New Testament

After the priest says "Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord," the congregation typically responds with "Thanks be to God." This response acknowledges and expresses gratitude for the message shared during the Mass. It signifies a commitment to carry the teachings of the Gospel into daily life.

The environment in the New Testament period was highly politicized, marked by the tension between various governing bodies, including Roman authorities and local Jewish leadership. The Roman Empire's occupation of Judea created a backdrop of conflict, as many Jews sought liberation and autonomy, leading to various movements, including those led by zealots. Additionally, the early Christian community faced persecution and scrutiny from both Jewish leaders and Roman officials, as their beliefs challenged established religious and political norms. This complex interplay of politics and religion significantly shaped the narratives and teachings found in the New Testament.

No, Paul and his companion were not placed in prison in Philippi for healing a blind beggar. Instead, they were imprisoned for casting out a spirit of divination from a slave girl, which angered her owners and led to their arrest. This event is described in Acts 16:16-24 in the New Testament.

The healing of the paralyzed man illustrates the power of faith and compassion. It emphasizes that true healing involves not just physical restoration but also spiritual and emotional renewal. This story encourages us to support and uplift one another, reminding us that everyone deserves hope and the chance for a new beginning. Ultimately, it teaches that love and belief can lead to transformative change.

According to Christian belief, Jesus will raise the dead at the end of times during the Second Coming. This event is often associated with the final judgment, where all individuals will be resurrected and held accountable for their lives. Specific interpretations and timelines vary among different Christian denominations, but it is generally understood as a future event promised in the New Testament.

Gethsemane is a garden located at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, significant in Christian tradition as the site where Jesus prayed and experienced great anguish before his crucifixion. It is described in the New Testament as the place where Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot. The name "Gethsemane" means "oil press" in Aramaic, reflecting its historical association with olive cultivation. Today, it is a place of pilgrimage and reflection for many Christians.

Deuteronomy is part of the Old Testament in the Christian Bible and is also recognized in the Hebrew Bible as one of the books of the Torah, specifically the fifth book. It consists of a series of speeches by Moses, reiterating the laws and covenant between God and the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The book emphasizes themes of obedience, faithfulness, and the importance of remembering God's deeds.

Salome is commonly identified as the daughter of Herodias in the New Testament accounts, specifically in the Gospels of Mark (6:22-28) and Matthew (14:6-11). Herodias, the wife of King Herod Antipas, is depicted as having a significant influence over her daughter, leading to Salome's infamous dance that ultimately resulted in the beheading of John the Baptist. Historical sources and interpretations of these biblical texts further support this familial connection.

The Bible does not specifically mention Jesus wearing 72 thorns. The account of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns is found in the Gospels, particularly in John 19:2, where soldiers place a crown made of thorns on His head during the events leading up to His crucifixion. The idea of "72 thorns" may stem from a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the biblical text.

After the healing of his ear by Jesus during the arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Malchus, the servant of the high priest, is not mentioned further in the biblical narrative. However, early Christian tradition suggests that he may have become a follower of Jesus after witnessing the miracle. The event might have profoundly impacted him, leading to a transformation in his beliefs, although specific details about his life post-event remain speculative and largely undocumented in historical texts.

The resurrection is not an idea it is the truth concerning the outcome of Jesus coming on earth to teach us and returning to heaven where he was with his Father Jehovah. So let me walk you through the Scriptures that will help you to understand the meaning of Jesus' resurrection.

His vital place in God's purpose:

Jehovah God saw fit to make his firstborn Son the central, or key, figure in the outworking of all His purposes. Read John 1: 14-18; Col 1: 18-20; 2: 8,9. The focal point on which the light of all prophecies would concentrate and from which their light would radiate. Read 1 Peter 1: 10-12; Revelation 19: 10; John 1: 3-9, The solution to all the problems that Satan's rebellion had raised. Read Hebrew 2: 5-9, 14, 15; 1 John3: 8, and the foundation upon which God would build all future arrangement for the eternal good of His universal family in heaven and on earth. Read Eph 1: 8-10; 2: 20; 1 Peter 2: 4-8.

Jehovah God demonstrated supreme confidence in his Son in charging him with the mission of going to earth and serving as the promised Messiah. Read 1 John 4: 9,10.

Today Jesus is sitting on the right hand of his Father Jehovah in heaven. Acts 2: 33, 34 reads " Therefore, because he was exalted to the right hand of God and received the promised holy spirit from the Father... " Jehovah said to my Lord: " Sit at my right hand.

Hebrew 10: 12 reads. " But this man offered one sacrifice for sins for all time and sat down at the right of God.

1 Peter 3: 22 reads. " He is at God's right hand, for he went to heaven, and angels and authorities and powers were made subject to him.

To be on the right hand of a ruler was to have the most important position next to the ruler himself, which is the position in his favour. Read 1 Corinthians 15: 25-28.

The resurrection that the Bible speaks about is a promis made by God for all those who are in the memorial tombs. Read John 5: 28,29. The Greek word translated " resurrection literally means " a standing up again" and it refers to a rising up from death. Our future is in God's hands and Psalm 37: 29 promises "the righteous will possess the earth and they will live forever on it."

So to answerr your question. The idea of resurrection is a promis made by God and was render possible by Jesus' sacrifice

The Gospel of John reports that the apostle Thomas was called Didymus. In John 11:16, Thomas is referred to as "Thomas, called Didymus," highlighting his dual name, with "Didymus" meaning "twin" in Greek. This dual nomenclature emphasizes his identity among the other apostles and adds depth to his character in the narrative.

In Matthew 28, the disciples doubt Jesus after His resurrection because they are grappling with the extraordinary nature of His return and the implications it holds. Despite witnessing His miracles and teachings, the idea of a resurrected Messiah is overwhelming, leading to uncertainty. Their doubt reflects a human response to an extraordinary event, emphasizing the struggle between faith and skepticism in the face of the miraculous. This moment highlights the journey of belief, even among those closest to Jesus.

The specific number of 200 people witnessing Jesus' ascension is not mentioned in the Bible. However, Acts 1:9-11 describes Jesus' ascension in the presence of His disciples. Additionally, 1 Corinthians 15:6 refers to more than 500 people who saw Jesus after His resurrection, which underscores the numerous witnesses to His post-resurrection appearances, though it does not specify the ascension event itself.

The Gospel of Mark is most likely to have been written around 65-70 AD. Scholars suggest this timeframe based on historical context, particularly the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD, which is considered a significant event that would have influenced the narrative. Additionally, Mark's Gospel is often thought to be the earliest of the four Gospels, serving as a source for both Matthew and Luke.

Heli, considered the father of Joseph in the genealogy of Jesus as presented in the Gospel of Luke, is believed to have lived during the late 1st century BCE. While specific historical details about Heli are scarce, the genealogical accounts suggest he was part of the lineage leading to Jesus, who was born around 4 to 6 BCE. Therefore, Heli likely lived during a time when the Roman Empire was expanding its influence over Judea.

Gentiles are individuals who are not part of the Jewish faith or ethnicity. In historical and religious contexts, the term is often used to refer to non-Jews in contrast to the Jewish people. The concept is significant in both Christianity and Judaism, where it denotes those outside the covenant relationship established with the Jewish people.

"Baucis and Philemon" is a tale from Ovid's "Metamorphoses," which tells the story of an elderly couple who are rewarded for their hospitality. When Zeus and Hermes, disguised as travelers, visit their humble home, Baucis and Philemon offer them food and shelter, unlike the wealthy villagers who refuse to help. In gratitude for their kindness, the gods transform their modest dwelling into a magnificent temple and grant them the wish to die together. Ultimately, they are transformed into intertwining trees, symbolizing their eternal love and devotion.

Team ministry is an approach in religious or spiritual contexts where a group of individuals collaboratively shares responsibilities and leadership roles within a congregation or community. This model emphasizes teamwork, diverse gifts, and mutual support, allowing for a more holistic ministry that can address the varied needs of the community. By pooling their strengths and perspectives, team members can foster a more dynamic and engaging environment for worship and service. This collaborative effort often leads to greater creativity and effectiveness in fulfilling the mission of the ministry.

Irenaeus' theodicy, named after the early Christian theologian Irenaeus of Lyons, posits that the existence of evil and suffering serves a purpose in the development of human character and spiritual maturity. Unlike the Augustinian theodicy, which emphasizes a fallen world due to original sin, Irenaeus argues that God created humans in an immature state, allowing them to grow and evolve towards a greater good. This process involves facing challenges and overcoming evil, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God. Thus, suffering is seen as a necessary part of humanity's journey toward perfection and divine likeness.

Jesus stayed behind in the temple at the age of 12 during a visit to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. His parents, Mary and Joseph, left the city unaware that he had stayed behind. After three days of searching, they found him discussing matters with the teachers in the temple. This event is recounted in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verses 41-52.

John, often identified as the author of the Gospel of John, refers to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" to emphasize his close, personal relationship with Jesus. This designation highlights the intimacy and trust he shared with the Lord, distinguishing him among the other disciples. It reflects a theme of love and divine connection present throughout the Gospel, showcasing the deep bond between Jesus and his followers.

"Shrewdly" refers to acting with sharp insight and keen judgment, often in a way that is astute or clever. It implies a degree of practical intelligence, particularly in making decisions or assessing situations. Someone who behaves shrewdly is typically perceptive and can navigate challenges effectively, often with an underlying strategic or cunning approach.

Ephesians 6: 17 reads. "Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God's word".

The helmet of salvation:

A Roman soldier's helmet protected his head, face, and neck. Paul uses the helmet to symbolize a Christian's hope for salvation by God ( read 1 Th 5: 8

As a helmit protects the head, so salvation protects his mind, his thinking faculties. Satan subtly promotes such poisonous influences as selfishness, hatred, and disloyalty.

By focusing on the Christian hope--figuratively wearing hope like a helmet--the Christian rejects any negative influence on his thinking. Read Mark 7: 20-22; 2 Corinthians 4: 4: Revelation 12: 9.

The sword of the spirit:

The sword, one of the most important weapons used by Roman soldiers, is the only offensive weapon mentioned in Paul's illustration. Read Ephesians 6: 14-17.

The Greek word translate "sword" in this verse could refer to a short weapon with at least one sharp edge.

Christians today make good use of " God's word", their main weapon for waging spiritual warfare. Read 2 Timothy 2: 15.

Paul is not suggesting that Christians use God's word to harm others. Rather they tactfully use Scriptural truths to expose false teachings that mislead people and enslave them spiritually. Read John 8: 32; 17: 17; 2 Corinthians 10: 4,5

Just as soldier uses his sword defensively to parry, or block, an enemy's blows, so Christians use God's word to protect their minds and hearts against the deceptions of false teachers and against temptations to do wrong. Read Matthew 4: 1-11; 2 Timothy 3: 16

Ephesians 6: 11 reads: " Put on the complete suit of armor from God so that you may be able to stand firm against the crafty acts of the Devil"

1 John 5: 19 tells us that the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. And Revelation 12: 9 shows that the wicked one is the original serpent the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth".

So to answer your question: The helmit of salvation is to protect our mind and thinking ability and the sword is God's word, that is there to help us to stand firm against any false teachings.