Category Archive bible questions

Question:

In Luke 5:1–7, we read that Jesus called Peter and Andrew while they were fishing by the Sea of Galilee. But in John 1:35–42, it seems they had already met Jesus earlier while following John the Baptist. Does this mean the Bible is contradicting itself?

Answer:
Not at all. What we have here are two distinct events in the lives of Peter and Andrew. The Bible does not contradict itself—rather, it offers complementary perspectives from different writers. Understanding the historical and theological context helps us see how these accounts fit together seamlessly.

Let’s look at the two passages:

1. The First Encounter – John 1:35–42

This event marks the initial meeting between Jesus, Andrew, and Peter.

“The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’
When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus…
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus.
The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ).
And he brought him to Jesus…”
(John 1:35–42)

At this point, Andrew and another disciple (likely John, the Gospel writer himself) begin following Jesus out of personal interest and conviction, having heard John the Baptist declare Him as the “Lamb of God.” Andrew’s excitement leads him to bring his brother Simon (Peter) to Jesus. This is their first introduction to Christ, but Jesus does not yet call them to full-time discipleship.

2. The Call to Discipleship – Luke 5:1–11

Later, Jesus meets Peter and Andrew again while they are fishing and gives them a specific call to follow Him.

“One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret… He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon…
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’
Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’
When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.”
(Luke 5:1–6)

After this miracle, Jesus tells them:

“‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.”
(Luke 5:10b–11)

This moment marks a clear turning point—not just knowing Jesus, but committing to follow Him fully. Peter and Andrew’s decision to leave their nets reflects repentance, faith, and submission to Christ’s lordship. This aligns with Jesus’ pattern of progressive revelation and calling, as seen throughout the Gospels.

Harmonizing the Two Events

The Gospel of John shows us their initial faith and interest, while Luke shows us the moment of radical obedience and calling. These are not contradictory, but complementary.

This two-stage calling fits the biblical pattern:

• God often prepares hearts before issuing a life-altering call (see Moses in Exodus 2–3, or Paul in Acts 9 and Galatians 1:15–17).
• Discipleship is both a relationship and a mission. Peter and Andrew first met Jesus personally (John 1), then later surrendered to His purpose (Luke 5).

Far from being a contradiction, these two passages show us the grace of Jesus in meeting people where they are—first with an invitation to know Him, and later with a call to leave everything and follow Him. Just like Peter and Andrew, our walk with Christ often begins with curiosity, grows through relationship, and leads to a deeper commitment as we respond to His call.

Come, Lord Jesus!
(See Revelation 22:20)

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The Apparent Conflict

When reading Genesis, a timeline issue may seem to arise regarding Abram’s departure from Haran and the death of his father, Terah.

Genesis 11:26
“When Terah had lived 70 years, he fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran.”

Genesis 11:32
“The days of Terah were 205 years, and Terah died in Haran.”

Genesis 12:4
“So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.”

At face value, if Terah fathered Abram at age 70 and Abram left Haran at age 75, Terah would have died at 145 (70 + 75), not 205. Yet Scripture clearly states Terah lived to 205. This raises the question:
Did Abram leave Haran before or after Terah died?

The New Testament Clarifies It

To resolve this, we turn to Acts 7:2–4, where Stephen recounts the story of Abraham:

Acts 7:2–4
“Brothers and fathers, hear me: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’ Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living.”

Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, confirms that Abram left Haran after the death of Terah, which supports Genesis 11:32’s statement that Terah died at age 205.

Reconciling the Timeline: Who Was Born First?

The misunderstanding comes from assuming Abram was Terah’s firstborn son, born when Terah was 70. However, that’s not necessarily the case.

Genesis 11:26

“When Terah had lived 70 years, he fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran.”

But this is a summary verse, not a birth order statement. The three sons are listed with Abram first not because he was the eldest, but because he is the most significant in redemptive history.

Evidence That Haran Was the Eldest

There are strong contextual clues that suggest Haran was older than Abram:

1. Lot, Haran’s son, was an adult when he traveled with Abram (Genesis 12:5).
2. Milcah, Haran’s daughter, married Nahor, Abram’s brother (Genesis 11:29).
   This means Haran had grown children before Abram and Nahor married—suggesting Haran was older.
3. Terah’s oldest son was likely Haran, born when Terah was 70. If Abram was born significantly later, say when Terah was 130, this would align the timeline correctly.

There is no contradiction. The Bible harmonizes perfectly when understood in its historical and literary context. The confusion arises only if we assume Abram was the eldest child, which Scripture does not state.

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Were 23,000 or 24,000 Israelites Killed by the Plague at Shittim?

The Question:
Did 23,000 or 24,000 Israelites die in the plague at Shittim? Numbers 25:9 records 24,000 deaths, but 1 Corinthians 10:8 says 23,000. Does this mean the Bible contradicts itself?

The Answer:
No, the Bible is consistent and trustworthy. Both numbers are accurate when understood in their context.

The Biblical Account

In Numbers 25:1-9

“While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women… Then the Lord’s anger burned against them… Those who died in the plague numbered 24,000.”

The passage describes Israel’s sin of idolatry combined with sexual immorality, provoking God’s judgment through a deadly plague. Phinehas’s zealous act stopped the plague (Numbers 25:7-8).

Paul’s Reference

In 1 Corinthians 10:8, Paul says:

“We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.”

Paul highlights how quickly sin can bring devastating consequences—23,000 died in one day.

Explanation

The difference between 23,000 and 24,000 can be understood as follows:

• The total death toll was 24,000, as recorded in Numbers.
• Paul, writing to the Corinthians, emphasizes the severity of the first day’s judgment—23,000 died quickly due to sexual sin.

• The plague likely lasted more than one day; by the end, 24,000 had died.

This aligns with biblical teaching on sin’s consequences:

• Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2).
• Sexual immorality is especially destructive because it involves the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).

Sexual Sin and the Body of Christ

Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 6:15-20

“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself?… Flee from sexual immorality… your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.”

The body is not just physical but sacred, entrusted to us by God. Sexual sin violates this holiness and has serious spiritual consequences.

Wisdom from Proverbs

Proverbs 6:32 says:

“But a man who commits adultery has no sense; whoever does so destroys himself.”

This warns of the self-destructive nature of sexual sin.

How to Overcome Sexual Sin

The Bible’s solution is not just repentance but avoidance and fleeing temptation, as Joseph demonstrated (Genesis 39). Paul commands:

“Flee from sexual immorality.” (1 Corinthians 6:18,)

Summary of Lessons

• The total deaths from the plague at Shittim were 24,000 (Numbers 25:9).
• 23,000 died in one day, showing the suddenness of God’s judgment on sin (1 Corinthians 10:8).
• Sexual immorality carries swift, severe consequences because it defiles the body, the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
• Sin separates us from God and destroys us spiritually (Isaiah 59:2, Proverbs 6:32).
• The best defense is to flee from temptation, honoring God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:18).

Shalom.

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Why Is the Lord Jesus Called “The Amen”?

(Revelation 3:14)

Let us begin by reading the key passage:

Revelation 3:14 (NKJV):
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God.’”

What Does “Amen” Mean?

The word “Amen” is derived from a Hebrew root meaning firm, sure, or truly. It expresses certainty, trustworthiness, and affirmation. In biblical usage, it is often spoken at the end of a declaration or prayer, signaling agreement with the truth being affirmed. In Greek, the word is ἀμήν (amēn) and is transliterated directly into English.

So when Jesus is called “The Amen”, it is a declaration that He is the embodiment of God’s truth and faithfulness. He is not only trustworthy, He is Truth itself.

John 14:6 (NKJV):
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Jesus is not just one who speaks truth; He is Truth in person. He is the final word—the divine confirmation of everything God has promised.

Why Does Jesus Identify Himself as “The Amen”?

In Revelation 3:14, Jesus introduces Himself to the church in Laodicea as “The Amen.” This is significant because He is emphasizing His absolute authority, divine reliability, and unchangeable nature.

1. He Is the Fulfillment of All God’s Promises

2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV):
“For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.”

Jesus is the confirmation of every promise God has made from Genesis to Revelation. From the promise of the Messiah (Genesis 3:15) to the hope of eternal life (Titus 1:2), Jesus is the divine “Yes” and “Amen.” Through Him, all of God’s redemptive purposes are fulfilled.

2. He Is the Faithful and True Witness

In the same verse (Rev. 3:14), Jesus is also called “the Faithful and True Witness.” This means everything He has testified about the Father, salvation, judgment, and eternal life is completely reliable.

John 18:37 (NKJV):
“For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.”

Unlike human witnesses who may be biased or dishonest, Christ is always faithful to speak the truth—even when it offends or convicts.

John 8:45 (NKJV):
“But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me.”

Even when rejected, Christ remains unwavering in declaring the truth of God.

3. He Is the Beginning of the Creation of God

This does not mean Jesus was created, as some falsely teach. The Greek term arche (translated “beginning”) carries the idea of origin, source, or ruler. Jesus is the divine agent through whom all things were created.

Colossians 1:16–17 (NKJV):
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible… All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”

Jesus is both preeminent over creation and the initiator of creation. He holds supreme authority, not only as Redeemer but as Creator.

What Does This Mean for Us?

If Jesus is “The Amen,” then His words are not to be taken lightly. They are eternal and unchangeable.

Mark 13:31 (NKJV):
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

Jesus said:

Mark 16:16 (NKJV):
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Do you think there will be an alternative to this truth? There will not. This is God’s final Word on the matter. Salvation is found only through Jesus Christ.

Likewise, His warnings are true:

1 Corinthians 6:9–10 (NKJV):
“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers… nor drunkards… will inherit the kingdom of God.”

This is not speculation—it is divine truth. Jesus, the Amen, has spoken it, and it will surely come to pass.

Jesus is called The Amen because He is the final, faithful, and flawless affirmation of God’s Word. He is the unchanging Truth in a world of compromise. Every promise He makes will be fulfilled. Every warning He gives will be executed. Every truth He proclaims will stand forever.

To trust in Jesus—the Amen—is to rest your life on a foundation that cannot be shaken.

Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV):
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Have you placed your trust in The Amen?

Be blessed and please share this wonderful message with others 

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In John 1:29, the Bible says:

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’”

This phrase—“Lamb of God”—is rich with theological meaning. It connects Jesus to the Old Testament sacrificial system, where lambs were offered as atonement for sin. In Exodus 12, during the first Passover, each Israelite family was instructed to sacrifice a spotless lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood. This act spared them from judgment. That lamb became a symbol of salvation through substitution—an innocent life given to save others.

Jesus is the fulfillment of that symbol. He is the true Passover Lamb—sinless and perfect—offered once and for all to take away the sins of the world.

1 Corinthians 5:7b – “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”

Isaiah 53:7 – “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.”

These passages emphasize both the gentleness and the submissiveness of Jesus. He did not resist the cross. He willingly offered Himself in silence, just as a lamb does not protest when being sacrificed.

From a character perspective, a lamb is gentle, humble, and entirely dependent on its shepherd. This makes it different from other animals like goats or cattle. A lamb doesn’t try to defend itself—it trusts its shepherd completely.

This is why Jesus is not compared to a mature ram, which might have aggressive tendencies. Instead, He is likened to a young lamb—vulnerable, innocent, and obedient. His nature reflects divine humility and self-sacrificial love.

Jesus affirms this in His own words:

Matthew 11:28–30 –
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Again, in Matthew 21:5, His humility is described during His entry into Jerusalem:

“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

The Lamb of God is not only gentle—He is also the Savior. He carried the punishment for our sins, offering reconciliation with God for anyone who believes in Him:

Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Hebrews 9:26b – “But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.”

Have You Responded to the Lamb’s Call?

Jesus, the Lamb of God, is speaking to you gently—inviting you to repent, turn from sin, and receive eternal life. His voice isn’t loud or forceful. It’s a whisper in your heart, filled with love and grace.

If you haven’t yet accepted His invitation, what’s stopping you?

Today can be the day of your salvation. Believe in Jesus Christ. Be baptized in His name. Receive the Holy Spirit. Your sins will be forgiven, your heart renewed, and your name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life:

Revelation 21:27 – “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

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Was the Enoch Who Walked with God the Son of Cain? (Genesis 4:16–17)
Answer: Let’s examine Scripture and theology together.

1. Two Different Men Named Enoch

In Genesis 4:16–17, we read:

“So Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. Cain made love to his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch.” (NIV)

This Enoch was the son of Cain, the firstborn of Adam and Eve who murdered his brother Abel. This lineage is often referred to as the ungodly line, as Cain’s descendants lived lives largely apart from the fear of God. Cain’s line includes Lamech, who introduced polygamy and glorified violence (Genesis 4:19, 23–24). There’s no biblical record of spiritual devotion or righteousness among Cain’s descendants.

In contrast, the Enoch who “walked faithfully with God” is found in

Genesis 5:18–24:

“When Jared had lived 162 years, he became the father of Enoch… Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters… Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” (NIV)

This Enoch was a descendant of Seth, the third son of Adam, and is part of what’s often called the godly line. Seth’s descendants began to “call on the name of the Lord” (Genesis 4:26), indicating a return to worship and relationship with God.

2. Theological Significance of Enoch’s Walk with God

Enoch’s relationship with God was so intimate that he did not experience death. He is one of only two people in the Old Testament who were taken to heaven without dying—the other being Elijah (2 Kings 2:11).

Hebrews 11:5 confirms this:

“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: ‘He could not be found, because God had taken him away.’ For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.” (NIV)

This sets Enoch apart as a prophetic figure who lived a life of faith in the midst of a corrupt and fallen world. He serves as a symbol of hope that intimacy with God can overcome the curse of death, pointing forward to eternal life through Christ.

3. Enoch’s Prophecy and the Day of the Lord

Enoch is also recognized as a prophet. In Jude 1:14–15, he prophesied about the coming judgment:

Jude 1 : 14-15

“Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: ‘See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed…’” (NIV)

This prophecy aligns with Revelation 19:11–16, which describes Christ returning with the armies of heaven to judge the nations. Enoch, long before the flood or the giving of the Law, foresaw this climactic moment in redemptive history. His prophetic insight shows that God’s plan for final judgment and the establishment of His kingdom has been consistent from the beginning.

4. Practical Lessons from Enoch’s Life

• Walking with God: Enoch models consistent, daily communion with God—not just obedience to laws, but a living relationship.

• Pleasing God by Faith: Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Enoch’s life teaches that true faith results in a life that honors God.

• Hope Beyond Death: Enoch’s translation into heaven points us toward our ultimate hope of eternal life through Christ, who conquered death (John 11:25–26).

So, no—the Enoch who walked with God was not the son of Cain. He was a descendant of Seth and the seventh generation from Adam. His life stands in stark contrast to the Enoch from Cain’s line. Though they shared the same name, their legacies could not be more different—one rooted in rebellion and self-promotion, the other in righteousness and intimacy with God.

May we follow the example of the godly Enoch and walk faithfully with God, especially in a world that mirrors the moral decay of Cain’s descendants. As we await Christ’s return, may our lives also prophesy through our faith, hope, and obedience.

Maranatha—Come, Lord Jesus!

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