Questions tagged [history]
Events in the Bible, the wider cultural background of those events, and the biblical text itself, all have a historical dimension.
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Did Jesus use a reference to Herod Archelaus in the Parable of the Ten Minas?
The Parable of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27) is nearly identical to the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30).
Perhaps the most surprising variation of the Ten Minas is that it references the ...
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Son of theos vs son of kyrios
I'm hesitant to speak in absolute terms about this, but perhaps it can be generally agreed upon that in many cases where we see Χριστὸς we tend not to see κυριος as a relational lexicon to describe ...
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"Him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay" (1 Kings 19:17). Whom did Elisha slay?
We know the prophet Elijah called fire down from heaven, killing bands of soldiers; and we know he slew the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel. But his successor, Elisha, who had received the double ...
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Why will Dan not be in heaven? What did he do worse than his brethren?
The entire tribe of Dan is absent from the list of those tribes which are to be found in heaven.
Here is the list given in Revelation 7.
And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there ...
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Was the stone at the tomb of Jesus square shaped? [closed]
Archeologist Amos Kloner claims that it isn't historically probable that Jesus' tomb had a circle shaped rock blocking it.
Kloner argues that we don't find many circle shaped rocks blocking tombs ...
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What kind of image did "dragon" (δράκων) in Revelation give to John and first century Christians?
Question about the term δράκων in passages such as Revelation 12:3 and Revelation 13:4 and Revelation 16:13.
(I am not asking about the symbolic meaning of whom or what the Dragon represented, as that ...
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Is the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin too illegal to be true?
The story that we have in the gospels of Mark and Matthew (Mark 14:53-65; Matthew 26:57-68) of the Trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin seems to contradict many passages in the Mishna in the tractate ...
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Is the Mishnah a reliable source for analyzing the norms of Jewish shepherds in Luke 2?
It all started when reading a question about the shepherds in the field at the birth of Jesus:
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
...
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Who had 'turned away' from Paul in 2 Timothy 1:15?
You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, and among
them Phy′gelus and Hermog′enes.
Many commentators interpret this to refer to those who were with Paul in Rome but had now ...
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When did chapter and verse numbers start being used? [closed]
In the gospels (and other places) there are quotes of other books of the Bible but only the text with no numeric references e.g. (John 1:1).
In Jesus's time and before, a quote by anybody did not ...
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Did the ENTIRE Egyptian army drown at sea?
The following is an excerpt of a critique on "Reason to Believe":
Under these conditions, were the Ten Plagues and a total crush of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea waters to happen, as we ...
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What does "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit" warn against? (Zech. 4:6)
This is the word of the Lord to Zerub′babel: Not by might, nor by
power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts. (Zech. 4:6)
The word חַיִל is usually translated as "might" here. But more ...
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Ephesians 2:2 symbolism of "air"
KJV:
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,
according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now
worketh in the children of disobedience
Quoting part ...
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Ezekiel 28:13-14 Was Eden on a mountain?
Relevant Scripture
Ezekiel 28:13-14
3 You were in Eden, the garden of God;
every precious stone was your covering,
sardius, topaz, and diamond,
beryl, onyx, and jasper,
sapphire, emerald, and ...
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How do we reconcile the kings law Deuteronomy 17:14-20 with 2 Samuel 12:8?
The two texts:
“When you come to the land which the Lord your God is giving you, and
possess it and dwell in it, and say, ‘I will set a king over me like
all the nations that are around me,’ you ...
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What is the internal & external evidence for the authorship/inclusion of 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and what evidence is against its inclusion? [duplicate]
We read:
“Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not
permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also
says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their ...
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What was the Pharisee’s view of “demonology”?
“We read “As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute
and demon-possessed. And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke.
And the multitudes marveled, saying, “It was never seen like ...
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Why did Peter dedicate his first book to those who are 'strangers'? (1Peter1.1) Was Peter different to the other apostles, and aware of it?
Does the linguistic trope 'strangers' hold implications regarding inner nature of certain biblical characters? If Jesus blessed Peter could he have opened Peter's eyes to his (base) nature in need of ...
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What do we know about the seven nations in Deut. 7:1, 2?
In Deut 7:1, 2 we read of seven nations that were cast out. What were they known for in terms if their religion or culture, that merited their total annihilation?
Why were they so bad that they needed ...
user49416
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Why are "Judah" and "Israel" distinguished in many verses BEFORE the split of the two kingdoms?
Similar questions have been asked previously, but answers emphasized the era after the split of the tribes. Even though Judah is one of the tribes of Israel, why are Judah and Israel often ...
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Did Gideon use a different return route in Judges 8?
It is said when Gideon chased the two kings of Midian Zebah and Zalmunna he passed through Sukkoth who refused to give him provisions for his army
Judges 8:6 NIV
But the officials of Sukkoth said, “...
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Is there any OT equivalent of the 'earthen vessel' concept in 2 Cor. 4:7?
I am looking at the words 'earthen vessel' and was wondering if this concept had a OT equal or not? I am looking for anything in the OT that could be conveying the concept of the treasure (the light ...
user49416
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Is there any deeper meaning to the word translated as 'potsherd' in Job 2:8?
I am looking at the word translated as 'potsherd' in Job 2:8 and was wondering if anyone came across any other OT evidence that suggests there is a deeper/symbolic meaning behind the fragment of ...
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Does the mention of Sheep Gate in John 5:2 give a lead to explanation for the allegory of Camel and Eye of the Needle?
We read in John 5:2 :
Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha,which has five porticoes.
We also read in Mtt 19 :24 :
Again I tell you, it is easier for a ...
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What evidence is used to support the claim that Isaiah was written before the reign of King Cyrus?
I'm studying the book of Isaiah at the moment and have been trying to understand the prophecy of the reign of Cyrus from Isaiah 45-52.
Here's a sample that refers to him:
Cyrus, God’s Instrument
Thus ...
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How did Paul became a Roman citizen?
In Acts 16:37 we read that Paul was Roman (emphasis mine)
But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being
Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out
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What evidence from the Bible indicates that, for Jewish law-keeping, the day began at sunset? [duplicate]
Another questioner asks about historical evidence for a day beginning at sunset (see Historical Evidence that the Jewish Calendar Day Began at Sunset?) I am interested in evidence specifically and ...
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What is the full meaning of " propitiation" in the first segment of Romans 3:25 in the King James version?
In Romans chapter 3:25 Paul writes "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood," the whom being Jesus Christ. Paul developes Romans and his understanding of our ...
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Was Stephen put to death by legal execution or a lynch mob?
Previous discussion on the site
This is a follow up to the question: In the time of Jesus, were the Jewish authorities allowed to execute? - the selected & most upvoted answer concludes:
The only ...
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Did Saul believe that the spirit of Samuel was in Sheol?
Several questions have already been asked on 1 Samuel 28 (e.g. here, here & here), but none has had a focus on what Saul believed about Sheol. In 1 Samuel 28, the witch of En-dor describes Samuel ...
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What are the origins of the different elements present in the setting of the parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31)?
Luke 16:19-31 (ESV):
19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, ...
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The isrealites were being called Judah and later Jew? [closed]
Why and when were the isrealites being called Judah and later Jew?
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What are the theological implications of Paul's continuing identifying himself as a Pharisee in Acts 23:6-10 despite being an Apostle of Christ?
Acts 23:6-10 (ESV):
6 Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to ...
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At the wedding of Cana, how large of a gathering was likely taking place?
Many people have a presupposition that the wedding of Cana would have involved such a large number of people that all of the wine, miraculously made, would have been consumed during the remaining days ...
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Why did Jesus' disciples believe in ghosts / disembodied spirits? [closed]
Luke 24:36-39 (NASB):
36 Now while they were telling these things, Jesus Himself suddenly stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be to you.” 37 But they were startled and frightened, and ...
user38524
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Evidence for the unity of Daniel
I understand that the book of Daniel is comprised of two languages: Aramaic from chapter 2:4 to 7:25, the narrative part, and Hebrew in chapters 8 to 12, the prophetic and apocalyptic part. I ...
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On which day of the week was Jesus crucified - Wednesday or Thursday?
My question does not involve understanding what the meaning of the Day of Preparation is. This is about which day of the week.
While there are contrary opinions on this, I believe all gospels point to ...
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What deeper understanding can the bible reader get from the 2 Samuel 8:2's account of how David killed off the defeated people of Moab?
( Related Posting: Was the use of a measuring line literal or symbolic in 2 Samuel 8:2?
Related Posting: What are the Dangers of the Judgemental side of David's life in the Bible?
)
What deeper ...
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What is the meaning behind Acts 2:44-45?
In Acts 2:44-45 (KJV) one reads
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men,
as every man had need.
Does ...
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What did Second Temple Judaism think about the Messiah/Christ?
“But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, “I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.””
Matthew 26:63
What is understood by the Christ? ...
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What kind of magic did Simon practice? Acts 8:9-24
Acts 8:9-24 (ESV)
9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid ...
user38524
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Who gives the word in Acts 9:15 the Father or Jesus?
Who gives the word in Acts 9:15 the Father or Jesus? Or even the Holy Spirit? And if it's one of them, how could I know the letter (LORD) refers to Jesus Or Father? I feel confused to explain it to my ...
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In Jonah (3:5-9), we see the great city of Nineveh repent of their wickedness. How might 8 simple words have such a dramatic effect on them?
Jonah spoke these few words:
Jonah 3:4b: "Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown."
Can we understand how such a slight message would be enough to convince the entire population of ...
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Manuscripts and Minuscules
I came across the concept of minuscules quite recently. Wikipedia says that they are manuscripts written with small font sizes. How do they matter more or less than any other Christian manuscript? Is ...
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Does "turn the other cheek" refer to a court tradition, not general violence?
We often hear "turn the other cheek". However, recently I've heard that being slapped in the context of Matt. 5:39-42 is referring to a court setting, not general violence. I'm no advocate ...
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How did the council come to its conclusion in John 11:48?
John 11:48 NASB
If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.
How did the chief priests and the Pharisees come to ...
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Did Isaac die before Joseph was sold to the Midianites?
Genesis 35:27-29 NIV
27 Jacob came home to his father Isaac in Mamre, near Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac had stayed. 28 Isaac lived a hundred and eighty years. 29 Then he ...
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Was the Gospel preached to all nations prior to A.D. 70?
Matthew 24:9-14 (ESV):
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one ...
user38524
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What, if any, is the biblical basis to interpret prophecy as future when wording seems to reflect past history instead of future fulfillment?
A possible example of prophecy referring to past events can be Joel's four waves of locusts, unless Joel lived even before the deportation of Israel, which is not entirely consistent with the rest of ...
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Why are passages in the Book of Joshua repeated in the Book of Judges (Jos. 15:15-19, Jdgs. 1:11-15)?
In these two parallel sets of passages, why is the Book of Judges merely restating that which was stated in Joshua 15?
Joshua 15:15-19, NASB: Then he went up from there against the inhabitants of ...
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