The Christian Quiz
(All true Christians should know the answers)
NOTE: A KJV, NAB, and other reference bibles were used, as well as
other independent sources.
1. By what first name did Jesus' mother call him?
Probably Yoshi, a nickname for Yeshua.
Name: Yeshua; Nickname: Yoshi;
Translations
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hebrew: Yeshua
Greek: Jesus
English: Joshua
2. What is Jesus' real first and last names?
Yeshua bar Josef (In English: Joshua [son] of Joseph).
The Greek word "christ" is a translation of the Hebrew "messiah" which
simply means "anointed." Thus, when Paul created the proper name
"Jesus Christ" in the Greek language for the Savior it simply meant, in
English, "Joshua [the] Anointed" and nothing more. "Jesus Christ" is
not the proper name for anyone who ever lived, and especially not for
"the son of Mary, wife of Joseph" who is the Savior.
Summary, "Jesus Christ" is a pseudo-name or pseudonym for the Savior
and is not His true name or identity.
3. When is Jesus' birthday (month, day, and if you know, the year)?
Unknown. No one knows. Biblical scholars mostly agree he was born in
late February or early March. Other scholars believe it's in late
October or early November. Everyone knows and agrees it is -not-
December 25th. December 25th was selected by a council vote to offset
the Winter Solstice Festival celebrated by pagans.
The year is also uncertain because the calendars changed. At the time
of Jesus' birth most of the world used the official Roman Calendar with
the years accumulating from the founding of Rome. However, local
communities also kept their own calendars, and the Jews also used
theirs. Julius Caesar, when emperor, adjusted the Roman Calendar and
renamed it after himself and also named the month of July for himself.
Caesar's Julian Calendar was adjusted in the Roman year of 709 which
later became 46 B.C. after the great Christian readjustments.
The Julian Calendar of Julius Caesar was used until A.D. 1542 but under
Christianity the calendar was adjusted at least twice. They first did
away with the year that Rome was founded and began using the "A.D." &
"B.C." system, but the monk in charge of reconciling the years messed
up by about seven years. This confused the year of Jesus' birth so
much that even today it cannot be reconciled.
Some estimate the year of Jesus' birth to be the year 4 B.C. and His
crucifixion in A.D. 29 and there are several other estimates. The monk
was supposed to make the year of Jesus' birth 33 B.C. which would make
the year of His crucifixion A.D. 1 provided Jesus was actually 33 years
old when He was crucified, which also is an estimate.
Due to the monk's error dates were difficult to reconcile because there
still exist many Roman records and scrolls that are dated using the Old
Roman Year, pre Julius Caesar, or the Julian Calandar Roman Year post
Julius Caesar that do not match or agree with the new "A.D." and "B.C."
system. BTW, "A.D." and "B.C." are archaic and have been replaced by
"C.E." and "B.C.E."
Today the world uses the Gregorian (Roman Catholic) Calendar which was
promulgated by the decree of Pope Gregory XIII in A.D. 1582. However,
for religious purposes some Eastern Orthodox Churches (Russian, etc but
not the Greek) use the old Julian Calendar issued by Julius Caesar.
Presently they are 13 days behind our Gregorian Calendar so they
celebrate Christmas on January 7th instead of on December 25th. In the
USA, Russia, Greece and other countries have both Christmases today.
Christians celebrate depending on whether they are Eastern or Western
Christians. Here is the West, December 25th is official. In Russia
and other countries in the East, January 7th is official. Neighter
date is correct.
4. Where was Jesus born?
In Bethlehem, either in a stable or a house depending on which Gospel
you read.
5. How many disciples did Jesus have?
A "disciple" is a student; an "apostle" is a teacher. All of them were
disciples first (students of Jesus) and then became apostles after the
crucifixion.
Jesus had 16 disciples. The twelve and four "secret" disciples
according to John's gospel. Note that Matthew and Mark list
"Thaddaeus" while Luke, John and Acts lists "Judas" (AKA Jude). Thus
Thaddaeus and Judas is one and the same man. Otherwise there would be
an extra disciple. There were probably more that aren't mentioned in
Scripture.
The Twelve Disciples:
1. Simon-Peter, son of John; from Bethsaida.
2. Andrew, brother of Simon-Peter.
3. James (the Greater), son of Zebedee (Boangerges); from Bethsaida.
4. John, brother of James (the Greater).
5. Matthew-Levi (the tax collector), son of Alphaeus.
6. James (the Less), brother of Matthew-Levi.
7. Thaddaeus-Judas (Lebbaeus), brother of James (the Less) and
brother of Matthew-Levi. (AKA Judas in Luke, John and Acts but
Thaddaeus in Matthew and Mark).
8. Simon (the Zealot), brother of Matthew-Levi, James (the Less), and
Thaddaeus-Jude (AKA Judas in Luke, John and Acts).
9. Philip, from Bethsaida, friend of Nathanael.
10. Bartholomew
11. Thomas (Twin). (But we do not know whose twin he was).
12. Judas Iscariot (the betrayer), son of Simon Iscariot.
The Secret Disciples:
13. Nathanael, a true Israelite from Cana, friend of Philip.
14. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and Sanherdrin member.
15. The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved (Lazarus).
16. Joseph of Arimathea (secret disciple).
List complied from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John, plus
Acts using multiple bibles and other independent sources.
Notice that there are three sets of brothers. Some biblical scholars
believe in a theory where the brothers of Jesus, named: James, Joseph,
(AKA Jose), Simon and Jude (AKA Judas) were also disciples, having
disguised names in the above list. They think that because these four
men are clearly brothers, James the Less, Matthew-Levi (AKA Joseph or
Joses), Simon the Zealot and Thaddaeus-Judas, could also be the
brothers of Jesus. The names match with those given as Jesus' brothers
except that of Matthew-Levi who is only thought to be Joseph (AKA Jose
and Joses).
Other biblical scholars believe the four disciples (Matthew-Levi and
his three brothers) are Jesus' cousins because they are sons of
Alphaeus who is also known as Cleopas. According to the Gospels,
Alphaeus-Cleopas is Jesus' uncle, married to Mary of Cleopas. Thus
Alphaeus-Cleopas would be Joseph's brother.
Other scholars believe that since Mary of Cleopas is clearly stated as
being the mother of James the Less (or Younger), she had to be married
to Alphaeus-Cleopas, thus these four men are brothers who would be
first cousins to Jesus.
All the Gospels are very unclear so the scholars are piecing together
facts from them to get this theory, but it also works. More on this
below, in the "bonus question."
6. What does "Pentecost" mean?
Pentecost is the seventh Sunday after Easter, commemorating the descent
of the Holy Spirit on the (new) apostles. Also known as Whit-Sunday.
7. Which day of the week is the Sabbath?
Saturday, as established by God. To distance themselves from Judaism
the early Christians decided to keep the Sabbath holy but to hold
-additional- devotional services on Sunday, the first day of the week.
They did not change the day of Sabbath.
8. Why was Jesus circumcised?
He was Jewish and as such the Abrahamic covenant was followed so he was
circumcised on the 8th day, according to the Law.
9. What is meant by "Maudy Thursday?"
It is the last Thursday of Holy Week commemorating Jesus' Last Supper
and when He washed His disciple's feet on that day. It is the day
before Good Friday, the day commemorating the Crucifixion.
10. Who was the first Christian martyr?
Stephen, in Jerusalem by stoning. Saul/Paul played a big role in
Stephen's martyrdom.
11. What is "Lent?"
Lent is the annual season of fasting and penitence beginning on Ash
Wednesday and lasting until Easter. Almost all Christian denominations
practice some form of fasting during Lent, including most Protestants.
Lent begins 40 days prior to Easter Sunday, but excludes Sundays.
Before Lent begins people are supposed to permanently "give something
they enjoy, up" for the love of Jesus. Things like smoking or eating
chocolate are examples. Baptists joined with other Protestants and
observe Lent and "give something up" for Jesus. Lent is not
exclusively for Roman Catholics or other Orthodox churches anymore.
Many countries have "carnivals" which are similar to "Marti Gras" in
New Orleans. These are festivals held the week before Lent begins.
12. Who was "the disciple that Jesus loved?"
Lazarus, also known as John, supposedly the author of the gospel John.
He was the brother of Mary and Martha of Bethany, and he was raised
from the dead by Jesus there.
Some biblical scholars believe "the disciple that Jesus loved" was
Zebedee's son John, the brother of James (the Greater). Other scholars
believe the John who wrote the Gospel was a disciple of Saul/Paul and
not "the disciple that Jesus loved" although the Gospel claims that.
13. Was Jesus married?
Probably yes, as it would have been highly unusual and unnatural for a
Jewish man not to be married during those times. An unmarried man
would stick out and be the subject of gossip. If Jesus was married it
wouldn't alter anything and would make no difference.
14. Which disciple was the group's treasurer?
Judas Iscariot.
15. What does "Peter" mean?
Jesus called Peter "cephas" which translated into English means "stone"
or "pebble." It's more commonly mistranslated as "rock."
16. How many face to face meetings did Peter and Paul have that we know of?
At least two. Both times in Jerusalem, according to Acts. It's more
than likely they also met in Rome, as both were present in Rome at the
same time and martyred on the same day in the same general vicinity.
Peter arrived in Rome from Antioch in A.D. 42 and stayed with a woman
named Priscilla. She was Peter's hostess.
In Rome Peter organized the Roman Catholic Church and became, by
Orthodox tradition, the first Pope or Overseer of the Church.
17. Where did Peter die?
In what today is Vatican City, where Saint Peter's Basilica now stands.
Peter was crucified upside down on the cross on June 29th in the year
A.D. 67, the same day as Saul/Paul was beheaded.
18. Where did Paul die?
Just outside the walls of Rome, but today is a part of Rome. Saul/Paul
was beheaded on June 29th in the year 67, the same day as Peter was
crucified.
19. Where was Peter buried?
Both Peter and Saul/Paul were buried together, and each in three
sections:
a) The head of Peter is kept with the head of Saul/Paul in the Saint
John Lateran Church in Rome. You may visit this church.
b) A part of Peter's body and a part of Saul/Paul's body are kept at
the Vatican and are guarded.
c) The remaining parts of their bodies are buried at Saint
Paul's-Outside-the-Walls Church in Rome, which is on the site of
Saul/Paul's beheading. You may visit this church.
20. Where was Paul buried?
As co-founder with Peter of the Roman Catholic Church, Paul was buried
with Peter; see answer to question 19.
21. Which people witnessed Jesus' Crucifixion and death?
I'm not listing the Roman executioners or sentries who were obviously
witnesses or groups of people like "the women who came with him from Galilee
or Jerusalem." What I am after is specific names or identifications.
The Gospels are so unclear as to who is who that this is nearly
impossible to figure out. There are too many Marys and Jameses who are not
clearly identified. Also, Jude, Judah and Judas are variations of the same
name and Joseph, Jose and Joses are variations of the same name.
Here's what I get:
Per Luke 23:49
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All his friends
The women who accompanied Him from Galilee.
Luke isn't much help. He takes the easy way out and lists everybody
generally and no one specifically.
Per Matthew 27:56 Per Mark 15:40
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Mary Magdalene, and 1. Mary Magdalene,
2. Mary, mother of 2. Mary, mother of
James and Joseph, James Less/Younger and Joses,
3. and the mother of Zebedee's sons. 3. and Salome.
Matthew seems pretty clear. He states three women witnessed the
crucifixion. Obviously, the mother of James and Joseph is not the mother of
Zebedee's sons. There are three distinct women at the crucifixion.
Mark is not as clear. Were there two or three women? The text reads,
"Mary, the mother of James Less/Younger and Jose, and Salome." Does it mean
that Salome is also the daughter of this Mary, and that James the Less and
Jose are her brothers? It appears to say that. But was Salome a witness at
the crucifixion or not? Is she simply included as the daughter of Mary like
James the Less/Younger and Jose are listed as her sons, or was she also a
witness? Is Salome being linked to that Mary, as her daughter, or is she
listed separately? Mark is too vague. People can only speculate.
Note that Joseph and Jose are variations of the same name and that they
are the same man. So far, combining the lists of Matthew and Mark it appears
we have 4 separate women at the crucifixion: 1) Mary Magdalene, 2) Mary the
mother of James the Less/Younger and Joseph/Joses, 3) Salome, 4) and the
mother of Zebedee's sons. This assumes that even if Salome is the daughter
of that Mary, she was also at the crucifixion because Matthew, Mark and Luke
state there were other women there from Galilee.
Could Salome be the mother of Zebedee's sons? If she is, then there
are three women, all identified, and Matthew and Mark agree.
Combining Matthew and Mark: Per John 19:25
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Mary Magdalene, and 1. Mary, mother of Jesus
2. Mary, mother of 2. His mother's sister (-in-law)
James Less/Younger and Joseph, 3. Mary, wife of Clopas/Cleopas
3. and Salome the mother of 4. Mary Magdalene
Zebedee's sons. 5. The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
John's gospel is also vague. Again, are there two or three women
listed? Is "His mother's sister(-in-law)" the same women as "Mary, the wife
of Clopas" (AKA Cleopas) or are they two women?
Now, let's see who we have at the crucifixion:
1. Mary Magdalene. All gospels and Acts agree.
2a. Mary, mother of Jesus.
2b. Mary, mother of James the Less/Younger and Joseph/Joses.
3a. Salome, mother of Zebedee's sons (James the Greater and John).
3b. His mother's sister-in-law.
(Had to be "sister-in-law" as Mary, Jesus' mother, was an only child).
3c. Mary, wife of Clopas.
4. The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved. Jesus gave him custody of His mother.
Mary, mother of Jesus, also had sons named James, Joseph (Jose or
Joses), Simon and Judas (Jude or Judah). They are Jesus' brothers and He
also has at least one sister.
If the Mary who is the mother of James the Less or Younger and Joseph
(in Matthew) but Joses (in Mark) is also the mother of Jesus, it would be
proof that these two disciples were Jesus' brothers. This assumes that the
women listed as 2a and 2b are the same women.
John lists "His mother's sister" (-in-law) which would coincide to the
unnamed "mother of Zebedee's sons" (who are James the Greater and John)
listed in Matthew and "Salome" listed in Mark. Therefore, if Salome is
Mary's sister-in-law then the women listed as 3a and 3b are the same woman.
We now have the following facts:
a). Salome is Jesus' aunt.
b). Zebedee is Jesus' uncle, brother of Joseph the husband of Mary.
c). James (the Greater) and John are Jesus' first cousins.
(That could be why he put His mother into John's care or custody).
The above assumes that the women listed as 3a and 3b are the same
woman. If they are different women, and Salome is the daughter of the Mary
who is the mother of James the Less/Younger and Joseph/Joses, we can conclude
the following facts:
a). Salome is Jesus' sister.
b). Zebedee is Jesus' brother-in-law.
c). James (the Greater) and John are Jesus' nephews.
(That could be why he put His mother into John's care or custody).
This actually makes more sense because in John it does appear that
Salome is the daughter of that Mary and the sister of James the Less/Younger
and Joseph/Joses. This leaves us with the women listed as 3b and 3c, "His
mother's sister-in-law" and "Mary, wife of Cleopas." Could they be one and
the same woman or are they two different women?
If the women listed as 3b and 3c are the same women we can arrive at
these conclusions:
a. Mary, wife of Cleopas is the sister-in-law to Jesus' mother Mary.
b. Mary, wife of Cleopas is Jesus' aunt.
c. Cleopas is Jesus' uncle, the brother of Joseph the husband of Mary
who is the mother of Jesus.
d. Any children they had would be Jesus' first cousins. More below.
The (3c) "Mary, wife of Clopas" listed in John could be the same woman
as (2b) "Mary, mother of James the Less/Younger and Joseph/Joses" listed in
Matthew and Mark. Since John lists (3c) "Mary, the wife of Clopas" and we
know Cleopas is another name for Alphaeus, we know who his sons are:
1. Matthew-Levi (the tax collector), son of Alphaeus.
2. James (the Less), brother of Matthew-Levi.
3. Thaddaeus-Judas (Lebbaeus), brother of James (the Less) and
brother of Matthew-Levi. (AKA Judas in Luke, John and Acts but
Thaddaeus in Matthew and Mark).
4. Simon (the Zealot), brother of Matthew-Levi, James (the Less), and
Thaddaeus-Jude (AKA Judas in Luke, John and Acts).
This makes the above four brothers, all disciples, Jesus' brothers.
As already stated, some biblical scholars believe these four men are
Jesus' brothers. This theory is that "Alphaeus" is a code-name for Joseph,
husband of Mary, mother of Jesus. Note that "Alphaeus" is a Greek name or
word and not Aramic or Hebrew. In Greek, "alpha" means "first" so the
scholars think the code-name is for "first father" meaning "father of Jesus."
Therefore, Alphaeus and Cleopas are the same man. This would make the four
disciples brothers of Jesus.
However, if in John, the (3b) "His mother's sister" and (3c) "the wife
of Clopas" are one and the same women, then these four men, all disciples,
would be Jesus' first cousins.
Or we could do the following. Review:
Combining Matthew and Mark: Per John 19:25
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Mary Magdalene, and 1. Mary, mother of Jesus
2. Mary, mother of 2. His mother's sister (-in-law)
James Less/Younger and Joseph, 3. Mary, wife of Clopas/Cleopas
3. and Salome the mother of 4. Mary Magdalene
Zebedee's sons. 5. The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved
Combining Matthew and Mark with John, like this:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Mary Magdalene.
2. Mary, mother of Jesus.
3. Mary, His mother's sister-in-law, who is the mother of James the
Less/Younger and Joseph/Joses.
4a. Mary, wife of Clopas/Cleopas.
4b. Salome, the mother of Zebedee's sons.
5. The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved.
But doing this, the 3rd Mary would still be Jesus' aunt and James the
Less/Young and Joseph/Joses would be Jesus' first cousins. And if Salome(4b)
is the daughter of the 3rd Mary as indicated in the Gospel of Mark then she
would also be Jesus' first cousin and her children (Zebedee's son's, James
the Greater and John) would still be related to Jesus. They would be Jesus'
first cousins once removed.
It seems that some of the disciples were blood relatives of Jesus' no
matter which way you rearrange the relationships. They could be His
brothers, cousins, or nephews.
Confusing, eh? The reason I asked the bonus question was to point out
that there seems to be a deliberate obfuscation of the people and their names
to conceal their true identities. However, it would appear that some of the
disciples were not picked randomly as the Gospels suggest if they were
related to Jesus by blood or marriage. It appears that there is more going
on in the background and that things are being concealed by deliberate
confusion and vagueness. You draw your own conclusions.
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