Frequently Asked Questions

 

FAQ's About Jesus Christ

Concise answers with scripture references and links to deeper study.

Who was Jesus Christ?

Christians revere Jesus of Nazareth as the central figure of their faith and the Savior. The New Testament presents His life, ministry, death, and resurrection as the fulfillment of ancient prophecy and the means of redemption for humankind.

What languages did Jesus speak?

Everyday speech in His community was Aramaic. He read the Hebrew scriptures in synagogue, and He likely used Greek in broader marketplaces; interactions with Roman officials could have involved Latin.

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What race was Jesus?

Jesus was born to Mary, a Jewish woman from Nazareth in Galilee. He is therefore understood as ethnically Jewish within the first‑century Jewish context of His family and upbringing.

What does the name “Jesus” mean?

Jesus corresponds to the Hebrew/Aramaic name often rendered Yeshua (from Yehoshua), related to the verb meaning “to save, rescue, deliver.” The name is commonly explained as “The Lord saves.” See Luke 1:31 and Matthew 1:21.

Refs: Luke 1:31Matthew 1:21

Was Jesus Jewish?

Yes. Jesus lived and taught within first‑century Judaism. The separation between Judaism and Christianity emerged after His death and resurrection as His followers proclaimed Him as Messiah and Son of God.

Where was Jesus born?

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke place His birth in Bethlehem. Some details suggest the family found lodging with relatives, not an inn in the modern sense (see Luke 2:7). See Matthew 2:1,5–6; Luke 2:4,15.

When was Jesus born?

Scholars typically date His birth a few years before the start of the common era, often before the death of Herod the Great (around 4 B.C.), based on clues from Matthew 2 and related historical data.

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Where did Jesus grow up?

Nazareth in Galilee was His hometown. After the Bethlehem birth narrative, the family settled in Nazareth, where He lived until He began His public ministry (see Matthew 2:23).

Where did Jesus live?

His early years were spent in Nazareth (Galilee). During His ministry He traveled widely across Galilee and Judea, teaching and healing in towns and villages.

Did Jesus have siblings?

The Gospels mention brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas—and refer to unnamed sisters (see Matthew 13:55; Mark 3:31; 12:46). Christian traditions interpret these passages in different ways.

Where was Jesus baptized?

By John the Baptist in the Jordan River, as narrated in the Gospels—see especially the account in Matthew.

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How old was Jesus when He died? 

Many estimates place His age in the early‑to‑mid thirties at the time of the crucifixion. The dating is inferred from Gospel timelines and historical references to events of that period.

Refs: Matthew 27

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