Question 1

What is the most important commandment according to Jesus?

Accepted Answer

According to Jesus, the most important commandment is to love God and love others. This is succinctly captured in the synoptic Gospels, where Jesus summarizes the Law by citing two primary commandments. In Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV), Jesus says, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” This passage reflects the essence of the Jewish Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) and the command to love one's neighbor found in Leviticus 19:18. Jesus presents these two commandments as inseparable and foundational, emphasizing that all the Law and the Prophets hang on these commands (Matthew 22:40). From an evangelical perspective, loving God with one's entire being involves a devoted relationship with Him, characterized by obedience and worship. Loving others, meanwhile, entails selfless actions, kindness, and compassion, reflecting God's love in human relationships. This dual commandment encapsulates the heart of Christian ethics, guiding believers in their relationship with God and with others, and serving as the ultimate fulfillment of God's law.

Question 2

Who is the youngest person to die in the Bible?

Accepted Answer

In the Bible, the youngest person to die is not explicitly identified by name or age in the text, but some narratives describe the death of infants or young children. A notable example is the death of David and Bathsheba’s first child. The child became ill and died shortly after birth as a consequence of David's sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12:15-18). This account highlights the narrative of divine judgment and the consequences of sin, emphasizing themes of repentance and forgiveness, as David later sought God's mercy and was forgiven. Another example is found in the New Testament when King Herod ordered the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem two years old and under, in an attempt to kill the newborn Jesus (Matthew 2:16). This tragic event, known as the Massacre of the Innocents, underscores the violence and desperation of Herod's reign. These stories illustrate the vulnerability and innocence of children in biblical narratives and serve as poignant reminders of the broader themes of sin, judgment, and redemption that run throughout the Bible.

Question 3

How many books are in the Old Testament?

Accepted Answer

The Old Testament of the Christian Bible, as recognized by most mainstream evangelical Christians, contains 39 books. These books were written over a span of centuries and consist of various genres, including law, history, poetry, and prophecy. They form the first part of the Christian biblical canon, detailing the history, laws, and religious beliefs of the Israelites, and setting the stage for the New Testament.

The division and numbering of these books are based on the Protestant tradition, which aligns with the Hebrew Bible, although the order may differ. The Old Testament begins with Genesis and ends with Malachi. Key books include Genesis, which describes the creation and early history of humanity (Genesis 1:1), and Exodus, which details the Israelites' liberation from Egypt (Exodus 20:1-17).

It is important to note that different Christian denominations may have variations in their Old Testament canons. For example, the Roman Catholic Old Testament includes additional books, known as the Deuterocanonical books, bringing their total to 46. However, the 39-book canon is the standard among most Protestant and evangelical traditions.

Question 4

Was Judas Iscariot ever a true believer in Jesus?

Accepted Answer

The question of whether Judas Iscariot was ever a true believer in Jesus is complex, but from a mainstream evangelical Christian perspective, it is generally understood that Judas was not a true believer. Although Judas was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus (Luke 6:13-16), his actions and ultimate betrayal indicate a lack of genuine faith. In John 6:70-71, Jesus Himself acknowledges the impending betrayal, stating, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil," referring to Judas. This suggests that Jesus was aware of Judas's lack of true belief from the beginning.

Furthermore, Judas's motivation appears to be driven by worldly concerns, as evidenced by his complaint about the use of expensive perfume on Jesus, where he was more interested in the monetary value (John 12:4-6). His betrayal for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16) further underscores his priorities. After the betrayal, Judas's remorse led to despair and suicide (Matthew 27:3-5), showing regret rather than repentance.

Therefore, while Judas had the opportunity to witness Jesus's ministry and miracles firsthand, mainstream evangelical theology generally holds that Judas never possessed a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Question 5

What is a good book of the Bible to memorize?

Accepted Answer

A good book of the Bible to memorize, particularly from a mainstream evangelical Christian perspective, is the Book of Philippians. This epistle, written by the Apostle Paul, is rich in theological insight and practical guidance for Christian living. It emphasizes themes of joy, humility, and the peace that comes from knowing Christ, making it both encouraging and spiritually enriching.

Philippians is relatively short, comprising just four chapters, which makes it more feasible for memorization. Within its text, Paul articulates profound truths about the Christian life, including the call to rejoice in all circumstances (Philippians 4:4) and the exhortation to not be anxious but to present one's requests to God through prayer (Philippians 4:6-7). These passages, among others, offer daily encouragement and serve as a guide for personal spiritual growth.

Additionally, Philippians 2:5-11 presents a powerful Christological hymn that reflects on the humility and exaltation of Christ, encapsulating core Christian beliefs. By memorizing Philippians, believers can internalize key theological concepts and practical exhortations, equipping them for both personal edification and the encouragement of others.

Question 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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.

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