Chapter 20

The name “Bible” is derived from the Greek word “biblia” which means “books”.

The books of the Bible were written by about 40 different authors over a period of about 1,500 years. They included prophets (Moses, Isaiah), kings (David, Solomon), disciples (Peter, Paul), farmers, fishermen, and people from other walks of life. Some books were written by anonymous authors.

In Islam, the Injil is the Gospel (Holy Book) which was revealed to Isa (Jesus).

Nineveh was the capital city of the Assyrian Empire. Jonah called on the people to repent from their evil ways and turn to God otherwise the city would be destroyed in 40 days. They heeded his warning and, led by their king they repented, fasted, and prayed for God’s forgiveness. God had compassion on them, forgave their sins, and the city was spared from destruction at that time.

“Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.” Matthew 12:38–41.

Jesus appeared to His disciples several times over a period of 40 days after His resurrection. He ascended into heaven on the 40th day.

“Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” Matthew 13:18-23.

The name “Christ” is derived from the Greek word “Christos”, meaning “Anointed One” or “Chosen One.”

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,”  Acts 3:19

God is loving and merciful. Forgiveness of our sins can be obtained by receiving His word with understanding and faith, living according to its teachings, and showing repentance.