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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the author of this book?

2. What problem with the Gospels makes it hard to determine the date of Jesus' birth?

3. What rural area did Jesus begin teaching in?

4. About which fact of Jesus' life is there no conflict?

5. Capernaum is a small town in what?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 14, what does Sanders say the historical proof suggests about Jesus in comparison to John the Baptist?

2. How were the Gospels initially passed down to early Christians?

3. Why was it important for government leaders to be knowledgeable of divine law?

4. Why weren't the disciples with the women when they rolled the stone away from Jesus' tomb?

5. What speculation does Sanders make about why the majority of the scriptures cater to the Gentiles rather than the Jews?

6. What did Jesus tell the apostles they would one day rule over?

7. How does the author say he will treat this examination of the life of Jesus throughout the book?

8. What did Jesus tell his disciples their return would be for sacrificing everything and following him?

9. Between what two groups was opposition of the law considered a basis for major conflict?

10. Why wasn't the history of Jesus examined until about 200 years ago?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is controversial about the scene at the Temple? What are the two common beliefs held about Jesus' actions at the Temple? What does each of these views say about Jesus and his ministry?

Essay Topic 2

What are the two contexts Sanders examines Jesus' life in? Describe both and discuss what role each of them plays in constructing a history of Jesus.

Essay Topic 3

Why are the Gospels problematic in terms of creating a factual history of Jesus? What problems do they present?

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