A Common Link Between Biblical Characters [8] Quiz

Answer: The writer of Luke and Acts and the recipient of the books.

Yes, Luke wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts and Theophilus was the recipient. This much, the early Christians agreed on. However, there is a raging debate about who Theophilus was. Theories range from a Roman government official to Paul's lawyer when he was tried in Rome.

Answer: The man who was beheaded and the conniving woman who made his execution happen.

For Christians, the story of John the Baptist being beheaded is one of the best known stories in the four Gospels. Scripture states John the Baptist's 'assignment' was to prepare the way for the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29) Herodias' assignment was as macabre as it gets.

When her daughter delighted King Herod with her dancing, the king said she could have what ever she wanted, up to half his kingdom. At the insistence of her mother Herodias, the girl asked for John the Baptist's head on a platter! (Mark 6:14-29) If the typical teenage girl of today was given such a wish, no doubt she would wish for designer clothing, plenty of bling and lots of cosmetics.

But these things were not for Herodias' daughter, who told the king she wanted John's head on a platter more than anything else.

Answer: The pharisee who questioned Christ when he made the statement "you must be born again."

Nicodemus, of course, is the pharisee who visit Jesus at night. In John 3:3, Jesus tells him "no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." And in verse 16 he makes the famous declaration: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

There is considerable conjecture as to why Nicodemus visited with Jesus at night. One school of thought has it he didn't want to be seen talking with Jesus as the Pharisees often had borderline explosive confrontations with him. In other words, he would have been looked down upon by his peers. Another school of thought has it meeting with Jesus at night time was the only way to have an intimate conversation with Christ as he was constantly surrounded by large crowds of people during most of the day.

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

Yes, Ampliatus, Apelles and Andronicus are 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: Husbands of Mary and Elizabeth.

Yes, Joseph and Zachariah were married to the most famous women in the New Testament, the cousins Mary and Elizabeth. Mary, of course, was the mother of Jesus and Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist, sent to prepare the way for the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world, as per John 1:29.

Answer: Three men whom Paul says in 1 Corinthians refreshed his spirit.

Stephanas, Fortunatus and Archaicus are referred to in 1 Corinthians 16:17-18 in positive terms. Paul says they refreshed his spirit, but no additional details are given. In 1 Corinthians 1:16, Paul writes he baptized the household of Stephanas and in 1 Corinthians 16:15 he writes that Stephanus and his household were the first converts in Achaia.

However, this is the only time Fortunatus and Archaicus are mentioned by name in Scripture.

Answer: Both lived in Philippi and were converted by Paul at much the same time.

Both lived in Philippi and were converted by Paul at much the same time. Their conversion to Christianity is told in Acts 16. Incidentally, many theologians believe Lydia was the first Christian believer in Europe. The conversion of the jailer took place on the heels of Lydia and her household coming to believe in God.

Answer: Two writers of the Gospels.

Yes, Mark and Luke both wrote one of the four Gospels. The two other writers are Matthew and John. Unlike Matthew and John, Mark and Luke were not among the original 12 disciples of Jesus.

Answer: Philip invited Nathanael to become a disciple.

Philip doesn't get a lot of publicity in the New Testament and when he does, he is often slow at comprehending things. However, he was instrumental in recruiting Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew, as a disciple, as per John 1:43-51.

Answer: Jesus appeared to Cleopas and another man while walking on the road to Emmaus.

While Cleopas and another unnamed man were walking on the road to Emmaus, Jesus appeared in their midst, just after his crucifixion. The story is told in Luke 24:13-35. According to Scripture, Cleopas and his friend didn't realize they had encountered Jesus until after they had spent some time with him. Emmaus was seven miles from Jerusalem.