JAMB Christian Religious Knowledge 2021 Past Questions & Answers

The quotation, 'Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's,' is a direct teaching of Jesus found in the Gospels (Matthew 22:21, Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25). This statement instructs believers on their dual responsibilities to both civil authority and to God. It is a fundamental teaching of Jesus on civic duty and spiritual obligation.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose options like A or D because they misinterpret Jesus' words as a call to reject or disobey civil authority, rather than understanding it as an affirmation of legitimate government.

The question directly relates to the events immediately following Jesus' crucifixion, specifically the handling of his body for burial. This event is a critical part of the narrative surrounding Jesus' death, which is a core component of the subtopic 'The death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus'. Joseph of Arimathea was the one who courageously asked Pilate for Jesus' body.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose Nicodemus (A) because he also assisted in the burial, but it was Joseph of Arimathea who made the initial request to Pilate.

The quote, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us...', is found in Luke 24:32. It was spoken by Cleopas and another disciple on the road to Emmaus, after the resurrected Jesus had explained the scriptures to them, though they did not recognize Him at first. This event is a significant part of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances, confirming His victory over death.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose Peter's audience at Pentecost (A) because of the powerful impact of his sermon, but the specific quote and context belong to the Emmaus disciples' encounter with the resurrected Jesus.

In Acts 17, Paul preached in Athens to Greek philosophers. While they were open to discussing new ideas, the concept of Jesus' bodily resurrection from the dead was particularly foreign and unbelievable to them. They believed in the immortality of the soul but not the resurrection of the body, leading them to accuse Paul of introducing strange gods.

Common mistake: Students might choose 'cross' because it is a fundamental aspect of Christian faith, but the biblical account in Acts 17 specifically highlights the resurrection as the point of contention that caused the Athenians to mock Paul.

This event is recorded in Acts 14 during Paul and Barnabas' first missionary journey to the Gentile city of Lystra. After Paul healed a man who had been crippled from birth, the local people mistakenly believed they were gods. They identified Barnabas with Zeus, the chief Greek god, and Paul with Hermes, the messenger of the gods, because Paul was the main speaker. This incident highlights the challenges and cultural misunderstandings faced during the mission to the Gentiles.

Common mistake: Students often mistakenly choose option C, 'Jupiter and Mercury', because these are the Roman equivalents of the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes, but the biblical account uses the Greek names.

In Acts $17:22-23$, Paul addressed the Areopagus in Athens. He noted their religiousness by pointing out an altar inscribed 'TO THE UNKNOWN GOD'. Paul used this as a bridge to introduce them to the true God whom they worshipped without knowing.

Common mistake: Students might choose D because Athens was indeed full of idols, but Paul specifically used the altar to the 'unknown God' as his direct evidence and starting point for his sermon.

The question refers to an event in Acts 21 where James and the elders in Jerusalem advised Paul to purify himself along with men under vows. This was done to demonstrate to the Jewish believers that Paul still respected Jewish law and customs, thereby countering false rumors and reducing opposition to his ministry. This action was a strategic move to manage the tension between Jewish traditions and the expanding mission to the Gentiles.

Common mistake: Students might incorrectly choose 'preach the good news' because Paul was an apostle, but the specific advice given by the elders in this context was about a ritual purification to address a particular issue of opposition, not a general instruction to preach.

The quoted passage is from Acts $18:9-10$, where God speaks to Paul in a vision while he is ministering in Corinth. Paul was facing significant opposition from the Jews there, and God reassured him to continue his mission without fear, promising protection. This directly relates to the challenges and opposition faced by the apostles during their mission, especially to the Gentiles.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose other cities like Ephesus or Athens, as Paul also preached in those places and faced opposition, but the specific quote is tied to Corinth.

The question describes a pivotal event from the Book of Acts $(Acts 16:30-31)$ where Paul, as a key disciple, is actively engaged in his mission to spread the Gospel. His direct response to the Philippian jailer, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus,' is the fundamental message of salvation that disciples were commissioned to preach. This perfectly illustrates the theme of discipleship and the core message of the apostles' mission to bring people to faith in Christ.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option A, 'confess your sins and give alms,' as these are generally good religious practices, but they are not Paul's specific and direct answer to the jailer's question about how to be saved.

This statement was made by Paul in the book of Acts after he faced opposition and rejection from the Jewish leaders in Rome. Because they refused to believe the gospel, he declared that he would now focus on preaching to the non-Jews (Gentiles). Paul was confident that the Gentiles would be more willing to listen and accept the message of salvation, which is what the correct option states.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option B, thinking that the Jews' rejection means they are permanently cut off from salvation, but the Bible teaches that God's covenant with them is not completely broken.