REL/JSP 114 THE BIBLE

Study Guide for Final Exam, December 13th, 2007, 2:45 a.m., Gifford Auditorium

Study guides for the first three tests should be consulted to review the first 3/4 of the course. They are still available on the web site. In addition:

1. Be familiar with the contents of the biblical readings from Acts, Paul’s letters, the Catholic letters, and Revelation.

2. Summarize the structure, contents, and main themes of these New Testament books.

3. Be familiar with the historical background of the later New Testament writings.

4. Be able to explain why many modern historians think that Paul did not write all “his” letters. Which letters are disputed?

5. Be able to summarize and explain the major features of Paul’s thought.

6. Be familiar with the major and distinctive emphases of all of the New Testament letters (consult the textbook for details).

7. Be able to compare and contrast the NT’s depiction of Jesus’ teachings within the context of major issues in Late Second Temple Jewish thought.

8. Describe the structure, themes, and literary genre of Revelation.

Essay Questions for the Final Exam

TWO of the following questions will appear on the exam, and you will be expected to choose ONE to answer. Prepare your answers in advance to all four questions. I suggest you develop short outlines of your answers which can be easily memorized. Notes or other aides may NOT be used during the test.

1) Describe Paul's life and career. Be sure to include his background and training, the story of his experience with Jesus, his work as a Christian apostle, and the conflicts he encountered.

2) Describe the argument between Paul and the Judaizers as expressed in the Letter to the Galatians; include the strengths and weaknesses of each position. Then summarize how Paul defends his position in this letter.

3) Describe the development of the early Church as revealed by the later books of the New Testament. Over what issues did early Christians come into conflict with each other? How does the New Testament address these problems?

4) Describe the purpose and message of the book of Revelation in its first century historical context. Why is the book written in this particular literary style?