Bible Study: Test Your Scripture I.Q.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3: 13-14 NIV)

WFW: New Testament Q&A
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Q. What time periods are covered in the
New Testament?

A. The New Testament Canon reflects three historical stages of development of the Church. They include the inception as described by the four Gospels (6 B.C. - A.D. 30); the expansion as reflected in Acts and the Pauline epistles (A.D. 30 - 60); and the consolidation when such books as Paul’s Pastoral Epistles and the Petrine and Johannine writings were likely published (A.D. 60 - 100).

Q. What is “this is that?”

A. A Jewish method of Scripture interpretation called pesher was used by the Qumran community and the New Testament writers. It can be summed up with the phrase “this is that,” whereby a historical situation found in a prophetic Old Testament passage was applied to the present time (e.g. Acts 2:16; Eph 4:8-10; Rom 10:6-8).

Q. Is salvation by works or grace?

A. In Galatians 3:4-7, Paul argues that it is foolish rely on human effort as the basis for salvation. Paul earnestly reminds his Gentile listeners that they received their salvation by faith; it was the result of hearing and believing his preaching about Jesus Christ.

Q. When is the Church’s birthday?

A. Called the “birthday of the church,” the day of Pentecost was the day that the Holy Spirit came upon a large group of praying believers with supernatural audible and visible signs. (Acts 2:2-15). They were powerfully united and emboldened by the Spirit for witness.

Q. What was debated at the Council of Jerusalem?

A. The issue under debate at the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15) centered on the phenomena of Spirit-filled Gentile believers, and the extent to which they were required to observe the ceremonies and precepts of Jewish law, including the rite of circumcision.

Q. What is Gnosticism?

A. There are two contradictory ethical conclusions drawn from Gnosticism. They are asceticism which maintains that the body is inherently evil, versus the idea that only the spirit is real and the temporary physical body is of no consequence to salvation.

Q. What was the result of Paul’s vision of the Macedonian man?

A. Paul’s response to his night vision of the Macedonian man (Acts 16:6-10) influenced the spread of the Gospel west to Europe, leaving a monumental impression on Western civilization.

Q. What end time events are listed in 2 Thessalonians?

A. In 2 Thessalonians Paul reminds his readers of several events that must occur before Christ’s glorious return. Perhaps alluding to Jesus’ teaching found in Matt 24: 4-31, Paul says an unprecedented apostasy or “rebellion” will occur (2 Thess 2:3). Secondly, the restrainer who holds back the unseen power of evil will be removed (2 Thess 2:7). Finally, the antichrist will exalt himself in God’s temple; he will deceive many people with all kinds of occult miracles; and he will be victoriously overthrown by the Word of Christ (2 Thess 2:4,
8-9).

Q. What theme is expounded in Philippians?

A. Paul’s joyous epistle to his beloved Philippians expresses the theme of humility throughout. The opening Kenosis Hymn or “Christ hymn” (Phil 2: 5-11) provides the starting point for Paul’s exhortations to selfless obedience. Christ’s perfect submission to God the Father is a model for all believers, and the Philippians must follow his example. While spurning his earthly credentials, Paul reveals his own servant’s attitude even if his martyrdom is the final outcome.

Q. What are the qualifications of an elder?

A. Paul counseled Titus to appoint church elders by following conventional forms of synagogue leadership. Qualifying elders were to be strong family men, to display Godly character, to show hospitality, to be well-taught, and to be able to teach and refute false teachers (Tit 1:5-9).

Q. Name one word that reoccurs in Hebrews.

A. Addressed to the second generation of Jewish Christians under the pressure of persecution, Hebrews argues for the superiority of Jesus Messiah against the older patterns of the Mosaic Law. The recurring theme which occurs throughout the epistolary speech can be summarized with the word “better.” A series of comparisons drawn between the Sinai covenant and the new covenant in Christ, consistently reveal that the shadow of the former has been superseded by the substance of the latter.

Q. Name one word that reoccurs in 2 Peter.

A. Considered by some interpreters to be his last will and testament (1:14), Peter’s second epistle expounds the theme of true knowledge versus false knowledge (1:12). A quick count reveals that Peter used the words know, knowing, known, and knowledge of Christ over a dozen times. True knowledge, says Peter, descends from above. It is a gift of God and salvation centers in his incarnate Son, Jesus Christ. According to Peter, personal knowledge of Christ brings conformity to his character, usefulness for his service, and a secure hope for eternity.

Q. Give an example of a non-biblical work quoted in the NT.

A. In Jude verse 9, a reference is made to an incident described in the apocryphal book The Assumption of Moses. This book is just one of a number of non-canonical literary works that are quoted in the New Testament. Other examples include 1 Enoch (Jude 1:14-15) and the Greek poet Aratus (Acts 17:28). References to works outside the Canon were generally directed to audiences who considered them worthwhile reading.

Well done! I hope you enjoyed this quiz. No real prizes this time, just the chance to increase your Bible knowledge. I'm indebted to The New Testament Survey by Merril C. Tenney for this information.

Extra Credit: 3,000 Years in 90 Seconds

Geography buffs can watch the history of the Middle East (and beyond) unfold. Here's an interactive map showing the various civilizations that have ruled the region from ancient Egypt to modern times.

Related: This week, you can join all the fine folk for Word-Filled-Wednesday at Lori's blog, All You Have to Give. See you there!

Photo Credits: Ian David Blum & Reavel (Flickr)

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