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1. After the Jews arrived in the Promised Land, who was their first king (not Saul)?


• Yes, Saul was the first king which God chose to reign over Israel. But the question asked about the first king “in” Israel. This would be Abimelech. Judges 9:6 reads thus: “Then all the citizens of Shechem and Beth Millo gathered beside the great tree at the pillar in Shechem to crown Abimelech king.” So, Abimelech was king over a small part of Israel. But wait, Judges 9:22 states “After Abimelech had governed Israel three years,” and so he may have been king over all of Israel. But once again, he was not the king that God chose.


2. What was inside the Ark of the Covenant?


• From Hebrews 9:4b (the second part of the verse): “This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant.” Presumably this last part means the second set of the 10 Commandments, the first being broken by Moses when he saw the Israelites sinning (see Exodus 32:1-20 and 34:1).


3. What were the names of Jesus’ half-brothers? (Catholics and Orthodox believe they were step-brothers.)


• From Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3: James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. Catholics and Orthodox believe Mary remained a virgin, and so these men were either brought into the marriage of Mary and Joseph from a previous marriage Joseph had been in, or, in following the custom of countries of that region, were extended family members (cousins would be called “brothers.”)


4. What is the last word in the Bible?


• Revelation 22:21: “Amen.”


5. How many years did Jesus’ ministry last (between His baptism and ascension)?


• 3


6. How do we know it was the number of years in #5?


• The Gospel of John records three Passovers between the time Jesus was baptized and he ascended. Since Passover occurred once a year and three were recorded during the time of Jesus’ ministry, this means Jesus’ ministry lasted around three years. (Baptism of Jesus then Passover-Passover-Passover then death/ascension.)


7. How old was Jesus when He began His ministry (when He was baptized)?


• Luke 3:23: “Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.”


8. When was the New Testament divided into the current chapter system?


• The chapters were added by Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury, who died in 1228. Therefore, the chapters were added sometime before 1228.


9. When was the New Testament divided into the current verse system?


• The verses were added by French publisher Robert Stephanus in his 1551 edition of the New Testament.


10. What chapter of the Bible contains the Hebrew alphabet?


• Psalm 119. It is the longest chapter in the Bible, plus is divided into sections, each section being headed by a letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

©2016 Mark Nickens