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Q: I understand that Simon bar Jonah means son of Jonah and that Bartimaeus means son of Timaeus. What did they say for daughters? Did they have last names? Which language uses the (bar) terminology?
A: "Bar" is the Aramaic word for "son;" the Hebrew equivalent is "ben". The word for daughter is "bat" in Hebrew, and they would be identified as "daughter-of-father". The Israelites did not have last names as we understand them; they were known by their name and their father's name, along with their family, clan, and tribe.
Q: In Matthew 24 it sounds like Jesus is talking about the end of time, but he says to his apostles that it would happen in their generation. And what is he talking about in verses 40 and 41 (one will be taken and the other left)?
A: There is much confusion about what Jesus says in Matthew 24, and it's precisely for the reason you indicate: most people think that He is talking about the "end of time."
He is talking about an end of an age, but it's not THE end of the world-- He is describing the destruction of Jerusalem and the definitive end of the covenant between God and Israel in Matthew 24:1-36, as is made clear by comparing Mark 13 and Luke 21. This occurred 40 years after His death and resurrection-- happening in their generation, just as Jesus said it would.
"Then shall two men be in the field; one is taken, and one is left: two women shall be grinding at the mill; one is taken, and one is left" (Matthew 24:40-41).
This part of the discussion could have reference to the destruction of Jerusalem, to the end of time, or perhaps a bit of both. Regardless, Jesus is not saying that one person will be "raptured" and another will not be. He is referencing the immediacy of the events, that they will come suddenly, and that much of what will be done will be arbitrary. Some will survive, and others will not, and there will be no inherent rhyme or reason for it.
Q: What musical instruments are in the Bible, and where?
A: Instruments are seen mostly in the Old Testament. A tambourine-type instrument was used by Miriam in Exodus 15. Instruments were often used in psalms around the Ark, as seen in 1 Chronicles 15:16:
And David spake to the chief of the Levites to appoint their brethren the singers, with instruments of music, psalteries and harps and cymbals, sounding aloud and lifting up the voice with joy.
We see here harps, lyres (or psalteries), and cymbals being used by Levites around the Ark.
In Revelation, harps and trumpets are mentioned in the vision of John.
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