The First Century: Christians, Romans, and Jews

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Which of the the gospel authors, was most likely a witness to the Crucifixion? Matthew John Mark Luke

2. Which two disciples ran to the tomb when Mary Magdalene told them that she had seen the risen Jesus? Peter and Andrew Peter and John John and Thomas Nathaniel and Peter

3. John the Baptist, being the herald of the Messiah, had no followers after his death. True False

4. What is the Shroud of Turin? The burial cloth of Jesus A mantle worn by Peter A robe worn by Jesus Temple vestments worn by the high priest

5. Which of the Council of Seven appointed by the twelve disciples went about Samaria preaching and healing? Stephen Timon Phillip Nicanor

6. Which Christian author referred to the Emperor Tiberius as being interested in a report from Pontius Pilate that a new "god" (Jesus) had arisen? Polycarp Eusebius Ireneus Secundus

7. Where did Herod Antipas imprison and execute John the Baptist? Machaerus Tiberias Jerusalem Sepphoris

8. Where did Pontius Pilate go after his term of office in Judea ended? To Egypt as new governor there To Athens as a magistrate Caesarea in a retirement villa To Rome on charges of abuse and corruption

9. Rioting in Alexandria between Jews and Greeks continued into the early part of Claudius' reign. He issued two imperial decrees. In the first, what did Claudius declare? That Jews were to leave Alexandria That he would tolerate no further disturbance That Greek gymnastic games would cease That no Greek or Jewish quarters would be allowed

10. Herod Agrippa gained great popularity with the common people by what action? He arranged more gladiatorial games. He abolished the annual tax on households. He fed 1,000 Jewish refugees in Joppa. He forbade Romans to live in Jerusalem.

11. Barnabas, Paul's first companion, was a native of which area? Jerusalem Lystra Antioch Cyprus

12. A young girl is named in the gospels who danced for Herod Antipas and asked for the head of John the Baptist at the instigation of her mother, Herodias. What was her name in the gospels? Salome Phaesalis Fala Her name is not mentioned in the gospels

13. Herod Antipas rejected the daughter of King Aretas when he fell in love with Herodias. What was the name of this young woman? Tabitha Fala Phaesalis Salome

14. Pontius Pilate's first provocative act was to place images of Tiberius in the temple area in Jerusalem. What unexpected event occurred when he confronted the Jews over the issue? They agreed that the images could remain. They began rioting. They all bared their necks to his swords. They sent a letter to Tiberius.

15. In 34 AD, Tiberius banished Jews from Rome. What sparked this edict? The Senate pressured Tiberius to do so. Tiberius wanted to seize Jewish wealth. A financial scandal was perpetrated by four Jews. Tiberius received a letter from Herod Agrippa.

16. Nicholas Notovich claimed that Jesus visited what country outside Palestine? India Russia Gaul Spain

17. Caiaphas, the high priest who presided over Jesus' trial, was removed from office by whom? Lucius Vitellius Vibius Marsus Pontius Pilate Publius Petronius

18. Herod Agrippa was a frequent guest in the house of which reputable Roman matron? Livia Quintilia Lollia Paulina Antonia

19. Christians during Nero's reign were persecuted, becoming members of "religiones illicitae" (forbidden or illicit religions). By what process did they become enemies of the state? Nero simply singled them out as the group which burned Rome. A witness reported seeing Christians firing a warehouse. An official decree declared Christians as traitors. The Senate outlawed Christianity.

20. After Claudius executed Messalina for her infidelity and treason, what did he tell the Praetorian Guard? That they could kill him if he married again. That their pay would be increased. That he would change marriage laws. That Narcissus would be their permanent praefect.

21. There is a tradition, not appearing in the gospels, that Veronica wiped the bloody, sweaty face of Christ when he fell while carrying his cross to Golgotha. An image of Jesus' face remained on her veil. What is this woman's real name? Seraphia Joanna Miriam Dinah

22. Who was Nero's first wife? Poppaea Sabina Statilia Messalina Lollia Paulina Octavia

23. Paul acquired a new traveling companion after he and Barnabas parted ways in Antioch. What was the man who began to accompany Paul on his next missionary journeys? Titus Timon Silas Onesimus

24. Serious rioting broke out in Jerusalem in 50 AD. Who was the governor of Syria when this occurred? Vibius Marsus Publius Petronius Lucius Vitellius Gaius Cassius Longinus

25. An enigmatic event occurred during the reign of Claudius, a man who had tolerated the Jewish way of life and who respected their right to worship. He expelled the Jews from Rome for what apparent reason? The Senate passed a measure exiling the Jews. Claudius wanted to confiscate their wealth. There were disturbances between Jews and Christians. Herod Agrippa wanted Jews to return to their homeland.