Exam One Study Guide
1. Canon, History, Theology
• Definitions - Canon, Muratorian Canon, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Marcion, Gnosticism,
Montanism, Pseudonymous Christian writings, Diocletian, Eusebius, Constantine,
Council of Laodicea, Letter of Athanasius
• Concepts - What is the role of the church in establishing the canon? What language was
the New Testament (NT) originally written in? Who/what influenced the canon in the
2d, 3d, and 4th centuries?
2. Persia & Greece
• Definitions - Intertestamental Period and synonyms; Edict of King Cyrus, Samaritan
Schism, Philip II of Macedon, Alexander the Great, Diadochi, Ptolemy II Philadelphus,
Septuagint (LXX), Antiochus IV Epiphanes, Hellenism
• Concepts - Major developments of Persian Period (Aramaic language, Rebuilding of
Jewish temple); Major contributions of Alexander the Great (Greek language and cities);
What two dynasties emerged as victors and rivals after Alexander the Great? Ptolemaic
Period highlights (Spread of Hellenization, Growth of Diaspora, Translation of
Septuagint, Formation of Jewish Council, Sanhedrin); Seleucid Period highlights (High
priesthood perverted, Hellenization by force)
3. Maccabees & Hasmoneans
• Definitions - Mattathias, Maccabees, Hasmoneans, Hasidaeans, Judas, Johnathan,
Simon, John Hyrcanus I, Aristobulus I, Alexander Jannaeus, Salome Alexandra, Hyrcanus
II & Aristobulus II
• Dates - Summary of Maccabean Period - darkest days in Jewish history, restoration of
temple worship, high-priesthood vacant, Hasmonean priesthood begins, tax exemption
and political freedom, Roman senate recognizes Hasmonean dynasty
• Concepts - What is the origin of Hanukah?
4. Herodians & Rome
• Definitions - Antipater of Idumaea, Herod the Great, Archelaus, Philip, Herod Antipas,
Herod Agrippa I, Herod Agrippa II, Josephus, Pompey, Octavian, Pax Romana, Tiberius,
Gaius Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Redivivus Legend, Vespasian, Titus, Domitian, Lucius
Quietus, Hadrian, Simon bar Kosiba, Gessius Florus