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The term 'apocrypha' originates from a Greek word signifying 'secret' or 'hidden'.
Answer: True
The etymological root of 'apocrypha' is the Greek word 'apokryphos,' meaning obscure or hidden, reflecting the nature of these texts.
The term 'pseudepigrapha' is employed to designate writings falsely attributed to prominent figures, often apostles, but actually authored anonymously or by others.
Answer: True
Pseudepigrapha, derived from Greek meaning 'falsely inscribed,' refers to texts attributed to biblical figures but originating from later, often anonymous, authors.
In the study of apocrypha, 'fragments' typically refer to partial textual remnants of uncertain or unknown works, rather than complete books.
Answer: True
Fragments within apocryphal studies represent incomplete textual portions derived from works whose authorship or full extent is uncertain, distinct from references to complete, albeit lost, books.
'Lost works' in the context of apocrypha denote texts mentioned in historical sources but for which no physical manuscript evidence has survived to the present day.
Answer: True
Lost works are apocryphal texts known only through references in ancient literature, with no extant manuscript copies available for direct study.
What is the etymological origin of the term 'apocrypha' as applied to early Christian writings?
Answer: A Greek term meaning 'obscure' or 'hidden'.
The term 'apocrypha' derives from the Greek word 'apokryphos,' meaning obscure or hidden, reflecting the secret or concealed nature attributed to these texts.
The New Testament apocrypha are universally accepted as canonical scripture by major Christian denominations today.
Answer: False
Major Christian denominations, including Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant churches, generally do not consider the New Testament apocrypha to be canonical scripture, with a consensus limiting the canon to 27 books emerging by the fifth century.
Early Christian communities established specific methodologies, including ordination, creeds, and canons, to authenticate and preserve the teachings of Jesus.
Answer: True
The safeguarding of Jesus' teachings involved the development of ordination for authorized teachers, creeds to define interpretive boundaries, and canons to list authoritative documents.
The Syriac Peshitta canon, an early Christian textual collection, originally excluded several books that are now part of the modern New Testament canon.
Answer: True
The Syriac Peshitta canon, as utilized by Syrian churches, initially omitted five books—2 Peter, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation—resulting in a canon of 22 books.
Historical analysis indicates that the Armenian Apostolic Church did not consistently include the Book of Revelation within its biblical canon until a later period.
Answer: True
The Armenian Apostolic Church did not accept the Book of Revelation into its biblical canon until approximately 1200 CE, although it sometimes included the Third Epistle to the Corinthians.
The term 'Antilegomena' signifies books that were 'spoken against,' a designation that could apply to both canonical and non-canonical texts debated for inclusion.
Answer: True
'Antilegomena,' meaning 'spoken against,' was a term used in early Christian discourse for texts whose canonical status was disputed. This designation was not exclusive to non-canonical works, as some canonical books also underwent such debate.
Athanasius' Easter letter of 367 CE enumerated a canon of 27 books, aligning with the modern New Testament, but also mentioned specific texts, including the Shepherd of Hermas, as suitable for reading.
Answer: True
Athanasius' influential Easter letter in 367 CE listed the 27 books of the current New Testament canon. However, it also designated works like the Shepherd of Hermas and the Didache as 'not in the canon but to be read,' indicating a nuanced view of their status.
Bart Ehrman posits that the New Testament canon was not definitively settled until centuries after the first century, contrary to the notion of an early, fixed canon.
Answer: True
Bart Ehrman's scholarship suggests that the formation of the New Testament canon was a protracted process spanning centuries, involving considerable debate and evolving criteria, rather than a definitive settlement within the first century.
Texts identified as 'close candidates for canonization' were not universally rejected by the early church; many were widely read and considered spiritually beneficial.
Answer: True
Works considered 'close candidates for canonization' were often widely accepted and utilized for teaching within early Christian communities, even if they did not ultimately achieve canonical status.
The term 'Antilegomena,' signifying 'spoken against,' was applied to texts whose canonical status was debated, including some texts that eventually became canonical.
Answer: True
'Antilegomena' denotes texts that faced dispute or opposition regarding their inclusion in the canon. This designation was not exclusive to non-canonical works, as some canonical books also underwent such debate.
The formation of the New Testament canon was a complex process that involved more than just the discovery of new apostolic writings, incorporating criteria of usage, apostolicity, and theological coherence.
Answer: True
The formation of the New Testament canon was not solely dependent on the discovery of new apostolic texts; it involved a gradual process of evaluation based on factors such as widespread acceptance, theological alignment, and apostolic origin.
Which statement accurately reflects the contemporary consensus among major Christian denominations regarding the canonical status of the New Testament apocrypha?
Answer: They are generally not considered part of the Bible by Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant churches.
Major Christian denominations, including Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant churches, generally do not consider the New Testament apocrypha to be canonical scripture, with a consensus limiting the canon to 27 books emerging by the fifth century.
Which of the following was NOT identified as one of the three primary methods employed by early Christians to safeguard the authenticity of Jesus' teachings?
Answer: The establishment of detailed commentaries.
While ordination, creeds, and canons were crucial methods for authenticating Jesus' teachings, the establishment of detailed commentaries, though important for interpretation, was not listed among these three foundational safeguarding mechanisms.
How did the Syriac Peshitta canon, an early Christian textual collection, differ from the modern New Testament canon?
Answer: Excluding five specific books, including 2 Peter and Revelation.
The Syriac Peshitta canon, as utilized by Syrian churches, initially omitted five books—2 Peter, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation—resulting in a canon of 22 books.
What is notable regarding the Armenian Apostolic Church's historical inclusion of the Book of Revelation in its biblical canon?
Answer: It did not accept Revelation until around 1200 CE.
The Armenian Apostolic Church did not accept the Book of Revelation into its biblical canon until approximately 1200 CE, although it sometimes included the Third Epistle to the Corinthians.
What does the term 'Antilegomena' signify in the context of early Christian scriptural debates?
Answer: 'Spoken against' or disputed regarding their status.
'Antilegomena' denotes texts that faced dispute or opposition regarding their inclusion in the canon. This designation was not exclusive to non-canonical works, as some canonical books also underwent such debate.
According to Bart Ehrman's perspective, what process led to the final form of the New Testament canon?
Answer: The gradual acceptance of texts over centuries, influenced by theological debates.
Bart Ehrman suggests that the formation of the New Testament canon was a protracted process spanning centuries, involving considerable debate and evolving criteria, rather than a definitive settlement within the first century.
The Infancy Gospel of Thomas is recognized as one of the earliest extant infancy gospels.
Answer: True
The Infancy Gospel of Thomas, alongside the Infancy Gospel of James (Protoevangelium of James), is considered among the earliest examples of infancy gospels.
Jewish-Christian Gospels that no longer survive are primarily studied through references found within the writings of early Church Fathers, rather than complete manuscript discoveries.
Answer: True
Since complete manuscripts of many Jewish-Christian Gospels do not survive, scholarly reconstruction relies heavily on analyzing quotations and references preserved in the works of Church Fathers.
The Gospel of Marcion and the Gospel of Mani are cited as examples of non-canonical gospels, distinct from infancy gospels.
Answer: True
While the Gospel of Marcion and the Gospel of Mani are recognized as non-canonical gospels, they are not classified as infancy gospels; they represent other categories of early Christian literature.
Passion Gospels are texts that concentrate primarily on the events surrounding Jesus' suffering and crucifixion, rather than his teachings and parables during his ministry.
Answer: True
The genre of Passion Gospels is specifically dedicated to narratives detailing Jesus's Passion, including his suffering, death, and resurrection, distinguishing them from Gospels focused on his ministry or infancy.
The majority of apocryphal Acts of the Apostles are dated to the 2nd century, although certain texts, such as the Acts of Barnabas, are believed to have originated later.
Answer: True
While most apocryphal Acts of the Apostles date from the 2nd century, later compositions like the Acts of Barnabas and the Acts of Peter and Paul emerged as late as the 5th century.
The Gospel of Peter and the Gospel of Nicodemus are primarily classified as Passion Gospels, focusing on Jesus's suffering and crucifixion.
Answer: True
These texts, the Gospel of Peter and the Gospel of Nicodemus (also known as the Acts of Pilate), are recognized as Passion Gospels, detailing the events of Jesus's Passion, rather than his early life.
A substantial corpus of apocryphal literature, numbering over fifty texts, centers on the life and eventual fate of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Answer: True
Numerous apocryphal texts, exceeding fifty in number, are dedicated to narratives concerning the life, death, and assumption of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
The 'Miscellany' category of apocryphal texts encompasses a broader range of writings than solely church regulations, including early Christian teachings and liturgical materials.
Answer: True
The 'Miscellany' classification for apocryphal texts includes diverse writings such as church regulations (e.g., Apostolic Constitutions), early Christian teachings (e.g., the Didache), and liturgical texts, not exclusively regulations.
The Protoevangelium of James, also known as the Infancy Gospel of James, is classified as an infancy gospel, not a harmonized gospel.
Answer: True
The Protoevangelium of James is recognized as one of the earliest and most influential infancy gospels, distinct from the genre of harmonized gospels.
Which two infancy gospels are identified in the source material as the earliest extant examples of this genre?
Answer: The Infancy Gospel of James and the Infancy Gospel of Thomas.
The Infancy Gospel of James, also known as the Protoevangelium of James, and the Infancy Gospel of Thomas are considered among the earliest infancy gospels.
How are the contents of Jewish-Christian Gospels that no longer survive studied by contemporary scholars?
Answer: By analyzing references in the writings of Church Fathers.
Since complete manuscripts of many Jewish-Christian Gospels do not survive, scholarly reconstruction relies heavily on analyzing quotations and references preserved in the works of Church Fathers.
Which of the following is listed as a non-canonical gospel that does not fall specifically into the categories of infancy or Jewish-Christian gospels?
Answer: Gospel of Thomas
The Gospel of Thomas is listed among non-canonical gospels that are distinct from the infancy gospels and Jewish-Christian gospels, representing another category of early Christian literature.
What is the primary subject matter addressed by texts classified as 'Passion Gospels'?
Answer: The events surrounding Jesus's suffering and crucifixion.
Passion Gospels are texts specifically concerned with the events surrounding Jesus' suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection, distinguishing them from Gospels focused on his ministry or infancy.
The Gospel of Peter and the Gospel of Nicodemus are primarily classified as which type of apocryphal text?
Answer: Passion Gospels
These texts, the Gospel of Peter and the Gospel of Nicodemus (also known as the Acts of Pilate), are recognized as Passion Gospels, detailing the events of Jesus's Passion, rather than his early life.
Which category of apocryphal texts encompasses items such as church regulations and early Christian teachings like the Didache?
Answer: Miscellany
The 'Miscellany' classification for apocryphal texts includes diverse writings such as church regulations (e.g., Apostolic Constitutions), early Christian teachings (e.g., the Didache), and liturgical texts.
A significant number of apocryphal texts, exceeding fifty in total, are noted for focusing on which particular subject?
Answer: The life and fate of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Numerous apocryphal texts, exceeding fifty in number, are dedicated to narratives concerning the life, death, and assumption of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
The application of the term 'apocryphal' to Gnostic writings is presented as potentially misleading due to the distinct theological systems these texts represent.
Answer: True
While 'apocryphal' generally denotes texts not considered divinely inspired, applying it to Gnostic writings can be misleading, as these texts often articulate unique theological frameworks distinct from orthodox Christian traditions.
Scholarly compilations of New Testament apocrypha frequently incorporate texts discovered in the Nag Hammadi library.
Answer: True
The extensive collection of texts found at Nag Hammadi is often included within contemporary scholarly editions of New Testament apocrypha, such as the current edition of Schneemelcher's work, which contains eleven Nag Hammadi texts.
A characteristic feature of numerous Gnostic texts, particularly those unearthed at Nag Hammadi, is their presentation in the form of dialogues wherein Jesus imparts esoteric knowledge.
Answer: True
Many Gnostic writings, especially from the Nag Hammadi collection, adopt a dialogical structure, featuring Jesus revealing hidden or esoteric doctrines to his disciples.
The Sethians, a Gnostic group, perceived Jesus not as a separate figure but as a manifestation or re-incarnation of their primary messianic figure, Seth.
Answer: True
The Sethian Gnostic tradition identified Jesus with Seth, viewing him as a re-incarnation or manifestation of the biblical patriarch Seth, who held a central role in their cosmology.
The Apocryphon of John, also known as the 'Secret Gospel of John,' is closely associated with the Sethian Gnostic tradition and elaborates upon their cosmological beliefs.
Answer: True
The Apocryphon of John is a foundational text within the Sethian Gnostic system, detailing their unique cosmology and theological concepts.
The 'Ophite Diagrams' and the 'Books of Jeu' are identified as Gnostic texts that appear to contain instructions for religious rituals.
Answer: True
These Gnostic texts, the 'Ophite Diagrams' and the 'Books of Jeu,' are characterized by their inclusion of diagrams and directives intended for ritualistic use.
The Epistula Apostolorum, while written in a style similar to Gnostic texts, functions as a polemic against Gnostic esotericism.
Answer: True
The Epistula Apostolorum is characterized as a text that critiques and opposes Gnostic doctrines, despite employing stylistic elements found in Gnostic literature.
The Book of Thomas the Contender is categorized as a Gnostic dialogue in which Jesus imparts esoteric knowledge.
Answer: True
This Gnostic text, the Book of Thomas the Contender, belongs to the genre of dialogues where Jesus reveals secret teachings and insights.
Gnostic texts frequently explore esoteric cosmology and ethics, often presented in the format of dialogues featuring Jesus imparting hidden knowledge.
Answer: True
A common characteristic of Gnostic literature, particularly texts from Nag Hammadi, is the exposition of complex cosmological systems and ethical teachings, typically conveyed through dialogues involving Jesus.
In what manner does the source suggest the descriptor 'apocryphal' may be misleading when applied to Gnostic writings?
Answer: Gnostic texts represent a distinct theological system, not just 'hidden' texts.
The source indicates that applying the term 'apocryphal' to Gnostic writings can be misleading because these texts often represent distinct theological systems rather than simply being 'hidden' texts.
Scholarly compilations of New Testament apocrypha frequently incorporate texts discovered in the Nag Hammadi library. Which of the following represents such an inclusion?
Answer: The current edition of Schneemelcher.
The extensive collection of texts found at Nag Hammadi is often included within contemporary scholarly editions of New Testament apocrypha, such as the current edition of Schneemelcher's work, which contains eleven Nag Hammadi texts.
What is a characteristic feature of many Gnostic texts, particularly those discovered at Nag Hammadi?
Answer: Dialogues where Jesus reveals esoteric knowledge.
Many Gnostic writings, especially from the Nag Hammadi collection, adopt a dialogical structure, featuring Jesus revealing hidden or esoteric doctrines to his disciples.
How is Jesus depicted within the Sethian Gnostic tradition as described in the text?
Answer: A re-incarnation of the biblical Seth.
The Sethian Gnostic tradition identified Jesus with Seth, viewing him as a re-incarnation or manifestation of the biblical patriarch Seth, who held a central role in their cosmology.
What is the alternative designation for the 'Apocryphon of John,' and to which Gnostic group is it primarily associated?
Answer: The Secret Gospel of John; Sethians
The Apocryphon of John is a foundational text within the Sethian Gnostic system, detailing their unique cosmology and theological concepts.
The 'Ophite Diagrams' and the 'Books of Jeu' are cited as examples of Gnostic texts primarily containing what?
Answer: Diagrams and instructions for rituals.
These Gnostic texts, the 'Ophite Diagrams' and the 'Books of Jeu,' are characterized by their inclusion of diagrams and directives intended for ritualistic use.
William Hone's 1820 compilation, 'The Apocryphal New Testament,' incorporated earlier English translations produced by scholars such as Jeremiah Jones.
Answer: True
William Hone's 1820 publication, 'The Apocryphal New Testament,' served as a collection of earlier English translations of apocryphal texts, including those by Jeremiah Jones and William Wake.
The standard scholarly German edition of the New Testament Apocrypha, edited by Schneemelcher, was translated into English by M.R. James.
Answer: False
The standard scholarly German edition of the New Testament Apocrypha is associated with Schneemelcher, with its English translation by Robert McLachlan Wilson. M.R. James produced his own distinct English translations of apocryphal texts in 1924.
Prominent Church Fathers, including Clement of Alexandria and Origen, are noted for their citations from Jewish-Christian Gospels.
Answer: True
Clement of Alexandria and Origen are among the Church Fathers cited as having quoted from the Jewish-Christian Gospels, providing valuable evidence for these lost texts.
According to Schneemelcher's work, the Gospel of the Ebionites, Gospel of the Hebrews, and Gospel of the Nazarenes are identified as Jewish-Christian gospels, with the latter two potentially representing the same source.
Answer: True
Schneemelcher's scholarship categorizes the Gospel of the Ebionites, the Gospel of the Hebrews, and the Gospel of the Nazarenes as Jewish-Christian gospels, noting the scholarly hypothesis that the Gospel of the Hebrews and the Gospel of the Nazarenes may refer to the same text.
Patriarch Photios I of Constantinople critically assessed the 'Circuits of the Apostles,' deeming them theologically inaccurate and filled with falsehoods.
Answer: True
In the ninth century, Patriarch Photios I of Constantinople evaluated the 'Circuits of the Apostles' (attributed to Leucius Charinus) as replete with folly, impiety, and falsehood, thereby rejecting their theological merit.
The Epistle of Barnabas and the Epistles of Ignatius are recognized components of the collection termed the Apostolic Fathers.
Answer: True
The collection of Apostolic Fathers includes significant non-canonical epistles such as the Epistle of Barnabas and the seven Epistles of Ignatius, alongside other early Christian writings.
Who compiled the 1820 work titled 'The Apocryphal New Testament,' which drew upon earlier English translations by scholars?
Answer: William Hone
William Hone compiled the 1820 publication 'The Apocryphal New Testament,' which served as a collection of earlier English translations of apocryphal texts, including those by Jeremiah Jones and William Wake.
Which of the following Church Fathers is specifically mentioned as having quoted from the Jewish-Christian Gospels?
Answer: Jerome
Clement of Alexandria and Origen are among the Church Fathers cited as having quoted from the Jewish-Christian Gospels, providing valuable evidence for these lost texts.
According to Schneemelcher's comprehensive work, which two Jewish-Christian gospels are hypothesized by some scholars to represent the same underlying source?
Answer: Gospel of the Hebrews and Gospel of the Nazarenes.
Schneemelcher's scholarship categorizes the Gospel of the Ebionites, the Gospel of the Hebrews, and the Gospel of the Nazarenes as Jewish-Christian gospels, noting the scholarly hypothesis that the Gospel of the Hebrews and the Gospel of the Nazarenes may refer to the same text.
Which of the following texts is mentioned as being included in the collection known as the Apostolic Fathers?
Answer: The Epistle of Barnabas
The collection of Apostolic Fathers includes significant non-canonical epistles such as the Epistle of Barnabas, alongside other early Christian writings like the Epistles of Ignatius.
The Diatessaron exemplifies a harmonized gospel text, aiming to synthesize the canonical Gospels into a singular narrative.
Answer: True
The Diatessaron, a significant work in early Christian literature, represents a harmonized gospel that integrated the accounts of the canonical Gospels into a unified narrative.
Despite its widespread acceptance and spiritual significance, the Shepherd of Hermas was ultimately not included in the New Testament canon.
Answer: True
Although the Shepherd of Hermas was widely read and considered spiritually valuable, its exclusion from the canon is attributed to its composition date, which was considered too late, falling after the apostolic era.
The Muratorian fragment indicates that the Shepherd of Hermas was considered suitable for reading, but not for public liturgical use in church services.
Answer: True
The Muratorian fragment, an early list of New Testament books, noted that the Shepherd of Hermas could be read but explicitly stated it should not be recited publicly in church services, as it post-dated the apostolic era.
A significant debate in early Christianity concerned whether texts like the Didache and the Shepherd of Hermas should be restricted to private reading or permitted for public recitation in church services.
Answer: True
Texts such as the Didache and the Shepherd of Hermas, while widely regarded as beneficial for instruction, were subjects of debate regarding their suitability for public reading in church services versus private study.
The Gospel of Jesus' Wife is mentioned within the context of apocryphal fragments, and its authenticity has been subject to significant challenge.
Answer: True
The Gospel of Jesus' Wife is noted as a fragment whose authenticity has been questioned, distinguishing it from fully authenticated canonical texts.
The primary purpose of the Diatessaron was to create a single, unified narrative from the canonical gospels, rather than to highlight discrepancies.
Answer: True
The Diatessaron, a significant work in early Christian literature, represented a harmonized gospel that integrated the accounts of the canonical Gospels into a unified narrative, rather than emphasizing their differences.
What was the principal objective of the Diatessaron?
Answer: To create a single, unified narrative from the canonical gospels.
The Diatessaron, a significant work in early Christian literature, represented a harmonized gospel that integrated the accounts of the canonical Gospels into a unified narrative, rather than emphasizing their differences.
What is the primary reason cited for the exclusion of the Shepherd of Hermas from the biblical canon, notwithstanding its widespread readership?
Answer: It was written too recently, after the time of the Apostles.
Although the Shepherd of Hermas was widely read and considered spiritually valuable, its exclusion from the canon is attributed to its composition date, which was considered too late, falling after the apostolic era, as noted by the Muratorian fragment.
What information does the source provide regarding the 'Gospel of Jesus' Wife'?
Answer: Its authenticity has been challenged.
The Gospel of Jesus' Wife is noted as a fragment whose authenticity has been questioned, distinguishing it from fully authenticated canonical texts.