Bible 101
What is the 9th book in the Christian order of Canon?
1 Samuel
“My punishment is more than I can bear. Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”
Cain - Genesis 4
What does the word "Trinity" describe (give a simple definition)?
One God existing eternally as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
What is sin?
Rebellion or transgression against God's will and law. — 1 John 3:4
How many pairs of animals does God command Noah to take on the ark with him in Genesis 7?
Take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and one pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate, and also seven pairs of every kind of bird, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth.
Genesis 7: 2-3
When Paul stayed with Philip the evangelist in Caesarea, what unusual distinction did Philip's four daughters have?
All four of them prophesied.
Acts 21:8–9
What event is at the center of the Christian claim that Jesus conquered death?
The bodily resurrection of Jesus.
According to Genesis 1, in whose image was humanity created?
God's image — Genesis 1:26–27
What is the basic historical question we are asking when we ask whether Scripture is "historically reliable"?
Whether the biblical documents accurately report real historical people, places, events, and circumstances rather than being primarily fictional or legendary accounts.
What was the name of Abraham's son through Hagar?
Ishmael — Genesis 16:15
How many cubits long was the Ark that Noah built?
300 - Genesis 6:15
“My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.”
God - Genesis 6:3
What does the doctrine of God's omniscience mean?
God knows all things. — Psalm 139:1–6; 1 John 3:20
What is justification?
God's declaration that a sinner is righteous before Him through faith in Christ. — Romans 5:1
What swallows Jonah in Jonah chapter 1?
A large fish
Jonah 1:17
A prophet named Agabus dramatically demonstrated what would happen to Paul in Jerusalem. How did he demonstrate it?
He tied his own hands and feet with Paul's belt and said that the owner of the belt would be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and handed over to the Gentiles.
Acts 21:10–11
What is Christian apologetics?
The reasoned defense of the Christian faith. — 1 Peter 3:15
According to Jesus, what is the greatest commandment?
Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. — Matthew 22:37–38
(And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself)
What type of ancient literature does Craig Blomberg argue that the four Gospels most closely resemble?
Ancient biography (often called bioi).
Blomberg argues that understanding the Gospels as ancient biographies is important for evaluating their historical claims.
In Romans 9, Paul uses which Old Testament twins to discuss God's sovereign purpose in election?
Jacob and Esau — Romans 9:10–13
Name 5 of the 12 first disciples of Jesus (from Matthew 10)
Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
"Though he slay me, I will hope in him."
Job — Job 13:15
What does it mean to say God is omnipotent?
God is all-powerful. — Jeremiah 32:17
What is sanctification?
The ongoing process in which believers are putting their old nature to death and by which believers are made increasingly holy. — 1 Thessalonians 4:3
When Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away, what two things did Abraham give Hagar for the journey?
Bread and a skin of water.
Genesis 21:14
When Paul and his companions were traveling from Troas to Miletus, how did Paul himself travel from Troas to Assos?
He went by land on foot, while the others went ahead by ship.
Acts 20:13–14
Where does the word "apologetics" come from in the Greek New Testament? (What is the Greek word?)
Apologia, meaning a defense or reasoned answer. — 1 Peter 3:15
What does Christianity teach about the ultimate source of human dignity?
Human beings are created in God's image. — Genesis 1:26–27
Name one type of evidence that conservative scholars use when evaluating the historical reliability of the New Testament.
Any one of these: manuscript evidence, archaeology, extra-biblical sources, authorship, or early dating of the documents.
Which New Testament letter contains the famous statement that "faith without works is dead"?
James — James 2:17, 26
Which prophet confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel?
Elijah
“As long as the earth endures,
seedtime and harvest,
cold and heat,
summer and winter,
day and night
will never cease.”
God - Genesis 8:22
What is "general revelation"?
God's revelation of Himself through creation and conscience, available to humanity generally. — Psalm 19:1–4; Romans 1:19–20
What is redemption?
Deliverance from bondage through the payment of a price; Christ's death accomplishes redemption. — Mark 10:45; Ephesians 1:7
What was Moses' first request to Pharaoh?
To let Israel take a 3-day trip into the wilderness to worship YHWH.
Exodus 5:1-3
Seven sons of Sceva tried to cast out an evil spirit by invoking the name of Jesus. What did the demon say to them before attacking them?
"Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?"
Acts 19:13–16
What is the cosmological argument concerned with?
The existence of the universe and the need for an explanation/cause of its existence.
According to Romans 1, what has God made evident to humanity through creation?
His invisible attributes, eternal power, and divine nature. — Romans 1:19–20
Why is the existence of thousands of New Testament manuscripts historically significant?
The large number of manuscripts, including relatively early ones, gives textual scholars a substantial body of evidence from which to reconstruct the wording of the original New Testament documents.
Which prophet married Gomer as part of a prophetic sign to Israel?
Hosea — Hosea 1:2–3
Who was the first king of Israel after the division of the Kingdom of Solomon?
Jeroboam
“Cursed be Canaan!
The lowest of slaves
will he be to his brothers.”
Noah - Genesis 9:24
What is "special revelation"?
God's specific revelation of Himself through means such as Scripture and ultimately Jesus Christ. — Hebrews 1:1–2
What is substitutionary atonement?
The doctrine that Christ died in the place of sinners, bearing the judgment deserved by them. — Isaiah 53:4–6; 1 Peter 2:24
When Joseph's brothers threw him into the pit, what were they doing while Joseph was still alive and trapped in the pit?
They sat down to eat a meal.
Genesis 37:23–25
When Paul was speaking to the believers at Troas, how late did he continue speaking before Eutychus fell from the window?
Until midnight.
Acts 20:7–9
What is the moral argument for God's existence broadly based upon?
The existence of objective moral values and duties and the question of their ultimate grounding.
Why does the Christian worldview treat human beings as simultaneously possessing great dignity and being deeply fallen?
Humans bear God's image while also being affected by sin. — Genesis 1:26–27; Romans 3:23
What important historical information does the non-Christian Roman historian Tacitus provide concerning Jesus and early Christianity?
Tacitus reports that Christ was executed under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius and that Christians existed in Rome in the first century.
Which prophet was commanded by God to lie on his side for an extended period as a symbolic act?
Ezekiel — Ezekiel 4:4–8
Which Old Testament book contains the prophecy concerning a suffering servant who is "pierced for our transgressions"?
Isaiah (52:13–53:12)
"How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!"
King David's wife, Michal, mocking him for dancing too enthusiastically through the streets (2 Samuel 6:20).
What does it mean to say God is transcendent?
God is distinct from and above His creation; He is not part of creation.
What is regeneration?
The work of God in which a person is given new spiritual life. — John 3:3–8; Titus 3:5
After Israel crossed the Red Sea, Miriam led the women in singing and dancing. What instrument did the women play?
Tambourines (hand drums).
Exodus 15:20–21
When Paul finally arrived in Jerusalem, he and his companions stayed at the home of a man named Mnason. What details does Luke tell us about Mnason?
He was from Cyprus and was one of the early disciples.
Acts 21:15–16
What is the fine-tuning argument concerned with?
The precise physical conditions/constants necessary for a life-permitting universe.
What does Christianity teach about the ultimate basis of objective morality?
Moral standards ultimately derive from God's nature and authority.
What archaeological discovery provides ancient extra-biblical evidence for the existence of the "House of David"?
The Tel Dan Stele, which contains the expression commonly translated "House of David."
This is significant because it provides extra-biblical evidence for a Davidic dynasty in ancient Israel.
Which judge made a tragic vow involving his daughter?
Jephthah — Judges 11
Which New Testament book contains the "Hall of Faith"? Include the chapter.
Hebrews 11
"I do well to be angry, even to death!"
Jonah, throwing a massive tantrum and yelling at God because a plant that was providing him shade withered away (Jonah 4:9).
What does God's immutability mean?
God does not change in His nature or character. — Malachi 3:6; James 1:17
What is adoption in Christian theology?
God's gracious act of making believers His children and giving them the status and privileges of sons and daughters. — Romans 8:15–17; Ephesians 1:5
After Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, what did Elijah do next, and what did God provide for him?
He fled into the wilderness (out of fear of Jezebel) and sat under a broom tree, where an angel provided bread and water.
1 Kings 19:3–8
After the sons of Sceva incident, many people in Ephesus who had practiced magic brought their scrolls together and burned them. What was the total value of the scrolls they burned?
50,000 drachmas.
Acts 19:18–20
What is the "problem of evil"?
The philosophical challenge of reconciling the existence of evil and suffering with an all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly good God.
What does Christianity say is the fundamental problem with humanity according to Romans 3?
All people are sinners and fall short of God's glory. — Romans 3:10–23
What is especially significant about the tradition Paul records in 1 Corinthians 15:3–8 concerning the death, burial, resurrection, and appearances of Jesus?
Scholar Gary Habermas argues that Paul is passing on an early Christian tradition/creedal formula that predates Paul's letter, placing the resurrection proclamation extremely early—within the first years after Jesus' death.
Which Old Testament king was struck with leprosy after attempting to burn incense in the temple?
Uzziah — 2 Chronicles 26:16–21
Which two Old Testament men are specifically described as having walked with God, with one being taken by God without experiencing death?
Enoch and Noah; Enoch was taken by God — Genesis 5:22–24; 6:9
"I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?"
A formerly blind man completely losing his patience with the religious leaders who keep interrogating him (John 9:27).
What is the incarnation, and why is it central to orthodox Christian theology?
The eternal Son became truly human while remaining truly divine. Without His human side, we are not represented; without His Divinity, His sacrifice would be invalid. — John 1:1, 14; Philippians 2:6–8
What is glorification?
The final transformation of believers into a perfected, immortal state at Christ's return. — Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians 15:42–49
When David returned to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion, Shimei—who had previously cursed David and thrown stones at him—came to meet him. David's men wanted to kill Shimei. What did David actually say?
David stopped them from killing Shimei, saying, in essence, that perhaps the LORD had told Shimei to curse him. David swore that Shimei would not die that day.
2 Samuel 16:5–13; 19:16–23
Who alerted Paul to the plot to kill him being made against him?
Paul's Nephew
Acts 23:16
What is the major historical argument used to support the resurrection of Jesus?
The early testimony that Jesus died, was buried, and was subsequently reported as appearing alive to His followers. — 1 Corinthians 15:3–8
How does Christianity answer the question, "What is the purpose of human life?"
Human beings are created to know, glorify, and enjoy God and to live in relationship with Him. — Isaiah 43:7; Matthew 22:37–38; Revelation 4:11
According to Gary Habermas, what are two historical facts concerning Jesus that have received exceptionally broad agreement among New Testament scholars, including non-Christian scholars?
That Jesus was crucified and died, and that His followers subsequently had experiences that convinced them they had seen Him alive. Habermas argues these facts provide an important historical foundation for investigating the resurrection.
Which Old Testament passage is quoted extensively in Hebrews 8–10 as evidence for the New Covenant?
Jeremiah 31:31–34
What was the name of Moses' Father-in-Law?
Reuel - Exodus 2:18
"Throw her down!"
King Jehu, driving his chariot furiously into the city and commanding the palace eunuchs to toss the wicked Queen Jezebel out of a high window (2 Kings 9:33).
What distinction does classical Christian theology make between God's essence and the three persons of the Trinity?
There is one divine essence/being, while Father, Son, and Spirit are three distinct persons. — Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14
What is the theological distinction between justification and sanctification?
Justification concerns one's righteous standing before God; sanctification concerns the ongoing transformation of one's life.
What unusual event happened in 2 Kings when a funeral party suddenly saw a band of Moabite raiders?
They hastily threw the body into Elisha's tomb. When it touched Elisha's body, it came back to life.
2 Kings 13:20-21
How did the people of Malta react to Paul's miraculous deliverance from being bitten by a poisonous snake?
They believed he was a god.
Acts 28:6
Why is 1 Corinthians 15:3–8 important in discussions of the historical resurrection?
Paul presents the death, burial, resurrection, and appearances of Jesus as received tradition, and he names specific witnesses.
How does a Christian worldview explain both the goodness of creation and the existence of evil?
Creation was originally declared good, but due to freewill, human rebellion brought sin and its consequences into the world. — Genesis 1:31; Genesis 3; Romans 5:12
What is the significance of archaeological and historical evidence for the Old Testament according to Egyptologist K. A. Kitchen?
Kitchen argues that evidence from the ancient Near East—including inscriptions, archaeological remains, and ancient historical practices—provides substantial support for the basic historical credibility of the Old Testament, while also arguing that the evidence must be evaluated carefully rather than treated as simplistic "proof."
Which New Testament passage describes Jesus as the one through whom "all things were created," while also calling Him the "image of the invisible God"?
Colossians 1:15–20
What was the name of Cain's firstborn son?
Enoch - Genesis 4:17
"I have a message from God for you."
Ehud the judge, right before he pulls out a hidden double-edged sword and assassinates the exceptionally obese King Eglon of Moab (Judges 3:20).
What does it mean to say God is immanent?
God is present and active within His creation. — Acts 17:27–28
In Romans 3:21–26, how can God be both "just" and the "justifier" of sinners?
God's justice is upheld through Christ's sacrificial death, while sinners are declared righteous through faith in Christ. — Romans 3:25–26
After Ehud killed King Eglon, why did Eglon's servants initially fail to discover that their king had been murdered?
They saw the doors were barred and thought King Eglon was using the bathroom.
Judges 3:23–25
What is on the figurehead of the ship that takes Paul from Malta to Rome in Acts 28?
The twin gods Castor and Pollux.
Acts 28:11
What is the difference between arguing that Christianity is rationally defensible and arguing that Christianity is proven with mathematical certainty?
A rationally defensible conclusion can be supported by evidence and inference without requiring deductive certainty.
What is a worldview?
A comprehensive framework through which a person interprets reality, knowledge, morality, and meaning.
A critic says, "Even if the New Testament manuscripts are very accurate copies of what the original authors wrote, that doesn't prove the events actually happened." What distinction does this objection correctly identify, and why is it important?
It distinguishes textual reliability from historical reliability.
Conservative scholars such as Daniel Wallace and Craig Blomberg treat these as related but distinct questions. Manuscript evidence helps establish the text we possess; historical investigation then examines whether that text accurately reports events.
In John 1:1–3, Colossians 1:15–17, and Hebrews 1:1–3, Jesus is described using several attributes that the Old Testament associates with God. Name three such attributes or activities.
Jesus is presented as eternal, the Creator, the sustainer of creation, and the exact revelation/image of God.
References: John 1:1–3; Colossians 1:15–17; Hebrews 1:2–3.