New Testament

To explain the culture and customs of New Testament times.

Note: Because of the number of brief segments in this lesson, you may want to teach it in two different class periods. Or you could show each segment as you teach the scripture block to which it applies.

Explain to the students that the video will give them the opportunity to learn about the culture and customs of New Testament times.

Matthew 3:12 What kind of a fan was John the Baptist referring to? (a) A fork used to throw wheat. (b) A hand fan used to cool the face. (c) A bellows used to start a fire.

Matthew 23:5 What does it mean to “make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments”? (a) To gain weight so they could be seen more easily. (b) To appear more righteous than others. (c) To increase their social standing in the community.

Matthew 25:1–4 Why would a guest bring an extra vessel (container) of oil to a wedding? (a) The lamps had only five minutes worth of oil. (b) Sometimes guests had to wait a long time for the groom. (c) The guests gave half of their oil to the bride and groom as a gift.

Matthew 26:36–38 What does the word Gethsemane mean? (a) Oil press. (b) Quiet place. (c) High place.

Mark 15:25 What time of day is the third hour? (a) About 3:00 a.m. (b) About 3:00 p.m. (c) About 9:00 a.m.

Luke 4:18, 28–29 Why did the Jews try to kill Jesus when He said He was the one anointed to preach the gospel? (a) The Jews thought they could teach the gospel just as well as Jesus. (b) It meant that Jesus was the Messiah. (c) A carpenter’s son could not be anointed to preach.

Luke 10:4 What was a purse and a scrip? (a) A bag to hold money and a bag to hold food. (b) A bag to hold money and a set of scripture scrolls. (c) Supplies and written missionary lessons.

Luke 10:13 Why did the Jews wear sackcloth while they repented or mourned? (a) They didn’t want to ruin good clothes. (b) It was a symbol of their deep sorrow. (c) It was symbolic of putting their sins in a bag and removing them.

Luke 17:12–14 After a leper was healed, why did the leper have to see a priest? (a) Lepers had to repent for not being at church for so long. (b) A leper’s clothing had to be burned by the priest. (c) The priest had to perform the ritual that would allow a leper back into the community.

John 9:22 Why were the parents of the blind man so concerned about being put out of the synagogue? (a) They wanted to be with their son in his time of need. (b) They did not want to be punished for something their son did. (c) They did not want to lose their membership in the synagogue.

John 10:1 What is a sheepfold? (a) An auction yard where sheep were sold. (b) A place where sheep were kept at night. (c) An inn used by shepherds.

John 10:14–15 How did a shepherd separate his sheep from the other sheep in the fold? (a) The shepherd identified the colored rope he tied around each neck. (b) Each shepherd had a good sheep dog. (c) The shepherd would call his sheep and they would come.

John 13:23–25 During the Last Supper, why was John leaning on Jesus’ bosom (chest)? (a) It was symbolic of talking to the heart. (b) It was part of the feast of the Passover, symbolizing Abraham’s bosom. (c) John was eating next to the Savior at the feast.

Acts 13:5 Why would the Jews allow a stranger like Paul to teach in the local synagogues? (a) Paul looked Jewish. (b) The Jews thought Paul was a rabbi because he dressed like one. (c) The congregation was allowed to participate in the services.

Galatians 3:24 What was a schoolmaster? (a) A teacher. (b) A personal tutor who helped to raise a boy. (c) A supervisor of several teachers.

1 Peter 1:13 What does it mean to “gird up your loins”? (a) Tuck in the loose ends of your clothing so you can work more easily. (b) Tighten your belt. (c) Wear a leather covering around your hips.