Q 01/05

According to the Gospel of Luke, who were John the Baptist's parents?

A) Zechariah and Elizabeth

B) Joseph and Mary

C) Simeon and Anna

D) Joachim and Anne

Answer · why

A) Zechariah and Elizabeth

Both were of priestly descent from Aaron, and both were far too old to expect a child.

Q 02/05

Which angel announced John's birth to Zechariah while he was serving in the Temple?

A) Gabriel

B) Raphael

C) Michael

D) Uriel

Answer · why

A) Gabriel

The same angel later told Mary that her relative Elizabeth was already six months pregnant.

Q 03/05

What happened to Zechariah because he doubted the angel's message?

A) He went blind

B) He was struck dumb

C) He fell into a coma

D) He was expelled from the priesthood

Answer · why

B) He was struck dumb

His voice returned when he wrote 'His name is John' at the naming ceremony, and he burst into the prophecy known as the Benedictus.

Q 04/05

The Nativity of John the Baptist is celebrated on 24 June, how long before Christmas?

A) Three months

B) Nine months

C) Six months

D) One month

Answer · why

C) Six months

The date follows Luke's note that Elizabeth was six months along at the Annunciation, and it lands on the old Roman summer solstice.

Q 05/05

Christian tradition places John's birthplace at Ein Karem, a village on the outskirts of which city?

A) Bethlehem

B) Nazareth

C) Hebron

D) Jerusalem

Answer · why

D) Jerusalem

The Church of Saint John the Baptist there is built around the cave identified as the spot, and the village is also linked to the Visitation.