Bible Knoweledge Quiz 1: Answers and Explanations
1. According to the Genesis narrative, what is the relationship between Abraham and Sarah?
Answer: They are married, and Sarah is Abraham’s half-sister.
Reference: Genesis 20:12
“She is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father but not the daughter of my mother.”
Genesis depicts Sarah as both wife and paternal half-sister to Abraham. This detail appears in Abraham’s explanation to Abimelech. The narrative presents this relationship without comment, reflecting ancient kinship norms within the patriarchal stories.
2. With one exception, all of the following are listed as abominations. Which is NOT an abomination?
Answer: Rape
References: Leviticus 11; Leviticus 18:22; Deuteronomy 25:13–16; Deuteronomy 22:28–29; 2 Samuel 13
The Hebrew Bible applies the term toʿevah to food laws, idolatry, sexual prohibitions, and dishonest practices. It does not use the term for rape, even when the narratives or laws clearly condemn the act. This distinction highlights differing categories within biblical moral terminology.
3. What is a beatitude?
Answer: A statement of blessing describing traits or conditions valued under God’s reign.
Beatitudes appear in Matthew 5 and Luke 6. They describe qualities of those considered fortunate or blessed. The genre sets the tone for broader ethical teachings in each sermon.
4. Which statement accurately distinguishes the Sermon on the Mount from the Sermon on the Plain?
Correct distinction: Matthew places the sermon on a mountain; Luke places it on a level place.
References: Matthew 5–7; Luke 6:17–49
Matthew’s sermon is longer, more structured, and emphasizes Jesus as a teacher in the Mosaic tradition. Luke’s version is shorter and framed within concerns about social reversal. The differing locations reflect narrative design rather than conflicting memory.
5. Which of the following is an actual beatitude rather than a proverb, parable, or prophetic saying?
Answer: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”
Reference: Matthew 5:7
This statement appears among Jesus’ blessings in the Sermon on the Mount. It identifies mercy as a characteristic linked to divine favor. The text uses a consistent formula across the beatitudes in Matthew.
6. Who did Pontius Pilate release instead of Jesus?
Answer: Barabbas
References: Mark 15:6–15; Matthew 27; Luke 23; John 18
“Not this man, but Barabbas!”
All four Gospels recount the Passover release of Barabbas. The episode contrasts Jesus with an imprisoned insurgent or criminal. The narrative serves to heighten the political tension of the trial scenes.
7. Why did God order the slaughter of the Amalekites?
Answer: As retribution for their attack during Israel’s exodus.
Reference: 1 Samuel 15:2–3
The command recalls Amalek’s assault on Israel in Exodus 17. Saul’s failure to enact the ban completely becomes the reason for his rejection as king.
8. According to the account in Joshua, who was killed in the destruction of Jericho?
Answer: Every man, woman, child, and animal except Rahab’s family.
Reference: Joshua 6:21
“They devoted to destruction… men and women, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys.”
The narrative describes total destruction under the ḥerem ban. Rahab’s household alone survives because of her assistance to Israelite spies.
9. Who was the “Apostle to the Gentiles”?
Answer: Paul
Reference: Romans 11:13
“I am an apostle to the Gentiles…”
Paul identifies his mission as directed toward non-Jewish audiences. His letters repeatedly address Gentile communities. The title reflects his central role in expanding the Jesus movement.
10. Who was the first Christian martyr, and in which book is his death described?
Answer: Stephen, in Acts
Reference: Acts 6–7
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 7:59)
Stephen’s execution by stoning marks the first recorded martyrdom within the early Christian movement. His lengthy speech summarizes Israel’s history and challenges the authorities. Acts presents his death as a turning point.
11. Who was the first king of Israel?
Answer: Saul
Reference: 1 Samuel 9–10
Saul is anointed by Samuel after Israel requests a king. His rise is marked by signs confirming divine approval. His later disobedience leads to his rejection.
12. After the death of which king did Israel split into two kingdoms?
Answer: Solomon
Reference: 1 Kings 12
Following Solomon’s death, disputes over labor and royal policy lead to division. Ten tribes form the northern kingdom under Jeroboam. Judah and Benjamin remain under Rehoboam.
13. Who were the “sons of thunder”?
Answer: James and John
Reference: Mark 3:17
“James son of Zebedee and John… to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder.”
Mark provides this nickname when listing the Twelve. The name may reflect zeal or temperament. The brothers appear together frequently.
14. What was Cain and Abel’s oldest brother’s name?
Answer: Seth
Reference: Genesis 4:25
“She bore a son and named him Seth.”
Seth is presented as a new heir after Abel’s death. Genesis traces later genealogies through him. The text positions him as the continuation of the human line.
15. Which of the following is one of the “Synoptics”?
Answer: Luke
Matthew, Mark, and Luke are grouped as the Synoptic Gospels because of shared structure and content. Their narratives can be compared side by side. John differs significantly in approach.
16. What book comes immediately after Exodus?
Answer: Leviticus
Reference: Canonical order of the Torah
Leviticus continues the Sinai setting with legal and ritual instruction. It expands on priestly concerns introduced in Exodus. Its placement reflects traditional ordering.
17. In which book will you find the Ten Commandments?
Answer: Deuteronomy
References: Deuteronomy 5; Exodus 20
“I am the Lord your God…” (Deut. 5:6)
Deuteronomy repeats the Decalogue within Moses’ farewell address. Exodus presents the earlier version at Sinai. Exodus was not provided as an option in the quiz.
18. What does the Bible call the Israelites’ trek through the wilderness?
Answer: The wilderness wandering / the journey out of Egypt
References: Exodus–Deuteronomy
The text describes the period as a journey marked by testing and instruction. It frames the transition from slavery to nationhood. The phrase “Exodus” is a later Greek title, not a term used within the Hebrew narrative.
19. Which biblical figure leads the Israelites out of Egypt?
Answer: Moses
Reference: Exodus 3–14
Moses confronts Pharaoh, announces the plagues, and leads the people through the sea. His leadership defines Israel’s formative story. The exodus narrative becomes central to biblical identity.
20. Which biblical character interprets dreams in Egypt and rises to political prominence?
Answer: Joseph
Reference: Genesis 41
“It is not I; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.” (Gen. 41:16)
Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams of famine and plenty. His insight leads to administrative authority. The story presents divine providence through his rise.
21. The “Valley of Dry Bones” vision appears in which prophet’s book?
Answer: Ezekiel
Reference: Ezekiel 37
Ezekiel’s vision depicts scattered bones restored to life as a symbol of Israel’s renewal. The prophet is instructed to speak to the bones and the breath. The passage emphasizes restoration after despair.
22. Who was the third king of Israel?
Answer: Solomon
Reference: 1 Kings 1–11
Solomon succeeds David over a unified kingdom. His reign features building projects, wisdom traditions, and international ties. After Solomon, the kingdom divides into Israel (north) and Judah (south).
23. Which king is credited with building the First Temple?
Answer: Solomon
Reference: 1 Kings 5–8
Solomon’s Temple becomes Israel’s central sanctuary. His dedication prayer underscores its religious significance. The account presents divine approval of its construction.
24. Which book contains the line “vanity of vanities”?
Answer: Ecclesiastes
Reference: Ecclesiastes 1:2
“Vanity of vanities… all is vanity.”
This refrain sets the tone for the book’s meditation on impermanence. It appears near both the beginning and end. Ecclesiastes challenges assumptions about wisdom and achievement.
25. What city is traditionally associated with Paul’s dramatic conversion experience?
Answer: Damascus
Reference: Acts 9
Paul’s journey to Damascus becomes the setting for his encounter with the risen Jesus. The event transforms him from persecutor to missionary. Acts repeats the account later in speeches.
26. Which parable features a traveler ignored by religious elites but aided by a marginalized outsider?
Answer: The Good Samaritan
Reference: Luke 10:25–37
The parable contrasts expected religious duty with unexpected compassion. The Samaritan’s actions redefine neighborliness. The story challenges assumptions about moral identity and social boundaries.
27. How many people did Jesus raise from the dead?
Answer: Three
References: Luke 7; Mark 5; John 11
The narratives record Jesus raising Jairus’s daughter, the widow’s son at Nain, and Lazarus. Each account emphasizes divine authority over death. They appear in different Gospels.
28. Which of these is a Gospel?
Answer: John
The canonical Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. John is distinct from the Synoptics in structure and content. Many non-canonical gospels existed but were not included in the biblical canon.
29. According to Acts, who accompanied Paul on his first major mission journey?
Answer: Barnabas
Reference: Acts 13:1–4
“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul…”
Acts describes their commissioning through prayer and fasting. Their mission begins in Antioch and extends into Cyprus and Asia Minor. Barnabas works alongside Paul during this phase.
30. Which New Testament letter argues that “faith without works is dead”?
Answer: James
Reference: James 2:26
“Faith without works is dead.”
James insists that authentic faith must manifest in action. The argument responds to misunderstandings about belief alone. It continues to shape debates about faith and ethics.
31. Which book discusses the “fruit of the Spirit”?
Answer: Galatians
Reference: Galatians 5:22–23
Paul contrasts Spirit-led life with destructive behaviors. The list summarizes traits produced by divine presence. They include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
32. Which Gospel uniquely includes the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet?
Answer: John
Reference: John 13
“He began to wash the disciples’ feet…”
This episode appears only in John. It provides a model of humility and service. The scene shapes the farewell discourse that follows.
33. In the New Testament, who is described as a tax collector turned follower?
Answer: Matthew
Reference: Matthew 9:9
Matthew is called from his tax booth to follow Jesus. Tax collectors were viewed negatively in the period. Mark and Luke call the same figure Levi, a parallel tradition.
34. What is an epistle?
Answer: A letter written to early Christian communities or individuals.
Epistles address doctrine, ethics, and pastoral concerns. They include Pauline letters and general epistles. They form a major portion of the New Testament.
35. Who is the recipient of a personal letter urging the reception of a runaway slave named Onesimus?
Answer: Philemon
Reference: Philemon 1
The letter appeals for Philemon to receive Onesimus as a “beloved brother.” Paul reframes their relationship within Christian fellowship. The text provides insight into early house-church dynamics.
36. In the Synoptic Gospels, the Transfiguration features Jesus accompanied by which two figures?
Answer: Moses and Elijah
All three Synoptics include Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration. The figures symbolize the Law and the Prophets. The scene reveals Jesus’ identity within Israel’s tradition.
37. The beatitude “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” appears where?
Answer: Sermon on the Mount (Matthew)
Reference: Matthew 5:5
“Blessed are the meek…”
The blessing appears early in the Sermon on the Mount. It contrasts with conventional values of power. Matthew aligns the meek with eschatological reward.
38. Which kingdom—Israel or Judah—fell first, and to whom?
Answer: Israel fell first, to Assyria
Reference: 2 Kings 17
Assyria captured Samaria in 722 BCE, displacing the northern tribes. The people were resettled and assimilated, giving rise to the idea of the “ten lost tribes.” Judah persisted until the Babylonian conquest around 587 BCE.
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