosperity. Job's first response is one of acceptance, saying, "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away" (1:21). After further suffering, Job's response becomes more despairing. In his lament (3), Job questions the purpose of his life and suffering. Job's friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar) suggest that suffering is due to sin. They advocate for repentance. Job, however, struggles to understand his suffering and appeals to God's mercy (9.10). He demands a direct A from God. In God's theophany (38-41), God appears as a whirlwind. The first divine discourse (38-39) highlights creation and its mysteries. The second discourse (40-41) features Leviathan and Behemoth, representing uncontrollable forces of creation. These speeches emphasize creation theology, focusing on God's sovereignty. Job's final response is humility and repentance. epilogue resolves Job's fortunes, but leaves unresolved issues about suffering and the relationship between human justice and divine justice. TOBIT: is part of the Deuterocanon (also known as the Apocrypha) and is set in the context of Second Temple Judaism, a period that spans from the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple (516 BCE) to its destruction in 70 CE. The story takes place during the Diaspora, when many Jews were living outside their homeland, particularly in Nineveh (Assyria). The historical setting is significant as it reflects Jewish life under foreign rule, dealing with themes of faith, family, and perseverance in exile. The book of Tobit was likely written in the 3rd or 4th century BCE and tells a quest tale—similar to the Holy Grail or Lord of the Rings. The story follows Tobit, a devout and virtuous Jewish man, and his son Tobias, as they embark on a journey that involves divine intervention and the pursuit of a hidden treasure. Tobit and his family embody Jewish virtues such as ritual observance, purity, prayer, ethical conduct, and endogamy (marrying within the Jewish community). These values are presented as central to their piety and survival in a foreign land. Key characters include Anna, Tobit’s wife, Sarah, Tobias's future wife, and Raguel and Edna, Sarah’s parents. The antagonist is Asmodeus, a demon who curses Sarah's marriages. The archangel Raphael (disguised as Azariah) acts as Tobias’s mysterious companion and guide during the quest. The story weaves in familiar folklore motifs such as the quest, hidden treasure, and cursed bride. However, the narrative is not overly sentimental; instead, it uses these elements in a way that is both refreshing and humorous. The character of Raphael adds a mystical and whimsical element, preventing the story from becoming maudlin (excessively sentimental or tearful). Second Temple Judaism reflects a period of Jewish life characterized by foreign domination, the centrality of the Temple, and the development of Jewish thought and literature in response to exile and oppression. The book of Tobit emphasizes the importance of living virtuously in a challenging world, maintaining faithfulness to Jewish practices, and seeking divine intervention in times of trouble. DANIEL: challenges of living as a faithful Jew in a pagan Diaspora empire context, with apocalyptic visions revealing future events, especially about the end times. Key Terms: Apocalypse: revealing hidden truths about the end of the world. Eschatology:study of the ultimate fate of humanity and the world, especially about end times events. Pseudonymity: Writing under a false name to lend authority.Daniel:faithful to God and receives revelations about the end times, representing the ideal of JewishAntiochus IV Epiphanes: The Seleucid king who persecuted Jews, sparking the Maccabean Revolt. Nebuchadnezzar: The Babylonian king who captures Daniel and his friends, symbolizing foreign rule. Darius the Mede: A ruler under whom Daniel serves, symbolizing shifts in empire power. Ancient of Days: The divine figure in Daniel's vision (ch. 7), representing God in judgment. "One like a son of man" (7:13): A messianic figure in Daniel’s vision, who will rule the future. Resurrection: In Daniel 12, refers to the resurrection of the dead in final judgment and the end times. IIt contains apocalyptic visions and themes of faithfulness and hope. setting? Babylon, with Daniel serving under pagan kings. Daniel and his friends represent post-exilic Judaism? They maintain Jewish identity, follow rituals, and stay faithful in a pagan empire. Nebuchadnezzar:Foreign oppression,idolatry,not humble. What is the key message of the first six chapters? The faithfulness of Daniel and his friends in adversity, and God's protection. ch. 7? A vision of the four beasts as empires, with the coming of the Ancient of Days and the son of man establishing an eternal kingdom.ch. 12? The resurrection of the dead, with eternal reward or punishment. 3 visions: ch7:four beast ch8:ram and goat ch9:prayer ch12 70 week future+end of times.visions encourage patients.HUMBLE GOSPELS:The scholarly term for the first three gospels,A: Synoptics- hypothesizes a now lost collection of Jesus's sayings referred to as: A: Q-The Gospel of John includes a unique post-resurrection story of the disciple known as Doubting. A: Thomas-The Gospel of John identifies the last miraculous “sign” of Jesus’ ministry as: A: His raising Lazarus from the dead -The Gospel of Mark opens with Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.A: False- the Greek term ‘logos,’ translated as the , represents the divine cosmic principle of meaning and order.A: John, Word-In the Gospel of Mark, the only characters who demonstrate a clear and consistent understanding of Jesus' identity as 'the Holy One,' the Son of God, are the.A: Demons and unclean spirits-Scholars view the Gospel of Mark as the earliest canonical gospel to have been composed and as a source for Matthew and Luke.A: True-Prophecy-fulfillment statements are a key element of the birth and infancy narratives of the Gospel of.A: Matthew-The Gospel of John’s Passion narrative emphasizes Jesus’ calm control of events as he fulfills his earthly mission by giving his life in his crucifixion.A: True -In contrast to the first three gospels, the Gospel of John depicts Jesus as:A: A pre-existent, divine being-Jesus conducts his ministry:A: in a.., mainly-Jesus scandalizes the religious authorities of his time by repeatedly performing miracles:A: On the Sabbath-The genealogy of Jesus in Matthew's gospel establishes:A: Only A & B (abr,davi)-The Gospel of includes the beautiful hymn of Mary that celebrates what God has done for her, as well as the poor and lowly, a hymn known as the, which she sings in the presence of her cousin Elizabeth.A: Luke, Magnificat-New Testament scholars believe that the “beloved disciple” in John’s gospel is best understood as a code name for Mary Magdalene.A: False-The Gospel of emphasizes the religious principle of ‘higher righteous’ and first personifies it in the figure of in its infancy narrative.A: Matthew, Joseph-The Gospel of presents Jesus frequently clashing with the scribes and the Pharisees as they disagree about interpretation.A: Mark, Torah-The Gospel of Luke emphasizes Jesus’ compassion for the poor and marginalized in each of the following story elements, except one. Identify that one:A: Joseph’s introduction as an unemployed carpenter-The Gospel of Matthew opens with Jesus disruptive ‘cleansing’ the Jerusalem Temple.A: False-The Gospel of Matthew emphasizes Jesus as one like Moses in each of the following story elements, with one exception. Identify that one:A: Jesus’ ability to part the River Jordan-All four canonical gospels present John the Baptizer as a prophetic figure whose preaching and baptizing marks the beginning of Jesus’ public career.A: True-The Greek term for the Hebrew term 'Messiah' is 'Christ.'A: True-A frequently-used phrase in the Gospel of Mark is:A: 'And immediately'-The Gospel of John features several important private conversations between Jesus and each of the following individuals, except one. Identify the one who is not featured:A: John the Baptist Key MARK:Mark presents Jesus as the Son of God and focuses on His authority and actions, emphasizing His miracles, healings, and exorcisms to reveal His power. Key teachings include the call to discipleship, where followers must deny themselves and take up their cross. Mark portrays Jesus as the suffering servant, showing His path to the crucifixion as necessary for salvation. The gospel concludes with the empty tomb, affirming Jesus' resurrection and victory over death.Mark’s three acts focus on Jesus’ identity and mission. The first act in Galilee highlights His miracles, teachings, and growing opposition from religious leaders. The second act, during His journey to Jerusalem, focuses on Jesus predicting His suffering and teaching about discipleship and humility. The third act in Jerusalem depicts His confrontation with authorities, betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection, emphasizing His role as the suffering servant and victorious Savior.MATTHEW: Matthew presents Jesus as the Messiah and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, showing His lineage from David and virgin birth. Key teachings include the Sermon on the Mount, which emphasizes righteousness, love, and humility, and the parables, which explain the kingdom of heaven. Jesus performs miracles to demonstrate His authority and compassion. He critiques the hypocrisy of religious leaders and calls for genuine faith. The gospel highlights the inclusion of Gentiles in salvation, especially through the Magi and the Great Commission, where Jesus commands disciples to spread the gospel to all nations. It ends with Jesus' death, resurrection, and promise to be with His followers.LUKE:Infancy Narrative introduces Zechariah & Elizabeth, John’s Annunciation, and Mary’s Annunciation, followed by the Magnificat celebrating God’s salvation. Simeon & Anna in the Temple recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus' genealogy traces through Adam, emphasizing his universal significance. Baptism and wilderness temptation parallel Matthew’s account. The Sermon on the Plain contrasts with Matthew's Mount, emphasizing Beatitudes and woes, reflecting God's reversal of fortune.JOHN: “Beloved Disciple” an ideal follower of Jesus.poetic prologueThe Word, divine and preexistent, entering humanity.7 signs reveal Jesus’ divine authority.“I am” sayings connect Jesus to God’s identity (Exodus). Nicodemus seeks spiritual truth, learning about rebirth through faith. Samaritan woman (4) discovers Jesus as the living water, transcending cultural barriers. Mary and Martha of Bethany embody faith in Jesus' resurrection power. Lazarus’ raising (11) is the climactic sign, foreshadowing Jesus' own resurrection.prologue highlights Jesus’ unity with God and his human incarnation."The Word became flesh". Jesus’ baptism and calling of disciples differ from Synoptics, focusing on testimony and relational invitations ("Come and see").With Nicodemus, Jesus teaches rebirth through spirit and water, emphasizing faith for eternal life (3:3-16). With the Samaritan woman, Jesus reveals himself as living water, fulfilling spiritual thirst).Feeding Miracle ( 6)Jesus interprets the feeding of 5,000 as a sign of spiritual sustenance, calling himself the "bread of life," Raising of Lazarus The seventh sign confirms Jesus as the resurrection and life.mission.ACTS OF APOSTLE: Authorship: Traditionally attributed to Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke. Geographic structure: The spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, focusing on Paul's missions. Main characters: Peter, John, Philip, Saul/Paul, Barnabas, James, Cornelius, Prisca & Aquila, Apollos.Jesus’ Ascension: Jesus' return to heaven after his resurrection, signifying the completion of his earthly ministry and the beginning of the apostles' mission to spread the gospel.Pentecost: A Jewish festival celebrating the first fruits of the harvest. For Christians, it marks the Holy Spirit descending on the apostles, empowering them to speak in different languages and begin their mission.Peter & John: Two key apostles who spread the gospel, perform miracles, and face opposition for preaching about Jesus.Holy Spirit: The divine presence that empowers and guides believers, helping to spread the Christian message.Cornelius & Household (Peter’s Vision): A Gentile centurion who, after a vision, is baptized by Peter, showing that the gospel is for all people, not just Jews.Philip & Ethiopian: Philip baptizes an Ethiopian official, marking the spread of Christianity to Gentiles.Paul/Saul of Tarsus: Initially a persecutor of Christians, Paul is converted on the road to Damascus. His theology emphasizes salvation through faith in Jesus, not by works of the law.Church as Body of Christ: Christians are united in faith but diverse in their roles, reflecting both unity and diversity within the Church.Abraham in Romans & James: In Romans, Abraham is an example of justification by faith, while in James, Abraham is seen as justified by works. This reflects the tension between faith and works in the early church.Acts begins where Luke ends, connecting the two narratives and continuing the story of the early church.The Risen Jesus' words define the spread of the gospel from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.Pentecost marks the arrival of the Holy Spirit, with the apostles speaking in different tongues, signifying the universal mission of the church.Early believers in Jerusalem organize into a unified community focused on prayer, teaching, and sharing possessions.Key turning points: Philip’s baptism of the Ethiopian, Saul’s conversion, and Peter’s baptism of Cornelius demonstrate the gospel’s reach to Gentiles.Paul preached to Jews in the synagogues about Jesus as the Messiah and the fulfillment of Scripture.Paul’s message to Gentiles emphasizes salvation through faith in Christ, not adherence to the law.The final chapters include the shipwreck narrative, showcasing Paul’s trials, prophecies, and miracles.The Book of Acts ends with Paul in Rome, awaiting trial, suggesting an open-ended mission of the gospel.CORINTHIANS: Conflicts: Church struggles with division, factionalism (loyalty to Apollos, Cephas, or Paul) and issues in worship. Spiritual Gifts: Glossolalia (speaking in tongues) and prophecy are central, but Paul calls for order and edification. Practical Theology of Paul: Focuses on love, unity, and self-sacrifice in relationships and worship. Roles of Women: Women can prophesy and pray, but with modesty and respect for order in worship. Elements of Worship: Lord’s Supper must be taken with reverence, unity, and equality. Agape Love: Selfless and enduring love above all gifts, celebrated in 1 Corinthians 13.Priscilla and Aquila: Early Christian leaders who worked with Paul, key for spreading the gospel.Apollos: A learned preacher who, like Paul, taught in Corinth, causing some factions.Cephas: Another name for Peter, whom some Corinthians followed over Paul.Glossolalia: Ecstatic speech in tongues, Paul limits its use to ensure clarity and edification.Lord’s Supper: Celebrates Christ’s body and blood, meant to promote unity and reverence.Issues in Corinth: Disunity, misuse of spiritual gifts, and improper conduct during the Lord’s Supper.Factionalism: Paul stresses the importance of being united under Christ, not following human leaders.Wisdom/Foolishness: Paul challenges Greco-Roman views of wisdom, claiming the cross is true wisdom, counter to worldly ideas of power.The Body: Represents the church, where each member has a role; also refers to Christ’s body for salvation and resurrection.Marriage and Celibacy: Paul prefers celibacy due to apocalyptic expectations but allows marriage as a faithful option.Body of Christ: Metaphor for the unity of all believers, emphasizing interdependence and spiritual gifts.Worship Behavior: Orderly conduct, with roles for men and women, and proper respect for the Lord’s Supper.Limits on Glossolalia:Tongues should not dominate worship; prophecy is preferred for understanding.Ode to Love: Agape love is the highest spiritual gift, essential for community and serving others, linking to the proper use of spiritual gifts in the church.Worship Service: Likely includes prayer, prophecy, singing, and the Lord’s Supper, with Paul’s emphasis on order and edification.ROMANS:Paul’s letter emphasizes that both Gentiles and Jews require salvation, focusing on Christ as the key to redemption. Key themes include the Law (Torah), righteousness of God as a divine standard achieved through faith (1:16-17), flesh vs. spirit (the internal struggle between sinfulness and the guidance of the Holy Spirit), Adam/Christ (comparing Adam’s disobedience, which brought sin and death, to Christ’s obedience, which brings righteousness and life). Baptism is portrayed as a symbol of dying to sin and rising in new life with Christ (6). The olive tree metaphor in Romans 11 explains how Gentiles, originally outside God's covenant, are now grafted into the promises made to Israel, showing God’s plan for unity. Paul addresses supersessionism, the belief that the Church replaces Israel, affirming that Israel still holds a special place in God’s plan. Anti-supercessionism rejects this, emphasizing God’s ongoing covenant with Israel. Phoebe is mentioned as a key deaconess and a carrier of the letter, representing early female leadership. Paul stresses the human condition as inherently sinful, and only through Christ can humanity receive salvation and be restored to a right relationship with God. The letter concludes with a list of greetings, highlighting the inclusivity of the early Christian community and the diverse people involved in Paul’s ministry.JAMES: focuses on Christian wisdom, offering practical guidance on living out one's faith. It is traditionally attributed to James, the brother of Jesus, who played a significant leadership role in the early Christian community. The letter is part of the Catholic/General Epistles, meant for broader Christian audiences. Ethical exhortation is central, urging believers to live according to moral principles and demonstrate their faith through actions. James echoes the prophets and Jesus, emphasizing the importance of faith paired with works—faith without works is dead (2:26). Religion, for James, is defined by pure and undefiled devotion to God, shown through acts of mercy, social justice, and personal integrity (1:27). Wealth is critiqued, with warnings against the dangers of materialism and oppression of the poor (5:1-6). Faith and works are intricately linked in James’ teaching, using Abraham as a model of justification by faith demonstrated through his actions (2:21-24). James’ advice on prayer includes guidance on asking with sincerity and faith, and trusting God for wisdom (1:5). The world is viewed negatively as a source of temptation and conflict (James 4:4). James also makes several references to the Hebrew Bible, including themes from Proverbs and the Psalms, emphasizing wisdom, humility, and righteous living.TIMOTHY:The Pastoral Letters are often viewed as pseudonymous, likely written by someone else in Paul’s name, reflecting concerns and structures of the post-apostolic church. These letters address pastoral concerns, including the qualifications for bishops (overseers), deacons, and elders (presbyters). They also discuss the role of widows, especially the ‘list’ of those who are recognized for special care and service in the church. 1 Timothy is notable for its restrictions on women, particularly in church leadership, while also acknowledging women as fellow ministers in Paul’s other letters. The church as the household of God is a recurring theme, reflecting patriarchal hierarchies. Pseudonymity is significant here, as it raises questions about authorship and how later Christian leaders addressed evolving church structures.In 1 Timothy, the qualifications for church leadership—bishops, deacons, and elders—are outlined with specific ethical and moral standards, suggesting an organized hierarchy in church governance. Widows are specifically mentioned, with guidelines about their role in the community, and the controversy surrounding their treatment in church services. The pastor addresses how to deal with slaves and the rich, advising Timothy on leadership as a young pastor. The metaphor of the church in 1 Timothy 3 is “the household of God,” contrasting with the “body of Christ” metaphor in 1 Corinthians. THECLA: The Acts of Thecla tells the story of Thecla, a young woman from a wealthy family who defies both societal and familial expectations by embracing celibacy and dedicating herself to evangelism and healing. Thecla’s journey challenges traditional gender norms, as she steps into roles typically reserved for men, such as preaching and leading. The narrative highlights her spiritual power, particularly through miracles and the trials she endures, including being condemned to death for her faith and surviving a miraculous escape. Her martyrdom further solidifies her status as a holy figure and role model for early Christians.Her story is a counterpoint to the more restrictive views on women in the Pastoral Letters, particularly in 1 Timothy, where women’s roles in the church are limited, and their leadership is often downplayed or prohibited. The Acts of Thecla challenges these restrictions by presenting a woman not only in the role of a leader but also as a powerful symbol of spiritual authority. Thecla’s devotion and actions emphasize empowerment and the spiritual potential of women, encouraging them to break free from patriarchal constraints. The narrative also highlights her conversion from a life of luxury to a life of service, showcasing the transformative power of faith.Through Thecla’s example, the text promotes a radical view of female leadership and gender equality within the early church. Her celibacy is portrayed not as a denial of her femininity but as a powerful spiritual choice that aligns her more closely with Christ. The Acts of Thecla thus stands as a significant counter-narrative to the more conservative teachings found in the Pastoral Epistles, where women are often restricted to domestic roles and are prohibited from holding leadership positions within the church. The work emphasizes spiritual empowerment, conversion, and the defiance of patriarchal norms, making it a pioneering text for early Christian feminist theology.REVELATION: is an apocalyptic text written by John of Patmos to address the persecution of Christians and provide hope for divine justice. It uses symbolism to describe the ultimate victory of good over evil, focusing on themes of theodicy (the justice of God in the face of suffering) and the ultimate destiny of Rome and the world. John’s visions draw on Old Testament imagery and numerology, particularly the number 7, symbolizing completion and perfection. The book contains seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls, emphasizing divine judgment. The Beast, the Mark of the Beast (666), and the number 666 represent the forces of evil and imperial power, often interpreted as Rome or oppressive authorities.John’s visions feature animals/beasts that symbolize different forces, with the Beast as an embodiment of imperial power and corruption, and the dragon representing Satan. The Celestial Woman in ch.12 is depicted as a symbol of the Church or Mary, transformed from the ancient Queen of Heaven to represent Christian salvation and the triumph over evil. Babylon symbolizes the corrupt world system and the empire’s idolatry, often seen as a reference to Rome as the enemy of God’s people.The letters to the seven churches address the moral and spiritual conditions of early Christian communities. Rome’s power is depicted as temporary and ultimately defeated, leading to the Last Judgment, where the wicked are punished and the righteous are rewarded. The vision concludes with the New Jerusalem, a renewed Eden, where God and humanity will dwell together forever in peace and righteousness. The central message of Revelation is the assurance of victory for the faithful, as God will ultimately defeat evil, restore justice, and establish an eternal, divine kingdom.Jesus in Revelation: depicted as the Lamb, the Alpha and Omega, the Son of Man, and the conqueror of evil.Beasts: represent corrupt powers (the Beast from the Sea, the Beast from the Earth).Seven: a symbol of divine perfection (seven churches, seals, trumpets, bowls).Babylon: represents moral corruption and imperial opposition to God.New Jerusalem: a symbol of the final restoration and eternal communion with God. Apocalyptic literature characteristics include vivid visions, symbolism, and an emphasis on the ultimate triumph of God over evil, with a focus on cosmic and moral struggles. R:My definition of religion is a deeply personal journey of faith, rooted in belief in God, and a commitment to living in accordance with His teachings. Religion is a system of beliefs and practices that guides individuals in their relationship with a higher power and in their moral decisions. It involves rituals, community, and sacred texts that offer wisdom and direction for living a virtuous life.For me, religion is not just about following rules, but about cultivating a deeper relationship with God and living in a way that aligns with His will.