NTI Exam 1 Questions And Answers
2024
Hellenic - correct answer-Term referring to Greek culture and history prior to Alexander
the Great. The 5th century BCE was the highpoint of the Hellenic era. The Hellenic era
was centered in Greece, though merchant activity led to some cultural cross-fertilization.
Hellenistic - correct answer-Term referring to the era of Greek culture and influence
originating from Alexander the Great and his accomplishments, accomplishments that
caused a significant shift in Greek culture. 323-31 BCE Alexander's conquests led to
Greek western ideas interacting with eastern ideas
"taken for granted" - correct answer-"taken for granted"
We don't consciously make decisions and think through every little thing that we do. For
example, we don't have to think through what to do when you get in an elevator, how to
sit in class and take notes, or how to go through the lunch line at school. We look at our
reality through our worldview and because of that there are certain things that are
simply natural to who you are and how you behave and what you believe should
happen.
Religion in the ancient world is a "taken-for-granted" idea like this. They assumed it.
They assumed it so much that they didn't even have to think through it all the time.
Outside forces are always present and interacting with their daily lives. Thus, Religion is
not disassociated from the public and private life. It is infused in everything. It does not
have to be spoken aloud or consciously thought through in order to impact decisions
and instinct in the day-to-day life of the ancient world.
Summary: This is 70-90% of the population. Religion is their life. They don't give it up
easily.
The Hellenistic every day person is looking for three things (3 Cs) - correct answer-
Control over affairs of everyday life: Crops/land, income, etc.
Community in connection with the divine (to tap into divine power/benefits)
Comfort beyond the grave: If I am prevented from flourishing in this life, will I have
another shot in a different life?
Consider how well your church community does these three things.
Greco-Roman - correct answer-Greco-Roman Period (31 BCE to 350 CE+)
The Greco-Roman Empire begins in 31 BCE with Octavian/Caesar Augustus coming to
rule and extends to an early empire, later empire, and the Roman empire past our
period of study.
The Greco-Roman period as discussed in Ferguson merges out of the Republic. Rome
originally structured itself as a republic. Representatives of key families were in the
senate. It was representative rule. Rome was cautious about any one leader standing
out from the public whole.
When the Republic falls, Augustus is the beginning of an empire instead of a republic.
,Greco-Roman culture is a meshing together of Greek culture with the control and
military power of Roman culture. (Ferguson describes this well.) Rome was more Greek
in the Eastern part of the empire (this is where we see more emperor worship) and less
Greek in the Western part of the empire.)
Augustan Age: - correct answer-Augustus' rule was a major turning point for the Greco-
Roman world, just as Alexander the Great was a turning point before him. Under his
rule, Rome experienced "peace, economic prosperity, improved communications, stable
government, and a sense of renewal. The literature of the Augustan age celebrates the
birth of new age. Virgil's Eclogue 4, written in 40 BCE, shows the almost messianitc
aura that surrounded the expectations of people in the Augustan Age." In 27 BCE
Augustus was basically granted control of the will of the senate and the Roman people,
in addition to a large army and the name, Imperator Caesar divi filius "son of a god." In
23 BCE he was given proconsular power without the title. He was viewed as the chief
citizen. His government was basically a delegated absolutism.
Worldview - correct answer-"A complex construction of gained knowledge, of social
nurturing, of the human fabric of self-reflection, of varied and trying experiences, of self-
perception, anf of fears."
A worldview is all about making sense of our world and our identity therein
Pax Romana - correct answer-This is one of the aspects of Caesar Augustus' rule. It's a
period of peace when Rome didn't have any major wars going on. Pax Romana means,
"peace of Rome" or "Roman Peace." Those who write about the Pax Romana are rulers
and retainers (wealthy members of the upper class) who believe Caesar Augustus
introduced a period in Rome known as the Roman peace. However, this is actually a
fictional idea because it depends on your perspective and status. If you are a member
of popular society, Pax Romana is awful and are losing all their money to taxes and
policy. They own next to nothing. Ferguson writes, "After the wars of the preceding
period a genuine sense of gratitude was expressed toward Augustus for the restoration
of peace. He promoted this virtue of his reign, given monumental expression in the ara
pacis (altar of peace) in Rome, whose reliefs are a noble expression of the ideals of the
principate. Security and safety made possible travel, trade, and renewed economic
development and prosperity."
gymnasium - correct answer-A Greek athletic and recreational structure and social
institution developed for citizens and well-to-do individuals. Gymnasia included running
grounds, sports grounds, and occasionally a lecture hall that functioned as the center of
activities for the ephebes, members of the ephebia- an educational institution for young
men.
Protrepsis - correct answer-A mode of philosophical discourse used by Hellenistic
philosophers to convert people to a certain way of life or enterprise by demonstrating its
superiority. Early Christianity did not identify their converting practices with the term
protrepsis; rather they used the greek word for proclamation, kerygma, to describe their
converting practices.
, First Triumvirate - correct answer-Julius Caesar- who lead expeditions north of Asia
Minor. Julius Caesar defeated POmpey in 48 BCE and sought to tranform the Republic
into an Empire. But he was assassinated bye Cassius and Brutus. His popularity led
people to claim he experienced apotheosis.
Pompey- who solidified Roman control over the Fertile Crescent and Ptolemaic
Kingdom And fought against JC
Crassus- who died, leading Pompey and Julius Caesar to fight one another
Second Triumvirate - correct answer-Octavian- Adopted son of Julius Caesar who had
allegedly experienced apotheosis. Octavian used this to his political advantage.
Octavian claimed to be a son of Jupiter.
Mark Antony-Went off to Egypt and married Cleopatra. He solidified his place of
command by his military position in Egypt, attempting to control the Roman grain
supply. He refused to seel grain to Octavian. Octavian defeated Mark Antony at Philippi
in 31 BCE
Lepidus- ?
Paraenesis - correct answer-A mode of philosophical discourse used by Hellenistic
philosophers focused on moral exhortation in which one is advised to pursue or abstain
from something. Unlike protrepsis, which focused on conversion, paraensis was
educational, reminding people to live out the practices of their religious and
philosophical traditions.
Koine: - correct answer-Koine means "common" and/or "simplified." Koine Greek was
the common language in the Greco-Roman world. Also worth consideration with the
term, "koine" is the Eclectic/Koine philosophy. Eclectic involves taking different pieces of
various traditions and combining them together to create new systems. Eclectic/Koine
philosophy is less interested in antecedents to Koine. Instead it's all about:
"How you live"
How you (singular) personally live--at this time period, there is a rise of individualism.
Individuals are made of a body and a soul. So how do you live considering all of this.
Plato's Republic: Concerning leadership of government in city-states. Believed the
philosopher is the best leader because they are interested in the common good of all.
Aristotle: Modeled after Plato's republic, best way for a polis to be led, still thinking in the
plural but also considers how individuals live in a household, how that household lives in
the polis, etc. The focus starts to move to the singular a bit with Aristotle.
The difficulty of life is responding to fate (which equates loss of control) Remember
Lucias the Golden Ass. It is less about how you live amongst others and how you make
your own way toward your own fortune.
How you "live according to nature" (and according to one's true human nature)
If you look at nature you will see the correct order of things. This is what
philosophy/wisdom is.
Live according to nature and according to one's human nature. (What makes up a
human being? How do people think well? Stoics began to observe infants up through
adulthood and studied how nature shaped them and what human nature is.)
2024
Hellenic - correct answer-Term referring to Greek culture and history prior to Alexander
the Great. The 5th century BCE was the highpoint of the Hellenic era. The Hellenic era
was centered in Greece, though merchant activity led to some cultural cross-fertilization.
Hellenistic - correct answer-Term referring to the era of Greek culture and influence
originating from Alexander the Great and his accomplishments, accomplishments that
caused a significant shift in Greek culture. 323-31 BCE Alexander's conquests led to
Greek western ideas interacting with eastern ideas
"taken for granted" - correct answer-"taken for granted"
We don't consciously make decisions and think through every little thing that we do. For
example, we don't have to think through what to do when you get in an elevator, how to
sit in class and take notes, or how to go through the lunch line at school. We look at our
reality through our worldview and because of that there are certain things that are
simply natural to who you are and how you behave and what you believe should
happen.
Religion in the ancient world is a "taken-for-granted" idea like this. They assumed it.
They assumed it so much that they didn't even have to think through it all the time.
Outside forces are always present and interacting with their daily lives. Thus, Religion is
not disassociated from the public and private life. It is infused in everything. It does not
have to be spoken aloud or consciously thought through in order to impact decisions
and instinct in the day-to-day life of the ancient world.
Summary: This is 70-90% of the population. Religion is their life. They don't give it up
easily.
The Hellenistic every day person is looking for three things (3 Cs) - correct answer-
Control over affairs of everyday life: Crops/land, income, etc.
Community in connection with the divine (to tap into divine power/benefits)
Comfort beyond the grave: If I am prevented from flourishing in this life, will I have
another shot in a different life?
Consider how well your church community does these three things.
Greco-Roman - correct answer-Greco-Roman Period (31 BCE to 350 CE+)
The Greco-Roman Empire begins in 31 BCE with Octavian/Caesar Augustus coming to
rule and extends to an early empire, later empire, and the Roman empire past our
period of study.
The Greco-Roman period as discussed in Ferguson merges out of the Republic. Rome
originally structured itself as a republic. Representatives of key families were in the
senate. It was representative rule. Rome was cautious about any one leader standing
out from the public whole.
When the Republic falls, Augustus is the beginning of an empire instead of a republic.
,Greco-Roman culture is a meshing together of Greek culture with the control and
military power of Roman culture. (Ferguson describes this well.) Rome was more Greek
in the Eastern part of the empire (this is where we see more emperor worship) and less
Greek in the Western part of the empire.)
Augustan Age: - correct answer-Augustus' rule was a major turning point for the Greco-
Roman world, just as Alexander the Great was a turning point before him. Under his
rule, Rome experienced "peace, economic prosperity, improved communications, stable
government, and a sense of renewal. The literature of the Augustan age celebrates the
birth of new age. Virgil's Eclogue 4, written in 40 BCE, shows the almost messianitc
aura that surrounded the expectations of people in the Augustan Age." In 27 BCE
Augustus was basically granted control of the will of the senate and the Roman people,
in addition to a large army and the name, Imperator Caesar divi filius "son of a god." In
23 BCE he was given proconsular power without the title. He was viewed as the chief
citizen. His government was basically a delegated absolutism.
Worldview - correct answer-"A complex construction of gained knowledge, of social
nurturing, of the human fabric of self-reflection, of varied and trying experiences, of self-
perception, anf of fears."
A worldview is all about making sense of our world and our identity therein
Pax Romana - correct answer-This is one of the aspects of Caesar Augustus' rule. It's a
period of peace when Rome didn't have any major wars going on. Pax Romana means,
"peace of Rome" or "Roman Peace." Those who write about the Pax Romana are rulers
and retainers (wealthy members of the upper class) who believe Caesar Augustus
introduced a period in Rome known as the Roman peace. However, this is actually a
fictional idea because it depends on your perspective and status. If you are a member
of popular society, Pax Romana is awful and are losing all their money to taxes and
policy. They own next to nothing. Ferguson writes, "After the wars of the preceding
period a genuine sense of gratitude was expressed toward Augustus for the restoration
of peace. He promoted this virtue of his reign, given monumental expression in the ara
pacis (altar of peace) in Rome, whose reliefs are a noble expression of the ideals of the
principate. Security and safety made possible travel, trade, and renewed economic
development and prosperity."
gymnasium - correct answer-A Greek athletic and recreational structure and social
institution developed for citizens and well-to-do individuals. Gymnasia included running
grounds, sports grounds, and occasionally a lecture hall that functioned as the center of
activities for the ephebes, members of the ephebia- an educational institution for young
men.
Protrepsis - correct answer-A mode of philosophical discourse used by Hellenistic
philosophers to convert people to a certain way of life or enterprise by demonstrating its
superiority. Early Christianity did not identify their converting practices with the term
protrepsis; rather they used the greek word for proclamation, kerygma, to describe their
converting practices.
, First Triumvirate - correct answer-Julius Caesar- who lead expeditions north of Asia
Minor. Julius Caesar defeated POmpey in 48 BCE and sought to tranform the Republic
into an Empire. But he was assassinated bye Cassius and Brutus. His popularity led
people to claim he experienced apotheosis.
Pompey- who solidified Roman control over the Fertile Crescent and Ptolemaic
Kingdom And fought against JC
Crassus- who died, leading Pompey and Julius Caesar to fight one another
Second Triumvirate - correct answer-Octavian- Adopted son of Julius Caesar who had
allegedly experienced apotheosis. Octavian used this to his political advantage.
Octavian claimed to be a son of Jupiter.
Mark Antony-Went off to Egypt and married Cleopatra. He solidified his place of
command by his military position in Egypt, attempting to control the Roman grain
supply. He refused to seel grain to Octavian. Octavian defeated Mark Antony at Philippi
in 31 BCE
Lepidus- ?
Paraenesis - correct answer-A mode of philosophical discourse used by Hellenistic
philosophers focused on moral exhortation in which one is advised to pursue or abstain
from something. Unlike protrepsis, which focused on conversion, paraensis was
educational, reminding people to live out the practices of their religious and
philosophical traditions.
Koine: - correct answer-Koine means "common" and/or "simplified." Koine Greek was
the common language in the Greco-Roman world. Also worth consideration with the
term, "koine" is the Eclectic/Koine philosophy. Eclectic involves taking different pieces of
various traditions and combining them together to create new systems. Eclectic/Koine
philosophy is less interested in antecedents to Koine. Instead it's all about:
"How you live"
How you (singular) personally live--at this time period, there is a rise of individualism.
Individuals are made of a body and a soul. So how do you live considering all of this.
Plato's Republic: Concerning leadership of government in city-states. Believed the
philosopher is the best leader because they are interested in the common good of all.
Aristotle: Modeled after Plato's republic, best way for a polis to be led, still thinking in the
plural but also considers how individuals live in a household, how that household lives in
the polis, etc. The focus starts to move to the singular a bit with Aristotle.
The difficulty of life is responding to fate (which equates loss of control) Remember
Lucias the Golden Ass. It is less about how you live amongst others and how you make
your own way toward your own fortune.
How you "live according to nature" (and according to one's true human nature)
If you look at nature you will see the correct order of things. This is what
philosophy/wisdom is.
Live according to nature and according to one's human nature. (What makes up a
human being? How do people think well? Stoics began to observe infants up through
adulthood and studied how nature shaped them and what human nature is.)
