A Common Link Between Biblical Characters [7] Quiz

Answer: Both were beheaded.

The correct answer is that both were beheaded. The execution of John the Baptist is much better known than that of James. The beheading of John is told in Matthew 14:1-12 and Mark 6:14-29. To make a long story short, Herodias' daughter pleased King Herod so much by her dancing he offered to grant what ever wish she might have.

It's downright macabre, but her wish was to have John the Baptist's head on a platter. Herod had basically no choice but to fulfill her request. Meanwhile, the execution of James ranks only a verse in Acts. Acts 12:2 tells of James being put to death by the sword on the command of King Herod. Notes in the NIV Study Bible indicate the term "put to death by the sword" means to be beheaded.

Answer: Seven men selected to represent the Grecian Jews.

The correct answer is seven men selected to represent the Grecian Jews. The choosing of the seven is told in Acts 6:1-7. Scripture states the seven were chosen to represent the Grecian Jews because they believed "their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food" by the Hebraic Jews. Acts 6:2-4 states: "So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, 'It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.'" As a result, Stephen, Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas were selected to represent the Grecian Jews.

Answer: Three people listed in Paul's greetings in Romans 16.

Yes, Persis, Patrobas and Phlegon are just three 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: Paul appeared before both of them while on trial.

Paul appeared before both of them. Paul's appearances before Festus and King Agrippa is reported in the 25th and 26th chapters of Acts. Festus was the Roman governor in Judea. It's abundantly apparent King Agrippa came from a family tree with a monstrous past.

The Grace Valley Christian Center web site in Davis California has this to say: "King Agrippa II was the great-grandson of Herod the Great, who had attempted to kill infant Jesus and who did kill many baby boys in Judea. Agrippa's father was King Agrippa I, who beheaded the apostle James and arrested Peter in an attempt to kill him also."

Answer: Paul was entertained by Publius after his shipwreck.

After being shipwrecked off the coast of Malta, Paul met up with Publius. Scripture indicated Publius was extremely friendly to Paul and his group. Acts 28:7, in the NIV Bible, states: "There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island.

He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably." Scripture goes on to state Paul healed Publius' father who was suffering from fever and dysentery and after he did this, "the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured."

Answer: Two names for the same man who served with Paul.

Acts 4:36 indicates the man's real name was Joseph, but the disciples opted to call him Barnabas, which means Son of Encouragement. Scripture states Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus, and he sold a field he owned and donated the money to helping the early church spread the news of a resurrected Christ.

Answer: Both had interactions with Peter.

Yes, the two servant girls had interactions with Peter. The servant girl of the high priest accused Peter of being an accomplice with Jesus, but Peter denied the girl's claims, prior to the rooster crowing twice. Rhoda was the servant girl who went to answer the door after Peter had his miraculous escape from prison.

However, she was so excited when she heard Peter's voice, she went to tell the occupants of the house Peter was at the door and left the disciple outside knocking to get in.

Answer: Two names for the same disciple.

Peter and Simon were indeed the same person. Simon was the original name of Peter. He was a fisherman from Bethsaida and make no mistake about it, he was brash and flamboyant. Be it walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee to meet Jesus or denying even knowing him prior to the crucifixion, Peter was front and center when it came to the exploits of the disciples.

He was the shop foreman of the group of 12, if you will.

Answer: Two workers in the early church who are both mentioned in Titus.

The correct answer is they were both workers in the early church. Apollos is mentioned a number of times as he tutored under Priscilla and Aquila,. Zenas, however, is mentioned only once, and when he is mentioned it is with Apollos, as per Titus 3:13

Answer: Prophets and teachers at the church in Antioch.

According to Acts 13:1, they were prophets and teachers at the church in Antioch, along with Barnabas and Saul. In fact,the four were with Barnabas and Saul, who would later become known as Paul, when the two were sent off to do missionary work. Acts 13:1-3, in the NIV Bible states: "In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."