Bible Q&A: There Are Moneychangers in My Temple!

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I need to know what this means: "Behold, I show you a mystery." Would the mystery be faith or the Word itself? --Cindee W.

If you are referring to 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, the answer is neither. The secret Paul is revealing is that all true believers will be transformed into a resurrection condition with a resurrection body when Jesus returns.

I heard that the names "Jesus" and "Joshua" are the same word in Hebrew. Why, then, is Jesus called "Jesus" and not "Joshua"? --Do Tin C.

Jesus is the English form of the Greek word Iesous, which in turn is the Greek rendering of the Hebrew name Yeshua-which we transliterate in English as Joshua. So yes, are the same name, but the name's form changes as it goes through three languages.

I was wondering where people got the idea of Jesus getting weak and falling down while he carried the cross before Simon took over and carried it the rest of the way. I have studied the Scripture, but could not find this anywhere. I am confused because I have seen many churches perform the crucifixion on Easter and every time Jesus falls and Simon takes over. --nsreynolds

You are right to ask this question. Mark 15:21 simply says that Simon was compelled to carry Jesus' cross. There is nothing about him carrying it and then falling in our earliest gospel. Matthew and Luke say the same. John 19:17 however says that Jesus carried his own cross. When the medieval church blended these stories together it was assumed that Simon carried the cross after Jesus could no longer do so. The falling of Jesus not once but several times is part of Catholic tradition and not supported by any biblical reference.

In 1 Corinthians 14:22, Paul states that tongues are a sign for unbelievers but prophesying is for believers. Then, in verses 23-25, he goes on to explain how tongues are a sign for believers and prophecy is a sign for unbelievers. Paul seems to contradict himself. Can you reconcile these verses? --Cory C.

There are several issues here in play. What Paul is concerned about when it comes to unbelievers is intelligibility. Speaking in tongues is unintelligible to unbelievers and so is a sign to them that they are not in the right spiritual condition. Here, the term `sign' means a sign of judgment.

Prophecy, however, is intelligible: it is spoken in a known language and can convince and convict an unbeliever. Therefore, it is appropriate communication in a worship service that is attended by both believers and unbelievers.

Paul goes on to say that prophecy is, however, primarily directed to believers and so is of benefit to them. There is no contradiction here; there can be both negative and positive signs, depending on one's spiritual condition. He does not actually say that tongues is a sign for believers (if you read the text carefully in the Greek), and he does indicate that prophecy is primarily directed to and for the benefit of believers. However, there may be collateral benefit to unbelievers since it is in a known language.

Do babies from all nations go to heaven even though their parents are non-believers?
--Jesse D.

There is nothing in the Bible that speaks to this question. In Mark 10:13, Jesus does say that the kingdom belongs to these little ones and those who are like them. The kingdom Jesus is talking about is on earth, not in heaven.

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