Free Bachelor of Theology New Testament Questions and Answers

Question 1

Hebrews is mentioned in one of the earliest New Testament copies (p. 46).

Accepted Answer

in between Romans and 1 Corinthians.

Answer

Papyrus 46 (P46), one of the earliest and most significant New Testament manuscripts dating to around 200 AD, contains a collection of Paul's letters. In this manuscript, the Letter to the Hebrews is placed in between Romans and 1 Corinthians. This ordering provides valuable insight into how early Christian communities collected and arranged the Pauline epistles.

Question 2

Hebrews 13:24's statement, "Those from Italy greet you," shows that Hebrews was dispatched.

Accepted Answer

to Rome.

Answer

The statement 'Those from Italy greet you' in Hebrews 13:24 indicates that the letter was dispatched from a location where there were people associated with Italy, and it implies that the recipients are not in Italy. Therefore, the most logical conclusion is that the letter was sent *to* Rome, or to a community in Italy, from a different location. Given the context of early Christian communities, Rome was a prominent destination for such letters.

Question 3

Your textbook states that the phrase "To the Hebrews" most likely refers to.

Accepted Answer

Jewish Christians.

Answer

The Epistle to the Hebrews is addressed to a specific group of believers who were deeply familiar with Jewish traditions, the Old Testament, and the Levitical sacrificial system. The author's primary concern is to prevent them from reverting to Judaism, emphasizing the superiority of Christ over Old Covenant institutions. Therefore, 'Hebrews' most likely refers to Jewish Christians who were contemplating abandoning their Christian faith due to persecution or a misunderstanding of Christ's finished work.

Question 4

Your textbook says that Hebrews should be dated.

Accepted Answer

around A.D. 64, after the persecution by Nero.

Answer

The Epistle to the Hebrews is generally dated before the destruction of the Temple in A.D. 70, as it discusses the Temple rituals and sacrifices as if they were still ongoing. The mention of suffering and persecution (Hebrews 10:32-34; 12:4) aligns well with the Neronian persecution which began around A.D. 64. This timing suggests the audience was facing significant pressure, making the author's message of perseverance and Christ's superiority particularly relevant.

Question 5

Hebrews' main purpose was to demonstrate that.

Accepted Answer

Christianity is superior to Judaism.

Answer

The central theme of Hebrews is the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant he inaugurated over the Old Covenant and its institutions. The author systematically argues that Christ is superior to angels, Moses, the Levitical priesthood, and the sacrificial system. This demonstration aims to convince Jewish Christians not to revert to Judaism, as Christianity offers a 'better' covenant, hope, and sacrifice.

BTheol Bachelor of Theology Practice Test

BTheol Bachelor of Theology Practice Test

Free Bachelor of Theology New Testament Questions and Answers