2015 JAMB CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Question 1
What was Herod’s reaction when he heard the news about Jesus’ birth?
A. He sent gifts
B. He was excited
C. He was troubled
D. He became calm
Answer: C. He was troubled
Explanation: King Herod was disturbed when he learned of Jesus’ birth.
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Question 2
”…I will utterly sweep away…” Elijah pronounced destruction on Ahab with the statement above for his sin of
A. Killing of God’s prophets
B. Worship of other gods
C. Going to war against Ramoth-gilead
D. Greed, covetousness and murder
Answer: D. Greed, covetousness and murder
Explanation: Elijah announced judgment after Ahab desired Naboth’s vineyard and acquired it following Naboth’s murder. The sentence against Ahab appears in 1 Kings 21:21.
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Question 3
The ruler of the synagogue whose child Jesus raised to life was…
A. Zebedee
B. A widow
C. Jairus
D. A centurion
Answer: C. Jairus
Explanation: Jairus was the synagogue leader whose daughter Jesus brought back to life.
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Question 4
According to Amos, true religion entails
A. Engaging in sacrifices and burnt offerings
B. Being just and righteous
C. Fasting and praying always
D. Engaging in holy feasts and assemblies
Answer: B. Being just and righteous
Explanation: Amos taught that genuine worship calls for justice and righteousness, rather than sacrifices performed as empty rituals.
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Question 5
Paul in Romans said that the righteousness of God has been manifested through faith in Jesus Christ for
A. The exaltation of the authority
B. The cleansing of the damned
C. The dead in Christ
D. All those who believe
Answer: D. All those who believe
Explanation: According to Paul in Romans, God’s righteousness is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ to everyone who believes.
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Question 6
“I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Jesus’ statement above was made when
A. He was rebuked by the Pharisees for eating with sinners
B. The scribes and the chief priest came to arrest him
C. He consoled a woman on his way to the cross
D. The Pharisees asked him to rebuke his disciples
Answer: D. The Pharisees asked him to rebuke his disciples
Explanation: When the Pharisees urged Jesus to silence His disciples, He said the stones themselves would shout if the disciples kept quiet.
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Question 7
Before Moses brought the Israelites to meet God on Mount Sinai, he charged them to
A. Touch the mountain at the sight of smoke
B. Ensure they eat very well
C. Wash the garments and be consecrated
D. Is the gate-keeper who shuts the sheep out
Answer: C. Wash the garments and be consecrated
Explanation: Moses instructed the Israelites to consecrate themselves and wash their clothes before encountering God at Mount Sinai.
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Question 8
In his teaching about himself, Jesus said the hireling was not a good shepherd because he…
A. Leaves the sheep and flees at the sight of danger
B. Owns the sheep but does not care
C. Cares for the sheep but does not discipline them
D. Is the gate-keeper who shuts the sheep out
Answer: A. Leaves the sheep and flees at the sight of danger
Explanation: Jesus said a hired worker differs from the Good Shepherd: he is no real shepherd, since he runs away and leaves the sheep when danger comes.
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Question 9
Ahab was king during the
A. Incident of Naboth’s vineyard
B. War with Ramoth-gilead
C. Inciting of Jehoshaphat against him
D. Contest on Mount Carmel
Answer: D. Contest on Mount Carmel
Explanation: In Ahab’s time, Elijah challenged Baal’s prophets on Mount Carmel, and God showed His superior power. The current explanation about Naboth’s vineyard does not account for the marked answer.
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Question 10
In his teaching on effective prayer, James said that the prayer of faith would
A. Influence the authority
B. Heal and cleanse sins
C. Ensure salvation for the sick
D. Enhance commitment to church
Answer: C. Ensure salvation for the sick
Explanation: James says the faithful prayer will bring healing and the cleansing of sins.
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Question 11
Paul in Thessalonians declared that at the second coming of the Lord, those who are alive will not precede those who are
A. Ignorant
B. Condemned
C. Asleep
D. Faithful
Answer: C. Asleep
Explanation: Paul tells the Thessalonians that living believers will not go before believers who have died when the Lord returns.
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Question 12
When Ezekiel ate the scroll that was given to him at his call, it signified that…
A. God would always go before him
B. His sins were forgiven
C. He would never be hungry
D. He was filled with God’s word
Answer: D. He was filled with God’s word
Explanation: By eating the scroll at his calling, Ezekiel symbolically took God’s word fully into himself.
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Question 13
”…I will surely take the kingdom from you and give it to your servant…” An unwise decision of Solomon that resulted in God making the pronouncement above was his
A. Dependence on other nations for supplies
B. Policy of forced labour
C. Neglect of God for other gods
D. Heavy taxation on the people
Answer: C. Neglect of God for other gods
Explanation: Because Solomon had turned to the worship and service of other gods, God said He would take the kingdom from Solomon’s house.
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Question 14
God fed the Israelites with manna at the wilderness of
A. Zin
B. Elim
C. Sinai
D. Sin
Answer: D. Sin
Explanation: The Bible says God provided manna to sustain the Israelites in the wilderness of Sin.
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Question 15
“The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.” The statement above in Peter was directed to those who
A. Did not believe in Jesus’ preciousness
B. Built the temple of Jerusalem
C. Don’t offer spiritual sacrifice
D. Are hard hearted against Jesus Christ
Answer: D. Are hard hearted against Jesus Christ
Explanation: Peter applied the image of the rejected stone to people who refused Christ instead of receiving Him as the selected, precious cornerstone. In the published JAMB version, this is the identified correct response.
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Question 16
A good example of parental responsibility was demonstrated by
A. Samuel
B. Eli
C. Asa
D. David
Answer: C. Asa
Explanation: Asa set a sound example as a religious leader by urging Judah to seek the Lord and by abolishing idolatry. The current explanation names David in error; the question’s answer is Asa.
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Question 17
Why did Pilate send Jesus to Herod during the trial?
A. Jesus, as a Galilean, was under Herod’s jurisdiction
B. Pilate had no power to pass the death sentence
C. Herod’s court was the last point before crucifixion
D. Herod had longed to see Jesus perform miracles
Answer: A. Jesus, as a Galilean, was under Herod’s jurisdiction
Explanation: During Jesus’ trial, Pilate referred Him to Herod because Galilee, where Jesus came from, was within Herod’s authority.
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Question 18
Who was the king that granted Nehemiah the permission to go and rebuild Jerusalem?
A. Darius
B. Nebuchadnezzar
C. Artaxerxes
D. Cyrus
Answer: C. Artaxerxes
Explanation: Artaxerxes gave Nehemiah authorization and official letters for his journey back to rebuild Jerusalem.
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Question 19
“Shall I pursue after this band? Shall I overtake them?” David’s dependence on God for direction is depicted in the statement above when
A. Absalom had revolted against him
B. Saul was within his grasp
C. The Amalekites had raided Ziklag
D. He was to go against Goliath
Answer: C. The Amalekites had raided Ziklag
Explanation: David sought God’s direction completely, asking whether he should pursue and catch the raiders, after the Amalekites attacked and burned Ziklag.
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Question 20
A parable that teaches a lesson on the demands of the kingdom is that of the
A. Lost coin
B. Weeds
C. Samaritan
D. Prodigal son
Answer: C. Samaritan
Explanation: The Good Samaritan parable calls people to show love for their neighbours in action, even across social and ethnic boundaries. The current explanation mistakenly addresses the weeds and tares.
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Question 21
Paul admonished the Romans to live a new life in Christ by yielding themselves to God as men who
A. Have been brought from death to life
B. Will meet Christ in God’s kingdom
C. Will receive judgement on the last day
D. Have suffered for the sake of the gospel
Answer: A. Have been brought from death to life
Explanation: Paul urges the Romans to live anew in Christ, presenting themselves to God as people raised from death to life.
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Question 22
An action that demonstrated Solomon’s wisdom was
A. Judgement of the prostitute’s child
B. Reliance on a medium
C. Alliance with other nations
D. Taxation policy for his build
Answer: A. Judgement of the prostitute’s child
Explanation: Solomon’s remarkable wisdom is illustrated by his ruling in the dispute over a prostitute’s child.
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Question 23
According to Corinthians, Paul while defending himself advised believers to boast only of the things that
A. Exhibit their authority
B. Show their weakness
C. Display their exaltation
D. Depict their righteousness
Answer: B. Show their weakness
Explanation: Paul taught that anyone who boasts should boast of weakness, allowing Christ’s power to rest upon them.
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Question 24
The most important aspect of the religious reforms of King Josiah was
A. Renewal of the covenant
B. Cleaning the temple
C. Discovery of the tomb of the man of God
D. Discovery of the book of the law
Answer: D. Discovery of the book of the law
Explanation: The discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple was the defining achievement of Josiah’s religious reforms.
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Question 25
Cornelius who converted and baptized by Peter was a
A. Member of Sanhedrin
B. Centurion
C. Gentile who persecuted the church
D. Scribe
Answer: B. Centurion
Explanation: Cornelius was a Roman centurion whom Peter led to conversion and baptism.
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Question 26
David was successful as a leader in Israel because
A. He submitted to God’s guidance
B. Of his training as a soldier
C. Of the love of his people
D. Of his life as a shepherd
Answer: A. He submitted to God’s guidance
Explanation: David’s effective reign over Israel came from his steady willingness to follow God’s direction.
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Question 27
The action that portrayed Moses as a leader of the Israelites was his
A. Request to Pharaoh to spare the Israelites’ sons
B. Disobedience to Pharaoh and escape
C. Killing of an Egyptian who fought with a Hebrew
D. Protection of the daughter of Jethro
Answer: C. Killing of an Egyptian who fought with a Hebrew
Explanation: Moses showed an early concern for protecting others when he stepped in and killed an Egyptian who was fighting a Hebrew.
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Question 28
“How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the spirit of the Lord…” The statement above was made in reference to the greed of
A. Ahab and Jezebel
B. Ananias and Sapphira
C. Judas and scribes
D. Ananias and Sapphira
Answer: D. Ananias and Sapphira
Explanation: Peter reprimanded Ananias and Sapphira because they had agreed to test the Holy Spirit over the proceeds from their property.
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Question 29
The king who captured and drove the Israelites into exile during the reign of Jehoiachin was
A. Nebuchadnezzar
B. Darius
C. Cyrus
D. Artaxerxes
Answer: A. Nebuchadnezzar
Explanation: Jerusalem fell to Nebuchadnezzar, and Israelites were taken into exile, while Jehoiachin reigned.
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Question 30
Nebuchadnezzar decreed that all his subjects should worship the image he had set up whenever they
A. Desired something from him
B. Saw Jews stand before it
C. Looked upon it
D. Heard the sound of music
Answer: D. Heard the sound of music
Explanation: Nebuchadnezzar ordered everyone under his rule to bow before his golden statue when the music sounded.
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Question 31
”…the son of man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders…” Jesus made the statement above after he
A. Cleansed the temple
B. Demanded to know who people thought he was
C. Taught on the mount
D. Was asked by Pilate if he was the king of the Jews
Answer: B. Demanded to know who people thought he was
Explanation: Just after asking the disciples who people said He was, Jesus predicted that the Son of Man would suffer and face rejection.
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Question 32
How old was Abram when God appeared to him the second time?
A. 105 years
B. 75 years
C. 99 years
D. 85 years
Answer: C. 99 years
Explanation: The Lord appeared to Abram when Abram was 99. The current explanation gives the wrong age of 75.
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Question 33
“Leave the dead to bury their own dead…” Jesus’ statement above to the man he asked to follow him was indicative of
A. His power over death
B. His desire to save the man
C. The futility of life
D. The cost of discipleship
Answer: D. The cost of discipleship
Explanation: In telling a follower to leave the dead to bury their dead, Jesus stressed the urgency and demanding nature of discipleship.
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Question 34
Paul in Romans advised believers to respect those in authority to avoid God’s wrath and also for the sake of
A. Conscience
B. Christ
C. Faith
D. Others
Answer: A. Conscience
Explanation: In Romans, Paul directs believers to obey governing authorities, both to avoid punishment and for conscience’s sake.
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Question 35
“What is this conversation which you are holding with each other…” Jesus made the statement above to Cleopas and the other disciple when
A. They were on their way to Emmaus
B. He was about to be arrested
C. They were gathered in a room after His resurrection
D. He told them that somebody would betray him
Answer: A. They were on their way to Emmaus
Explanation: As Cleopas and another disciple travelled to Emmaus, Jesus asked what they were talking about.
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Question 36
A key requirement for healing as exemplified by the disciple’s inability to heal the epileptic boy is
A. Righteousness
B. Power
C. Humility
D. Faith
Answer: D. Faith
Explanation: Jesus attributed the disciples’ failure to heal the epileptic boy to their lack of faith.
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Question 37
According to Paul in Philippians, Jesus demonstrated humility when he
A. Had pity on the possessed man
B. Likened himself to God
C. Forgave those who crucified him
D. Took the form of man
Answer: D. Took the form of man
Explanation: Paul describes Christ’s extraordinary humility in Philippians by saying that He assumed the form of a servant and became human.
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Question 38
”…Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of host…” The statement above was made in reference to the call of
A. Ezekiel
B. Jeremiah
C. Amos
D. Isaiah
Answer: D. Isaiah
Explanation: Isaiah’s prophetic calling is linked with the cry, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts.”
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Question 39
For obeying his word, God rewarded Shiphrah and Puah with
A. Families
B. Position
C. Servants
D. Wealth
Answer: A. Families
Explanation: God gave the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, families because they feared Him.
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Question 40
In his teaching on spiritual gifts in Corinthians, Paul said that all gifts are inspired by
A. The same spirit
B. Prayer
C. The individual’s ability
D. Grace
Answer: A. The same spirit
Explanation: Paul explains in Corinthians that the same Spirit is the source and inspiration of the various spiritual gifts.
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Question 41
When David’s son Absalom rebelled against him, David was forced to
A. Flee from Jerusalem
B. Abdicate the throne
C. Divide his kingdom
D. Surrender to him
Answer: A. Flee from Jerusalem
Explanation: As Absalom’s violent uprising grew, David had to escape from Jerusalem.
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Question 42
“Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” The angel’s statement above to Peter was after
A. The murmurings of the Hellenists
B. His release from prison
C. His vision of eating unclean meat
D. He received the Holy Spirit
Answer: B. His release from prison
Explanation: Immediately after the apostles were miraculously freed from jail, an angel told them to speak the message of life in the temple.
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Question 43
In his sermon on the mount, Jesus discouraged his listeners from laying up treasures on the earth because
A. It would create enmity
B. They will not be respected
C. Thieves would steal them
D. The earth would pass away
Answer: C. Thieves would steal them
Explanation: Jesus cautioned people against accumulating earthly treasure, which moths can ruin and thieves can steal by breaking in.
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Question 44
Paul returned Philemon’s slave back to him to ensure that
A. Philemon forgave and accepted the slave
B. The slave can complete his service time
C. He would be welcome when he left prison
D. He could boast of Philemon’s obedience
Answer: A. Philemon forgave and accepted the slave
Explanation: Paul returned Onesimus to Philemon so that Philemon could forgive his slave and receive him with warmth.
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Question 45
One of the prophets that prophesied hope for Israel in spite of God’s promise of punishment was
A. Amos
B. Jeremiah
C. Obadiah
D. Hosea
Answer: B. Jeremiah
Explanation: Jeremiah often foretold Israel’s eventual renewal and hope alongside his severe warnings of judgment.
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Question 46
The church that was commended for giving even when in extreme poverty was in
A. Galatia
B. Corinth
C. Macedonia
D. Thessalonica
Answer: C. Macedonia
Explanation: The Macedonian churches earned praise for giving generously even while living in deep poverty.
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Question 47
”…I am the Lord, and there is no other, besides me there is no God…” God’s statement above through Isaiah depicts
A. Assurance of Isaiah for his existence
B. Israel’s acceptance of his supremacy
C. His divine nature
D. His sovereignty
Answer: D. His sovereignty
Explanation: When God says through Isaiah that He alone is Lord, the point is His unequalled, supreme rule—His sovereignty. The current explanation instead says “divine nature,” an answer associated with another option.
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Question 48
Believers today are partakers of the new covenant through
A. Partaking in baptism by immersion
B. The gift of the spirit
C. Adherence to all sacraments
D. Obedience to church leadership
Answer: B. The gift of the spirit
Explanation: Through the life-giving Holy Spirit, believers enter and share in the New Covenant.
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Question 49
God’s message through Jonah was to the people of
A. Joppa
B. Tarshish
C. Samaria
D. Nineveh
Answer: D. Nineveh
Explanation: God expressly directed Jonah to visit Nineveh and proclaim a warning against its wickedness.
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Question 50
Amos is often referred to as the prophet of
A. Doom
B. Love
C. Hope
D. Justice
Answer: D. Justice
Explanation: Amos is often called the prophet of justice because his message strongly stresses righteousness, social justice and fairness.