Could you please explain who decided what books would be in the bible? And when was this decided?

I think I understand the basis for the validity of the Bible, and why arguments against it don’t hold up. However, I did have an issue that I don’t feel comfortable answering yet.

How would you answer a person who asked why God wouldn’t also “inspire” the copyists of the original manuscripts since God is omniscient and therefore knew that these were the (very important) copies which would be referenced for billions of people in the future? We take it by faith that the original manuscripts are absolutely perfect and without error because we don’t have the originals with us now, because we believe God is able to inspire his writers (from OT to NT times.)

In Daniel 8:21, the angel Gabriel explains that the king of Greece, Alexander the Great, is represented by the shaggy goat in Daniel’s vision. Knowing that scripture doesn’t just give information this detailed for no reason, I was wondering why Alexander the Great is represented as a goat, and is there any significance in the fact that the goat is shaggy?

In Matthew 24, do you think the disciples knew that Jesus was talking to a future group of Jews and not to them? I know it is an end time prophecy, but if I had been one of those disciples I might have thought he was talking to me and my generation.

Do you think all children in the world under the age of accountability will be raptured? Even those in unbelieving households?

Please help me understand the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit in the new testament. I have studied and am a bit confused over this. My pastor is determined to call him the Holy Spirit, and yet the “Spirit” like a dove descended on Jesus, and then there is the fruit of the “Spirit” yet the gift of the Holy Ghost … see what I mean? I have I believe some understanding but would encourage your input.

We’ve been reading your website for a few months now and we’ve learned a great deal about current events and how they relate to Biblical prophecy. We also enjoy your writing style and indepth approach to studying the Scriptures. My question is this: I know that before Jesus died for us, no one could go to heaven and be in the presence of God. Where did Enoch go when he was translated, and where did Elijah go when he was taken up into heaven? God bless you. We pray for you often.

I just can’t seem to get enough of your website. I have learned more in the last few days than I have in the last few years! Blessings upon blessings to you for sharing your wisdom!!

One thing I am wondering is… Why is there 10 days between the ascension of Yeshua and His giving of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost? Numbers are always significant and so I am wondering what this means or is symbolic of? Why didn’t he send the Holy Spirit right away? Thanks!!

Gods blessings and a heart felt thanks for all you have taught me over the years. Could you please explain Matthew 15:22-28 especially 26-27: “But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.

In 1Thessalonians 4 when we read of the ‘rapture’ it states that the dead in Christ shall rise first. Why do you suppose this is?

Will it be that the dead will disappear from the earth a millionth of a second before we do or is there something else that our English doesn’t express as well as the Greek?