JUPEB 2025 CRS QUESTIONS
JUPEB 2025 CRS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS BELOW
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CRS 001: OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES – HISTORY AND RELIGION OF ISRAEL
Question 1
(a) Evaluate the importance of Moses to Israel (8 Marks)
Moses was one of the most important figures in the history of Israel. His importance is seen in several ways:
1. Deliverer: Moses led the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage after 430 years of slavery. His leadership marked the beginning of Israel’s journey to nationhood.
2. Lawgiver: God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and other laws on Mount Sinai. These laws became the foundation of Israel’s moral, social, and religious life.
3. Mediator: Moses acted as an intermediary between God and the Israelites. He spoke to God on behalf of the people and to the people on behalf of God.
4. Nation Builder: Through Moses, God established a covenant with Israel, making them His chosen nation.
5. Spiritual Leader: Moses guided the Israelites in worship and obedience to Yahweh, organizing the priesthood and tabernacle.
6. Historian: He wrote the Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible), which preserved the religious and cultural history of Israel.
7. Symbol of Faith and Obedience: Moses’ faith and close relationship with God serve as an example for generations.
Hence, Moses was not only a national hero but also the spiritual father of the Israelites.
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(b) Examine five ethical virtues of Moses (5 Marks)
1. Humility: Moses was described as the meekest man on earth (Numbers 12:3).
2. Obedience: He obeyed God’s commands faithfully, even when difficult.
3. Faithfulness: He remained loyal to God’s mission from Egypt to Canaan.
4. Patience: Moses tolerated the Israelites’ complaints and rebellion throughout their wilderness journey.
5. Courage: He boldly confronted Pharaoh and led Israel despite opposition.
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(c) Briefly define the term pre-canonical prophet (2 Marks)
A pre-canonical prophet refers to prophets who lived and ministered before the prophetic writings (books) were compiled into the biblical canon.
They were mostly oral prophets who proclaimed God’s message but did not leave written records of their prophecies (e.g. Elijah, Elisha, Nathan).
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Question 2
(a) Highlight the background of Prophet Amos (5 Marks)
Amos was a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees from Tekoa, a small village in Judah.
He was called by God to prophesy in the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Jeroboam II (Israel) and Uzziah (Judah) around 760–750 B.C.
Amos was not a professional prophet; he was a simple man chosen by God to condemn social injustice, idolatry, and moral decay in Israel.
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(b) Explain the themes in the book of Amos (5 Marks)
1. Justice and Righteousness: Amos condemned oppression of the poor and called for justice to flow like a river (Amos 5:24).
2. Divine Judgment: God would punish Israel and surrounding nations for their sins.
3. Social Injustice: The prophet rebuked the rich for exploiting the poor.
4. False Religion: He warned against hypocritical worship without moral living.
5. Hope and Restoration: Despite judgment, Amos predicted that God would restore the fallen house of David.
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(c) What lessons can be drawn from the teachings of Amos when compared to contemporary Nigeria? (5 Marks)
1. Condemnation of Corruption: Like Israel, Nigeria must fight against bribery, injustice, and exploitation.
2. Social Justice: Leaders should treat the poor fairly and promote equality.
3. True Worship: Religious practices should be accompanied by righteous living.
4. Divine Accountability: God will judge every nation based on its moral conduct.
5. Hope of Renewal: There is hope for Nigeria if people repent and return to God.
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CRS 002: NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES – THE GOSPELS
Question 3
(a) Discuss the role played by the Maccabees in ancient Israel (9 Marks)
The Maccabees were a Jewish priestly family who led a revolt against the Seleucid (Syrian-Greek) rulers under Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the 2nd century B.C.
Their main roles include:
1. Defense of Jewish Faith: They fought to preserve the Jewish religion from Hellenistic influence and idol worship.
2. Revolt Leadership: Led by Mattathias and his son Judas Maccabeus, they organized guerrilla warfare against the Greeks.
3. Rededication of the Temple: They purified and rededicated the Jerusalem temple in 165 B.C., an event commemorated by the Jewish festival Hanukkah.
4. Restoration of Jewish Independence: The revolt led to a period of Jewish self-rule under the Hasmonean dynasty.
5. National Pride: They inspired courage, unity, and faith in God among the Jews.
6. Religious Reformation: The Maccabees re-established worship according to the Mosaic Law.
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(b) State three causes and three effects of the Maccabean Revolt (6 Marks)
Causes:
1. Suppression of Jewish religion by Antiochus IV.
2. Desecration of the temple by offering sacrifices to idols.
3. Forced adoption of Greek customs and worship.
Effects:
1. Restoration of Jewish worship and rededication of the temple.
2. Establishment of the Hasmonean (Maccabean) dynasty.
3. Strengthening of Jewish national and religious identity.
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Question 4
(a) What is the Synoptic Problem? (3 Marks)
The Synoptic Problem refers to the question of how the first three Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—are so similar in content, structure, and wording, yet have distinct differences.
Scholars seek to explain their literary relationship and the sources they used.
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(b) Explain the following terms:
i. Griesbach Hypothesis (4 Marks)
Proposed by Johann Griesbach, it suggests that Matthew was written first, followed by Luke, and that Mark used both Matthew and Luke as sources.
ii. Urevangelium (Primitive Gospel Theory) (4 Marks)
This theory holds that all the Synoptic Gospels drew from a single primitive gospel—an early original written record of Jesus’ teachings now lost.
iii. Memorabilia (4 Marks)
This refers to collections of remembered sayings and deeds of Jesus that were passed down orally by His disciples before being written down in the Gospels.
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CRS 003: HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN WEST AFRICA
Question 5
The uniqueness of Sierra Leone is seen in its expression as “the nursery as well as the mother of the Church in West Africa.” Elucidate. (15 Marks)
Sierra Leone holds a special place in the history of Christianity in West Africa because it served as both the starting point (nursery) and the spreading center (mother) of Christian missions in the region.
1. Foundation of Missionary Work: Sierra Leone was the first base of organized Christian mission in West Africa, established by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in the late 18th century.
2. Home for Freed Slaves: It was settled by freed slaves (the “Creoles” or “Krio people”) who embraced Christianity and Western education.
3. Missionary Training Centre: The Fourah Bay College (founded in 1827) became the first higher institution in West Africa, training African clergy, teachers, and evangelists.
4. Spread of Christianity: Missionaries trained in Sierra Leone carried the gospel to Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, and Liberia.
5. Educational Development: Sierra Leone pioneered Western education through missionary schools which produced the first educated Africans.
6. Translation of the Bible: The Bible was translated into local languages in Sierra Leone, aiding evangelism.
7. Cultural Influence: Christian ethics, literacy, and civilization spread from Sierra Leone to other parts of West Africa.
Thus, Sierra Leone is rightly called the nursery (where Christianity took root) and mother (from where it spread) of the church in West Africa.