Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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).

Question 5

Who does the Bible say Jesus is?

Accepted Answer

In the Bible, Jesus is identified as the Son of God, the Messiah (Christ), and the Savior of humanity. According to Protestant theology, Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, a foundational belief known as the hypostatic union. The Gospel of John opens with a profound declaration of Jesus' divine nature, stating, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1, NIV). This passage underscores Jesus' eternal existence and divine status. Furthermore, Jesus is presented as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the promised Messiah who reconciles humanity to God through His sacrificial death and resurrection. In Matthew 16:16, the apostle Peter confesses, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God" (NIV), affirming Jesus' messianic role. Additionally, Jesus' resurrection is central to His identity, as it confirms His power over sin and death, offering eternal life to believers (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as the embodiment of God's love and the central figure in God's redemptive plan for the world.

Question 6

Who is God according to the Bible?

Accepted Answer

According to the Bible, God is the supreme, eternal, and unchanging Creator of the universe, who is both transcendent and immanent. In Protestant and Orthodox theology, God is understood as a Trinity, comprising the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit, three distinct persons sharing one divine essence. God's nature is revealed as holy, loving, just, and merciful. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (NIV), emphasizing His role as the Creator. God is also depicted as omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, with a personal nature that desires a relationship with humanity.

The Bible portrays God as love, as detailed in 1 John 4:8, which declares, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" (NIV). This emphasizes His relational aspect and willingness to engage with His creation. The incarnation of Jesus Christ, central to both Protestant and Orthodox beliefs, represents God's ultimate act of love and redemption, offering salvation to humanity through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit, present from creation, continues to guide and empower believers. Thus, God, as described in the Bible, is a complex, relational being who is actively involved in the world and the lives of individuals.

Question 7

Was Judas Iscariot truly one of Jesus' disciples?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Judas Iscariot was truly one of Jesus' disciples. In both Protestant and Orthodox traditions, Judas is recognized as one of the original Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus. The Gospels explicitly list Judas among the Twelve, affirming his role as a disciple (Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16). These passages detail Jesus calling and empowering his disciples, including Judas, to preach and perform miracles.

Despite his eventual betrayal, Judas was an integral part of Jesus' ministry. He was entrusted with responsibilities, such as managing the group's finances (John 12:6), indicating a level of trust and inclusion among the disciples. Theologically, Judas' role is complex; while his actions fulfill prophecy (Psalm 41:9; John 13:18), they also reflect human free will and moral failure.

Orthodox and Protestant perspectives acknowledge that Judas' betrayal does not negate his initial calling as a disciple. Instead, his story serves as a profound narrative about the potential for both faith and failure within the human experience. Ultimately, Judas' inclusion among the Twelve highlights themes of divine sovereignty and human responsibility within the biblical narrative.

Question 8

Who is Jesus Christ according to the Bible?

Accepted Answer

Jesus Christ, according to the Bible, is the central figure of Christianity, regarded as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. In both Protestant and Orthodox theology, He is recognized as fully divine and fully human, a core doctrine known as the hypostatic union. The Gospel of John begins by affirming His divine nature, stating, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1, NIV). This passage emphasizes His preexistence and deity, aligning with the belief that Jesus is the second person of the Holy Trinity, co-eternal with God the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus’ incarnation, life, death, and resurrection are pivotal to His mission of redeeming humanity from sin. Philippians 2:6-8 highlights His humility and obedience, stating that "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant." Through His sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection, Jesus provides salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing a new covenant between God and humanity.

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