Bridging Belief — Why Christians Need to Understand Key Qur’anic Verses on
Jesus, the Gospel, and the People of the Book
Abstract
This paper explores the importance of Qur’anic passages—specifically Qur’an 4:157, 5:47, and 9:29—for
Christian understanding and engagement. These verses touch on critical theological and doctrinal differences
between Christianity and Islam: the denial of Jesus’ crucifixion, the affirmation (and tension) around the
Gospel, and the directive regarding the "People of the Book." For Christians, being familiar with these verses is
not merely an academic exercise; it is essential for meaningful interfaith dialogue, theological clarity, and
respectful apologetics. This exploration emphasizes how knowledge of these passages enables Christians to
better understand Muslim beliefs, defend the gospel with grace, and foster genuine conversations built on
mutual respect and truth.
Why Christians Need to Know These Qur’anic Verses
Understanding key verses from the Qur’an can be incredibly important for Christians, especially when engaging
in interfaith dialogue, studying world religions, or simply striving to understand the beliefs of over a billion
Muslims globally. The verses in question—Qur’an 4:157, 5:47, and 9:29—address foundational theological
issues that intersect directly with Christian doctrine and practice. Here’s a deeper look at why these verses
matter and what they reveal.
1. Qur’an 4:157 – Denial of the Crucifixion
“They said (in boast), ‘We killed Christ Jesus the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah’—but they
killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ
therein are full of doubts, with no (certain) knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a
surety they killed him not.”
Why This Matters:
This verse directly contradicts the foundational Christian teaching that Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and rose
again. According to Christianity, the crucifixion is not just a historical event but the core of the gospel
message—the means by which humanity is reconciled to God (Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4). The
resurrection is the vindication of Jesus' divinity and the proof of life after death (1 Peter 1:3).
However, Islam teaches that Jesus was not crucified; instead, someone else was made to appear like Him,
and Jesus was taken up to God. Muslims generally reject the idea of Jesus’ death as redemptive and do not see
Him as the Son of God, but as a revered prophet.
Why Christians Should Know:
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Bridging Belief — Why Christians Need to Understand Key Qur’anic Verses on
Jesus, the Gospel, and the People of the Book
• Understand Islamic Christology: This verse highlights a major theological divergence. Christians who
want to have meaningful conversations with Muslims need to understand that Muslims do not view
Jesus in the same way. For Muslims, Jesus (Isa) is honored, but not divine or crucified.
• Defend the Gospel: Apologetics often involves responding to objections rooted in Qur’anic verses.
Christians familiar with this passage can better explain the historical reliability of the crucifixion and
the meaning of the cross.
• Bridge Building: Rather than being a source of conflict, this verse can open the door to deeper
conversations about who Jesus is, why the cross matters, and what Christians actually believe.
2. Qur’an 5:47 – People of the Gospel Must Judge by It
“Let the People of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath revealed therein. If any do fail to judge
by (the light of) what Allah hath revealed, they are (no better than) those who rebel.”
Why This Matters:
This verse seems to acknowledge the authority of the Christian Gospel—at least in its original form—and calls
on Christians ("People of the Gospel") to judge and live by it. It presents a unique opportunity for Christians to
point back to the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament as trustworthy and divinely inspired.
Many Muslims believe that the Gospel (Injil) originally given to Jesus was corrupted over time. But here, the
Qur’an appears to affirm the Gospel’s value and authority for Christians during Muhammad’s time.
Why Christians Should Know:
• Common Ground for Dialogue: Christians can use this verse as a way to build mutual respect. “We are
following what God revealed in the Gospel—can we talk about what that actually says?”
• Highlight the Message of Grace: The Gospel is clear about the deity of Christ, the cross, and salvation
by grace through faith. Christians who “judge by the Gospel” are following a message centered on love,
mercy, and forgiveness—themes Muslims also value deeply.
• Challenge the Notion of Corruption: If the Qur’an calls Christians to judge by the Gospel, how could
it be fully corrupted? This verse can raise important questions about scriptural preservation and
consistency within Islamic thought.
3. Qur’an 9:29 – Command to Fight the People of the Book
“Fight those who believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, nor hold that forbidden which hath been
forbidden by Allah and His Messenger, nor acknowledge the Religion of Truth, from among the
People of the Book, until they pay the Jizyah with willing submission, and feel themselves
subdued.”
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Bridging Belief — Why Christians Need to Understand Key Qur’anic Verses on
Jesus, the Gospel, and the People of the Book
Why This Matters:
This verse addresses Muslims and calls them to fight against those who do not believe in Islam—including Jews
and Christians (referred to as “People of the Book”)—until they pay a tax (jizyah) and accept a state of
subjugation under Islamic rule.
Historically, this verse was used during the expansion of the early Islamic empire and is cited in legal
discussions about Dhimmi status—a protected but second-class citizenship for non-Muslims under Islamic
governance.
Why Christians Should Know:
• Awareness of Historical Interpretations: While some Muslims interpret this verse as contextual
(limited to specific historical circumstances), others have seen it as applying more broadly. Christians
should be informed, not alarmist, about how different Islamic traditions view this verse.
• Discuss Religious Freedom: This verse raises important questions about freedom of belief, coercion,
and pluralism. Christians can use this as an opportunity to explain biblical views on love, conscience,
and human dignity (e.g., Romans 12:18; 1 Peter 3:15).
• Engage Modern Muslim Thought: Many Muslims today interpret this and similar verses in light of
peace, coexistence, and diplomacy. Christians can ask sincere, respectful questions like, “How do you
understand this verse today?”—which opens space for mutual learning and understanding.
Conclusion: Why Christians Should Know These Verses
In a world where Christianity and Islam are the two largest religions, understanding the theological overlap
and divergence is essential for:
1. Interfaith Respect and Understanding
Christians are called to love their neighbors—including Muslims. Knowing what the Qur’an says fosters
empathy, respect, and informed conversation rather than suspicion or ignorance.
2. Biblical Faithfulness and Gospel Clarity
Being grounded in one’s own faith while understanding the beliefs of others allows Christians to
communicate the gospel more clearly and meaningfully.
3. Effective Apologetics and Evangelism
These Qur’anic verses often come up in conversations with Muslims. Knowing how to respond—
graciously and wisely—demonstrates both love and conviction.
4. Historical and Cultural Literacy
From global politics to local relationships, the influence of Qur’anic teachings is widespread. Christians
engaged in the world should be well-informed about how Islamic texts shape belief and behavior.
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