WH Ch. 1 Lesson 3 Quiz: Early Christianity

Match the following

• Salvation

• The act of rising from the dead.

• Resurrection

• Being saved from sin and allowed to enter heaven.

• Parable

• A story that uses everyday life events to teach a religious idea.

• Disciple

• An early Christian follower of Jesus who helped spread his message.

• Apostle

• One of the first 12 followers of Jesus.

Which of the following empires conquered the people of Judah in 63 B.C.E.?

• A. Israel.

• B. Jerusalem.

• C. Spain.

• D. Rome.

Answer explanation

In 63 B.C.E., the Roman Empire, under the leadership of General Pompey, conquered the people of Judah. This marked the end of the Hasmonean dynasty and the beginning of Roman rule in the region. Rome's conquest of Judah was part of its larger expansion throughout the Mediterranean world.

During the time of cruel control by the Romans, what did some Jews hope would happen?

• A. The Romans would replace the Jewish governor with a procurator.

• B. The Jews could establish communities far away from Jerusalem

• C. God would send a deliverer to rescue the Jews from the Romans.

• D. God would send more commandments as a guide.

Answer explanation

During the Roman rule, some Jews hoped for divine intervention to free them from the oppressive regime. The correct answer is that they hoped God would send a deliverer to rescue them from the Romans. This reflects their belief in divine salvation and the hope for a savior who would liberate them from their oppressors.

What was the outcome of the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.?

• A. The Romans were defeated and the Jews regained control of Jerusalem.

• B. The city of Jerusalem was destroyed and the Second Temple was demolished.

• C. The Jews successfully defended Jerusalem and the Romans retreated.

• D. The siege ended in a stalemate with no clear victor.

Answer explanation

The Siege of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. resulted in the destruction of the city and the demolition of the Second Temple. This outcome is highlighted in the correct choice, which states that Jerusalem was destroyed and the Second Temple was demolished. This was a significant event in Jewish history, marking the end of the Second Temple period.

One group of Jews called Zealots believed they should

• A. Avoid conflict with their rulers.

• B. establish communities away from Roman rule.

• C. fight the Romans for their freedom.

• D. ignore the Romans completely.

Answer explanation

The Zealots were a group of Jews who believed in actively fighting against Roman rule for their freedom. They were not interested in avoiding conflict, establishing separate communities, or ignoring the Romans. Instead, they sought to actively resist and fight for their independence, making the correct choice C. fight the Romans for their freedom.

What resulted from the 2nd unsuccessful rebellion by the Jews against the Romans in 132 C.E.

• A. Jews established communities outside of Jerusalem due to being forced out and made to leave their holy city by the Romans.

• B. Jews stopped studying and following their religious laws.

• C. Jews refused to leave Jerusalem.

• D. Jews captured an ancient Greek fortress called Masada.

Answer explanation

The unsuccessful rebellion by the Jews against the Romans in 132 C.E. resulted in Jews being forced out of Jerusalem and establishing communities outside their holy city. This was due to the Romans' actions in response to the rebellion.

What was the main reason for the Jewish-Roman wars?

• A. The Romans wanted to expand their territory.

• B. The Jews refused to pay taxes to the Romans.

• C. The Romans wanted to convert the Jews to their religion.

• D. The Jews wanted to regain their independence from the Romans.

Answer explanation

The main reason for the Jewish-Roman wars was the Jews' desire to regain their independence from the Romans. The other options, such as Roman territorial expansion, tax refusal, and religious conversion, were not the primary causes of the conflict. The wars were mainly driven by the Jews' struggle for freedom and autonomy from Roman rule.

Which of the following reasons led to Jesus' death?

• A) He committed a serious crime against the government.

• B) He posed a threat to the leaders in Jerusalem with his teachings.

• C) He was a victim of mistaken identity.

• D) He voluntarily chose to sacrifice himself for a greater cause.

Answer explanation

The death of Jesus was primarily due to the threat he posed to the leaders in Jerusalem with his teachings. His revolutionary ideas and teachings were seen as a challenge to the existing power structure, leading to his crucifixion. He did not commit a crime against the government, was not a victim of mistaken identity, nor did he voluntarily choose to sacrifice himself for a greater cause.

What role did the apostles play in Early Christianity?

• A) They were political leaders of the Roman Empire.

• B) They were responsible for architectural advancements in ancient civilizations.

• C) They helped spread Jesus' message and story throughout the Mediterranean region.

• D) They were renowned artists and philosophers of their time.

Who among the apostles started his work first, Paul or Peter?

• Paul

• Peter

• They both started simultaneously

• Neither of them were apostles

Answer explanation

Peter, one of the original twelve apostles, started his work first. He was a disciple during Jesus's lifetime and began his apostolic work immediately after Jesus's ascension. On the other hand, Paul, originally known as Saul, converted to Christianity after Jesus's death and resurrection, and began his work later. Therefore, Peter started his work before Paul.