I understand this is a debated question, but is Abbadon/Apollyon (the destroyer from Revelation) an angel or a demon?  I've heard from numerous preachers that it is either an angel, a demon, or another name for Satan.  Any insight is appreciated; thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Demon Debater

Dear Demon Debater,

Rev 9:1 begins by talking about the star fallen from heaven – that star is Satan (Lk 10:18).  Satan was given the key to the pit in Rev 9:2.  Without getting into the details of what is going on in this chapter, since Satan has the key to the pit, Satan is in charge of the pit.  This makes him the “king of the abyss”.  Satan is the angel named Destroyer who is mentioned in Rev 9:11.  If you would like a complete understanding of the book of Revelation, feel free to download our class series on the topic here.

     I was wondering if someone could provide me with some information about Jesus and His work as well as life on Earth?  Could you point me in the right direction?  What does history or the Bible say?

Sincerely,
Investigator

Dear Investigator,

The best place to read about Jesus’ life is in the first four books of the New Testament – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  These four books all tell about the life of Jesus from four different perspectives.  Secular historians, like the Jewish historian, Josephus, make mention of Jesus, but the most detailed accounts of His life are found in the Bible.  A detailed study of Jesus life can be downloaded from our website – click here to go to the first lesson in our study of the gospels.

     I was reading the Bible, and I have one question and am looking for the answer from you.  In Matt. 5:5 it says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth", and what comes to my mind is all we need is inheriting the kingdom of God… so what does that mean, “shall inherit the earth”?  Would you make this clear for me please?  God bless you!

Sincerely,
Feeling Bold

Dear Feeling Bold,

A meek person is one with a soothing or gentle attitude.  Meekness is the opposite of self-assertiveness, bossiness, or arrogant forcefulness.  A meek man allows his will to be subjected to the will of God and accepts the Lord’s instructions with peace and self-control.

Though it is true that Christians understand their final inheritance is reserved in heaven (1 Pet 1:4), a meek person is able to fully appreciate and enjoy the blessings of this earth because they have submitted to the Lord’s instruction and guidance.  When we are meek, the Father supplies all our needs (Php 4:19), and we can enjoy the blessings because we put them in proper perspective.  Meekness allows us to truly love life and see good days here on this planet… as well as eternally in heaven (1 Pet 3:10).

     I'm wondering why names associated with the people in the New Testament don't seem like names that would be used in that part of the world (i.e. Matthew, Mark, Luke, Mary, Ruth, etc.).  Can you shed some light on that for me?  Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,
Nameologist

Dear Nameologist,

The reason for this is because our English translations Anglicize the names found in the original Greek New Testament.  For example, Peter would be pronounced ‘pet-rone’, and Andrew would be pronounced ‘an-dray-an’.  Our English translations simply take the Greek names and make them easier to pronounce in our English language.

     Why was it ironic that the Jewish leaders refused to enter the Praetorium?

Sincerely,
Huh?

Dear Huh,

The irony was in their concern over ritual cleanliness while in the process of murdering an innocent Man.  The Jewish leaders wouldn’t go into the Praetorium because it was a Gentile building, and they didn’t want to be considered “unclean” because the Passover was the next day (Jhn 18:28).

These Jewish leaders were fixated with appearing clean and pious before the masses but were inwardly wicked and godless.  Jesus compared them to white-washed tombs that looked clean on the outside but were full of dead men’s bones on the inside (Matt 23:27).