View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What date do the Gospels claim the crucifixion took place on?
(a) April 16.
(b) Friday 15, Nisan.
(c) Sunday 17, Nisan.
(d) Ash Wednesday.

2. When is Jesus' birthday traditionally celebrated?
(a) December 24.
(b) December 21.
(c) December 25.
(d) December 22.

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

4. The Gospels are missing characteristics of what type of literature, which makes them problematic?
(a) Histories.
(b) Fiction.
(c) Non-Fiction.
(d) Biographies.

5. The author indicates that Jesus was born around the time of whose death?
(a) Pilate.
(b) Josephus.
(c) Herod the Great.
(d) John the Baptist.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many tribes of Israel were there in Jesus' time?

2. Who baptized Jesus?

3. What leadership role was responsible for the day-to-day government of Rome?

4. Where did Jesus spend the majority of his childhood?

5. Who represented the Roman Empire in Judea at the time of Jesus?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 15, whom does Sanders say the apostles were accountable to?

2. Why were miracle workers more likely to be celebrated in the ancient world than they are today?

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

4. Who wrote the Gospels?

5. When Pilate was first asked to execute Jesus, why did he refuse?

6. What reason did Jesus give for overturning the tables at the Temple?

7. What point does Sanders make about ethical perfectionism in terms of marriage?

8. What kind of ruler does Sanders say Antipas was in comparison to his father, Herod the Great?

9. Why do biblical scholars say that Jesus' conversation with the apostles concerning a promise to the disciples for a place in Heaven could not have taken place after the crucifixion?

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 541 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample