Q: Would you please explain the Vision of the Horses, as described in Zechariah 1:8-11

We explained in an earlier Q&A on Zechariah's vision of the four chariots (in Zechariah 6:1-8), as well as in our free booklet, "Angels, Demons and the Spirit World," that the horses mentioned in this first vision, as well as other visions in the book of Zechariah, describe angels or spirit beings. Angels can appear or manifest themselves in the form and shape of animals, including horses, as well as men. In Zechariah's first vision, which begins in Zechariah 1:8, angels manifest themselves both as men and as horses. Notice the exact wording:

Q: Who preserved the New Testament?

As a first step in answering this question, we need to consider what the New Testament is. Why is there even such a collection of books and letters that report on events from the first century A.D.? Are these merely the random writings of an influential religious movement that have found their way into the literature of the present time?

Or, as the New Testament claims for itself, is this part of the inspired Word of God? Understanding who preserved the New Testament adds even more proof about the unquestionable authority of this part of the Bible that we now possess!

What is the New Testament? Consider the following summary statement given in the “Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible,” Herbert Lockyer, Sr., Editor, 1986:

Q: Was Rahab really a harlot?

The famous woman Rahab who helped the spies at the time of Joshua, is clearly identified in the Bible as a harlot or a prostitute. This is the obvious conclusion, when we just accept the relevant Scriptures on their face value.

Q: When reading the book of Zechariah, we find that God will bring terrible punishment on the modern descendants of the ancient houses of Israel and Judah. Why is God so angry with them?

As it is rightly pointed out in the question, the punishment, as described in the book of Zechariah, deals foremost with the MODERN descendants of the ancient houses of Israel and Judah. It will be inflicted on them just prior to the return of Jesus Christ.

We understand that the modern descendants of the houses of Israel and Judah include the peoples of the USA, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, as well as the modern Jews (who live inside and outside the state of Israel). For more information, please read our free booklet, "The Fall and Rise of Britain and America."

Q: Do We Have the Complete Bible?

As we will see, the entire Word of God that was written down to become a part of what is called the “Bible,” has been preserved through various copies and translations and is available to us, today!

However, the question arises as to which manuscripts should be included and actually constitute the true Scriptures of the Bible. Major religions differ on this most vital consideration. For instance, the Jewish religion uses only those books commonly called the Old Testament, Hebrew Bible or Tanakh. Modern copies are primarily based on the Masoretic Text that dates from between the seventh and tenth centuries AD. None of the New Testament books are accepted as a part of the Hebrew Bible.

Q: Are there really any Old Testament Scriptures in the book of Zechariah which foretell or relate to the First Coming of Jesus Christ?

There are indeed numerous Scriptures in the Old Testament, including in the book of Zechariah, which give precise details on the appearance of the Messiah about 2,000 years ago. As those passages can be found throughout the pages of the Old Testament, this fact alone proves the divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures.

For instance, we find literally dozens of biblical references to Christ's First Coming in the book of Isaiah. We are just quoting a few selected examples:

Q: Are Bible translations valid, and how can we really trust that we are able to understand the original meaning of Scripture?

Bible translations are most certainly the way we can understand the Word of God in our own language. The Bible offers proof of this fact, and it further reveals additional keys that will determine whether or not we have true understanding of what is written.

On the Day of Pentecost, miraculous events took place that included the giving of God’s Holy Spirit. Note what occurred:

Q: Was the Apostle Peter the first Bishop of Rome and the first Pope?

As we will see, there is no biblical evidence, which would support this conclusion. We should, first of all, notice, that Christ did NOT say that Peter would be the first Pope. A Scripture sometimes quoted for this assumption is Matthew 16:18. We discussed this passage in a previous Q&A, as follows:

"Christ said to Peter, beginning in Matthew 16:18: 'And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it...'

Q: Would you please explain 1 Timothy 2:1-2? How are we to pray for governmental leaders?

To properly understand what Paul is saying--and what he is not saying--let us read the entire passage of 1 Timothy 2:1-7, in context:

Q: Can you explain the fate of the city of Jerusalem at the time of Christ's return, as revealed in the book of Zechariah?

 Numerous passages in the book of Zechariah and in other places in the Old and New Testament reveal that the city of Jerusalem will be facing a terrible time of destruction, but that it also will be subsequently blessed beyond human comprehension.

Jesus stated in Luke 21 that Jerusalem will be surrounded by Gentile armies which will make the city "desolate" (verse 20).  He added that the city will be "trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled" (verse 24). We read in Daniel 11:41 that the "king of the North" -- a military leader -- will "enter the Glorious Land" and "plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain" (verse 45)--apparently establishing the city of Jerusalem as his new headquarters.