Matthew Bible Quiz: Questions & Answers on the Gospel of Matthew

1. Who baptized Jesus?

John the Baptist

Simon Peter

James

None of these

John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. This event is significant in Christian theology and marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. John the Baptist was a preacher who called for repentance and prepared the way for Jesus. His role in baptizing Jesus is pivotal because it signifies Jesus' formal introduction to the public and His divine acceptance. The baptism is also marked by heavenly approval, as the Gospels describe the heavens opening, a dove descending, and a voice from heaven declaring Jesus as the beloved Son. This event underscores the divine endorsement and mission of Jesus as he embarks on his ministry.

Explanation

John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. This event is significant in Christian theology and marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. John the Baptist was a preacher who called for repentance and prepared the way for Jesus. His role in baptizing Jesus is pivotal because it signifies Jesus' formal introduction to the public and His divine acceptance. The baptism is also marked by heavenly approval, as the Gospels describe the heavens opening, a dove descending, and a voice from heaven declaring Jesus as the beloved Son. This event underscores the divine endorsement and mission of Jesus as he embarks on his ministry.

2. How long did Jesus fast while in the wilderness?

10 days and night

20 days and night

40 days and night

70 days and night

Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights while in the wilderness. This period of fasting occurred immediately after His baptism and before the beginning of His public ministry. The number 40 is significant in biblical texts, often associated with periods of testing, trial, and preparation. During this time, Jesus was alone and, according to the Gospels, was tempted by Satan. His successful resistance to these temptations marks a pivotal moment affirming His readiness and divine nature as He prepared to undertake His mission. This event underscores themes of perseverance, faith, and spiritual strength in Christian teachings.

Explanation

Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights while in the wilderness. This period of fasting occurred immediately after His baptism and before the beginning of His public ministry. The number 40 is significant in biblical texts, often associated with periods of testing, trial, and preparation. During this time, Jesus was alone and, according to the Gospels, was tempted by Satan. His successful resistance to these temptations marks a pivotal moment affirming His readiness and divine nature as He prepared to undertake His mission. This event underscores themes of perseverance, faith, and spiritual strength in Christian teachings.

3. Which position does the book of Matthew hold in the New Testament?

1st

2nd

Last

None of the above

The Gospel of Matthew is positioned as the first book in the New Testament. This strategic placement underscores its role as a connector between the Old and New Testaments, illustrating a transition from the prophecies and events of the Old Testament to their realization in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Matthew starts with a detailed genealogy that traces Jesus' lineage back to Abraham, establishing Him as the Messiah foretold in Jewish scriptures. This arrangement not only provides a historical and theological grounding for the New Testament but also introduces key Christian doctrines effectively right from the start.

Explanation

The Gospel of Matthew is positioned as the first book in the New Testament. This strategic placement underscores its role as a connector between the Old and New Testaments, illustrating a transition from the prophecies and events of the Old Testament to their realization in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Matthew starts with a detailed genealogy that traces Jesus' lineage back to Abraham, establishing Him as the Messiah foretold in Jewish scriptures. This arrangement not only provides a historical and theological grounding for the New Testament but also introduces key Christian doctrines effectively right from the start.

4. Who was the king at the time Jesus was born?

Nero

Ceaser Augustus

Herod

Augustus

Herod, also known as Herod the Great, was the king at the time of Jesus' birth. Herod was a Roman-appointed king who ruled over Judea. His reign is noted for its architectural innovations and the significant building projects he undertook across his territory, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. However, Herod is perhaps most infamously known from the biblical account in the Gospel of Matthew, where he orders the Massacre of the Innocents. This was an attempt to kill Jesus after the Magi, or wise men, informed Herod of the birth of a new "king of the Jews," prompting Herod to try to eliminate the potential threat to his rule.

Explanation

Herod, also known as Herod the Great, was the king at the time of Jesus' birth. Herod was a Roman-appointed king who ruled over Judea. His reign is noted for its architectural innovations and the significant building projects he undertook across his territory, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. However, Herod is perhaps most infamously known from the biblical account in the Gospel of Matthew, where he orders the Massacre of the Innocents. This was an attempt to kill Jesus after the Magi, or wise men, informed Herod of the birth of a new "king of the Jews," prompting Herod to try to eliminate the potential threat to his rule.

5. Who was Abraham's son?

Isaac

Jacob

David

None of these

Isaac was the son of Abraham. In the biblical narrative, Abraham and his wife Sarah were promised by God that they would have a son, even though they were very old at the time. Isaac's birth is significant because it fulfills this promise from God. Later, Isaac himself becomes a central figure in the Bible, as he is the father of Jacob, who is also known as Israel. Isaac's story is foundational in the traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, emphasizing themes of faith and obedience.

Explanation

Isaac was the son of Abraham. In the biblical narrative, Abraham and his wife Sarah were promised by God that they would have a son, even though they were very old at the time. Isaac's birth is significant because it fulfills this promise from God. Later, Isaac himself becomes a central figure in the Bible, as he is the father of Jacob, who is also known as Israel. Isaac's story is foundational in the traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, emphasizing themes of faith and obedience.

6. What gifts did the wise men give to Jesus?

Silver, Gold, Bronze

Gold and Silver

Horses and Silver

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh

The wise men, also known as the Magi, gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts are significant both symbolically and traditionally. Gold is a symbol of kingship and wealth, frankincense is a perfume or incense often used in religious ceremonies, symbolizing deity, and myrrh is a perfume that was typically used in embalming, symbolizing suffering and mortality. These gifts reflect the roles Jesus would take during his life: as king, as God incarnate, and as a mortal who would die. This event, celebrated as part of the Epiphany, emphasizes the recognition of Jesus as an important figure from the very beginning of his life on earth.

Explanation

The wise men, also known as the Magi, gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts are significant both symbolically and traditionally. Gold is a symbol of kingship and wealth, frankincense is a perfume or incense often used in religious ceremonies, symbolizing deity, and myrrh is a perfume that was typically used in embalming, symbolizing suffering and mortality. These gifts reflect the roles Jesus would take during his life: as king, as God incarnate, and as a mortal who would die. This event, celebrated as part of the Epiphany, emphasizes the recognition of Jesus as an important figure from the very beginning of his life on earth.

7. How many times did Simon Peter deny Jesus?

2

3

4

6

Simon Peter denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed, as predicted by Jesus during the Last Supper. This event is recounted in all four Gospels of the New Testament. Peter's denials occurred shortly after Jesus' arrest and during His trial, highlighting Peter's fear and human frailty despite his earlier professions of loyalty. This moment is crucial in Christian teachings as it illustrates the concept of human weakness and the possibility of forgiveness and redemption, as Peter later repents and is forgiven, going on to become one of the foundational figures of the early Church.

Explanation

Simon Peter denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed, as predicted by Jesus during the Last Supper. This event is recounted in all four Gospels of the New Testament. Peter's denials occurred shortly after Jesus' arrest and during His trial, highlighting Peter's fear and human frailty despite his earlier professions of loyalty. This moment is crucial in Christian teachings as it illustrates the concept of human weakness and the possibility of forgiveness and redemption, as Peter later repents and is forgiven, going on to become one of the foundational figures of the early Church.

8. In what city was Jesus born?

Nazareth

Judea

Galilee

Bethlehem

Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem. This is detailed in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke in the New Testament. Bethlehem, located in the historical land of Judea, is significant as the birthplace of Jesus because it fulfills the Old Testament prophecy that a ruler would come from Bethlehem. The story of Jesus' birth includes the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem due to a census. Bethlehem's role in the nativity story is central to Christian teachings about the humble and prophesied beginnings of Jesus' life.

Explanation

Jesus was born in the city of Bethlehem. This is detailed in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke in the New Testament. Bethlehem, located in the historical land of Judea, is significant as the birthplace of Jesus because it fulfills the Old Testament prophecy that a ruler would come from Bethlehem. The story of Jesus' birth includes the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem due to a census. Bethlehem's role in the nativity story is central to Christian teachings about the humble and prophesied beginnings of Jesus' life.

9. How many times did Satan tempt Jesus?

3

2

4

9

Satan tempted Jesus three times, according to the narratives found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These temptations occurred in the wilderness where Jesus had gone to fast and pray for 40 days and nights. The first temptation involved turning stones into bread to end His hunger, the second involved a challenge to throw Himself from the temple's pinnacle to test God's protection, and the third was an offer of all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worshiping Satan. Each temptation was resisted by Jesus, who countered with quotes from Scripture, demonstrating His piety and steadfastness in His mission and faith.

Explanation

Satan tempted Jesus three times, according to the narratives found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These temptations occurred in the wilderness where Jesus had gone to fast and pray for 40 days and nights. The first temptation involved turning stones into bread to end His hunger, the second involved a challenge to throw Himself from the temple's pinnacle to test God's protection, and the third was an offer of all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worshiping Satan. Each temptation was resisted by Jesus, who countered with quotes from Scripture, demonstrating His piety and steadfastness in His mission and faith.

10. Where was Jesus born?

A manger

A Palace

A house

None of these

According to the Bible, Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room for Mary and Joseph at the inn (Luke 2:7). A manger is a feeding trough for animals, typically found in a stable or barn. This humble birthplace symbolizes Jesus’ connection to the poor and His role as a servant king. Unlike a palace, which would be expected for a king, His birth in a manger highlights His mission to bring salvation to all people, regardless of status. This setting fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah’s humble beginnings and reflected God's plan for redemption.

Explanation

According to the Bible, Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room for Mary and Joseph at the inn (Luke 2:7). A manger is a feeding trough for animals, typically found in a stable or barn. This humble birthplace symbolizes Jesus’ connection to the poor and His role as a servant king. Unlike a palace, which would be expected for a king, His birth in a manger highlights His mission to bring salvation to all people, regardless of status. This setting fulfilled prophecies about the Messiah’s humble beginnings and reflected God's plan for redemption.

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