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Bible Q

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What does “Jew” mean in the Bible?

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The meaning of the word “Jew” has changed over time, and we need to be careful in applying the meaning from one period to a passage written at a different period. Up until the exile, “Jew” meant somebody from the tribe of Judah. There are hardly any occurrences of this in Scripture; one exception is […]

Why can’t females be apostles and ministers? Can we change that?

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“Apostle” means an ambassador or messenger. In the New Testament it is only used of a select few ambassadors for Christ. Jesus chose the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:2-4). When Judas died, he was replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26). The only other people to be called an “apostle” in scripture are Paul (Romans 1:1), Jesus (Hebrews […]

What does “Gentile” mean?

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In English, “Gentile” usually refers to a person from a nation other than Israel (although some people use it to refer to people of a different religion to themselves). Because the Bible is a translation from other languages, and because it was written over a long period of time, when the word “Gentile” occurs in […]

Will the Sabbath be kept in the kingdom of God?

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There are a few prophetic Bible passages that indicate Sabbaths and Feasts could be kept in the kingdom of God (Isaiah 66:23, Ezekiel 44:24, Zechariah 14:16). One purpose of a Sabbath is to provide rest from physical work. It may continue to perform this function; as work is done in the Kingdom age (Isaiah 65:21-23). […]

How much power does Jesus have?

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This question does not have a straight forward answer. If by “power” you mean “authority” (i.e. freedom to exercise his own will), then Jesus has as much freedom as God has given him. Jesus says “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt 28:18). God is still God, but God […]

Was Mary from the tribe of Judah or Levi?

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We know that Mary’s relative Elizabeth was from the tribe of Levi: Luke 1:5 Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Luke 1:36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the […]

Did Paul stand before Caesar?

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While being held in custody in Caesarea, Paul appealed to have his court case heard by Caesar himself, as was his right as a Roman citizen (Acts 25:12). Then, on his way to Rome, an angel said to Paul Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you […]

What does the Bible say about contraception?

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As with many other issues, the Bible does not say anything directly about contraception. However, as with the other issues, the Bible offers principles that can help us form our attitude to contraception: – Sex is viewed very positively in the Bible. For example, God’s very first command to the first husband and wife (Adam […]

Why are we punished for Adam and Eve’s sin?

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The simple answer is that we are not, but as usual there is more to it than that! In the most straight forward sense we are punished for our own sin: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3 v 23 So we are each responsible for our own […]