New Testament Chapter 4

Explanation
Flavius Josephus is considered the earliest non-Christian witness to Jesus. He was a Jewish historian who lived in the 1st century AD. In his work "Antiquities of the Jews," Josephus mentions Jesus, referring to him as a wise man, a doer of wonderful works, and the Messiah. Although there is some debate about the authenticity of these references, they are generally accepted as evidence of Jesus' existence outside of Christian sources. Therefore, Flavius Josephus is the correct answer as the earliest non-Christian witness to Jesus.

Explanation
According to the Talmud, an ancient Jewish text, the name for Jesus, the founder of Christianity, was Ben Pandera. This suggests that within Jewish tradition, Jesus was known by this name.

Explanation
Tacitus is explicit about Christianity in Rome in The Annals.

Explanation
The statement suggests that Jesus did not leave any written evidence of his teachings. This is supported by the fact that there are no known written records of his teachings authored by Jesus himself. Instead, his teachings were passed down orally and later documented by his disciples and followers. The absence of written evidence directly from Jesus himself is a significant aspect of his teachings and the historical understanding of his life.

Explanation
The term "Synoptic Gospels" refers to the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke in the Bible. These three Gospels share similar content, structure, and wording, which suggests that they were written from a similar source or perspective. The term "synoptic" comes from the Greek words "syn" meaning "together" and "opsis" meaning "view" or "sight." Therefore, the Synoptic Gospels are called so because they provide a similar view or perspective on the life, teachings, and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Explanation
The statement suggests that Matthew and Luke do not follow the same sequence as Mark in their writings. This means that the order of events or teachings in Mark's gospel differs from the order presented in Matthew and Luke. Therefore, the correct answer is true, indicating that Matthew and Luke never agree with the sequence in Mark.

Explanation
The statement suggests that Mark, among the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), is the most primitive. This means that Mark's content and style are considered to be the earliest and least developed compared to the other two Gospels. Scholars believe that both Matthew and Luke used Mark as a source, expanding on his material and adding their own unique content. Therefore, the statement is true.

Explanation
The q source is a hypothetical written source that is believed to have been used by Mark when writing his gospel. This source is thought to contain sayings and teachings of Jesus that are also found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. The q source is not extant and has never been discovered, but scholars have inferred its existence based on similarities between the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Explanation
The correct answer is Samarian. The Origin of the Gospel Traditions presents a Samarian alternative view to form criticism in biblical studies. This suggests that the book challenges the commonly accepted approach of form criticism by offering a different perspective influenced by Samarian traditions and beliefs.

Explanation
Redaction criticism is a form of biblical criticism that focuses on the editing and arrangement of written texts. Scholars who engage in redaction criticism examine how authors or editors of biblical texts shaped and modified the material to suit their theological or literary purposes. This approach seeks to understand the intentions and motivations of the redactors behind the final form of the text. Gunther, Bornkamm, Hans, and others are known for their contributions to this field of study.

Explanation
Matthew's Gospel is distinct from the other Gospels because it places a strong emphasis on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Throughout the book, Matthew repeatedly references these prophecies and shows how Jesus fulfills them. This focus on fulfillment demonstrates the continuity between the Old Testament and the coming of Jesus as the Messiah. By highlighting the fulfillment of these prophecies, Matthew seeks to establish Jesus' credibility and authority as the long-awaited Savior.

Explanation
Mark's Gospel was written to a gentile audience. This can be inferred from the fact that Mark's Gospel includes explanations of Jewish customs and traditions, suggesting that the intended readers may not have been familiar with them. Additionally, Mark's Gospel emphasizes Jesus' role as the Savior for all people, not just the Jewish community, which further supports the idea that it was written for a non-Jewish audience.

Explanation
The statement suggests that Mark's focus is on portraying Jesus as fully human. This means that Mark emphasizes Jesus' human characteristics, experiences, and emotions, highlighting his vulnerability, limitations, and the challenges he faced. Mark's gospel often includes details about Jesus' physicality, emotions, and interactions with others, presenting him as a relatable figure who experienced the full range of human experiences. This emphasis on Jesus' humanity serves to emphasize his empathy, compassion, and ability to understand and connect with human beings.

Explanation
Luke was written to the Greeks. This is evident from the content and style of the book of Luke in the Bible. The gospel of Luke emphasizes the universality of Jesus' message and his mission to all people, including the non-Jewish audience. The author, Luke, specifically addresses his writing to a Greek audience, seeking to provide them with a comprehensive and accurate account of Jesus' life, teachings, and ministry. This is why the gospel of Luke includes details and stories that would have been particularly relevant and meaningful to a Greek audience.

Explanation
Luke is considered as the social Gospel because it emphasizes the social aspects of Jesus' teachings and ministry. The Gospel of Luke focuses on Jesus' interactions with various social groups, such as the poor, outcasts, and women. It highlights themes of social justice, compassion, and inclusion. Luke also includes parables and stories that address social issues and challenges societal norms. Overall, the Gospel of Luke presents Jesus as a champion for the marginalized and oppressed, making it known as the social Gospel.

Explanation
Matthew is believed to have been written around 70 AD. This dating is based on historical and textual analysis. Scholars argue that Matthew was likely composed after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD, as the Gospel contains references to this event. Additionally, the Gospel of Matthew shows similarities to the Gospel of Mark, which is generally dated to the late 60s or early 70s. Therefore, the consensus among scholars is that Matthew was written around 70 AD.

Explanation
The Gospel of Thomas is indeed a collection of sayings rather than stories, which sets it apart from the other Gospels. Unlike the narrative style of the canonical Gospels, the Gospel of Thomas consists solely of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus. These sayings cover a wide range of topics, including spiritual wisdom and teachings. The absence of narrative elements in the Gospel of Thomas distinguishes it from the other Gospels, making the statement true.