New TestamentTrivia Questions & Answers
82 new testament trivia questions, each with the correct answer and a short explanation.
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Each question reveals the answer and a quick explanation below it.
1. Which New Testament letter did Paul write specifically to address divisions and immorality in a Greek city's church?
Answer: 1 Corinthians. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians directly confronts factional disputes, sexual immorality, and misuse of spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church.
2. In the New Testament, on which island was the Apostle Paul shipwrecked before reaching Rome?
Answer: Malta. Acts 28 describes Paul being shipwrecked on Malta (Melita), where he stayed three months before continuing to Rome.
3. In which New Testament epistle does Paul list the 'fruit of the Spirit' including love, joy, and peace?
Answer: Galatians. Galatians 5:22–23 contains Paul's enumeration of the fruit of the Spirit contrasted with the works of the flesh.
4. In Paul's letter to the Romans, he states that the wages of sin is death, but what does he say is the gift of God?
Answer: Eternal life in Christ Jesus. Romans 6:23 reads: 'For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.'
5. In the New Testament, the Epistle to the Hebrews identifies Melchizedek as a type of Christ partly because Scripture records no account of what?
Answer: His genealogy, birth, or death. Hebrews 7:3 calls Melchizedek 'without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life,' making him a typological figure for Christ's eternal priesthood.
6. Which apostle replaced Judas Iscariot by lot after the Ascension, making the Twelve complete again?
Answer: Matthias. Acts 1:26 records that Matthias was chosen by lot over Joseph Barsabbas to restore the Twelve.
7. According to the New Testament, how many days did Jesus fast in the wilderness before being tempted by the devil?
Answer: 40. Matthew 4:2 and Luke 4:2 both record that Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights in the wilderness.
8. The New Testament book of Philemon is primarily a letter about Paul's appeal regarding which runaway slave?
Answer: Onesimus. Paul's letter to Philemon intercedes on behalf of Onesimus, a slave who had run away and converted to Christianity under Paul's ministry.
9. Which epistle did Paul write while imprisoned in Rome that contains the phrase 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'?
Answer: Philippians. Philippians 4:13 contains this verse; Paul wrote it from Roman imprisonment around 61–62 AD.
10. In Paul's letter to Philemon, the escaped slave Onesimus is being returned. What does Paul specifically request Philemon charge to his own account?
Answer: Any debt or wrong Onesimus owes. Philemon 1:18–19 has Paul write 'if he has wronged you or owes you anything, charge it to me' — offering to personally repay any debt Onesimus owed.
11. The apostle Paul's letter to the Romans was likely carried to Rome by which woman named in its final chapter?
Answer: Phoebe. Romans 16:1-2 commends Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae, to the Romans, and scholars widely identify her as the letter's bearer.
12. In Revelation, the letters to the seven churches are addressed to congregations all located in which Roman province?
Answer: Asia. All seven churches — Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea — were cities in the Roman province of Asia (western Anatolia).
13. The parable of the Prodigal Son appears in which Gospel only, making it unique among the four canonical Gospels?
Answer: Luke. The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) is found exclusively in Luke, part of a set of three 'lost and found' parables unique to that Gospel.
14. Which apostle replaced Judas Iscariot by lot before Pentecost?
Answer: Matthias. Acts 1:26 records that Matthias was chosen by lot to fill the vacancy left by Judas among the twelve apostles.
15. Which New Testament letter contains the earliest written account of the Last Supper?
Answer: 1 Corinthians. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians (written c. 53–54 AD) predates the Gospel accounts and contains a detailed description of the Last Supper in chapter 11.
16. The Pauline epistle to the Galatians was primarily written to counter which theological error spreading in those churches?
Answer: Requiring Gentile believers to follow Mosaic Law including circumcision. Paul wrote Galatians to refute Judaizers who taught that Gentile Christians must be circumcised and keep the Mosaic Law for full salvation, arguing this undermined justification by faith alone.
17. Which Pauline epistle contains the earliest written account of the Last Supper, predating all four Gospels?
Answer: 1 Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, written around 53-54 AD, records the Last Supper earlier than any Gospel narrative.
18. The Apostle Paul's letter to Philemon concerns the return of which runaway slave?
Answer: Onesimus. Paul writes to Philemon appealing for the freedom and forgiveness of Onesimus, a slave who had fled to Paul in prison.
19. Which epistle did Paul write while imprisoned in Rome, addressing a runaway slave named Onesimus?
Answer: Philemon. Paul's letter to Philemon is the shortest of his epistles and deals directly with Onesimus, a slave he urges Philemon to receive as a brother.
20. Which New Testament book contains the Seven Letters to the seven churches of Asia Minor?
Answer: Revelation. The book of Revelation (chapters 2–3) contains specific letters addressed to seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
21. Which apostle, according to Acts, replaced Judas Iscariot among the Twelve?
Answer: Matthias. Acts 1:26 records that Matthias was chosen by lot to replace Judas and numbered with the eleven apostles.
22. Paul's letter to the Galatians addresses churches in a region that is now part of which modern country?
Answer: Turkey. Galatia was a region in central Anatolia, which corresponds to modern-day Turkey.
23. In the New Testament, which epistle does Paul explicitly state he wrote in his own hand as authentication, rather than through a scribe?
Answer: Galatians. In Galatians 6:11, Paul notes 'See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand,' indicating he personally penned at least the closing of that letter.
24. In Acts, the apostle Paul's shipwreck on his voyage to Rome occurred on which island, where a viper bit him without harm?
Answer: Malta. Acts 28 describes Paul's shipwreck on the island of Malta (Melita), where a viper fastened to his hand but he suffered no ill effect, amazing the islanders.
25. Paul's letter to the Romans was likely written from which city, according to most biblical scholars?
Answer: Corinth. Most scholars conclude Paul wrote Romans during a three-month stay in Corinth, around 57 CE, before his final journey to Jerusalem.
26. Which New Testament epistle contains the earliest written account of the Lord's Supper, predating the Gospel narratives?
Answer: 1 Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, written around 53–54 CE, records the Lord's Supper earlier than any of the four Gospels were composed.
27. In Paul's letter to the Romans, he describes himself as an apostle set apart for the gospel of God and a servant of Christ Jesus — but what was his trade?
Answer: Tentmaker. Acts 18:3 identifies Paul (and Aquila) as tentmakers by trade, a skilled craft Paul used to support himself during his missionary journeys.
28. Which New Testament letter explicitly quotes more Old Testament passages than any other, making extensive use of the Septuagint throughout its argument?
Answer: Hebrews. The Epistle to the Hebrews contains approximately 35 direct quotations and over 50 allusions to the Old Testament, more than any other New Testament book.
29. In the New Testament, which island is Paul shipwrecked on during his voyage to Rome, according to the Book of Acts?
Answer: Malta. Acts 27-28 describes Paul's shipwreck on the island of Malta (Melita), where a viper's bite leaves him unharmed and he heals the father of the island's chief official.
30. Which Apostle, according to Acts 1, was chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot among the Twelve?
Answer: Matthias. Acts 1:26 records that lots fell on Matthias, who was then numbered with the eleven apostles.
31. Paul's letter to the Galatians recounts a confrontation in Antioch where Paul rebuked which prominent figure for withdrawing from Gentile table fellowship?
Answer: Cephas (Peter). Galatians 2:11-14 describes Paul opposing Cephas (Peter) to his face because Peter had separated himself from Gentile believers under pressure from those of the circumcision.
32. In Paul's letter to the Romans, which Old Testament figure does he cite as the prime example of justification by faith rather than works?
Answer: Abraham. Romans 4 uses Abraham as the central proof that righteousness was credited through faith before circumcision or the Law existed.
33. The Epistle to the Hebrews describes Melchizedek as a priest-king of which city who blessed Abraham after a military victory?
Answer: Salem. Hebrews 7 (drawing on Genesis 14) identifies Melchizedek as king of Salem and priest of God Most High who met and blessed Abraham returning from battle.
34. In Revelation, letters are addressed to seven churches; which church is rebuked for having 'left its first love' and warned to repent or lose its lampstand?
Answer: Ephesus. Revelation 2:1-7 addresses Ephesus, praising its doctrinal endurance but condemning it for abandoning the devotion it had at first, with a threat to remove its lampstand.
35. The Epistle to the Hebrews quotes extensively from which Greek translation of the Old Testament?
Answer: The Septuagint. Hebrews consistently cites the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek OT, often in passages that differ notably from the Hebrew Masoretic text.
36. Paul's letter to the Galatians mentions he visited Jerusalem and spent 15 days with Peter. Which other apostle did he meet on that visit?
Answer: James, the Lord's brother. Galatians 1:18-19 states Paul saw only Peter and 'James, the Lord's brother' during his first post-conversion Jerusalem visit.
37. Paul's letter to the Romans was likely delivered to Rome by which woman, named in Romans 16:1 as a deaconess?
Answer: Phoebe. Romans 16:1-2 commends Phoebe of Cenchreae as a deacon and benefactor who scholars believe carried the letter to Rome.
38. In Acts 17, Paul debated philosophers at which Athenian landmark, proclaiming the 'unknown god' to the Greeks?
Answer: The Areopagus. Acts 17:19-22 places Paul on the Areopagus (Mars Hill) in Athens, where he addressed the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers.
39. In the New Testament, Paul's letter to which church addresses the famous 'armor of God' passage in chapter 6?
Answer: Ephesians. Ephesians 6:10–18 contains the 'armor of God' metaphor, urging believers to put on the full armor to stand against evil.
40. In Revelation, the letters to the seven churches are addressed to congregations in Asia Minor. Which church is told it is 'neither hot nor cold' and will be 'spit out'?
Answer: Laodicea. Revelation 3:15–16 rebukes the church at Laodicea for its lukewarmness, threatening to 'spit' or 'vomit' it out, a metaphor likely referencing the town's tepid aqueduct water.
41. In the Book of Acts, which city's believers were described as more noble-minded for examining the scriptures daily to verify Paul's teaching?
Answer: Berea. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for receiving the word eagerly and searching the scriptures daily to check whether Paul's claims were true.
42. Paul's letter to the Galatians lists the 'fruit of the Spirit.' Which of these is NOT among the nine fruits listed in Galatians 5:22-23?
Answer: Humility. The nine fruits listed are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; humility is not among them.
43. Which epistle did Paul write while imprisoned in Rome, urging believers to 'rejoice always'?
Answer: Philippians. Philippians, written from Roman imprisonment, contains the famous command to rejoice (4:4) and is known as the 'epistle of joy.'
44. In the New Testament, which disciple replaced Judas Iscariot among the Twelve after the Ascension?
Answer: Matthias. Acts 1:26 records that Matthias was chosen by lot over Joseph Barsabbas to restore the Twelve to full number after Judas's death.
45. The apostle Paul's letter to the Romans was almost certainly written from which city, where he was staying with Gaius?
Answer: Corinth. Romans 16:23 names Gaius as Paul's host, and Gaius of Corinth appears in 1 Corinthians 1:14; Paul wrote Romans during his third missionary journey stay in Corinth (~57 AD).
46. The Pauline epistle that contains the earliest written account of the Last Supper, predating the Gospel narratives, is which letter?
Answer: 1 Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, written around 53–54 AD, contains Paul's account of the institution of the Eucharist, making it chronologically earlier than the Gospel accounts.
47. Which epistle did Paul write while imprisoned in Rome that is addressed to a runaway slave's master?
Answer: Philemon. Philemon is Paul's shortest letter, pleading for the slave Onesimus to be received back as a brother by his master Philemon.
48. Which New Testament figure had previously been known as a zealous persecutor of Christians and studied under Gamaliel in Jerusalem?
Answer: Paul of Tarsus. Paul (Saul) studied under the renowned rabbi Gamaliel and actively persecuted the early church before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 22:3).
49. Which apostle, according to Acts, replaced Judas Iscariot among the Twelve before Pentecost?
Answer: Matthias. Acts 1:26 records that Matthias was chosen by lot to replace Judas and numbered with the eleven apostles.
50. In Paul's letter to the Romans, which city does he mention as the farthest west he plans to preach before visiting Rome?
Answer: Spain. Romans 15:24 states Paul planned to travel to Spain, using Rome as a stopping point on his missionary journey.
51. In Paul's letter to the Galatians, he recounts publicly opposing which other apostle at Antioch over eating with Gentiles?
Answer: Peter. Galatians 2:11–14 records Paul rebuking Peter (Cephas) to his face at Antioch for withdrawing from table fellowship with Gentiles when Jewish Christians arrived.
52. In Revelation, the seven letters are addressed to churches in seven cities all located in which region?
Answer: Asia Minor. The seven churches addressed in Revelation chapters 2–3—Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea—were all located in the Roman province of Asia (modern western Turkey).
53. Paul's letter known as 1 Corinthians references an early creedal tradition in which he lists resurrection appearances. How many people does he say witnessed Christ at one appearance?
Answer: Five hundred. In 1 Corinthians 15:6, Paul states that the risen Christ appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom were still alive when he was writing.
54. In the New Testament, Paul's letter to which church community addresses the 'fruit of the Spirit' in chapter 5?
Answer: Galatians. Galatians 5:22–23 lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
55. In the New Testament, which disciple is described as the one whom Jesus loved and who reclined next to Jesus at the Last Supper?
Answer: John. The 'Beloved Disciple' who reclined at Jesus's side at the Last Supper (John 13:23) is traditionally identified as John the Apostle.
56. In the New Testament, which Roman governor ordered the execution of John the Baptist?
Answer: Herod Antipas. Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee, had John the Baptist beheaded after being manipulated by his stepdaughter Salome and wife Herodias (Mark 6:14–29).
57. The apostle Paul's letter to the Romans was likely written from which city, according to internal textual clues?
Answer: Corinth. Romans 16:23 mentions Gaius hosting Paul and Erastus as city treasurer; Erastus is linked by archaeology to Corinth, and Paul's itinerary supports a Corinthian origin.
58. The Book of Revelation names seven churches of Asia Minor. Which of the following is NOT among the seven addressed?
Answer: Colossae. Revelation 1–3 addresses Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea; Colossae, though a real city Paul addressed, is not in this list.
59. The Pauline epistle addressed to believers in a Roman province of modern-day Turkey — NOT a city — is the letter to the:
Answer: Galatians. Galatia was a Roman province in central Anatolia, whereas Ephesus, Philippi, and Colossae were individual cities, making Galatians uniquely addressed to a regional audience.
60. Which New Testament figure is described as a Roman centurion whose household was the first Gentile group formally baptized by Peter?
Answer: Cornelius. Acts 10 recounts how Cornelius, a God-fearing centurion in Caesarea, received a vision and was subsequently baptized by Peter, marking a pivotal expansion of the early church to Gentiles.
61. In Revelation, the church at Laodicea is rebuked for being 'lukewarm.' The letter specifically says Christ will do what with such a church?
Answer: Spit it out of His mouth. Revelation 3:16 states that because the Laodiceans were neither hot nor cold, Christ would 'spit' (or vomit) them out of His mouth — a vivid metaphor drawn from the city's tepid aqueduct water.
62. In Paul's letter to the Galatians, which apostle did Paul publicly oppose at Antioch over table fellowship with Gentiles?
Answer: Peter. Galatians 2:11–14 recounts Paul rebuking Peter (Cephas) to his face at Antioch for withdrawing from eating with Gentiles.
63. The Pauline epistle listing the 'fruit of the Spirit' enumerates nine qualities beginning with love. Which quality appears last in that list?
Answer: Self-control. Galatians 5:22–23 lists the nine fruits concluding with 'self-control' (enkrateia), the final item in Paul's enumeration.
64. Paul's letter to the Romans was likely written while he was staying in which city?
Answer: Corinth. Scholars broadly agree Romans was composed around AD 57 during Paul's three-month stay in Corinth, based on references to Phoebe of Cenchreae and Gaius.
65. Which apostle, according to Acts, was the first Christian martyr, stoned to death outside Jerusalem?
Answer: Stephen. Acts 7 recounts Stephen's death by stoning after his speech to the Sanhedrin, making him the proto-martyr of the Christian church.
66. Which New Testament book quotes the otherwise unknown saying of Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'?
Answer: Acts of the Apostles. Acts 20:35 records Paul citing this saying of Jesus, making it an 'agraphon' not found in the four Gospels.
67. Paul's letter to the Romans was most likely written from which city, according to internal evidence and early tradition?
Answer: Corinth. Romans 16:1 mentions Phoebe of Cenchreae, Corinth's eastern port, and Paul's host Gaius aligns with Corinthian references, placing composition in Corinth.
68. Which New Testament book contains the seven letters addressed to churches in Asia Minor?
Answer: Revelation. Revelation chapters 2–3 contain letters to seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
69. The apostle Paul's letter to the Romans was most likely written from which city?
Answer: Corinth. Scholars widely agree Paul wrote Romans circa AD 57 while staying in Corinth, based on internal references to Phoebe of Cenchreae and Gaius his host.
70. Which New Testament epistle contains the famous 'armor of God' passage listing breastplate, shield, and helmet?
Answer: Ephesians. Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the full armor of God, including the breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, and helmet of salvation.
71. The Pauline letter that contains the earliest written account of the Last Supper — predating all four Gospels — is which book?
Answer: 1 Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, written around AD 53-54, provides the earliest textual record of the Last Supper institution narrative.
72. In the New Testament, the Epistle to the Hebrews quotes extensively from which Greek translation of the Old Testament rather than the Hebrew text?
Answer: Septuagint. Hebrews consistently cites the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek Old Testament, often in passages where it differs notably from the Hebrew Masoretic Text.
73. Which epistle did Paul write while imprisoned in Rome that addresses the theme of joy despite suffering?
Answer: Philippians. Philippians, written from Roman imprisonment around 61 AD, is called the 'Epistle of Joy' despite Paul's chains.
74. The New Testament book of Acts records the first Christian martyr's death by stoning. Who was this martyr?
Answer: Stephen. Stephen, described as full of faith and the Holy Spirit, was stoned to death in Jerusalem as recorded in Acts 7.
75. In Revelation, the New Jerusalem is described as descending from heaven. What is given as the length of each of its sides?
Answer: 1,200 stadia. Revelation 21:16 states the city is 12,000 stadia (approximately 1,200 miles) on each side, forming a perfect cube or square.
76. Which epistle did Paul write while imprisoned in Rome, urging believers to 'rejoice in the Lord always'?
Answer: Philippians. Philippians, written from Roman imprisonment, contains the famous exhortation to rejoice (Phil 4:4) and is often called the 'epistle of joy.'
77. Which apostle replaced Judas Iscariot after his death, chosen by casting lots?
Answer: Matthias. Acts 1:26 records that Matthias was chosen by lot to replace Judas among the twelve apostles.
78. Paul's letter to the Romans was most likely written from which city, according to scholarly consensus?
Answer: Corinth. Most scholars conclude Paul wrote Romans during a three-month stay in Corinth, around 56–58 AD, based on internal references and Acts 20.
79. Which New Testament epistle contains the 'Armor of God' passage describing the breastplate of righteousness and shield of faith?
Answer: Ephesians. Ephesians 6:10–17 contains Paul's extended metaphor of the full armor of God, including the breastplate of righteousness and the shield of faith.
80. Which Pauline epistle contains the famous 'love chapter' describing charity as greater than faith and hope?
Answer: 1 Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 13 contains Paul's discourse on agape love, concluding that love is the greatest of faith, hope, and love.
81. In the New Testament, which apostle asked Jesus to show the disciples 'the Father' during the Last Supper discourse in the Gospel of John?
Answer: Philip. In John 14:8, Philip asks Jesus 'Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us,' prompting Jesus's reply about being the way, truth, and life.
82. The New Testament letter of Philemon is primarily written to persuade its recipient to do what?
Answer: Receive back a runaway slave. Paul wrote Philemon to ask him to welcome back his runaway slave Onesimus, who had converted to Christianity.
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