A Common Link Between Biblical Characters [3] Quiz

Answer: All four were brothers of Jesus.

James, Joseph, Simon and Judas were all brothers of Jesus, according to Matthew 13: 55-56. The two verses in the NIV Bible state: "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren't all his sisters with us?" In other words, Jesus also had sisters, in addition to four brothers.

However, no further information is given about his sisters and how many there were.

Answer: Two names referring to the same disciple.

Many theologians believe Bartholomew and Nathanael are the same person. When a list of the names of the disciples is given in Matthew, Mark and Luke, it contains the name Bartholomew, but not Nathanael. (The name Bartholomew is also mentioned in Acts.) However, in John there is mention of Nathanael, but no mention of Bartholomew.

Answer: A disciple and the boy he led to Christ to provide food for the miraculous feeding of thousands.

It was Andrew who led the little boy to Jesus with his small portion of food. The miracle of Jesus feeding 5,000 men with the five small loaves and the two small fish is recorded in John 6: 1-15. Incidentally, theologians believe Jesus actually fed 15,000 people with the tiny amount of food as per custom of the day, only the men account for the 5,000 figure.

When women and children are included, the figure could easily rise to 15,0000.

Answer: A disciple and the man whose ear he cut off with a sword.

John 18: 10 tells of Peter drawing a sword and cutting off Malchus' right ear during the arrest of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Scripture says Malchus was a servant of the high priest. Luke 22: 51, states Jesus touched the servant's ear and healed him after it had been cut off.

Answer: Two characters in a parable by Jesus in the Gospel of Luke.

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus appears in only the Gospel of Luke, as per chapter 16, verses 19-31. Scripture tells of Lazarus and the rich man dying, with Lazarus ending up by the side of Abraham and the rich man in a place of torment. When the rich man requests that Lazarus come and dip the tip of his finger in water and cool his tongue, Abraham tells him this is not possible because there a "great chasm" and no one can cross over it.

Answer: Two of the apostle Paul's converts at Philippi.

The account of Lydia and the Jailer being converted by Paul in Philippi appears in Acts 16: 11-40. After Paul converted Lydia he ended up in prison with Silas. Scripture tells of a violent earthquake shaking the prison, causing its doors to swing open. Paul and Silas, however, did not make their escape.

Instead, they used the occasion to convince the jailer, and ultimately his family, to become believers in the Lord Jesus, as per Acts 16: 31-34. The chapter ends with Paul and Silas going to Lydia's house where the brothers encouraged them.

Answer: Two people mentioned in personal greetings in Romans 16.

Yes, Ampliatus and Apelles are two of a number of people who are listed in chapter 16 of Romans. The chapter is largely a long list of personal greetings Paul sends to believers in Rome. The chapter is seen by many today as a tribute to the common "Joe Christians" and "Jane Christians."

Answer: Both had offspring raised from the dead by Jesus.

Yes, the widow and Jairus both had offspring raised from the dead by Jesus. The widow had her only son raised from the dead at Nain while Jairus had his 12-year-old daughter resurrected. The story of the widow's son appears in Luke 7: 11-17 while the account of Jairus' daughter can be found in Mark 5: 21-43.

Answer: One was condemned for crucifixion while the other was set free.

One was condemned for crucifixion while the other was set free, is the correct answer. Matthew 27, verses 15-26, tell of the crowd electing to set Barabbas, a "notorious prisoner" free, as it was the the governor's custom at the Passover Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. Scripture also reports about the chief priests and the elders persuading the crowd to have Jesus executed. Matthew 27: 21-22, in the NIV Bible, states: "'Which of the two do you want me to release to you?'" asked the governor. 'Barabbas,' they answered. 'What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?' Pilate asked.

They all answered, 'Crucify him!'"

Answer: Women who stayed at the crucifixion scene.

According to John 19: 25, in the NIV Bible, the women were all at the crucifixion scene. Scripture states: "Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene." It's interesting to note practically all the disciples had fled, with the exception of John, who is described as the disciple Jesus loved.