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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Whose historical writings are hard to reconcile with the Gospels?
(a) Jesus'.
(b) Pilate's.
(c) Moses'.
(d) Josephus'.

2. How was Jesus' life originally recorded?
(a) In long narratives.
(b) In his diaries.
(c) In short passages.
(d) In a biographical style.

3. Capernaum is a small town in what?
(a) Galilee.
(b) Samaria.
(c) Judaea.
(d) Gilead.

4. Which Gospel conflicts with the others in its account of the crucifixion?
(a) Matthew.
(b) Mark.
(c) Luke.
(d) John.

5. What is difficult to determine with accuracy from ancient times?
(a) Dates.
(b) The place where Jesus worked.
(c) The existence of Pilate.
(d) The names of the people in government.

6. What does B.C. stand for?
(a) Before Crucifixion.
(b) Between Commonalities.
(c) Before Christ.
(d) Before Christmas.

7. What did early Christians believe Jesus' life was a fulfillment of?
(a) Their prayer for a teacher.
(b) Prophecy.
(c) Laws made by the government.
(d) They did not believe he was a fulfillment of anything.

8. Who represented the Roman Empire in Judea at the time of Jesus?
(a) Judas Iscariot.
(b) Herod Antipas.
(c) Joseph Caiaphas.
(d) Pontius Pilate.

9. Around what year does the author believe Jesus was born?
(a) 5 B.C.E.
(b) 1 B.C.E.
(c) 15 B.C.E.
(d) 1 C.E.

10. Who had a large influence on Jesus' life and ministry?
(a) John the Baptist.
(b) Paul.
(c) Mary.
(d) Josephus.

11. What season does the author indicate he believes Jesus was born during?
(a) Spring.
(b) Fall.
(c) Winter.
(d) Summer.

12. The author states that, unlike figures such as Thomas Jefferson or Winston Churchill, what are the people in this book considered to be?
(a) Divine beings.
(b) Fictional.
(c) Legendary.
(d) Unimportant.

13. What did the disciples continue to do after the resurrection?
(a) Preach the Word of God.
(b) Fast.
(c) Remain in hiding.
(d) Stay at the tomb.

14. At one time, examining the life of Jesus was considered what?
(a) A sure way to Heaven.
(b) Sacrilegious.
(c) Unimportant.
(d) Mandatory.

15. Who baptized Jesus?
(a) No one.
(b) Mary.
(c) John the Baptist.
(d) Joseph.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the author of this book?

2. What is the main problem historians have with the calendars used by the ancients?

3. According to historical documents, when did the crucifixion take place?

4. The Gospels are missing characteristics of what type of literature, which makes them problematic?

5. When were the Gospels named?

(see the answer keys)

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