Q 01/05

According to the Gospels, in which town was Jesus born?

A) Bethlehem

B) Nazareth

C) Jerusalem

D) Capernaum

Answer · why

A) Bethlehem

Only those two Gospels describe the birth at all; both place it during the reign of Herod the Great, which puts it around 6 to 4 BC.

Q 02/05

The Magi presented the infant Jesus with gold, frankincense and what third gift?

A) Myrrh

B) Silver

C) Spikenard

D) Cedar oil

Answer · why

A) Myrrh

Matthew never says how many Magi there were; the tradition of three comes from the number of gifts.

Q 03/05

After the Magi left, Herod ordered the killing of all boys around Bethlehem up to what age?

A) One year

B) Two years

C) Three years

D) Five years

Answer · why

B) Two years

An angel had already warned Joseph in a dream to take the family to Egypt until Herod died.

Q 04/05

In Luke's account, why did Joseph and Mary travel south from Nazareth to the town where Jesus was born?

A) To flee Herod

B) For Passover

C) To visit Elizabeth

D) For a Roman census

Answer · why

D) For a Roman census

Caesar Augustus decreed it while Quirinius was governor of Syria, and Joseph went because he was of the house of David.

Q 05/05

Luke says the newborn Jesus was laid in a manger for what reason?

A) No guest room was available

B) A star shone on it

C) Shepherds had brought it

D) The house had flooded

Answer · why

A) No guest room was available

The Greek word is katalyma, a guest room or lodging, rather than a commercial inn.