New Testament

The word "wisdom" appears approximately 50 times in the New Testament, depending on the translation. It is often used in the context of spiritual insight, understanding, and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Key passages include references in the letters of Paul and the Book of James, where wisdom is highlighted as a valuable attribute for believers.

The concept of the spirit living forever varies across different cultures and belief systems. Many religious traditions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, hold that the spirit or soul is eternal and continues to exist after physical death. In contrast, some philosophical perspectives and belief systems may argue that the spirit is not immortal. Ultimately, the question of whether the spirit lives forever depends on individual beliefs and interpretations.

The change from "debts" to "trespasses" in the Lord's Prayer reflects different theological interpretations and traditions. The original Greek text of the New Testament uses a word that can mean both "debts" and "trespasses," leading to variations in translation. The use of "trespasses," popularized by the Anglican Church, emphasizes moral and ethical transgressions rather than financial obligations. This shift aligns with the broader Christian understanding of forgiveness and reconciliation in a spiritual context.

The father of the Apostle Paul, also known as Saul of Tarsus, is traditionally believed to have been a Pharisee, which reflects Paul's own upbringing in a devout Jewish household. Although the New Testament does not provide specific details about his father's name or life, it is mentioned that Paul was born a Roman citizen, which may indicate that his father had some status within the Roman Empire. This background likely influenced Paul's later theological development and his mission to spread Christianity.

Before starting to preach, John the Baptist lived in the wilderness, specifically in the region of Judea. He was known for his ascetic lifestyle, often associated with the desert, where he prepared for his ministry. His upbringing included time in the city of Jerusalem, but his prophetic mission began in the wilderness, where he called people to repentance.

The Church at Corinth faced several problems, including divisions among its members, with factions aligning themselves with different leaders. There were also issues of immorality, such as sexual misconduct and disputes over ethical behavior, which undermined the church's witness. Additionally, members struggled with questions about spiritual gifts, the resurrection, and proper conduct during worship, reflecting a lack of unity and understanding of Christian teachings. These challenges prompted the Apostle Paul to address them in his letters, particularly in 1 and 2 Corinthians.

The books that come before Ephesians in the New Testament are Galatians, 1 Thessalonians, and 2 Thessalonians. Ephesians is the sixth book of the Pauline Epistles, following the letters addressed to the churches in Galatia and Thessalonica.

After the priest reads from the Holy Gospel, the congregation typically responds with "Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ." This response acknowledges the significance of the Gospel reading and expresses reverence for the words of Jesus.

Mark the Apostle is often symbolized by a lion in Christian iconography. This representation stems from the Gospel of Mark, which begins with John the Baptist's proclamation, reminiscent of a roaring lion. The lion symbolizes courage and resurrection, reflecting the themes present in Mark's writings. Additionally, he is one of the four evangelists, and each is associated with one of the four living creatures described in the Book of Revelation.

The names of the apostles inscribed on the 12 gates of the New Jerusalem, as described in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 21:12-14), are the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. However, the specific names of the apostles associated with the gates are typically understood to represent the twelve apostles of Jesus, traditionally including Peter, James, John, Andrew, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the Less, Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot, Philip, and Judas Iscariot (though the latter is sometimes replaced by Matthias, who was chosen to replace him).

The letter from Pontius Pilate to Tiberius Caesar is a part of apocryphal Christian literature and is not considered an authentic historical document. It is often cited in various texts and legends, but its origins remain uncertain, with many scholars suggesting it emerged from early Christian writings that sought to emphasize the significance of Jesus and his trial. The letter is largely regarded as a fictional creation rather than a genuine correspondence.

Myrrh is a resin extracted from the Commiphora tree, primarily found in regions of Africa and the Middle East. It has been historically valued for its medicinal properties, as well as its use in incense and perfumes. Myrrh is often associated with the Christmas story, as it was one of the gifts given to Jesus by the Magi, symbolizing his future suffering and death. Today, it is still used in traditional medicine and aromatherapy.

Jesus brought new life to the human race through his teachings, which emphasized love, forgiveness, and compassion, transforming moral and social relationships. His sacrificial death and resurrection offered redemption and the promise of eternal life, breaking the power of sin and death. Additionally, through the establishment of a new covenant, he invited all to enter into a personal relationship with God, fostering spiritual rebirth and renewal.

Divorce is mentioned in the New Testament primarily in three passages: Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 19:3-9, and Mark 10:2-12. Additionally, 1 Corinthians 7:10-15 addresses the topic within the context of marriage and separation. These passages highlight Jesus' teachings on divorce and provide guidance for believers regarding marital relationships.

After Jesus prayed out loud to his father in the heavens, Jehovah, he called out one time for Lazarus to come out. The man had been dead for 3 days, and came out. This and many more resurrections performed in the Bible, are examples of future resurrections when all our loved ones will be brought back to life!

John 5:28, 29, “Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.”

(New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures)

Jesus said "Loose him, and let him go" in reference to Lazarus after raising him from the dead. This statement was directed to the people around him, specifically to those who had come to mourn Lazarus's death. Jesus was instructing them to remove the burial cloths binding Lazarus, signifying his return to life. This moment is recorded in the Gospel of John, chapter 11.

The spirit of 1776 was characterized by a desire for independence from British rule and the assertion of individual rights, culminating in the Declaration of Independence. In contrast, the spirit of 1787 focused on creating a strong, unified government through the U.S. Constitution, addressing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. While 1776 emphasized liberation and personal freedoms, 1787 prioritized governance, order, and the framework for a functioning republic. Together, these two spirits reflect the evolution of American ideals from revolutionary fervor to the establishment of a stable national government.

The short answer is that John does not mention himself by name in the Gospel of John because John did not write that Gospel. It was written anonymously and only attributed to John by the Church Fathers later in the second century, when they were attempting to decide who probably wrote each of the New Testament gospels.

A slightly fuller anwer is that the Church Fathers, puzzled at the lack of evidence as to who wrote this Gospel, saw that a 'disciple whom Jesus loved' was a key character in this Gospel. They decided that this disciple must be the author, who must have just been too modest to use his own name. They then noted that the apostle John was not mentioned any where in this Gospel, and decided that John was the missing disciple. Thus, on supposition and quite limited evidence, John became the author of the fourth gospel.

The word "agape," which refers to a selfless, unconditional love, appears approximately 116 times in the New Testament. This term is often associated with the love of God for humanity and the love that individuals should have for one another. Its frequent use highlights the centrality of love in Christian teachings and relationships.

The phrase "it takes a wise man to act the fool" suggests that true wisdom involves the ability to be playful or humble when the situation calls for it. It implies that a wise person recognizes the value in not taking themselves too seriously and can engage in lightheartedness or folly without compromising their intelligence. This ability often helps in connecting with others and navigating social dynamics effectively. Ultimately, it highlights that wisdom isn't just about knowledge, but also about emotional intelligence and adaptability.

The Bible does not explicitly mention the names of the parents of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. They are described in the New Testament as siblings from the village of Bethany, and their family is known primarily for their relationship with Jesus. Some traditions suggest that they were the children of a man named Simon, but this is not definitively stated in the biblical texts.

The Dreamtime story of the Twelve Apostles, located along the Great Ocean Road in Australia, involves Aboriginal legends that describe how these majestic limestone formations were created. According to the stories, the apostles were once part of a larger coastal cliff that was eroded by the relentless waves of the Southern Ocean. In some narratives, they are depicted as spiritual guardians or ancestral beings that watch over the land and sea, symbolizing the connection between the physical world and the spiritual realm. These stories emphasize the deep cultural significance of the landscape to Indigenous Australians, reflecting their relationship with nature and the environment.

Yes, the Judas Chalice, often associated with the legend of Judas Iscariot, is said to be the cup used during the Last Supper. According to some tales, it was believed to possess mystical powers or to be cursed due to its association with betrayal. The chalice has also inspired various artistic and literary interpretations, reinforcing its place in folklore as a symbol of treachery and redemption. However, its historical authenticity remains a topic of debate among scholars.

The apostles, as described in the New Testament, primarily faced persecution for preaching the message of Jesus Christ, which was viewed as a challenge to the religious and political authorities of their time. They were often accused of blasphemy, disturbing the peace, and violating Jewish laws, particularly for their teachings about Jesus as the Messiah. In some instances, they were imprisoned or beaten for these offenses, but the New Testament portrays them as acting in obedience to their faith rather than committing crimes in a conventional sense.

In the Bible, the number 333 represents the promotion of unity with someone. You help someone who is worthy of help, even if they are quite young. For example, taking care of some children whose parents are not in this world, taking care of their expenses, or helping some people when they are sick because of money or some other difficulties.