This question probably has its origin the following verse from Zephaniah: “For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent. (Zephaniah 3:9 KJV) The context of this verse, although dated during the reign of Josiah (640-610 […]
What happens after death?
This is a very basic Bible topic, and perhaps the most basic building block of all other Bible questions, so it probably requires more than a quick answer. However the short answer is this: after death men return to dust (Genesis 3:19 etc.), after which men sleep, knowing nothing (Isaiah 38:19 etc.), and those who […]
Were Elijah and Moses really present at the transfiguration?
Jesus described it as “a vision” The most likely explanation of the appearance of Elijah and Moses’ appearance with Jesus seen by three of the disciples is the one given by Jesus himself: And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is […]
Was Samuel’s ghost really summoned by the witch of Endor? (1 Samuel 28)
The answer to this question is, basically, ‘no’. Meaning that neither Samuel, nor ghost, nor any demon or angel impersonating Samuel, was summoned by the woman. It was a fraud. It is rare that any Bible question, particularly one with as many strange features as the story of Saul’s visit to the spiritist in Endor […]
Is the king of Israel called “god” in Psalm 45:6 – “Your throne, O God,”?
This question is related to Why does God call Jesus “God” in Hebrews 1:8, unless he is actually God? In short the answer here is that Psalm 45:6-7 doesn’t call the king “God”. Just as Hebrews 1:8 does not call Jesus “god”. Hebrews 1:8 is citing Psalm 45 which is mainly addressed to a king […]
What is the difference between preaching and witnessing?
There is a bit of an overlap between witnessing and preaching. In Scripture, preaching is usually privately or publicly telling or proclaiming to people about the gospel message or some other message from God. For example, Jesus was preaching the word to the people, Mark 2:2. And many were gathered together, so that there was […]
What will happen to babies and children when Jesus returns?
This question is usually prompted by the biblical teaching of a judgement day for mankind when Christ returns. More recently the question is also prompted by the commercial success in the USA of the ‘Left Behind’ Christian fiction novels by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, which present Protestant dispensationalist End Times teachings such as a “pretribulation”, […]
What does Jesus mean by “see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before” (John 6:62)?
The words “where he was before” are one of the strongest and most popular proof texts for the belief held by groups with Arian theology (such as Jehovah’s Witnesses and some less orthodox Trinitarians) that Jesus himself as Son of Man had a personal preexistence in heaven before his birth. This isn’t the place to […]
Was Paul a member of the Sanhedrin Council?
I believe it is quite likely that Paul was a member of the Sanhedrin council. I think this for the following reasons: Paul cast his vote against the Christians, showing that he belonged to some sort of decision making group. Acts 26:10-11: I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving […]
Why is the Holy Spirit sometimes called the Holy Ghost?
Nowadays, the word ghost typically refers to ‘An apparition of a dead person which is believed to appear or become manifest to the living, typically as a nebulous image’.1 However, this hasn’t always been the case. A long time ago, the words spirit and ghost meant the same thing. The main difference between them was […]