Though it is considered one of the most popular and widespread religions in the world, there are countless facts about Christianity that even devout followers miss. Even the most noteworthy aspects of the religion, like the Bible and the Crucifixion of Jesus, have obscure tidbits of information associated with them. Look over these details and discover fun facts about Christianity that you may never have considered. 

The Bible Was Originally Written in Several Languages

The Bible is composed of a variety of texts that were written for a number of different purposes at different points in history. Because people from different regions were writing down these stories and accounts, the initial texts were in several languages. Academics state that the main languages of the original Bible are Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek. Some experts and theologians argue that many modern interpretations of the Bible are incorrect due to inconsistencies in translating the original texts to Latin and, much later, English. 

Once the Bible was printed for mass consumption starting in the late 1400s, it became one of the most popular books in the world. Today, Bibles remain incredibly in demand. Statistics from recent years point out that an average of 50 Bibles are sold worldwide every single minute. 

Only One Apostle Was at the Crucifixion

The story of Jesus on the Cross is one of the most notable tales in the Bible. Though the accounts of this day are discussed by the Apostles in the New Testament, only one of the 12 was present for the actual event. John the Apostle was the only one to witness Jesus dying. Interestingly, John was also the youngest of the 12 and the one who would live the longest. Unlike the other Apostles, John died of natural causes instead of being brutally murdered for his association with Jesus. 

Some scholars state that John the Apostle was the son of Salome, who is alleged to be the sister of Mary, Mother of Jesus. This would make John a first cousin of Jesus. If any of the Apostles were to be present for the death of Jesus, it makes sense that his cousin would be the one. 

Pets Are Mentioned in the Bible

Furry friends have been a part of human societies for as far back as recorded history allows. It makes sense that the Bible would include a few references to pets. Dogs make the most appearances, being referred to roughly 14 times throughout the Bible. Interestingly, domestic cats are not mentioned at all in the Protestant translations of the Bible. For Roman Catholics, a single reference to cats exists in the Letter of Jeremiah. Though it is a quick mention, the verse states:

“ Upon their bodies and heads sit bats, swallows, and birds, and the cats also.”

Though household felines may have a fleeting mention, larger cats are quite important in the Bible. Lions are mentioned more than even dogs, being spoken of about 55 times throughout the various chapters. 

Three Kings Are Not in the Bible

Though religious and secular folk alike know about the birth of Jesus, some of the details about this event are not pulled from the source material. A perfect example of this is the three kings or three wise men that visit baby Jesus from “the East,” This is a modern invention, as the Bible only states “Magi from the east came to Jerusalem.” While these individuals give gifts to Jesus, there is no specific mention of who these people were or how many of them came to bestow presents to the newborn babe.

Lots To Learn

There are plenty of interesting facts to discover about religions of all sizes. Though it may seem like all the details are right out in the open, you’ll be surprised to discover just how many fascinating bits of information are out there.