Question 1

How many books are in the Bible?

Accepted Answer

The Bible, in mainstream evangelical Christian tradition, consists of 66 books. This collection is divided into the Old Testament, which contains 39 books, and the New Testament, comprising 27 books. The Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible, includes books such as Genesis, Psalms, and Isaiah, reflecting the history, law, prophecy, and poetry of ancient Israel. The New Testament contains the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation, chronicling the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, the early church, and prophetic visions of the future.

The division of the Bible into the Old and New Testaments is significant for evangelical Christians, as it represents the Old Covenant between God and Israel, and the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 8:13). The New Testament emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies through the life and work of Jesus (Matthew 5:17), underscoring the unity and continuity of the biblical narrative. Evangelical Christians regard the entire Bible as divinely inspired and authoritative for faith and practice, emphasizing its role in teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

Question 2

Who was the young man who ran away naked during Jesus' arrest?

Accepted Answer

The young man who ran away naked during Jesus' arrest is a figure mentioned in the Gospel of Mark. The passage reads: "A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind" (Mark 14:51-52, NIV). This brief account is unique to the Gospel of Mark and does not appear in the other Gospels. Mainstream evangelical Christian perspectives often suggest that this young man could be John Mark, the author of the Gospel itself. This theory is largely based on tradition and the belief that Mark might have had firsthand knowledge of certain events. However, this identification is speculative as the text does not provide a name. The narrative is sometimes interpreted as a symbol of the disciples' abandonment of Jesus in His moment of need, emphasizing their vulnerability and fear. While the exact identity of the young man remains uncertain, his sudden appearance and disappearance underscore the chaos and urgency of the scene during Jesus' arrest.

Question 3

Who was Jesus' mother according to the Bible?

Accepted Answer

According to the Bible, Jesus' mother was Mary, a young Jewish woman from Nazareth in Galilee. In the Gospel of Luke, Mary is described as a virgin who was betrothed to Joseph, a descendant of King David (Luke 1:26-27). The angel Gabriel visited Mary to announce that she had found favor with God and would conceive a son by the Holy Spirit, naming him Jesus (Luke 1:30-31, 35). This miraculous conception is a cornerstone of Christian belief, highlighting Jesus' divine origin and Mary's role as the mother of God incarnate.

Mary's faithful response to Gabriel's message is noted in Luke 1:38, where she declares, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” This affirmation illustrates her obedience and willingness to participate in God's redemptive plan. In the Gospel of Matthew, Joseph is also informed of Mary's divine pregnancy through an angelic dream, reinforcing her status as the virgin mother of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25). These accounts underscore Mary's significance in the biblical narrative and her unique role within the Christian faith as the mother of Jesus, the Messiah.

Question 4

Was Jesus really God according to the Bible?

Accepted Answer

According to mainstream evangelical Christian theology, the Bible affirms that Jesus is indeed God. This belief is grounded in several scriptural references that identify Jesus with divine attributes and titles. One critical passage is John 1:1, 14, which states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." Here, "the Word" is understood to refer to Jesus, indicating His divine nature and incarnation as a human. Additionally, Colossians 2:9 asserts, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form," emphasizing that Jesus embodies the complete nature of God.

Moreover, Jesus Himself made claims to divinity, such as in John 10:30, where He declares, "I and the Father are one." This statement was perceived by His contemporaries as a claim to equality with God, further supporting the belief in His divine identity. Evangelical Christians hold that these and other passages collectively affirm the doctrine of the Trinity, where Jesus is understood to be the second person of the triune Godhead, fully God and fully man.

Question 5

Was Jesus really God?

Accepted Answer

In mainstream evangelical Christian theology, Jesus is affirmed as truly God, a belief rooted in the New Testament scriptures. The doctrine of the Trinity is central, positing one God in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. This perspective is anchored in passages like John 1:1, 14, which states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." This identifies Jesus (the Word made flesh) as God. Additionally, in John 10:30, Jesus declares, "I and the Father are one," further asserting his divine nature.

The concept of Jesus as God is also supported by his attributes and actions, such as his authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-7) and his performing of miracles. The resurrection is seen as the ultimate affirmation of his divinity (Romans 1:4). Evangelicals hold that Jesus's divine nature is essential for the efficacy of his atonement for humanity's sins, as only God incarnate could bridge the gap between God and humankind. This belief is foundational to evangelical Christianity's understanding of salvation and the identity of Jesus as both fully God and fully man.

Question 6

Who is Jesus according to the Bible?

Accepted Answer

According to the Bible, Jesus is the central figure of Christianity, recognized as both fully divine and fully human. He is the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity, which includes God the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is depicted as the Messiah (Christ), the anointed one sent to fulfill Old Testament prophecies and bring salvation to humanity. His divine nature is affirmed in John 1:1, which states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This passage identifies Jesus as the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:14).

In his earthly ministry, Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God, performed miracles, and lived a sinless life. He is the Savior who, through his sacrificial death on the cross, atoned for the sins of humanity, offering redemption and reconciliation with God (Romans 5:8). His resurrection from the dead, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, confirms his victory over sin and death and assures believers of eternal life. Jesus is also expected to return, as promised in Acts 1:11, to establish God's eternal kingdom. Mainstream evangelical Christianity emphasizes a personal relationship with Jesus, recognizing him as Lord and Savior.

Question 7

Who was the oldest person in the Bible?

Accepted Answer

The oldest person recorded in the Bible is Methuselah, a figure mentioned in the genealogies of Genesis. According to the biblical account, Methuselah lived for 969 years, making him the longest-lived human figure in the Scriptures. This is documented in Genesis 5:27: "Thus all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died" (ESV). Methuselah was the son of Enoch and the grandfather of Noah, who is another prominent biblical figure. Enoch, Methuselah’s father, is noted for his close relationship with God and his unique departure from life, as Genesis 5:24 states, "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him" (ESV). Methuselah’s lengthy lifespan has intrigued theologians and biblical scholars, often symbolizing the long-suffering nature of God before the judgment of the Flood, which occurred shortly after Methuselah's death. In evangelical Christian thought, Methuselah’s age underscores the historical narratives of Genesis, emphasizing the themes of longevity and divine patience preceding divine judgment. His life, bridging the antediluvian world with the story of Noah, serves as a testament to the remarkable ages of early biblical patriarchs.

Question 8

How many books are in the New Testament?

Accepted Answer

The New Testament of the Bible, as recognized by mainstream evangelical Christianity, comprises 27 books. These books are divided into several categories: the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Pauline Epistles, the General Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—detail the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Acts of the Apostles, written by Luke, chronicles the early church's history and the spread of the Gospel. The Pauline Epistles, attributed to the Apostle Paul, include letters such as Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Galatians, offering theological teachings and guidance for Christian living. The General Epistles, written by other apostles, include books like James, 1 and 2 Peter, and 1, 2, and 3 John. Finally, the Book of Revelation, written by John, provides a prophetic vision of the end times. These books collectively serve as the foundation for Christian doctrine and practice, emphasizing themes of salvation, faith, and the kingdom of God (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12).

Question 9

Which Gospel should a new Christian read first?

Accepted Answer

For a new Christian, starting with the Gospel of John is often recommended. This Gospel uniquely presents the life, teachings, and identity of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divinity and role as the Savior of the world. John begins with the profound theological statement, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1, NIV), establishing Jesus as the eternal Word and fully divine. John's narrative is structured around seven miraculous signs and substantial "I am" statements (e.g., John 6:35, 8:12) that reveal Jesus as the source of eternal life and light of the world.

John's Gospel is accessible yet profound, offering clear insights into the nature and mission of Christ. It focuses on belief and faith, encapsulated in John 20:31: "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (NIV). This makes it particularly suitable for new believers seeking an understanding of who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him. Through John's Gospel, new Christians can develop a foundational comprehension of Jesus' divine identity and His offer of salvation.

Question 10

Why was God angry with David for taking a census in 2 Samuel 24?

Accepted Answer

In 2 Samuel 24, God’s anger towards David for taking a census of Israel is rooted in the underlying issues of pride and a lack of trust in God. The act of counting the people, particularly the fighting men, was seen as an expression of self-reliance and a desire to measure military strength, potentially placing faith in numbers rather than in God’s providence and protection. This census was not commanded by God, which suggests David was acting out of personal ambition or insecurity, rather than divine instruction (2 Samuel 24:1-2). Additionally, the text indicates that the census was incited by God's anger, possibly as a response to broader national disobedience (2 Samuel 24:1), and that Satan played a role in prompting David's actions (1 Chronicles 21:1), highlighting a spiritual dimension to the sin. Joab, David’s commander, also recognized the impropriety of the census and questioned the king's motives (2 Samuel 24:3). Ultimately, David’s actions reflected a breach of covenantal trust, as Israel's true strength lay in God’s faithfulness, not in military might. The subsequent punishment, a severe plague, underscores the gravity of David’s sin and the importance of reliance on God alone (2 Samuel 24:10-15).

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