Holy Scripture

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef

315 questions in 138 topics

Topics

Holy Bible 33Holy Book of Psalms 14Holy Book of Revelation 14Old Testament 13Holy Book of Genesis 9Genealogy 7Prophecy 7Assyria 6Holy Gospel of St. Luke 6Passover 6Bible Versions 5Israel 5Noah / Noah's Ark 5Adam and Eve 4Gentiles 4Holy Book of 1 Samuel 4Holy Book of Exodus 4Inspiration 4Biblical Contradictions 3Comma Johannine 3Holy Book of Ezekiel 3Holy Gospel of Mark 3Holy Gospel of St. Matthew 3Jacob 3King Solomon 3Moses 3Septuagint 3Adam 2Ark of the Covenant 2Bible Discrepancies 2Bible Translations 2Commandment 2Curse of Ham 2Deuterocanonical Books 2Elijah 2Epistles of St. Paul 2Garden of Eden 2Gospel of St. Thomas 2Hermas 2Holy Book of 1 John 2Holy Book of Deuteronomy 2Holy Book of Ecclesiastes 2Holy Book of Isaiah 2Holy Book of Judges 2Holy Book of Malachi 2Holy Book of Romans 2Holy Book of Song of Songs 2Holy Gospel of St. John 2Holy Scriptures 2James the Apostle 2Levites / Burnt and Grain Offerings 2Melchizedek 2Samson / Samson & Delilah 2Unjust Steward 2Annals of the Kings 1Apocrypha 1Arabic 1Asaph 1Bible Interpretation 1Biblical Codes 1Biblical Commentaries 1Biblical Criticisms 1Biblical Customs 1Biblical Inerrancy 1Book of Enoch 1Book of Jasher 1Cain 1Chosen Vessel 1Claudia Procula 1Colt 1Commentaries 1Concubines 1Cretans 1David the Prophet 1Davidic Saying 1Dead Sea Scrolls 1Didascalia 1Dinah 1Eastern Gate 1Egypt 1Epistles of St. Peter 1Flood 1Fruits 1Greek Words 1His Genealogy 1Holy Book of 1 Corinthians 1Holy Book of 2 Corinthians 1Holy Book of Acts 1Holy Book of Daniel 1Holy Book of Ezra 1Holy Book of Galatians 1Holy Book of Hosea 1Holy Book of James 1Holy Book of Job 1Holy Book of Proverbs 1Hophni and Phinehas 1Inerrancy of the Holy Bible 1Jacob and Esau 1Jephthah/Jephthah's Vow 1Jews and Gentiles 1Jonah the Prophet 1Joseph 1Joshua's Conquest 1Jude/Thaddeus 1Keeping the Law 1Lamech 1Language 1Linguistics 1Lost Books 1Maachah or Michaiah 1Manuscripts 1Mephibosheth 1Mosiac Law 1Mount Sinai 1Nazirite 1New Testament 1Nicolaitans 1Numbers in the Bible 1Old and New Testament 1Pauline Epistles 1Peace Offering 1Promised Land 1Prophet 1Rahab 1Rain 1Ruth 1Salome 1Seat of Moses 1Shepherd of Hermas 1Sons of Korah 1Statutes 1Stoning of Women 1Synoptic Gospel 1The Cymbals Verses 1Tobit 1Wisdom of Solomon 1Women Who Poured Oil 1Zechariah 1

All questions in this theme

• QAdamDid Adam see God the Father because Adam was without a sin? Also, after Resurrection, will we be able to see God (the Father) because we will have a glorified body like…
• QAdamIs there any authentic source for the life of Adam apart from Genesis? What is your view in the First and Second Book of Adam and Eve and also concerning the promise of…
• QAdam and EveWhat if Adam had not listened to Eve when she had asked him to eat from the tree?
• QAdam and EveDr. Alistar McGrath is a famous atheist-turned-Christian in England. He discusses the view, which goes back as far as Origen, that the Adam and Eve story was intended to…
• QAdam and EveWhy was Adam born first? Why was it not Eve first? Why was Eve made from the side of Adam?
• QAdam and EveWhy did God create Adam and Eve knowing that they would sin. I have asked this many times only to hear that God did it out of love. Not sure how this truly makes sense…
• QAnnals of the KingsWhere can I look to read about the annals of the kings of Israel?
• QApocryphaIs the "Apocrypha" part of the Holy Bible?
• QArabicWhy doesn’t Your Grace want the Church Readings to be read in Arabic on the Sundays? I am sure Your Grace has justified reasons for such a decision. However, there are…
• QArk of the CovenantAccording to a TV documentary, the Ethiopians believe that if one touches the Ark of the Covenant, which some Ethiopian churches claim to possess, he will die. Would it…
• QArk of the CovenantWhy in 1 King 8:9, it was mentioned that "There was nothing in the ark except the two stone tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb" ; while in other places, such as…
• QAsaphDid Asaph, the psalmist, write his portion of the psalms during the imprisonment in Babylon? Or was he born a long time after David's death?
• QAssyriaIs Assyria supposed to be the first church at Antioch?
• QAssyriaGod blesses Assyria, "Assyria the work of my hands." Why did God bless Assyria when all it did in the Old Testament was to destroy and plunder kingdoms?
• QAssyriaWhat is the status of Assyria in the Old and New Testament?
• QAssyriaI am an Assyrian Catholic. I have some points to make concerning Assyria and the Assyrians: God’s Words to Isaiah, “Assyria, the work of my hands” (Isa 19:25) were said…
• QAssyriaWhy in the Old Testament God chose Israel and called them His people and favored them over Assyria?
• QAssyriaDoes the Assyrian Church of the East (Nestorian Church) claim to be Oriental Orthodox? Does it call itself Orthodox at all? And I would like to know when it was founded…
• QBiblical CommentariesI have a Bible that I want to ensure is trustworthy (especially in terms of the commentary that it has). I have the Orthodox Study Bible:…
• QBiblical ContradictionsI have a question about alleged Biblical Contradictions: The Holy Gospel of St. Matthew said: " Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 'And…
• QBiblical ContradictionsIs there contradiction between the Holy Book of I Thessalonians 2:14-16 and the Holy Book of Acts 17:2-3 since the main "opponents" of Paul throughout the Holy Book of…
• QBiblical ContradictionsOur Lord seems to have said two contradictory things (underlined): " But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God " (Luke 12:9). " And anyone…
• QBiblical CriticismsWhat are views of Higher Biblical criticism such as Redaction criticism, Historical criticism, Source criticism and such. Higher criticism basically questions the…
• QBiblical CustomsI am currently searching for true Church. I have question that bothering me: Do Copts still follow the custom in Leviticus 11? Why or why not? I think the exact meaning…
• QBiblical InerrancyWe are doing a series in our Sunday school classes at church on the Scriptures, which brought up topics, such as inerrancy. Typically, a lot of these matters come up when…
• QBook of EnochWhy doesn’t the Coptic Orthodox Church accept the Book of Enoch as Scripture and part of the Old Testament if the Ethiopian Orthodox Church accepts it?
• QBook of Jasher" Is this not written in the book of Jasher? " (Joshua 10:13). What is the book of Jasher?
• QCainWhat was the mark mentioned in Genesis 4:15 " And the Lord set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him "?
• QChosen VesselWhat does it mean that a godly man is called a chosen vessel?
• QClaudia ProculaDoes the Coptic Church recognize Claudia Procula as a saint?
• QColtIn the Holy Gospel of St. Luke 19:29-35 what does the "COLT" that our Lord has ridden to Jerusalem signify?
• QComma JohannineI came across these sites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comma_Johanneum http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desiderius_Erasmus…
• QComma JohannineIt has also been noted that the early fathers of the church do not quote this verse as it is. Do you know of any church father (preferably before the 16th century as this…
• QComma JohannineSupposing that this verse is not original (as I cannot find it in either Greek nor Coptic translations), why is it that the church includes it in the lectionary of the…
• QCommandmentOur Lord Jesus Christ calls a breaker of the law “the least in the kingdom” (Mt 5:19). In St. James' 2:10, a breaker of the law is described as “guilty of all". Will a…
• QCommandmentWhy in the Ten Commandments does it say, “thou shall not kill” yet, in Leviticus, it states to kill the adulterers. Later, Jesus came and saved the adulteress (Mary…
• QCommentariesWhat is the Church view on the commentary of the Bible by Matthew Henry? I was looking for a commentary on 2 kings, but could not find Fr Tadros Malaty’s commentary in…
• QConcubinesWas it alright for the Old Testament figures such as Abraham and David to have concubines and numerous wives?
• QCretansI took a math course that contained an entire chapter about 2 verses in the Holy Book of Titus. Verses 12 and 13 say, " One of them, a prophet of their own, said,…
• QCurse of HamIs it true that the blacks are cursed because Noah had cursed Ham the father of the Africans?
• QCurse of HamMy question is about curses mentioned in the Bible, the curse of Canaan the son of Ham for example, is it a kind of verdict God passes on a person or group of people…
• QDavid the ProphetKing David was depicted by God Himself as a man "after my own heart"; who "will not give sleep to my eyes... until I find a place for the Lord"; who praised God seven…
• QDavidic SayingHow does an Orthodox Christian interpret the famous Davidic saying, 'The Lord said to my lord, 'Sit at my right hand...' David is king, and was a very powerful one at…
• QDead Sea ScrollsI have read a little bit of the Dead Sea Scrolls on wiki and did not continue reading the rest as I don't like consulting wiki for answers especially about religion. Have…
• QDidascaliaWe are doing some research on the Diskolia. I found the following references: a book called Didascalia Apostolorum, the full name being: Didascalia, that is, the Catholic…
• QDinahCould you please settle a controversy around Dinah; whether she was wrong in not crying out, and in having been in the city with the nonbelievers. Also, it seems that she…
• QDivine Liturgy: Pauline EpistlesWhat's the purpose of reading the Pauline epistles? How are they important?
• QEastern GateWith regard to the perpetual virginity of the Blessed Mother of God, the following two verses are cited: " This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no man…
• QEgyptWe, the Copts, are believed to be ethnically Non-Black Africans; as we are not the sons of Kush. However, many claim the true Ancient Egyptians to be black. God said…
• QElijahWhat does the Lord Jesus Christ mean when He says, "To be sure Elijah does come first, and restores all things"? Why then is it written that " the Son of Man must suffer…
• QElijahIn the second book of the annuls of Judah & Israel Kings 2, the prophet Elijah had been taken away or caught up to heaven (2 Kings 2:11), but after many years had passed…
• QEncounters with Him: Women Who Poured OilHow many women poured fragrant oil on Jesus? Do we know their names?
• QEpistles of St. PaulA first epistle to Corinth is referenced at 1 Corinthians 5:9. St. Paul also makes reference to an epistle to the Laodiceans in Colossians 4:16. These works are known as…
• QEpistles of St. PaulWhat is the mystery St. Paul alludes to in his epistles?
• QEpistles of St. PeterI listened to the video below but 1 Peter says Christ Himself went and preached to them who are now in prison unless because it came after the Spirit, it means He…
• QFlood" I establish my covenant with you, never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood, never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth... " (Genesis…
• QFruitsWhat do we put for the "first fruits": the amount of a one-month check or one-week check?
• QGarden of EdenWhat happened to the cross that was guarding the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve had been expelled?
• QGarden of EdenHow do we know it was an apple tree since it only mentions in the Bible that it was a fruit tree?
• QGenealogyRegarding the genealogy of Our Lord Jesus Christ, as written by St. Luke, chapter 3, could you please explain it?
• QGenealogyAccording to the Law of Moses, Boaz married Ruth to perpetuate her dead husband’s name. How come Obeid is mentioned in the Bible as Boaz’s son?
• QGenealogyAccording to Luke 1:5, St. Elizabeth was from the daughters of Aaron from the tribe of Levi. According to Mathew 1, St. Joseph, and therefore St. Mary, were from the…
• QGenealogyWhy is the difference between the two genealogies in the Gospels of Mathew and Luke concerning Solomon/Nathan?
• QGenealogyI want to know how were St. Mary and St Joseph relatives? Is it written somewhere?
• QGenealogyWhy do we call Jesus, “the Son of David” from the tribe of Judah? Jesus is the Son of God, so what does it mean that He is the Son of David? Does it mean that St. Mary is…
• QGenealogyIn their gospels, both St. Mathew and St. Luke both named Boaz as the father of Obed, although despite being the biological father according to the Jewish customs, Obed…
• QGentilesCould you please explain the Holy Gospel of St. Mark 7:27-29?
• QGentiles"But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, help me!" But He answered and…
• QGentilesIn Matthew 10:5,6, why did our Lord Jesus Christ ask His disciples not to go or preach to the Gentiles or the Samaritans; but only to the Jews?
• QGentilesWhy did the early Christian Jews resist the idea of the Gentiles being accepted into the faith until Peter explained to them the incident of Cornelius, while in the Old…
• QGospel of St. ThomasDoes the Coptic Orthodox church believe in the Gospel of St. Thomas?
• QGospel of St. ThomasWhy doesn't the Coptic Orthodox Church accept the Gospel of Thomas?
• QGreek WordsThere are many biblical Greek words that are not in the Liddell-Scott. Does Your Grace know where I might find these words?
• QHermasHermas, in his vision, sees an old woman and later in the vision he gets to know that is the church. Could you please explain how could that possibly be?
• QHermasIn Hermas' third vision he says, "But I, shameless as I yet was, asked her, 'Is repentance possible for all those stones which have been cast away and did not fit into…
• QHoly BibleIn his commentary on the "Fall of Adam & Eve", St. Jerome said that the serpent was not really the devil himself, but was some cunning creature that God created. Is this…
• QHoly BibleI understand that the Septuagint version is the most accurate translation of the Old Testament. Concerning the Latin Vulgate, translated by St. Jerome, which consists of…
• QHoly BibleSome people believe that the Holy Bible and the church are subject to corruption since they are influenced by man, even with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, what is Your…
• QHoly BibleWith regard to the verse references provided on the left and right margins of the Arabic Bible; did they exist in the original text, or were they added later on by others…
• QHoly BibleDoes our church consider any of the Nag Hammadi Coptic texts, found in Egypt, in 1945, to be "canonical"? Some of them are hard to believe to be true. For example, some…
• QHoly BibleIn comparison with the original text, is the English translation of King James Bible accurate or not? I would appreciate it if you let me know your opinion on that.
• QHoly Bible"Hasting's Dictionary of the Bible", unfortunately written not by atheists but by modern "Bible scholars", explains each book of the Old and New Testament from the…
• QHoly BibleTo whom does the Coptic Church ascribe the authorship of the Holy Book of Hebrews?
• QHoly BibleI understand that there are Old Testament books (also chapters and verses), the so-called Apocrypha, in the Coptic version of the Bible that are not in the King James…
• QHoly BibleWhen was the Holy Bible written and particularly, who put it all together and when did this happen?
• QHoly BibleI am a protestant exploring Orthodoxy. I would like to have an English translation of the Old Testament, including the books, which your Church includes in the Canon,…
• QHoly BibleA TV show called "Banned from the Bible II" centered upon books that were supposedly banned from the present Holy Bible version. These ancient but recently discovered…
• QHoly BibleThere are two identical passages in the Holy Bible, 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37. What is the reason for this repetition? Might not such duplicity cast doubt on the…
• QHoly BibleOn the most prominent Coptic website, http://www.coptichymns.net/PNphpBB2-viewtopic-t-7967-p-61282.html#61282, a person wrote regarding St. Paul's verses on women:…
• QHoly BibleDo we interpret the Holy Bible on literal or spiritual levels? Please provide examples of how the Holy Bible could be interpreted on both levels.
• QHoly BibleCan we say that Tubal (Genesis 4:22) was the first idol worshiper?
• QHoly BibleCan we say that Jubal (Genesis 4:21) is the first musician on earth? Was his music for praising God or on the contrary?
• QHoly BibleWho was the first known singer? Was it David?
• QHoly BibleCan we say that Lamech (Genesis 4:18) was the first person who brought the action of sin (el onf) on earth (other than Cain)?
• QHoly BibleHow can I respond to children regarding: “What is our business with Adam’s sin?”
• QHoly BibleRegarding the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the Holy Gospel and the verse from chapter 7 of St. Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians: " But to the rest I, not the…
• QHoly BibleI have an American friend who just started to believe in the Holy Bible and in Christianity. She was asking me about some of the beliefs of the Orthodox Christian Church…
• QHoly BibleHow did Simon Peter find out that Jesus was the Christ? A revelation from heaven (Matthew 16:17)? His brother Andrew told him (John 1:41)?
• QHoly BibleAre there two different Jezebels in the Bible? I know the one in the Old Testament. Is she the same one mentioned in Revelation? Why is she called a prophetess?
• QHoly BibleA friend of mine just told me that he thinks it is finally time for him to start reading the Bible. He is 29 years old and asked me about what order he should read it in.…
• QHoly BibleHow do we know that the Bible is real and true?
• QHoly BibleWhat is meant by the verse take your cross and follow me?
• QHoly BibleIn St Paul’s letter, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, the Holy Bible mentions that man is body, soul, and spirit. Where is the heart and mind in regards to these three? Is the heart…
• QHoly BibleWhere can one get a copy of the Coptic Bible now used by the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States?
• QHoly BibleWhy were some of the books removed from the Bible? (Ex: Tobit) Why we never read them in church? What are the names of all those books? Is John the Beloved same as St.…
• QHoly BibleI want to ask about the promises in Psalm 91 regarding the pandemic, or any "pestilence" we face. Verse 1. " He who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall…
• QHoly BibleI want to ask about the promises in Psalm 91 regarding the pandemic, or any "pestilence" we face. Verse 1. " He who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall…
• QHoly BibleWas Balaam a prophet of God who strayed because of greed, or a false prophet? Was he a Gentile?
• QHoly Bible: Bible DiscrepanciesCould you please help me understand Numbers 26:11 " Nevertheless the children of Korah did not die " and Numbers 16:30-32 " But if the Lord...and the earth opened its…
• QHoly Bible: Bible Discrepancies1 King 15:2 states, " ...His mother's name was Maachah the granddaughter of Abishalon ." Then 2 Chronicles 13:2 states, " ...His mother's name was Michalah the daughter…
• QHoly Bible: Bible InterpretationMy friend's views concerning the bible and church teachings is that everything is relative and subject to change, and that church authorities interpret the bible…
• QHoly Bible: Bible TranslationsSome renowned scholars believe that the New Kings James Holy Bible was not actually a translation but a blending of previous translations which had taken the church fifty…
• QHoly Bible: Bible TranslationsWe were constructing a Pascha service book and we found a Translation called, "The Apostles Bible". The copyright holder is Paul W. Esposito; this is supposed to be a…
• QHoly Bible: Bible VersionsWhat does Your Grace think about this interesting website: http://www.1john57.com/?
• QHoly Bible: Bible VersionsI work in a multimedia book shop organized by Roman Catholic Sisters. Copts and Orthodox Priests come regularly for material for their own studies. I am Orthodox myself…
• QHoly Bible: Bible VersionsWhat Bible does the church prefer us to use?
• QHoly Bible: Bible VersionsDoes the church prefer the NJKV to one of the Catholic Bibles?
• QHoly Bible: Bible VersionsDo you recommend this Bible The Ignatius Bible Revised Standard Version Second Catholic Edition ?
• QHoly Bible: Biblical CodesWhat does the Church think about Bible codes? Are they a bunch of coincidences or are they inspired by God?
• QHoly Bible: Deuterocanonical BooksI was reading some Q & A on the Diocese website and noticed that it was written that 3rd and 4th Maccabees are not canonical. The Third Book of the Maccabees is in the…
• QHoly Bible: Deuterocanonical BooksI noticed that the Books of 3 & 4 Maccabees and the Books of 3 & 4 Esdras are not considered canonical by the Coptic Church, even though most of those were in the…
• QHoly Bible: Lost BooksWhat is the Coptic Orthodox Church view on the Lost Books of the Bible? Why do the Oriental Orthodox Churches not have the same biblical canon which is strong evidence of…
• QHoly Bible: Numbers in the BibleWe see the number forty used many times in the bible (forty days, forty nights, etc.) Why did God choose 40 and not any other number?
• QHoly Book of 1 Corinthians1 Corinthians 15:24 says the Son will deliver the kingdom to the Father (which from what I could gather from His Grace's Bible study means the end of the Son's kingdom…
• QHoly Book of 1 JohnIn 1 John 3:23, what does it mean to ' believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ '? (It seems strange to me that it's not 'in'.)
• QHoly Book of 1 JohnI came across 1 John 5:7 and heard that this verse was not in early manuscripts. It had been added to the Bible later than the 1500s. Is this true? I looked at a Coptic…
• QHoly Book of 1 SamuelIf Samuel dies in the twenty fifth chapter of the Holy Book of 1 Samuel Chapter, who then wrote the Holy Book of Samuel?
• QHoly Book of 1 SamuelIt is stated that the Lord placed an evil spirit on Saul that tormented him. Where is this in the Bible and how can the Lord release an evil spirit that is NOT of Him?…
• QHoly Book of 1 SamuelWe read in 1 Samuel 13:9 that king Saul waited for Samuel to offer the burnt offering and the peace offering (before he did that himself). This mean Samuel played the…
• QHoly Book of 1 SamuelWhat is the definition of faith? A preacher so far I have heard has given the nearest answer: Faith in the purest sense is the ceasing of resistance even when there is no…
• QHoly Book of 2 CorinthiansCould you please explain the following biblical verses: 2 Corinthians 1:15-24,18, 3:18 and 4:12.
• QHoly Book of ActsIs it true that the first person to preach in Eritrea was St. Philip, whom God instructed to evangelize to the Ethiopian Eunuch (Book of Acts)?
• QHoly Book of DanielI have a question in regards to the Book of Daniel, Chapter 10:20, when it says, "Then he said, ‘Do you know why I have come to you? But now I will return to the war…
• QHoly Book of DeuteronomyMoses was told by God to go up to a certain mountain where he was going to die. If it were just Moses and God on the mountain, who is writing this verbiage? Who was there…
• QHoly Book of DeuteronomyI was curious about the verse in Deuteronomy 11:18 that says, "You shall put these words of Mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall tie them for a sign upon…
• QHoly Book of EcclesiastesWhat was wrong with King Solomon? In his Holy Book of Ecclesiastes, he didn’t seem satisfied not even with the good things that God had given him. For example, he called…
• QHoly Book of EcclesiastesWhat is the moral meaning of the Holy Book of Ecclesiastes?
• QHoly Book of Exodus"Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver and jewels of gold." (Exodus 11:2). Why…
• QHoly Book of ExodusIn the Book of Exodus, God described to Moses how to build the Tabernacle and also described where to place it in the midst of the camp, as the Levites surrounded it in…
• QHoly Book of ExodusWhat is a source that explains icons? I am Orthodox, but this question come from one of the members of the church because he saw a verse in Exodus 20:1–7.
• QHoly Book of ExodusI have questions about Exodus, Chapter 21, Verses 22-25. Did the Fathers comment on this passage, where it mentions if a pregnant women giving birth prematurely because…
• QHoly Book of EzekielI have some questions regarding the Holy Book of Ezekiel 47: Is there any particular meaning and significance to the directions given (south, north, east but not west…
• QHoly Book of EzekielIn Ezekiel, why is there so much detail about the measurements of the temple at the end of the book?
• QHoly Book of EzekielIn Ezekiel, is this temple metaphorical, real, or will happen after the Second Coming (or none of these)?
• QHoly Book of EzraI have a question regarding book of Ezra 7:26-27 (see below). In these verses, religion and politics seems to be mixed, right? Why this mix seemed OK at that time? I…
• QHoly Book of GalatiansCould you please explain: " against such there is no law " (Galatians 5:23)?
• QHoly Book of GenesisWhat was the second gift that Abraham’s chief servant offered to Rebecca besides the bracelet? Was it a pair of earrings or nose rings?
• QHoly Book of GenesisIn Genesis 4:4, Abel lived 14 centuries. Is this 1400 years in our modern time?
• QHoly Book of GenesisGenesis 11:1 says the people of the whole world had one language, spoke the same language, and used the same word or common speech, while Genesis 10:5,20,31 says that…
• QHoly Book of GenesisIn the Bible story of Abraham's hospitality, when the three angels—one of whom was the Lord, appeared to Abraham, and Abraham served them, did the Lord look like Jesus in…
• QHoly Book of GenesisWe the Coptic Church believe that the Son appeared to Abraham with two angels in human form. How is it then that the Son appears in human form before being born of the…
• QHoly Book of GenesisCould you tell me some biblical verses or proof of how Jesus is the one that appeared to Abraham in as angelic form and a human being?
• QHoly Book of GenesisHow do we know that it was the Son not the Father who visited Abraham?
• QHoly Book of GenesisIn Genesis 6:5-7, it says " Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil…
• QHoly Book of GenesisIf Adam and Eve were the first people that God created and Cain and Abel were their offspring, why does Cain say in Genesis 4, verse 14, that he was scared to go to the…
• QHoly Book of Hosea" The beginning of the word of the LORD by Hosea. And the LORD said to Hosea, Go, take unto thee a wife of whoredoms and children of whoredoms: for the land hath…
• QHoly Book of IsaiahIn the Holy Book of Isaiah 19:23-25, God says there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria, is this a literal or metaphorical highway? Is this supposed to happen in the…
• QHoly Book of IsaiahI had a question about Holy Book of Isaiah 19 since a friend of mine told me to read it. I got goose bumps thinking about the words and what is going on in Egypt right…
• QHoly Book of JamesIn the Epistle of St. James, Chapter 1, it says, " count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let…
• QHoly Book of JobIn Job 1:4-5, Job offers a sacrifice for the sins of his sons in case they had sinned. I am missing something from this. I know we pray for other people and ask them to…
• QHoly Book of JudgesI read this in the OT 102 course material:
• QHoly Book of JudgesIn the Manoah story, it is believed that Jesus appeared to him, but it said that the Angel of the Lord appeared (Judges 13:13). How can it say that the Angel of the Lord…
• QHoly Book of MalachiWhile reading Malachi, I got stuck at the following verse: " See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes. 6 He will turn…
• QHoly Book of MalachiIn Malachi Chapter 3:1, would the messenger he mentions be John the Baptist and in 4:5 be Elijah (the prophet that ascended to heaven in a chariot). Would he be the one…
• QHoly Book of ProverbsWhat does proverbs 27:14 mean?
• QHoly Book of PsalmsIn the Holy Book of Psalm 139:15,16, the meaning between the English and Arabic translation is slightly different. Is there a way to go back to the Hebrew translation?
• QHoly Book of PsalmsIn the Holy Book of Psalm 53 and 14 are exactly the same. Why is that psalm listed twice in the Holy Bible?
• QHoly Book of Psalms" Is not (my tears) in your book ?" (Psalm 56:8). Is the psalmist referring to the Holy Bible? Where are these tears listed in the Holy Bible?
• QHoly Book of Psalms" What I did not steal must I now restore ?" (Psalm 69:4) What does the psalmist mean by this verse?
• QHoly Book of Psalms" For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten, and him whom thou has wounded, they afflict still more " (Psalm 69:26). Who is the Psalmist referring to in this verse?
• QHoly Book of Psalms" Keep me, O Lord, for I have hoped in You... He has manifested His wonders to His saints who are in His earth, and He has wrought all His desires in them.... He is on my…
• QHoly Book of PsalmsWhere did the verse from Good Friday Psalm ‘they rejected me’ come from. " I am the beloved, rejected as a despised dead man; for they nailed my flesh ." I checked the…
• QHoly Book of PsalmsIs King David the only author of the Holy Book of Psalms, or are there other authors? If there are, which psalms did they write?
• QHoly Book of PsalmsWhy are the Psalms in the Agpeya numbered differently than those in the Holy Bible? For example, Psalm 50 in the Agpeya is Psalm 51 in the Holy Bible.
• QHoly Book of PsalmsRegarding the psalms numbering, I understand that the NKJV has a different Psalms numbering compared to the Septuagint. Firstly, I noticed that the on-line Septuagint (…
• QHoly Book of PsalmsCould Your Grace elaborate on the 'the power of the psalms'.
• QHoly Book of PsalmsI came across a question and an answer on the website, http://www.suscopts.org/q&a/index.php?catid=310, that proves King David not the author of all the psalms. If this…
• QHoly Book of PsalmsI want to ask about the promises in Psalm 91 regarding the pandemic, or any "pestilence" we face. Verse 1. " He who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall…
• QHoly Book of PsalmsI want to ask about the promises in Psalm 91 regarding the pandemic, or any "pestilence" we face. Verse 1. " He who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall…
• QHoly Book of RevelationCould you please verify whether the following outline for the Holy Book of Revelation is correct. The Holy Book is divided into 3 sections, Chapter 1 being what St. John…
• QHoly Book of RevelationCould you please explain to me the verse in Holy Book of Revelation 6:11 " Until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they…
• QHoly Book of RevelationWhen St. John was Exiled in Patmos, what did he do there? Did he cut stones as shown in a movie?
• QHoly Book of RevelationAm I correct in seeing that there is a lot of similarity between the Holy Book of Revelation and that of Daniel?
• QHoly Book of Revelation" I was in the Spirit " (Rev 1:10). Does that mean John was awake or asleep?
• QHoly Book of RevelationCould you please explain what is meant by " the name will be known only by who will take it " (Rev 2:17)?
• QHoly Book of RevelationCould the "scroll" (Rev 5:1 through 8:1), with the seven seals be the same scroll as the "Book of Life" (Rev 20:12,15)? So much emphasis is placed on the opening of the…
• QHoly Book of RevelationRevelations 21:8 says, " But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake…
• QHoly Book of RevelationIn the Revelation Book, we meditate and take the words as advice about the end of the world, yet God spoke only to the 7 churches of Asia giving them encouragement,…
• QHoly Book of RevelationWhat are the seven spirits of God as written in the Book of Revelation?
• QHoly Book of RevelationWhat is meant by the "first resurrection" in Revelation 20:5-6?
• QHoly Book of RevelationWhat is the explanation for the verse, "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth" (Revelation 21:1)? What does he mean by a new earth? Is there a life on earth after the…
• QHoly Book of RevelationWhy does it say, "What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia." At that time there were only seven churches or what does it mean?…
• QHoly Book of RevelationWhat is meant by new earth and new heaven under the Coptic Orthodox understanding? Once people are resurrected in the flesh, are they resurrected to an actual physical…
• QHoly Book of RomansRegarding the biblical verse, Romans 8:9-11 " But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the…
• QHoly Book of RomansWhat is meant by Romans 5:15-18?
• QHoly Book of Song of Songs" The sun has tanned me " (Song 1:6). Is the sun a reference to the Sun of righteousness, and that a comparison between the sun and us would show us to be dark? Is the…
• QHoly Book of Song of Songs" And feed your little goats beside the shepherds' tents " (Song 1:8). What is exactly meant by goats here?
• QHoly Gospel of MarkA friendly discussion about a point in our faith almost always reveal how easily anyone of us could be misunderstanding (or even God forbid misteaching) key points in the…
• QHoly Gospel of MarkWhat is meant in Mark 4:25?
• QHoly Gospel of MarkWas the ending to the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark added? Father Matta the Poor mentions that the ending of this gospel, from verses 9-20, is added. Other books like…
• QHoly Gospel of St. JohnChrist, in John 15:1-8, continuously states, "Abide in Me." What is meant by this? How does he want us to abide in Him?
• QHoly Gospel of St. JohnWhat scripture was Jesus referring to in John 7:38?
• QHoly Gospel of St. LukeI do not see the connection between the apostles' request and the Lord's reply in Luke 17:5-10. " And the apostles said to the Lord, ’Increase our faith.’ So the Lord…
• QHoly Gospel of St. LukeI was reading the Holy Gospel, Luke:16:1-12, and became very confused. It made no sense in its wording and what God is saying?
• QHoly Gospel of St. LukeI have a question about King James Bible Version, Luke 16:6-7.
• QHoly Gospel of St. LukeWhat is meant by the parable in Luke 5:36-39?
• QHoly Gospel of St. LukeWhat is going on in Luke 16:1-8 and what is meant by Luke 16:9?
• QHoly Gospel of St. LukeWhat is the significance and meaning behind the parable of Luke 20:9-16, and what does the reference of verse 17 mean?
• QHoly Gospel of St. MatthewI have kind of a hard time understanding this passage from Matthew. I understand that all believers of Christ must accept Him as the Lord God and follow the commands He…
• QHoly Gospel of St. MatthewIn Matthew 26 verse 29 and 42, why does Jesus sound as if He is unsure or worried about being crucified if His main goal and purpose was to die for our sins?
• QHoly Gospel of St. MatthewWhat is meant by Matthew 9:15?
• QHoly ScripturesCould Your Grace please explain the Holy Gospel of St. John 5:34-47? How does it concern us now in our days?
• QHoly ScripturesGenesis is not the only source that talks about Adam’s life. What about the book of Kifala written by Saint Moses. I am the member of the Eritrean Orthodox Church and in…
• QHophni and PhinehasConcerning Hophni and Phinehas, " ...Nevertheless they did not heed the voice of their father, because the LORD desired to kill them " (1 Samuel 2:25). What does ‘desire’…
• QInerrancy of the Holy BibleDo you really believe erroneous biblical stories like that of Jonah and many others? Are you ready to explain and justify your belief? There is a discrepancy between the…
• QInspirationThe Holy Bible is the word of GOD, it is the TRUTH. Does that mean that GOD is the author of the Holy Bible? Who wrote the Holy Book of Genesis?
• QInspirationIn Holy Book of I Corinthians 7:12, St. Paul gives a command saying, " But to the rest I, not the Lord, say... " How could he say "I, not the Lord"? Does this mean a man…
• QInspirationIs the entire Holy Bible inspired by God? If so, are people allowed to make changes while translating or paraphrasing?
• QInspirationDid God’s inspiration to write His word interfere with the apostles’ behavior and character? Did it immune them against sin and human weaknesses, or did it allow them to…
• QIsraelIn the Old Testament we read about Israel. Who exactly was Israel?
• QIsraelWhat is the Coptic Orthodox position on the land of Israel? Is it against Zionism or do we believe that this land is for the Jews?
• QIsraelWhat is the Orthodox church's view concerning the Old testament prophetic status of Israel and its being the land of the Jews? The Holy Book of Hosea 9:10, Holy Book of…
• QIsraelI wish to share with you this very important and interesting article: Bridges For Peace Your Israel Connection: Vol. # 770801 August 2010. It concerns our support,…
• QIsraelAre we always going to be on Israel’s side and supporting them? Israel is God’s land and all supporters of Palestine are going to be punished according to God's word.
• QJacob" Jacob took for himself rods of green poplar and of the almond and chestnut trees, peeled white strips in them, and exposed the white which was in the rods " (Genesis…
• QJacobMy question is about Genesis 32:24-30 " Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against…
• QJacobGod promises to bring Jacob safely back from Egypt, but does not Jacob die in Egypt( Genesis 46:3.;47:28-29 )?
• QJacob and EsauWhy did Esau’s mother betray him in favor of Jacob? Why was it not possible for Isaac to bless both sons equally?
• QJames the ApostleI am a bit confused about the identity of the two James in the New Testament. There is: James son of Zebedee, brother of John; James the brother of the Lord; and James…
• QJames the ApostleI noticed what seems to be a contradiction in what I'm being told regarding the person of James the brother of our Lord. In my notes that I was given from the Coptic…
• QJephthah/Jephthah's VowIf "Jephthae" the judge, was just as great as David, Barak and Gideon (Hebrews 11:32). Why did he offer his daughter as a blood sacrifice, (Judges 11:30)?
• QJews and GentilesIn the Holy Gospel of St. Mark 7:27 and Holy Gospel of St. Matthew 15, Our Lord is talking to the Syro phoenician woman. Why is our Lord talking,as if the "bread" is…
• QJonah the ProphetSometimes people say that stories like Jonah's did not actually happen, but it is in the Holy Bible for teaching reasons, how can we respond?
• QJosephJoseph collected food freely from the land of Egypt by taxes (one fifth=20%) in the 7 good years, then distributed it by price in the 7 bad years (as he took Egyptians…
• QJoshua's ConquestI do not understand why God had commanded Joshua to unmercifully slaughter all men, women, children, elders and even animals of the cities of Canaan without sparing…
• QJude/ThaddeusWhen the Holy Gospel accounts of Matthew and Mark list the apostles, they include the name, "Thaddeus," but the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke omits Thaddeus and puts…
• QKeeping the LawWhen can one take comfort he is keeping the law or when does it ever end? If I say piracy is sin. I have to pay for every movie I want to watch. I want to watch Joan of…
• QKing SolomonWhy is King Solomon not in the Synaxarium? Doesn't the Coptic Orthodox Church regard him as a saint? If not; why? Also, if he is not a saint why are his books included in…
• QKing SolomonWas King Solomon a true prophet or was he just like King Saul who prophesied?
• QKing SolomonIs Solomon considered a saint in our Church?
• QLamechIn Genesis 4:19-24, what does Lamech mean when he says that the Lord will avenge him seventy-seven fold, and who did Lamech kill?
• QLanguageIn our church there is a trend to sing all of the deacons' responses and hymns in English, I have been told that this is necessary because our Coptic Church needs to…
• QLevites / Burnt and Grain Offerings" In those days and at that time I will cause to grow up to David A Branch of righteousness; He shall execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In those days Judah…
• QLevites / Burnt and Grain OfferingsDoes the human blood of a Levite have a component that other human’s blood types do not have?
• QLinguisticsWhat is the difference between abbey & monastery?
• QMaachah or MichaiahFirst Kings 15:2 mentions that the name of Abijam's mother is Maachah the daughter of Abishalom and 2 Chronicles 13:2 says his mother's name is Michaiah, the daughter of…
• QManuscriptsI would be very interested to hear what you have to say regarding the above article: http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2014/4/11/papyrus-jesus-not-forgery/ .
• QMelchizedekWho was Melchizedek?
• QMelchizedekI am very confused by the placement of Melchizedek in the commemoration of the saints that we chant in Tasbeha and the order of intercessions and prayers in general.…
• QMephiboshethAccording to the Holy Book of 2 Samuel 21:7-9, why would David promise to spare Mephibosheth and then deliver him to his death?
• QMoses"I speak with him face to face,even plainly,and not in dark sayings; and he sees the form of the Lord" (Numbers 12:8). Did Moses really see God and speak to Him face to…
• QMosesIn Exodus 2 after Moses kills the Egyptian, the Bible says, " Moses feared and fled from the face of Pharaoh " (Exodus 2:14-15). However, the Orthodox Study Bible says…
• QMosesI heard many stories about how Moses crossed the Red Sea. I tried to read the story in the Bible many times and I still cannot understand it. Did Moses strike the sea…
• QMoses: Seat of Moses" The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they…
• QMosiac LawMy question is regarding the Jewish laws in the Old Testament and why only certain laws such as a priest's beard or certain church regulations such as women's side not…
• QMount SinaiWhat evidence do we have that the traditional site of Mount Sinai in Sinai is the mountain where Moses received the commandments? Is it possible to believe in other…
• QNaziriteWhere in the Old Testament is it stated that grapes were forbidden to eat because wine is produced from them?
• QNew TestamentI know that Ezra the priest gathered the Old testament, but who gathered the New Testament? Is it Saint Athanasius?
• QNicolaitansWho are the Nicolaitans? Was Nicolas (one of the seven deacons) a believer of this doctrine?
• QNoah / Noah's ArkWhy did God tell Noah to bring two of each animal on the ark and not three or four?
• QNoah / Noah's ArkDid Noah actually see God the Almighty while He spoke to him?
• QNoah / Noah's ArkIt seems that Noah had not followed completely God’s instructions regarding the number of animals he should take into the arc. What does your Grace think?
• QNoah / Noah's ArkHow long was Noah inside the ark?
• QNoah / Noah's ArkCan you explain to me a bit about the flood and Noah's Ark, and if it matches scientific findings? For example, is it possible that Noah could live to be 600 years old?…
• QOld and New TestamentWhat is the Orthodox teaching concerning the two Testaments (Old and New)? Is there any continuity from one to the other?
• QOld TestamentIn the Old Testament, what exactly did King Saul do to anger God? Why did God forgive the Prophet David’s sins of murder and adultery but not Saul's sins?
• QOld Testament"Blessed is Egypt My people." Why this verse and why Egypt in particular? Will an Egyptian in a foreign country, living a pious, spiritual life, receive the same…
• QOld TestamentIn the Holy Books of Kings and Chronicles the author repeatedly says that the rest of his (the king of Judah or Israel) acts are written in the Books of the Kings of…
• QOld TestamentHow can I convince someone that the Holy Book of Genesis and the rest of the Old Testament are just as important as the New Testament? What is the importance of all the…
• QOld TestamentHow does Orthodoxy view the Old Testament Torah practice such as Sabbath-keeping and prohibition of eating certain animal meats (Lev 11)?
• QOld TestamentSome of the rules in the Old Testament are no longer applicable today. So what lessons can we get from them? Is the Old Testament still relevant to us?
• QOld TestamentIn Numbers 31:2, God tells Moses and the children of Israel to take vengeance on the Midianites and so they killed all their males. When Moses found that the women made…
• QOld TestamentIf God ordered to kill anyone who worshiped idols or dealt with sorcerers (like with Moses, King Constantine, and others), how can we respond to people asking for a…
• QOld TestamentWhy did God in the Old Testament order people to kill (example in 1 Samuel 15:3) or even kill the bad people that are between the Israelites? However, at the same time,…
• QOld TestamentWhen the Israelites wanted to go back to Egypt to eat meat, I heard in a sermon that God provided them meat, but after eating it, they died. Is that correct? If so why…
• QOld Testament1. In the Old Testament, they used to offer animal sacrifice to God. This was not good enough. Is that why Jesus was sacrificed? If so, does God then accept human…
• QOld TestamentWhy captivity, killing and that much blood in Old Testament? I know this is a symbol of removing all the sins in our life but still those were human beings?
• QOld TestamentIs Jesus the God of the Old Testament? If so, why does Jesus' way of explaining who He is in the New Testament, especially in the Gospel of John and in Revelation differ…
• QOur Lord Jesus Christ: His GenealogyIn St. Luke's Gospel, Chapter 3, the genealogy states that our Lord Jesus came from the descendants of Nathan, the son of David. In St. Matthew's Gospel, the genealogy…
• QPassoverDoes Passover begin on Nisan 15 or 14?
• QPassoverAt what point during Passover is the "slaying of the lamb"?
• QPassoverWhat was the meal that the Lord ate with His disciples on Covenant Thursday? If it were Passover, why were they sitting at the table and not standing according to the…
• QPassoverBefore celebrating the last supper, did our Lord eat the Passover or did he not?
• QPassoverWhy did the Israelites eat the Passover lamb on BITTER HERBS? What is the significance and/or symbolism of bitter herbs?
• QPassoverIn the Old Testament, the Israelites were required to celebrate the Passover Supper by eating the lamb whole, and without eating anything that has yeast in it. They ate…
• QPeace OfferingIn addition to offering sacrifices for atonement, why had the Jews to offer those for peace?
• QPromised LandThe land of Israel (Palestine) has been a controversial topic in our modern age. I would like to know our Coptic Orthodox position regarding this land, as the Jews and…
• QProphecyThere are many people right now trying to interpret the Prophecies of Daniel and the Holy Book of Revelations, and concluding that we are now at the end of times. How…
• QProphecyCould you please explain the verses in the Holy Book of 1 Corinthians 14:22-26?
• QProphecyDo we accept prophecies coming from other religions such as Buddhism if it is prophesying the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, or is prophecy just restricted to Old…
• QProphecyI have a question regarding one of the prophecies of the first hour of Great Friday. In the Pascha book (published by Holy Virgin Mary Church in Los Angeles), there is…
• QProphecyThe gift of prophecy is regarded by some the same as teaching. However, in 1 Cor 12, St. Paul mentions prophets and teachers as two different categories. Does the Coptic…
• QProphecyRegarding a prophecy book I read, it claimed that the major prophets of the Old Testament, e.g., Isaiah and Ezekiel speak about the end of time and Muslim nations. I read…
• QProphecyMy question is regarding the “Gift of prophecy,” not so much in the sense of clairvoyance or future telling, but rather, the “whistle blowing” and correcting the wrong. I…
• QProphetWhich prophet is the Holy Book of Deuteronomy 18:18 refering to?
• QRahabHow come Rahab’s lies to the men of the city (Joshua 2) had been accepted while lying is a sin?
• QRainIf the first example of a rainbow was after the great flood, therefore, there was no rain prior to that. How were the oceans replenished and plants and animals given…
• QRuthDid Ruth go to Boaz’s field intentionally, was she sent by Naomi, or was it God’s work in order to bring her together with Boaz? (Ruth 2:1-3) Should I follow Ruth’s…
• QSalomeCould you please provide information on Salome?
• QSamson / Samson & DelilahI have a number of questions concerning the Samson in the Holy Book of Judges: Judges Ch 4:14 " But his father and mother did not know that it was of the Lord that he was…
• QSamson / Samson & DelilahDoes the Coptic Orthodox Church believe that Samson and Delilah are Micah's parents?
• QSeptuagintWhy does not the Coptic Church include the Apocrypha in our Holy Bible?
• QSeptuagintI have been trying to learn about the Septuagint and there are a few things that aren't very clear to me. I have seen quite a few lists of the extra books in the…
• QSeptuagintWhy do Protestants reject the Septuagint books?
• QShepherd of HermasI was wondering what the Coptic Church's view of the "Shepherd of Hermas" is? Do we believe that Hermas actually had these visions? Do we agree with the teachings withing…
• QSons of KorahNumbers 26:11 states that His sons died. On the other hand, Numbers 16:30,31,32,33 state that they did not. How does one make sense out of this contradiction?
• QStatutesI am extremely interested in Christian Orthodoxy and would need know whether it is sin to have and use idols for non-idolatrous purposes (ex. for educational purposes in…
• QStoning of WomenIn Deuteronomy 22:21 it says: " then they shall bring out the young woman to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her to death with stones,…
• QSynoptic GospelWhy did synoptic gospels speak very little about Christ divinity?
• QThe Cymbals VersesThe Saturday night vespers the Cymbals Verses start with "tenousht emeviout" which is the rite for the Saturday. Since a day ends by sunset, would it not be more correct…
• QTobitIn regards to Tobit's story and the awaiting of three days praying and asking God for the marriage to be. Where do I find it?
• QUnjust StewardThe Holy Gospel of St. Luke 16:8 says, "a nd the Lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation…
• QUnjust StewardWhat is the meaning of the parable of the unjust steward?
• QWisdom of Solomon" I also am mortal, like everyone else, a descendant of the first-formed child of earth; and in the womb of a mother I was molded into flesh, within the period of ten…
• QZechariahIn the Holy Book of Zechariah, chapter 6, the last verse is left unfinished, " and if you heard the sound of the God your God ." Could you please explain what is meant in…

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.