Not Your Average Joes Trivia Quiz

Answer: Cyprus

Even though every time this man is mentioned again in the Bible, he is referred to as Barnabas, Acts 4:36 clearly tells us that his name was Joseph. It was after he had sold all his worldly goods and given the money to the apostles in Jerusalem that they renamed him Barnabas.

Joseph was born to Jewish parents into the tribe of Levi, and was born in Cyprus.

Answer: A field he owned

Acts 4:36-37 tells us how Joseph Barnabas sold a field that he owned, in order to bring money to the Apostles.

Acts 9:27 also tells us how it was Joseph Barnabas (here, he is referred to just as plain old Barnabas) who introduced the converted Paul to the rest of the apostles when he returned to Jerusalem. Joseph Barnabas also went on several journeys with Paul.

Joseph Barnabas was eventually venerated as the Patron Saint of Cyprus, where he was martyred around 61 A.D.

Answer: He was a carpenter

The fact that Joseph was a carpenter is mentioned Matthew 13:55. Jesus was also sometimes referred to as a "carpenter from Nazareth." In Biblical times, sons often took on their father's professions.

Answer: He determined to divorce her quietly so that she would not be humiliated

In Matthew 1:19, we hear how Joseph was a good and righteous man, and even though Mary had been found to be pregnant whilst betrothed to him, he decided to divorce her quietly, because he didn't want to publicly disgrace her.

That's a pretty decent guy!

The Gospels are not exactly clear about what happened to Joseph, and how he died. He has, however, been recognised as a Saint in all Christian denominations, and is recognised as the Patron Saint of workers.

Answer: 17

To be honest, two questions don't even BEGIN to cover Jacob's son, Joseph!

Genesis 37:2 tells us that Joseph was 17 years of age when he was sent to check up on his brothers, who were tending the family's flocks. The rest of Genesis 37 tells us how Joseph's brothers, jealous because he was the one Jacob loved the most, threw Joseph into a deep pit, and returned home. Poor Joseph, unable to escape the pit, was picked up by a band of Midianites, who then sold him to some Ishmaelite slave traders for 20 pieces of silver.

When the brothers returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was no longer there, they took his coloured coat, dipped it in goat blood, and returned home to tell Jacob that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal.

Answer: Both of these

Joseph had been thrown into prison: Potiphar's (his new master's) wife accused him of attempted rape.

However, Joseph made friends with two of the Pharaoh's servants who had been thrown into prison with him: the butler, and the baker. He managed to interpret their dreams, which came true in due course. When the Pharaoh was troubled by dreams himself, the butler (who had been restored to his place) suggested asking Joseph to interpret the dreams. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams, saying that Egypt would experience seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine. Joseph's predictions came to pass, and Pharaoh promoted Joseph to the Governor of Egypt.

The story of Joseph interpreting Pharaoh's dreams can be found in Genesis 41.

For a more detailed, unabridged story of Joseph, see Genesis 37-50.

Answer: Two

Judas needed to be replaced, and the idea was to choose the candidates for Apostleship from the men who had been accompanying them the entire time (i.e. the day that Jesus had been baptised until the day he was crucified). Two men were nominated: Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias.

This can be found in Acts 1:23.

Answer: Matthias

Matthias beat Joseph Barsabbas in the race to be the Twelfth Apostle.

'So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.' Acts 1:23-26. Not sure I could explain it any better than this!

And so Matthias was chosen as the Twelfth Apostle.

But whatever happened to Joseph Barsabbas? According to Christian Tradition, he went on to become the Bishop of Eleutheropolis, and was later martyred there. He is therefore recognised as Saint Justus of Eleutheropolis.

Answer: He feared the reaction of the other Jews

Joseph of Arimathea feared the wrath of the Jews, who were keeping an eye out for the disciples of Jesus.

John 19:38 tells us how while Joseph of Arimathea was a disciple of Jesus, this was done in secret, because of this fear.

Though none of the Gospels mention it directly, Joseph of Arimathea was mentioned as being a member of the Council (probably the Sanhedrin), and was thus probably quite a wealthy man.

Answer: He was the one who retrieved Jesus' body from Pilate, and laid it to rest in the tomb

Mark 15:42-46 tells us how Joseph of Arimathea, who was a prominent member of the council, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Pilate agreed, and handed over the body. Joseph then went and bought some fine, expensive linen, and wrapped Jesus' body in it. He then placed the body in the tomb, and rolled a large stone in front of it.

John 19:38-42 tells us the same story, but also adds that Joseph was accompanied by Nicodemus, a Pharisee who had secretly visited Jesus at night.

Other accounts of Joseph of Arimathea can be found in Matthew 27:57-60, and Luke 23:50-55.

Interestingly enough, despite only being mentioned very briefly in all four Gospels, Joseph of Arimathea was given Sainthood in a few Anglican Churches, the Lutheran Church, the Catholic Church, and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Much Christian legend has sprung around him, including the idea that he was the original guardian of the Holy Grail.

I'd appreciate all compliments, comments, and constructive criticisms. Thanks for playing!