p.1
Origin and Meaning of the Term 'Bible'
What is the origin of the term 'Bible' in Greek?
In Greek, 'ta biblia' means 'the books/scrolls'.
p.10
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
What theories of inspiration have been rejected by the Church?
The 'Divine Dictation' and 'Negative Assistance' theories.
p.12
Languages of the Bible
What languages was the Old Testament originally written in?
Hebrew, with a few sections in Aramaic.
p.3
Main Divisions of the Bible
Which book is the last in the Bible?
Revelation (The Apocalypse of John).
p.12
Unity and Completeness of the Bible
What is a remarkable feature of the Bible?
Its unity despite being written over at least 1,000 years by various authors.
p.2
Main Divisions of the Bible
How many books are in the Bible for Catholics?
73 books (46 Old Testament, 27 New Testament).
p.9
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
How is God portrayed in the Bible?
As a saving God, active in real events, and deeply concerned about His people.
p.11
Origin and Meaning of the Term 'Bible'
What does the term 'Bible' mean?
It comes from the Greek 'ta biblia,' meaning 'books.'
p.3
Main Divisions of the Bible
What are the Poetry Books in the Bible?
Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Songs of Solomon.
p.13
Historical Context of the Bible's Composition
What was the significance of the name 'Israel'?
It referred to Jacob's descendants after their departure from Egypt.
p.4
Main Divisions of the Bible
What are the four Gospels?
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
p.12
Translation and Transmission of the Bible
What is the Septuagint?
A Greek translation of the Old Testament made around 200 years before Christ.
p.2
Differences in Biblical Canons
Why do Protestants and Catholics have different Old Testament books?
The seven books were believed to have been written in Greek, but discoveries show some were written in Aramaic.
p.11
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
What is the role of Scripture in God's Revelation?
It is the written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
p.4
Main Divisions of the Bible
What is the Book of Revelation?
Also called Apocalypse, it refers to an extraordinary, cataclysmic, mystical revelation.
p.8
Translation and Transmission of the Bible
What does the term 'partial record' mean in the context of the Bible?
The Bible does not contain everything that happened to the Israelites or Jesus; only selected records are preserved.
p.1
Origin and Meaning of the Term 'Bible'
What does the word 'Testament' mean?
Testament means 'Covenant or Alliance' and refers to the Old and New Testament.
p.10
Languages of the Bible
What languages were the Old and New Testaments originally written in?
The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek.
p.7
Structure and Organization of the Bible
Why was there a need to divide the Bible into verses?
The division into chapters became insufficient for precise study.
p.6
Differences in Biblical Canons
What decree declared the definitive Catholic canon, and when was it issued?
The decree 'DE CANONICIS SCRIPTURIS' was issued on April 8, 1546.
p.2
Main Divisions of the Bible
How many books are in the Bible for Protestants?
66 books (39 Old Testament, 27 New Testament).
p.3
Languages of the Bible
What language was the Old Testament primarily written in?
Hebrew, with some exceptions in Greek and Aramaic.
p.1
Origin and Meaning of the Term 'Bible'
What is the origin of the term 'Bible' in Latin?
In Latin, 'biblia' means 'the book'.
p.3
Languages of the Bible
What is the Aramaic dialect and how did it spread?
Aramaic belongs to the Semitic language family and spread under Cyrus the Persian.
p.12
Translation and Transmission of the Bible
Who translated the Latin Vulgate and when?
St. Jerome in the 4th century AD.
p.4
Differences in Biblical Canons
How do Jews refer to their sacred writings?
They call their sacred texts Torah, Neviim, Kethuvim (Law, Prophets, and Writings) or T-N-K (Tanakh).
p.13
Unity and Completeness of the Bible
What is the purpose of the Bible according to the text?
To serve as a living, dynamic witness to God’s ongoing relationship with His people.
p.1
Origin and Meaning of the Term 'Bible'
What are the Visayan terms for the Bible?
Biblia, Kasulatan, Testamento (Kasabutan).
p.6
Differences in Biblical Canons
What were the main purposes of the Council of Trent?
To determine Catholic doctrines and define the biblical canon.
p.8
Historical Context of the Bible's Composition
How does the Bible present the history of the Israelites?
It gives religious causes and meanings to historical events, presenting their history as directed by God.
p.1
Main Divisions of the Bible
What are the sections of the Old Testament?
1) Pentateuch 2) Historical 3) Wisdom/Didactic 4) Prophets.
p.10
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
How is the Bible considered in relation to God?
It is considered the Word of God, written by human authors inspired by the Spirit of God.
p.10
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
What is Revelation in the context of the Bible?
God revealing Himself to His people through word and action, primarily in history.
p.10
Unity and Completeness of the Bible
What is the unified message of the Bible?
It centers on one God despite being written by various authors over 1,000 years.
p.10
Unity and Completeness of the Bible
What does the Bible contain regarding God's revelation?
All that God intended to reveal about Himself for salvation.
p.6
Differences in Biblical Canons
What is the Palestinian canon?
A shorter canon consisting of 39 books maintained as Sacred Scripture by the Hebrew people.
p.6
Differences in Biblical Canons
How did the Catholic Church respond to the use of the Old Testament canon?
The Roman Catholic Church continued using the 46 books, while some leaders sought to restrict it to the 39 books accepted by Jews.
p.1
Origin and Meaning of the Term 'Bible'
What does 'Sacred Letters' mean in Greek?
In Greek, 'tai era grammata' means 'Sacred Letters'.
p.9
Unity and Completeness of the Bible
How do the Old Testament and New Testament connect?
The NT continues the story begun in the OT, telling one continuous story about God's plan.
p.11
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
Why are the Scriptures considered the true Word of God?
Because they are inspired by the Holy Spirit.
p.12
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
How is the Bible believed to be divinely inspired?
God, through the Holy Spirit, worked through human authors to reveal Himself.
p.12
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
What does inspiration refer to in the context of the Bible?
God's active presence in the writing of the Bible.
p.3
Languages of the Bible
What languages was the New Testament primarily written in?
Greek, with Matthew originally in Aramaic.
p.4
Main Divisions of the Bible
What is the Acts of the Apostles about?
It comprises the history of the early Church, focusing on the missionary journeys of Paul.
p.4
Main Divisions of the Bible
What are the Pauline Letters?
Letters written to the early churches founded by Paul to strengthen the faith of early Christians.
p.4
Main Divisions of the Bible
What is the Letter to the Hebrews about?
A letter traditionally attributed to Paul that focuses on Jesus as the ultimate High Priest.
p.8
Origin and Meaning of the Term 'Bible'
What is a helpful definition of the Bible?
The Bible is a partial record of the religious interpretation of the real history of the Israelites and the effect of Jesus on those who experienced Him.
p.13
Structure and Organization of the Bible
How is the Bible structured?
It is arranged by topic, with Genesis discussing creation and Revelation addressing the end of time.
p.10
Translation and Transmission of the Bible
What is the significance of the New American Bible?
It was the first American Catholic translation based on original languages.
p.9
Unity and Completeness of the Bible
What does the Old Testament foretell about Jesus?
It foretells the coming of Jesus and contains symbols, events, and prophecies that hint at His arrival.
p.9
Unity and Completeness of the Bible
How does the New Testament fulfill the Old Testament?
It shows that the promises and prophecies of the OT are fulfilled in Jesus and brings them to completion.
p.7
Structure and Organization of the Bible
Who was responsible for the initial subdivision into verses?
Santes Pagnini initially subdivided into smaller phrases in 1528.
p.6
Translation and Transmission of the Bible
How was the Bible originally written?
As continuous text with no punctuation, spaces, book titles, or structural divisions.
p.6
Structure and Organization of the Bible
How did Jews organize the reading of their scriptures?
They divided the Law into 54 sections to match the number of weeks in a year and selected 54 excerpts from the prophets for each Sabbath.
p.1
Main Divisions of the Bible
What are the sections of the New Testament?
1) Gospels 2) Acts 3) Pauline Letters 4) Hebrews 5) Universal Letters 6) Revelation.
p.2
Main Divisions of the Bible
How many books are in the Bible for Jews?
28 books (Old Testament).
p.2
Differences in Biblical Canons
What are the seven books that differ between Protestant and Catholic Bibles?
Tobit, Judith, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, Baruch, Wisdom, Sirach.
p.10
Sacramentality of the Bible
How does the Bible relate to the sacraments?
Like the sacraments, it brings God closer to us when read with faith.
p.13
Historical Context of the Bible's Composition
What happened to the Jewish Temple in A.D. 70?
It was destroyed by the Romans.
p.6
Translation and Transmission of the Bible
What is the first official Catholic Latin Bible?
The Latin Vulgate, commissioned by Pope Damasus I and translated by St. Jerome in AD 400.
p.1
Origin and Meaning of the Term 'Bible'
What does 'Scriptures' mean in Greek?
In Greek, 'graphai' means 'Scriptures'.
p.5
Differences in Biblical Canons
When was the New Testament definitively compiled into one volume?
In AD 397 at the Council of Hippo and Carthage.
p.2
Differences in Biblical Canons
What are some examples of Apocryphal books in the Old Testament?
The Book of Enoch, Jubilees, 4 Esdras, 4 Maccabees.
p.2
Differences in Biblical Canons
What are some examples of Apocryphal books in the New Testament?
Gospel of Mary, Gospel of Peter, Acts of Pilate/Peter/Paul.
p.5
Structure and Organization of the Bible
How did Jews designate the titles of their books?
By the first word/s of each book.
p.1
Main Divisions of the Bible
What does the Old Testament focus on?
Writings about the Jewish people, anchored in the Exodus event and God's promises.
p.1
Main Divisions of the Bible
What does the New Testament focus on?
Writings about Jesus as the fulfillment of promises and the early Christian communities.
p.11
Differences in Biblical Canons
How many books are in the Catholic Old Testament?
46 books (39 canonical + 7 deuterocanonical).
p.7
Translation and Transmission of the Bible
What materials were used for writing the Bible before the printing press?
Papyri, parchment, vellum, and ink made from tree gum and soot.
p.7
Translation and Transmission of the Bible
What challenges did copyists face?
Copying was a patient and difficult task, often resulting in beautifully decorated copies.
p.13
Historical Context of the Bible's Composition
What characterized the kingdoms of Israel and Judah?
Israel was more powerful economically and militarily, while Judah included Jerusalem.
p.13
Historical Context of the Bible's Composition
What led to the evolution of the faith from 'Israelitic' to 'Jewish'?
The strict observance of religious practices during the Babylonian exile.
p.6
Differences in Biblical Canons
What was the Jewish reaction to Christians using the Old Testament canon in the 2nd century CE?
Jews decided to close their canon and chose the shorter Palestinian canon, consisting of 39 books.
p.1
Origin and Meaning of the Term 'Bible'
What are the traditional names for the Bible?
Divine Scripture, Sacred Scripture, Sacred Books.
p.13
Historical Context of the Bible's Composition
What was the outcome of the Maccabean Revolt?
Jewish resistance to Greek influence and the emergence of groups like the Pharisees and Sadducees.
p.1
Origin and Meaning of the Term 'Bible'
What does 'Holy Scriptures' mean in Greek?
In Greek, 'graphai aiai' means 'Holy Scriptures'.
p.12
Historical Context of the Bible's Composition
What does the Bible tell the story of?
God in action, shaping the lives and destiny of His people.
p.3
Languages of the Bible
What are some Aramaic phrases found in the New Testament?
Thalita cumi and Eloi Eloi, lamma sabachtani.
p.9
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
What is the significance of revelation in the Old Testament?
It is part of God’s total revelation and reflects His interaction with the people of God.
p.10
Differences in Biblical Canons
What was finalized at the Council of Trent in 1546?
The canon of Scripture, which includes 73 books for Catholics.
p.11
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
What is the Magisterium?
The Church’s authority to interpret Scripture and Tradition authentically.
p.2
Differences in Biblical Canons
What are Proto-canonical books?
Books that were never disputed from the very start; the remaining 66 books of the Bible.
p.8
Historical Context of the Bible's Composition
Why might some historical material be missing from the Bible?
The Israelites had little time for record-keeping during slavery and escape, and stories were preserved through oral traditions that may have been lost over time.
p.4
Historical Context of the Bible's Composition
How long did it take to compose the Sacred Books?
It started 3,300 years ago and lasted 1,500 years.
p.6
Historical Context of the Bible's Composition
When and where did the Council of Trent take place?
From 1545 to 1563, lasting for 18 years.
p.8
Translation and Transmission of the Bible
What is the significance of 'oral traditions' in the context of the Bible?
Stories were largely preserved through oral traditions, passed down from generation to generation, but many might have been lost due to time and weather.
p.8
Translation and Transmission of the Bible
Why were some materials omitted when the Bible was assembled?
Some materials were omitted because they did not fit the purpose of those assembling the Bible.
p.11
Unity and Completeness of the Bible
What is the significance of the New Covenant in Christ?
It is eternal and never grows old, as Jesus transforms time and history.
p.11
Role of the Holy Spirit in Scripture
What role does the Holy Spirit play in the formation of Scripture?
The Holy Spirit guided the human authors of the Bible.
p.5
Differences in Biblical Canons
Is the division of the Sacred Books always the same?
No, the division of the books is not always the same.
p.3
Languages of the Bible
Which books of the Old Testament contain passages written in Aramaic?
Jeremiah, Daniel, and Ezra.
p.9
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
What does inspiration mean in the context of the Bible?
It means the material in the Bible has a divine origin and reflects God's influence on the human authors.
p.9
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
What role does human involvement play in biblical inspiration?
The human author's mind and will were influenced by God, guiding the choice of writings included in the Bible.
p.11
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
What does Tradition refer to in the context of God's Revelation?
The oral teachings of the Apostles, passed down through the Church.
p.7
Structure and Organization of the Bible
What was the significance of the 'Parisian Bible'?
It was the first Bible with chapters, widely accepted and used.
p.1
Origin and Meaning of the Term 'Bible'
What are the two meanings indicated by the word 'Bible'?
1) A class all by itself 2) A small library of books written by many authors.
p.5
Differences in Biblical Canons
What is the definition of a canon?
A list of books accepted by the Church as inspired by God, derived from the Greek word 'kanon' meaning measuring rod.
p.8
Origin and Meaning of the Term 'Bible'
What are some other names for the Bible and their meanings?
Great Literature: Superior literary form and themes. Holy Scripture: Sacred writings about divine matters. Word of God: Divine communication. Salvation History: God's saving actions in Christ.
p.6
Structure and Organization of the Bible
How did early Christians adapt the Jewish practice of dividing scriptures?
They adopted weekly readings and included New Testament books, dividing scrolls into sections or chapters.
p.5
Historical Context of the Bible's Composition
What is the history behind the Palestinian Canon?
In the 1st century CE, Jews had not yet completed their Bible list, leading to the emergence of the Palestinian Canon.
p.5
Differences in Biblical Canons
What dilemma did the first Christians face regarding the Old Testament?
They faced a dilemma between using the shorter Hebrew canon or the longer Alexandrian (Greek) canon.
p.9
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
Why is the Bible considered God's special word?
It is viewed as the basic religious book for Jews and Christians and believed to be God's special revelation of Himself.
p.11
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
What are the three ways through which God's Revelation comes?
1. Scripture (The Bible), 2. Tradition, 3. Magisterium (Teaching Office).
p.4
Main Divisions of the Bible
What are the Universal/Catholic Letters?
Letters addressed to a broader Christian audience, including James, 1-2 Peter, 1-2-3 John, and Jude.
p.8
Main Divisions of the Bible
How do Jewish people distinguish among the terms Hebrew, Jew, and Israelite?
Hebrew: People who lived before the covenant (around 1250 BCE). Jew: People who lived after the return from Babylon. Israelite: People who made the covenant with God, particularly after escaping slavery in Egypt.
p.13
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
What does the Bible reflect about its authors?
It emerges from faith communities chosen to convey God's promise.
p.7
Structure and Organization of the Bible
How was Langton’s chapter division received?
It was adopted by the University of Paris and later copied in Hebrew and Greek versions, including the Septuagint.
p.5
Differences in Biblical Canons
Why were previous New Testament editions incomplete?
Because the New Testament was not yet fully compiled into a single volume until AD 397.
p.5
Historical Context of the Bible's Composition
How were the Sacred Books composed?
By different authors, in different places, and at different times.
p.1
Main Divisions of the Bible
What are the two main divisions of the Bible in Christianity?
1) Old Testament 2) New Testament.
p.8
Historical Context of the Bible's Composition
What is the nature of the Bible as 'real history'?
It records actual events without pretending only good things happened, presenting events like slavery in Egypt and the conquest of Canaan as they really were.
p.7
Translation and Transmission of the Bible
How were copies of the Bible made before the printing press?
Copies were handwritten word for word, making transcription difficult and prone to errors.
p.6
Structure and Organization of the Bible
Who is credited with the division of the Bible into chapters?
Stephen Langton, an Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1220.
p.5
Historical Context of the Bible's Composition
How did the first Christians view the Old Testament?
They recognized the Bible of the Jews and saw Jesus as fulfilling and completing the Old Testament.
p.11
Unity and Completeness of the Bible
How do the Old and New Testaments relate to each other?
The Old Testament covenants find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant.
p.9
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
What is the role of the Word of God in the Bible?
It represents God's communication to people, including specific messages, commandments, and signifies His creation and governance.
p.7
Structure and Organization of the Bible
Who created the present-day verse system?
Robert Estienne (Stephanus) completed it in 1551 for the New Testament and 1555 for the whole Bible.
p.11
Translation and Transmission of the Bible
What is the process of how the Scriptures were formed?
1. Events happened, 2. Oral traditions were passed down, 3. Stories were written, 4. Writings were edited, 5. Accepted into the biblical canon.
p.7
Translation and Transmission of the Bible
Who were responsible for copying the Bible in different eras?
Scribes copied the Old Testament, while monks copied Christian-era texts.
p.7
Structure and Organization of the Bible
What was the significance of Robert Estienne’s work?
It was endorsed by Pope Clement VIII, leading to the first Catholic Church edition of the Bible with definitive chapter and verse divisions.
p.7
Structure and Organization of the Bible
What forms did the books of the Bible take before the printing press?
Scrolls and bound books similar to modern books.
p.7
Unity and Completeness of the Bible
Why is it difficult to define the Bible precisely?
The Bible is perceived differently by different people, making exact terms challenging to establish.
p.8
Inspiration and Revelation in Scripture
How does the Bible interpret real history?
The Bible interprets real history religiously, presenting historical events through the lens of divine intervention and purpose.
p.5
Historical Context of the Bible's Composition
What is the history behind the Alexandrian Canon?
Jews migrating to Alexandria found the original Hebrew Bible difficult to understand, leading to the production of the Septuagint.
p.11
Understanding the Bible
What is essential to truly grasp the message of the Bible?
Understanding its formation and the types of literature it contains.
p.7
Translation and Transmission of the Bible
How was the Bible conserved before the printing press?
Few copies existed, often artistically valuable, kept in secure locations with threats of excommunication for unauthorized removal.
p.5
Differences in Biblical Canons
What are the two lists or 'canons' that have existed since then?
Palestinian Canon (for Hebrew-speaking Jews) and Alexandrian Canon (for Greek-speaking Jews).
