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Paul the Apostle was one of the original Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus during his earthly ministry.
Answer: False
Explanation: Paul was not one of the original Twelve Apostles and did not personally know Jesus during his earthly ministry, though he was a contemporary and later met eyewitnesses.
Before his conversion, Paul was a Pharisee who actively persecuted early followers of Jesus, particularly Hellenized Jewish members.
Answer: True
Explanation: Before his conversion, Paul was a zealous Pharisee who intensely persecuted early Christians, specifically targeting Hellenized diaspora Jewish believers in Jerusalem.
Paul's conversion to Christianity occurred after he spent several years studying the teachings of Jesus with the Twelve Apostles in Jerusalem.
Answer: False
Explanation: Paul's conversion was a sudden, direct experience of the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus, not a result of studying with the Twelve Apostles beforehand.
Paul's family was deeply attached to Sadducean traditions and observances for generations.
Answer: False
Explanation: Paul came from a devout Jewish family deeply attached to Pharisaic traditions and observances, not Sadducean.
Paul received his education in Jewish law in Alexandria, Egypt, a renowned center of Hellenistic learning.
Answer: False
Explanation: Paul received his education in Jewish law in Jerusalem, studying under Gamaliel, not in Alexandria, Egypt.
What was Paul's religious affiliation before his conversion to Christianity?
Answer: Pharisee
Explanation: Before his conversion, Paul identified himself as a Pharisee, a member of an ancient Jewish sect known for strict adherence to Jewish law.
What significant event led to Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus?
Answer: He experienced a vision of the ascended Jesus and heard a voice.
Explanation: Paul's conversion was triggered by a profound vision of the ascended Jesus on the road to Damascus, accompanied by a divine voice.
Where did Paul receive his education in Jewish law?
Answer: At the school of Gamaliel in Jerusalem
Explanation: Paul received his education in Jewish law in Jerusalem, studying under Gamaliel, one of the most esteemed teachers of Jewish law.
Whom did Paul primarily target during his persecution of early Christians before his conversion?
Answer: Hellenized diaspora Jewish members in Jerusalem
Explanation: Before his conversion, Paul specifically targeted Hellenized diaspora Jewish believers who had returned to the Jerusalem area, due to their perceived anti-Temple stance.
What did Paul immediately do after his sight was restored following his conversion in Damascus?
Answer: He began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues of Damascus.
Explanation: Immediately after his conversion and the restoration of his sight, Paul began proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God in the synagogues of Damascus.
Immediately after his conversion, Paul traveled to Rome to establish the first Christian church there.
Answer: False
Explanation: Immediately after his conversion, Paul went to Damascus, then to Arabia, and returned to Damascus, eventually visiting Jerusalem, not directly to Rome.
Antioch became a crucial center for Paul's early missionary activities and was where followers of Jesus were first called 'Christians.'
Answer: True
Explanation: Antioch served as a pivotal center for Paul's early missionary endeavors and was indeed the place where followers of Jesus were first designated 'Christians.'
During his first missionary journey, Paul declared his mission would henceforth be primarily to the Jews after facing opposition from Gentiles.
Answer: False
Explanation: During his first missionary journey, after facing opposition from influential Jews, Paul declared his mission would henceforth be primarily to the Gentiles, not the Jews.
The 'Incident at Antioch' involved Paul publicly confronting Peter for refusing to share meals with Gentile Christians.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Incident at Antioch' describes Paul publicly rebuking Peter for his withdrawal from sharing meals with Gentile Christians due to pressure from Jewish traditionalists.
Paul and Barnabas separated before the second missionary journey due to a theological disagreement about the nature of salvation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Paul and Barnabas separated before the second missionary journey due to a 'sharp argument' over whether to take John Mark with them, not a theological disagreement about salvation.
During his second missionary journey, Paul had a vision of an Asian man, which prompted him to travel to Asia Minor.
Answer: False
Explanation: During his second missionary journey, Paul had a vision of a *Macedonian* man, which prompted him to travel to Macedonia, not an Asian man to Asia Minor.
Paul spent 18 months in Corinth, a period whose date is supported by a reference to Proconsul Gallio.
Answer: True
Explanation: Paul resided in Corinth for 18 months, a period historically corroborated by the reference to Proconsul Gallio, which helps date this part of his ministry.
Paul's third missionary journey included a three-year stay in Ephesus, where he worked as a tent maker and performed miracles.
Answer: True
Explanation: Paul's third missionary journey included a nearly three-year stay in Ephesus, during which he worked as a tent-maker, performed miracles, and organized missionary activities.
What significant role did Antioch play in Paul's early ministry?
Answer: It served as a crucial center and home base for the mission to the Gentiles.
Explanation: Antioch became a pivotal center for Paul's early missionary activities, serving as a strategic base for the mission to the Gentiles, and where followers of Jesus were first called 'Christians.'
What was the pivotal shift in Paul's focus during his first missionary journey?
Answer: He declared his mission would henceforth be primarily to the Gentiles.
Explanation: During his first missionary journey, after facing opposition from influential Jews, Paul declared his mission would henceforth be primarily to the Gentiles, marking a pivotal shift in his evangelistic focus.
What caused the 'sharp argument' between Paul and Barnabas before Paul's second missionary journey?
Answer: A dispute about whether to take John Mark with them.
Explanation: Paul and Barnabas had a 'sharp argument' prior to the second missionary journey concerning whether to include John Mark, who had previously abandoned them.
Which city did Paul visit during his second missionary journey after a vision of a Macedonian man?
Answer: Philippi
Explanation: Following a vision of a Macedonian man, Paul traveled to Macedonia, where he visited Philippi during his second missionary journey.
How long did Paul spend in Corinth during his second missionary journey, and what significant partnership began there?
Answer: Eighteen months; he met Priscilla and Aquila.
Explanation: Paul resided in Corinth for 18 months, where he formed a crucial partnership with Priscilla and Aquila, who became vital collaborators in his ministry.
Paul was arrested in Jerusalem after being accused by Roman authorities of inciting a rebellion against the Emperor.
Answer: False
Explanation: Paul was arrested in Jerusalem after being falsely accused by 'Jews from Asia' of defiling the Temple by bringing Gentiles into it, not by Roman authorities for inciting rebellion.
Paul used his Roman citizenship to demand a trial in Rome before Caesar, rather than being sent back to Jerusalem.
Answer: True
Explanation: Paul exercised his right as a Roman citizen to 'appeal unto Caesar' when Governor Festus suggested sending him back to Jerusalem for further trial, leading to his journey to Rome.
During his sea journey to Rome, Paul was shipwrecked on the island of Crete, where he was bitten by a poisonous snake.
Answer: False
Explanation: During his journey to Rome, Paul was shipwrecked on the island of Melita (Malta), where he famously survived a bite from a poisonous snake, not on Crete.
According to the Acts of the Apostles, Paul spent his final years in Rome freely traveling and preaching without any restrictions.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to the Acts of the Apostles, Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome, preaching from his rented home, indicating restricted rather than free travel.
Church tradition holds that Paul was crucified in Rome, similar to Peter, during Emperor Nero's reign.
Answer: False
Explanation: Church tradition holds that Paul was beheaded in Rome, while Peter was crucified, both during Emperor Nero's reign.
An 8-foot-long marble sarcophagus inscribed with 'PAULO APOSTOLO MART' was discovered in 2002, which Vatican archaeologists declared to be Paul's tomb.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2002, an 8-foot-long marble sarcophagus inscribed 'PAULO APOSTOLO MART' was discovered, and Vatican archaeologists declared it to be the tomb of Paul the Apostle in 2006.
Radiocarbon dating of bone fragments from Paul's sarcophagus definitively confirmed their traditional assignment to St. Paul.
Answer: False
Explanation: While radiocarbon dating indicated the bone fragments were from the 1st or 2nd century, aligning with Paul's timeline, a Vatican Museums' expert urged caution, noting it does not *definitively* confirm the traditional assignment to St. Paul.
What was the primary reason for Paul's arrest during his final visit to Jerusalem in 57 AD?
Answer: He was accused by 'Jews from Asia' of defiling the temple by bringing Gentiles into it.
Explanation: Paul was arrested in Jerusalem after being falsely accused by 'Jews from Asia' of defiling the Temple by introducing Gentiles.
How did Paul use his Roman citizenship to his advantage during his arrest and trials?
Answer: He used it to prevent being flogged and to appeal to Caesar.
Explanation: Paul invoked his Roman citizenship to prevent unlawful flogging and later to 'appeal unto Caesar,' thereby initiating his journey to Rome for trial.
On which island was Paul shipwrecked during his journey to Rome?
Answer: Malta (Melita)
Explanation: Paul was shipwrecked on the island of Melita, now known as Malta, during his journey to Rome.
According to the Acts of the Apostles, what was Paul's situation upon his arrival in Rome?
Answer: He spent two years under house arrest, preaching.
Explanation: According to the Acts of the Apostles, Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome, preaching from his rented home while awaiting trial.
What is the traditional belief regarding the manner of Paul's death?
Answer: He was beheaded in Rome.
Explanation: Church tradition holds that Paul was martyred in Rome by beheading, likely during Emperor Nero's reign.
What archaeological discovery in 2002 provided evidence related to Paul's tomb?
Answer: A marble sarcophagus inscribed with 'PAULO APOSTOLO MART'.
Explanation: In 2002, an 8-foot-long marble sarcophagus inscribed 'PAULO APOSTOLO MART' was discovered, which Vatican archaeologists declared to be the tomb of Paul the Apostle.
What did radiocarbon dating of bone fragments from Paul's sarcophagus indicate in 2009?
Answer: They dated to the 1st or 2nd century, aligning with Paul's timeline.
Explanation: Radiocarbon dating of bone fragments from the sarcophagus indicated they were from the 1st or 2nd century, aligning with the traditional timeline of Paul's life, though not definitively confirming the relics' identity.
Paul claimed to have received the Gospel message directly from the Jerusalem apostles, who commissioned him for his mission.
Answer: False
Explanation: Paul asserted that he received the Gospel message directly through 'the revelation of Jesus Christ,' emphasizing his independence from the Jerusalem apostles regarding its origin.
The Council of Jerusalem resolved that all Gentile converts to Christianity must be circumcised to be saved.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Council of Jerusalem resolved that Gentile converts to Christianity were *not* required to be circumcised for salvation, a decision that shaped the future direction of Christianity.
Paul believed his apostolic appointment to preach among the Gentiles was a direct divine commission.
Answer: True
Explanation: Paul asserted that he received the Gospel directly through 'the revelation of Jesus Christ' and viewed his apostolic appointment to preach among the Gentiles as a direct divine commission.
Paul taught that salvation is earned through strict adherence to Mosaic law and good works.
Answer: False
Explanation: Paul taught that salvation is received by God's grace, through faith in Jesus' death and resurrection, not earned through strict adherence to Mosaic law or good works.
Paul's theology required Gentile converts to be circumcised and observe Mosaic laws to be saved, which strengthened the unity between Christianity and Judaism.
Answer: False
Explanation: Paul's theology asserted that Gentile converts were *not* required to be circumcised or observe Mosaic laws for salvation, a stance that accelerated the separation of Christianity from Judaism.
Paul initially believed that Jesus would return within his lifetime.
Answer: True
Explanation: Paul initially believed that Jesus would return within his lifetime, though his eschatological views developed over time to account for a potential delay.
Paul's views on the Torah changed after his conversion, leading him to believe that Jews were no longer obligated to follow all Mosaic commandments for salvation.
Answer: True
Explanation: After his conversion, Paul's views on the Torah shifted, leading him to believe that Jews were no longer obligated to follow all Mosaic commandments for salvation, as Gentiles and Jews were united in Christ.
How did Paul claim to have received the Gospel message?
Answer: Directly through 'the revelation of Jesus Christ.'
Explanation: Paul asserted that he received the Gospel message directly through 'the revelation of Jesus Christ,' emphasizing a direct divine commission.
What was the central issue debated at the Council of Jerusalem around 49 AD?
Answer: Whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised to be saved.
Explanation: The Council of Jerusalem addressed the critical theological question of whether Gentile converts to Christianity were required to undergo circumcision for salvation.
What was Paul's central teaching regarding salvation?
Answer: Salvation is received by God's grace, through faith in Jesus' death and resurrection.
Explanation: Paul's central teaching on salvation emphasizes that it is received by God's grace, through faith in Jesus' death and resurrection, not through adherence to laws or works.
How did Paul's views on the inclusion of Gentiles impact the early Christian movement?
Answer: It accelerated the separation of the messianic sect of Christians from Judaism, making the schism inevitable.
Explanation: Paul's theology, asserting that Gentile converts did not need to become Jews or observe Mosaic laws, fundamentally reshaped early Christianity and accelerated its separation from Judaism.
How did Paul's theology influence the development of the Christian church regarding the Law?
Answer: He asserted that 'Christ is the end of the law,' freeing believers from its obligation for salvation.
Explanation: Paul's theology profoundly influenced the Christian church by declaring 'Christ is the end of the law,' signifying that believers are freed from the obligation of Mosaic law for salvation.
Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antioch are among the external historical sources that mention Paul or his writings outside the New Testament.
Answer: True
Explanation: Epistles from Clement of Rome and Ignatius of Antioch are indeed among the external historical sources that mention Paul or his writings, providing supplementary insights beyond the New Testament.
The earliest known image of Saint Paul dates to the 6th century AD and was found in a Byzantine mosaic.
Answer: False
Explanation: The earliest known image of Saint Paul dates to the early 4th century AD and was discovered in the Catacomb of Saint Thekla in Rome, not a 6th-century Byzantine mosaic.
The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul commemorates their joint martyrdom and foundational role in the church.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, celebrated on June 29, commemorates their joint martyrdom and symbolizes their foundational roles in the early Church.
The 'New Perspective on Paul' primarily focuses on Paul's concern for the individual conscience of human sinners rather than the inclusion of Gentile Torah observers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'New Perspective on Paul' emphasizes that Paul's primary concern was the inclusion of Gentile Torah observers into God's covenant, rather than solely the individual conscience of human sinners.
Thomas Jefferson praised Paul the Apostle as the most accurate interpreter of Jesus' original teachings.
Answer: False
Explanation: Thomas Jefferson held a critical view of Paul, asserting that Paul was the 'first corrupter of the doctrines of Jesus,' not the most accurate interpreter.
Marcion's interpretation of Paul's teachings was considered heretical because it rejected the Hebrew Bible and the God of Israel.
Answer: True
Explanation: Marcionism was deemed heretical by mainstream Christianity for its rejection of the Hebrew Bible and the God of Israel, based on Marcion's interpretation of Paul.
Augustine of Hippo's conversion was influenced by reading the Gospel of John, and his theology was largely independent of Paul's writings.
Answer: False
Explanation: Augustine of Hippo's conversion was significantly influenced by reading Romans 13, and his foundational theology was heavily derived from Paul's writings, not independent of them.
Martin Luther's doctrine of *sola fide* was significantly influenced by his interpretation of Paul's Epistle to the Romans.
Answer: True
Explanation: Martin Luther's interpretation of Paul's Epistle to the Romans profoundly influenced his doctrine of *sola fide* ('faith alone'), a central tenet of the Protestant Reformation.
Which of the following is an external historical source, beyond the New Testament, that mentions Paul?
Answer: Clement of Rome's *1 Clement*
Explanation: Clement of Rome's *1 Clement* is an early external source that mentions Paul and details aspects of his life and ministry.
Where was the earliest known image of Saint Paul, dating to the early 4th century AD, discovered?
Answer: The Catacomb of Saint Thekla in Rome
Explanation: The earliest known image of Saint Paul, dating to the early 4th century AD, was discovered and restored in the Catacomb of Saint Thekla in Rome.
What is a key emphasis of the 'New Perspective on Paul'?
Answer: Paul's primary concern was the inclusion of Gentile Torah observers into God's covenant.
Explanation: The 'New Perspective on Paul' emphasizes that Paul's primary concern was the inclusion of Gentile Torah observers into God's covenant, rather than solely the individual conscience of human sinners.
What was Thomas Jefferson's view of Paul the Apostle?
Answer: He believed Paul was the 'first corrupter of the doctrines of Jesus.'
Explanation: Thomas Jefferson held a critical view of Paul, asserting that Paul was the 'first corrupter of the doctrines of Jesus,' implying deviations from Jesus' authentic teachings.
What was Marcion's central, heretical belief regarding Paul's teachings?
Answer: He asserted that Paul was the only apostle who correctly understood salvation and rejected the Hebrew Bible.
Explanation: Marcion's central, heretical belief was that Paul was the sole apostle who correctly understood salvation, leading him to reject the Hebrew Bible and the God of Israel.
Which of Paul's epistles significantly influenced Augustine of Hippo's conversion and foundational theological work?
Answer: Romans
Explanation: Augustine of Hippo's conversion was significantly influenced by reading Romans 13, and his foundational theological work derived heavily from Paul's Epistle to the Romans.
What doctrine of the Protestant Reformation was profoundly influenced by Martin Luther's interpretation of Paul's Epistle to the Romans?
Answer: *Sola Fide* (Faith alone)
Explanation: Martin Luther's interpretation of Paul's Epistle to the Romans profoundly influenced his doctrine of *sola fide* ('faith alone'), a central tenet of the Protestant Reformation.
Paul's original Jewish name was Saul, and his Roman name was Paulus, which he adopted to better connect with a Greco-Roman audience.
Answer: True
Explanation: Paul's Jewish name was Saul, and his Roman name was Paulus, which he used to facilitate communication and connection with his predominantly Greco-Roman audience.
The Acts of the Apostles first refers to Saul as 'Paul' during his ministry in Jerusalem, shortly after his conversion.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Acts of the Apostles first refers to Saul as 'Paul' in Acts 13:9, during his missionary work on the island of Cyprus, not in Jerusalem shortly after his conversion.
Paul was born in Jerusalem, a city known for its strict adherence to Jewish law, which shaped his early religious zeal.
Answer: False
Explanation: Paul was born in Tarsus, a cosmopolitan city in Cilicia, not Jerusalem.
Paul's profession as a fisherman connected him with Peter and other early apostles.
Answer: False
Explanation: Paul's profession was that of an artisan, specifically a leather worker or tent-maker, which connected him with Priscilla and Aquila, not as a fisherman with Peter.
Paul was fluent in Koine Greek and Aramaic, and he utilized Stoic philosophy to help Gentile converts understand the Gospel.
Answer: True
Explanation: Paul was fluent in Koine Greek and likely Aramaic, and he strategically employed Stoic philosophical terms and metaphors to articulate his Christology and Gospel message to Gentile converts.
In Cenchreae, Paul had his hair cut off as a sign of his permanent rejection of all Jewish religious practices.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Cenchreae, Paul cut his hair as part of a vow, possibly a Nazirite vow, demonstrating a *continued connection* to Jewish religious practices, not a rejection of them.
Apocryphal texts consistently describe Paul as a tall, imposing figure with a long beard.
Answer: False
Explanation: Apocryphal texts often portray Paul as a man of small stature with a bald head, crooked legs, and a somewhat hooked nose, not a tall, imposing figure.
Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' is definitively identified in his letters as a specific eye disease.
Answer: False
Explanation: The exact nature of Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' is unknown and not definitively identified in his letters as a specific eye disease; it is generally understood as a persistent physical ailment or personal struggle.
What was Paul's Roman name, and what did it signify?
Answer: Paulus, meaning 'small'
Explanation: Paul's Roman name was Paulus, which means 'small.' This name was commonly used by Jews of that era to facilitate communication with a Greco-Roman audience.
Where was Paul first referred to as 'Paul' in the Acts of the Apostles?
Answer: On the island of Cyprus
Explanation: The book of Acts first refers to Saul as 'Paul' in Acts 13:9, during his missionary work on the island of Cyprus.
In what city was Paul born?
Answer: Tarsus
Explanation: Paul was born in Tarsus, a prominent city in the Roman province of Cilicia.
What was Paul's profession, which connected him with Priscilla and Aquila?
Answer: Tent-maker
Explanation: Paul's profession was that of an artisan, specifically a leather worker or tent-maker, which led to his partnership with Priscilla and Aquila.
What languages was Paul fluent in, and which philosophical tradition did he draw upon for Gentile converts?
Answer: Koine Greek and Stoicism
Explanation: Paul was fluent in Koine Greek and likely Aramaic, and he strategically employed Stoic philosophical terms and metaphors to articulate his Christology and Gospel message to Gentile converts.
What vow did Paul take in Cenchreae, which involved cutting his hair?
Answer: A Nazirite vow.
Explanation: In Cenchreae, Paul cut his hair as part of a vow he had taken, which is often interpreted as the completion of a Nazirite vow.
What is the general understanding of Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:7?
Answer: A persistent physical ailment or personal struggle.
Explanation: Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' is generally understood to refer to some form of persistent physical ailment or personal struggle that he endured, though its exact nature is unspecified.