Old & New Testament People
OLD & NEW TESTAMENT PEOPLE
GOD
Almighty God is the author of the Bible! God has three persons, Father, Son, Jesus and The Holy Spirit living in one Godhead. They each have their own responsibilities but are always present with each other! The only time there was any separation from each other was when Jesus came to earth as a man for the sole purpose of Dying on the Cross shedding His blood and taking away the sin of the world!: Receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior and thus obey God’s PLAN OF SALVATION, JESUS!
ADAM
Adam means “man”, and he was created by God on the sixth day of creation. God gave him dominion over all living things. God formed Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him, and Adam became a living soul! God then placed Adam in the Garden of Eden where He also created animals and birds, letting Adam name them! Then God gave Adam a partner by creating Eve from one of his ribs, establishing marriage between a man and woman. Every thing in the Garden of Eden was for their pleasure except the fruit of the forbidden tree! Eating that fruit would cause “death”!
Eve was later persuaded by a serpent [Satan] to eat fruit from the tree of “knowledge of good and evil”, the tree that God had warned Adam and Eve not to eat. Eve gave some of the fruit to Adam, and he ate it! Because of this, God punished them, God also punished the serpent, warned Satan in Genesis 3:15 of the coming Savior, Jesus, and made skins of clothing to cover the sin they committed! God then expelled Adam and Eve from Eden, protecting “Paradise” with Angels and a Flaming Sword!
Adam and Eve’s children included Cain, Abel and Seth, and other sons and daughters. Adam lived for 930 years. In the New Testament, Adam is compared to Christ: Just as Adam had brought sin and death into the world, Christ brings forgiveness and life. Paul writes, in Romans 5:12, that “when Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. The story of Adam is found in Genesis, chapters 1-5.
EVE
Eve was the first woman, wife of Adam, and the mother of Cain, Abel and Seth, and other sons and daughters. Eve, was created by God in the Garden of Eden from the rib of Adam, who interpreted this as her being “bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh And because of this, a man leaves his parents and is “joined to his wife and they shall become one flesh.” Eve was persuaded by a serpent to eat fruit from a forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden. Adam later ate some of the fruit, too. Both were then expelled from the Garden of Eden.
The story of Eve is found in Genesis, chapters 2 and 3.
SATAN
He was originally an Angel who fell to sin. He and other angels willfully disobeyed and rebelled against God and in the process became demons (Revelation 12). Lucifer’s name was changed to Satan, which means “the adversary.” He corrupted himself through pride and vanity and sought to take control of all creation by force (Ezekiel 28, Isaiah 14). Satan and his demons were cast to the earth “like lightning” (Luke 10:18). Satan deliberately deceived Adam and Eve in the Garden and will ultimately live forever in a Lake of Fire! Genesis 3 and Revelation 20:10!
CAIN
Cain, the eldest son of Adam and Eve, was born after they were banished from the Garden of Eden. He was a farmer, a tiller of the soil. Cain and his brother Abel brought offerings before God. [Where did they learn this information?] God accepted the offering of Abel, but rejected Cain’s. Angered by this rejection, Cain killed his brother, for which he was subjected to a double curse: The ground would no longer yield to him its wealth, and he was condemned to be a fugitive and a vagabond for the rest of his life. God put a mark on Cain, so that no one who would come and kill him. Cain settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. Cain established a city and named it after his son Enoch (Genesis 4:1-17). In the New Testament, Cain is seen as the opponent of his righteous brother Abel (Hebrews 11:4), as a symbol for an evil way of living (Jude, verse 11), and as someone whose works were wicked (1 John 3:12). The famous saying “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is said by Cain when the Lord asked him “Where is your brother Abel?” (Genesis 4:9). Yes, we are our brother’s keeper!
ABEL
Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, was murdered by his brother Cain. Abel was a shepherd and Cain was a farmer. They both made an offering to the Lord from the fruits of their labor. The Lord expressed favor toward Abel’s offering, but rejected Cain’s. In a fit of jealousy, Cain killed his brother (Genesis 4:2-8). Abel gave a blood sacrifice, Cain brought fruit from cursed ground! In the New Testament, Abel is called righteous (Matthew 23:35), and is named by Jesus as a just and innocent man who suffers and is killed (Luke 11:51). Abel’s sacrifice is judged greater than Cain’s because of his faith, and this faith speaks beyond the grave (Hebrew 11:4).
SETH
Seth was the third child of Adam and Eve, according to the book of Genesis, which is the first book of the Bible. His birth is mentioned in Genesis 4:25. He was born when Adam was 130 years old, after his brother Cain had killed his brother Abel. Seth later had a son named Enosh. It was at this time that man began to call upon the name of the LORD!
ENOCH
Enoch, the son of Jared, was the father of Methuselah. Enoch was 65 years old when he became the father of Methuselah, who lived to be the oldest man, 969 years old when he died, Enoch had other sons and daughters. “Then Enoch walked with God, and he was no longer here, for God took him” (Gen. 5:21-24). In Hebrews 11:5, it states, “Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death” because his faith was pleasing to God.
JOB
Job was a God-fearing man who avoided evil, had seven sons and three daughters, and was immensely wealthy. God calls Job “A good man who fears God and will have nothing to do with evil.” (Job 1;8). Satan scoffs, “Why shouldn’t he when You pay him so well? … You have always protected him and his home and his property from all harm.” God then allows Satan to do anything he likes with Job’s wealth, but not to harm him physically. Job does not listen to bad advice from his wife or three friends. He remains loyal to God and is greatly blessed for it
NOAH
Son of Lamech, Noah was one of eight people that lived before, during, and after the Great Flood. When God saw the extent of human wickedness on the earth, He decided to destroy all mankind by a flood.
He told Noah who was the one righteous person on the face of the earth to construct an ark 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high, with three decks inside. He promised Noah to keep him safe in the ark, along with his wife, three sons, Shem, Ham and Japheth, and their wives.
The Lord had Noah bring into the ark a pair of each kind of bird, animal and reptile, and in some cases seven pairs of each. Noah was 600 years old when the flood came, and for forty days it raged. The water rose higher than the highest mountain peaks, and all life on earth was blotted out, but Noah, his family and the animals were safe in the ark.
One hundred and fifty days after the flood began, the water gradually receded, and the ark came to rest upon the mountains of Ararat. Eventually the earth was dry again, and Noah, his family and the animals disembarked. God blessed Noah and his family and told them to repopulate the earth. From Noah’s three sons came all the nations of the earth. They spent 378 days on the Ark!
Noah lived another 350 years after the flood and was 950 years old at his death. The story of Noah is found in Genesis, chapters 6-9. Noah is mentioned eight times in the New Testament, and in Ezekiel 14:14, he is listed, along with Daniel and Job for their righteousness.
SHEM
Shem was one of Noah’s three sons. His two brothers were Ham and Japheth. Shem, along with his parents, his brothers and their wives, were on the Ark during the Great Flood. Shem had five sons, Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud and Aram. Eber (Heber) was the great-grandson of Shem, and through his line came Abraham, Moses, David, and Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus!
HAM
Ham was the youngest of Noah’s three sons. His brothers were Shem and Japheth. Ham, along with his parents, his brothers and their wives, were on the Ark during the Great Flood. Ham was the father of Cush, Mizraim, Put and Canaan. One of the descendents of Ham’s son Cush is Nimrod, who became the first of the world’s kings. Ham’s descendents spread abroad in many lands and nations, with many languages (Genesis 10:20). It is believed that most of Ham’s descendents settled in Africa. Ham shamed his father Noah, as a result, Noah cursed Ham’s son Canaan. This fact affected one third of humanity!
JAPHETH
Japheth was one of Noah’s three sons. His two brothers were Ham and Shem. Japheth, along with his parents, his brothers and their wives, were on the Ark during the Great Flood. Japheth’s sons were named Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech and Tiras. Their descendants became the maritime nations in various lands, each with a separate language (Gen 10:5). It is believed most of Japheth’s descendants settled in Europe.
NIMROD
Nimrod in the Bible was the great-grandson of Noah through the line of Cush (Genesis 10:8). Nimrod is described as the first of the “mighty men” to appear on the earth after the great flood. Previous to the flood, there had been giants and mighty men on the earth, and “also afterward”!(Genesis6:4).From of the biblical texts and other ancient documents, it is clear that Nimrod was one of these mighty men, and there is also evidence that he was much larger than the average man, a giant!
The Bible calls Nimrod “a mighty hunter before the Lord.” Nimrod established a great kingdom that included “Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar” (Genesis 10:9–10). He later extended his kingdom into Assyria, where he built the cities of “Ninevah, Rehoboth Ir, Calah and Resen” (verses 11–12). Nimrod was obviously a skilled man and an ambitious leader. Besides being the founder of the infamous Babel and many other cities, Nimrod was a mighty man with great physical strength and great strength of will. If he was also of giant stature, then that would be another reason why the people of his time would follow him, and why so many legends would spring up around him.
ABRAHAM
Abraham was the first patriarch of Israel. He was the son of Terah, and brother to Nahor and Haran. The name Abraham means “a father of many nations.” He originally lived near the Mesopotamian city of Ur, but Terah took him, along with Lot, to the city of Haran in northwest Mesopotamia (Gen 11:31).
After the death of his father, God told Abraham, who was 75 years old at that time, to leave his country and to go to the land of Canaan, with his wife, Sarah, and his nephew, Lot. Lot and Abraham later separated because there was not enough grazing lands for their flocks.
Abraham settled in Mamre, near Hebron. He was a peaceful herdsman but also warlike and defeated four kings who had invaded Canaan. Upon his triumphant return, Abraham was greeted by Melchizedek, the king of Salem and “Priest of the God of the Most High” (Gen 14:21-24).
When Sarah could not conceive she gave Abraham her maid, Hagar, as a wife. Hagar gave birth to Ishmael (Gen 16:1-6). In affirmation of his covenant with God, Abraham circumcised himself and all males in the household. Later three angels visited Abraham and Sarah and announced that within a year Sarah would give birth.
Sarah gave birth to Isaac when Abraham was 100 years old. Isaac became the sole heir, as Sarah urged Abraham to banish Hagar and Ishmael. The Lord confirmed this demand, and promised that Ishmael would also become a great nation. After Sarah’s death and Isaacs marriage to Rebekah, Abraham married Keturah, and she bore him several children.
Abraham deeded everything he owned to Isaac, however he gave gifts to his other sons, and sent them off into the east, away from Isaac. Abraham died at the age of 175 and was buried by Isaac and Ishmael in a cave of Machpelah (Gen 25:9-11). Abraham’s call is the origin and mainspring of Israel’s election and religion. Abraham is mentioned 72 times in the New Testament and is considered the father of all true believers, the first to receive God’s promises.
Abraham had great faith in God, and God promised to make him into a great nation, a blessing for all families of the earth, “I will bless those that bless you and curse those who curse you, and the entire world will be blessed because of you.” (Gen 12:2-3).
Abraham was given a number of prophecies from God about the lineage of the Messiah, that the Messiah would be a descendant of Abraham.
SARAH
Sarah (Sarai) was Abraham’s wife and Isaac’s mother. She was the first matriarch of the Hebrew people. She was very beautiful. Her beauty is described in detail in an Aramaic text that was discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran. Abraham, at times, claimed that Sarah was his sister, because he feared that someone would kill him out of lust for Sarah.
Sarah was unable to conceive a child for many years. So she gave her handmaiden, Hagar, to Abraham for the purpose of having a child. Hagar gave birth to Ishmael. The Lord told Abraham that he and Sarah would have a son. When Sarah heard this, she laughed because she thought she was too old to have a child. However, she did have a child, and they named him Isaac.
The name Isaac means “to laugh”. Sarah lived to the age of 127. She died in Hebron and was buried there in the cave of Machpelah. In the New Testament, Sarah is mentioned in Romans 4:19 in the context of Abraham’s faith. In Hebrews 11:11, she is cited for her devout faith. She is also mentioned in 1 Peter 3:6 in the context of her submissiveness to her husband Abraham. The story of Sarah is found in Genesis, chapters 11-23.
LOT
He was the nephew of Abraham. After his father, Haran, died in Ur, lot traveled with his grandfather Terah, and his uncle Abraham, to Canaan. They settled in a place called Haran until the death of Terah. Then Lot and Abraham continued on to Canaan.
After a famine hit, they continued on to Egypt, and later returned to Canaan. Eventually their herds grew so large, Lot and Abraham had to separate to find new pasturelands. Abraham gave Lot his choice of land and Lot picked the Jorden River Valley. He settled in the city of Sodom. When the Elamite king Chedorlaomer invaded Canaan, Lot was taken prisoner. But Abraham mustered up an army of 318 men, attacked and routed the invaders, and rescued his nephew Lot. Later, two angels were sent to Sodom to save Lot and his family before the destruction of the city. The men of Sodom seeing the two angels, desired to have sexual relations with them.
They wanted the strangers brought out of the house “that we may know them” (Gen. 19:5). But the two angels struck the Sodomites blind, and got Lot, his wife and two daughters out of the city. The city was destroyed by “fire from the Lord out of heaven” (Gen. 19:24). Lot’s wife did not follow the angels orders and looked back at Sodom, and because of her disobedience, turned into a “pillar of salt” (Gen. 19:26).
Note: there at least two people who wrote about seeing that pillar of salt many years later. Lot then lived in a cave near Zoar with his two daughters. The two women got their father, Lot, drunk and had relations with him, because “there is no man on earth to come into us as is the custom of all the earth” (Gen. 19:31). Each daughter had a son out of the union, Moab, and Ben-Ammi, who became the ancestors of the Moabites and the Ammonites. These two countries became enemies of Israel.
HAGAR
Hagar, an Egyptian, was the servant of Sarah, the wife of Abraham. Because Sarah was childless, she appointed Hagar to have a child with Abraham. Hagar gave birth to Abraham’s first son, Ishmael. (Genesis 16:1-4). Sarah, however, later had a son with Abraham, named Isaac. After that, Sarah had Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away.
Hagar and her boy hiked into the wilderness of Beer-sheba, and with God’s help they survived. An Angel of God called to Hagar and told her not to be afraid, that God would make a great nation of Ishmael’s descendents. Hagar and her son lived in the wilderness of Paran, and God blessed the boy who later became an expert archer. Hagar arranged a marriage for Ishmael with a girl from Egypt and later has twelve grandsons.
ISHMAEL
Ishmael was the first son of Abraham. His mother was Hagar, who was the Egyptian handmaid to Sarah, who was Abraham’s wife. Ishmael was the half-brother of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham and Sarah. Sarah had been unable to have children. So she presented her maid, Hagar, to Abraham to bear an heir for Abraham.
Hagar gave birth to Ishmael when Abraham was 86 years old. Fourteen years later, Isaac was born. When Isaac was weaned, Abraham gave a party to celebrate the occasion. But Sarah noticed that Ishmael teased Isaac, and she told Abraham to send away Hagar and Ishmael.
Abraham was upset, but the Lord told him to do as Sarah had requested, because Isaac was to be the heir of Abraham, to inherit the promises that God had made to Abraham and his offspring (Genesis 21:12-13).
Hagar and Ishmael left Abraham and lived in the wilderness of Paran. God blessed Ishmael and he became an expert archer, and his mother arranged a marriage for him with a girl from Egypt. Ishmael had twelve sons, and they became the founders of the twelve tribes that bore their names: Nebaioth, Kedar, Abdeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish and Kedmah. These tribes scattered across the land. Ishmael died at the age of 137.
MELCHIZEDEK
Melchizedek (“Righteous King”), was the King of Salem (Jerusalem), called priest of “God the Most High” (Genesis 14:18). After Abraham’s victory over Chedorlaomer, Melchizedek greeted him with a gift of bread and wine. He then blesses Abraham, and Abraham gives him one-tenth of the goods taken from the battle with Chedorlaomer.
In Psalm 110:4, the promise is made, “You are a Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek”. In Hebrews 5:5-6, in speaking of Christ, God said to Him, “My Son, today I have honored You.” And another time God said to Him, “You have been chosen to be a Priest forever, with the same rank as Melchizedek”.
In Hebrews 7:3 it, states “Melchizedek had no father or mother, and there is no record of his ancestors. He was never born and never died but his life is like that of the Son of God – a Priest forever”. In Hebrews 7:20-21, “God took an oath that Christ would always be a Priest, although He never said that to the other priests. Only to Christ He said, “The lord has sworn and will never change His mind: You are a Priest forever, with the rank of Melchizedek”.
ISAAC
Isaac, the second patriarch of Israel, son of Abraham and Sarah, and father of Jacob and Esau. Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, his name means “to laugh.” After Isaac was weaned, his half brother Ishmael was banished with his Egyptian mother Hagar (Gen 21:8-20), as Isaac alone was designated as Abraham’s heir.
Isaac’s destiny was confirmed when Abraham proved willing to comply with the divine command to sacrifice his son on Mount Moriah. An angel stopped Abraham from slaying Isaac, and offered a ram as a substitute. Abraham sent a slave to his family in Mesopotamia to procure a wife for Isaac (Gen 24:1-10).
REBEKAH
Isaac was forty years old at the time of his marriage to Rebekah, and she eventually bore him twins, Esau and Jacob (Gen 25:21-26). Isaac became very wealthy as a farmer in Gerar, and later returned to the region of Beersheba. In his old age, Isaac grew blind, and through a ruse by Rebekah and Jacob, gave his blessing to Jacob instead of Esau. Isaac died at age 180, and was buried by his two sons (Gen 35:28-29).
ESAU
Esau and Jacob were twins, born to Isaac and Rebekah. Esau was the first of the twins to be born. He was covered with red hair, and was called Esau. Some scholars believe that the word Esau means “hairy.” Esau became the ancestor of the people of Edom (“red.”), which was a country near Israel during ancient times.
Before Esau’s birth, the Lord told Rebekah that her older son would serve the younger son (Genesis 25:23). This was an unusual concept in ancient times because the oldest son was regarded as the heir of the father’s wealth, power and authority.
Esau was born first. But when his twin brother Jacob was being born, Jacob’s hand was holding onto Esau’s heel. This was taken as a sign that Jacob wanted to be born first. Later in life, Jacob continued to show that he wanted to be his father’s heir.
One day, Esau returned from an unsuccessful hunting trip and was famished. He saw that Jacob had been cooking food and he asked for a serving. Jacob asked him if he would be willing to sell his rights as the first-born son in exchange for a bowl of food. Esau agreed. (Genesis 25:29-34.)
Regardless of whether Esau was being serious or flippant in selling off his birthright, Jacob sought to make good on the deal and, with his mother’s help, tricked his aging father into giving Jacob the blessing that traditionally would been reserved for the first-born.
After Jacob had gotten the blessing from his father, Esau vowed to kill Jacob. To protect Jacob, his mother arranged for him to live with her relatives in Haran. Jacob lived in Haran for about 20 years, working for his uncle, Laban. When Jacob returned home, his brother, Esau, who now had wealth and a 400-man army, forgave Jacob.
Esau married Hittite women, against his parents wishes. He also married two Ishmaelite women. One of them was Mahalath, the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son. After Isaac died, Esau took his wives, his children, his servants and his cattle and moved away from his brother to Mount Seir.
In the New Testament passage of Hebrews 12:16, Esau is described as immoral and unreligious. Paul, in Romans 9:10-13, indicates that God had chosen Jacob to be the heir to the promises that he had made to his grandfather, Abraham. Details about Esau can be found in Genesis chapters 25-36
JACOB
Jacob was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Esau (Genesis 25:23-26). Jacob, meaning “grabber”, was born clutching Esau’s heel. He eventually received his father’s blessing that was meant for Esau. Cheated by his brother, Esau vowed to kill Jacob (Genesis 27:41). Jacob left his home and went to the town of Padan Aram, where his uncle, Laban, lived.
At the outset of his journey, near Bethel, Jacob was given a vision by God of Israel’s future: that the Jews would establish their own nation, that they would be scattered like dust to the ends of the earth, that they would have a worldwide impact, and that they would one day return to their homeland. All of these things of course have happened, long after the prophecy from Jacob was written down.
After working seven years as a herdsman for his uncle Laban, Jacob wanted to marry Laban’s youngest daughter Rachel. But, Laban deceived Jacob by giving him his eldest daughter, Leah, in marriage. Jacob consented to work another seven years for the permission to marry Rachel.
Leah bore Jacob four sons, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. Rachel, who was barren, gave her maid, Bilhah, to bear Jacob’s children for her. Bilhah bore Dan and Naphtali. Leah likewise gave Jacob her maid, Zilpah, who bore him Gad and Asher. Afterwards Leah gave birth to Issachar and Zebulun, and Jacob’s only daughter, Dinah. Only then did Rachel conceive, bearing Joseph.
Jacob packed up his large family and went back to Canaan. On that trip, at night Jacob wrestled with an angel, asking for a blessing. At last the angel blessed him and gave him a new name: Israel (“You have struggled with God.”) Jacob made amends with his brother Esau. Rachel died in childbirth of Jacob’s last son, Benjamin.
Jacob settled again in the land of Canaan. After some years, his son Joseph became a high ranking official in Egypt. Jacob and his family moved to Egypt and lived there. Jacob blessed Joseph’s two sons Ephraim and Manasseh. When Jacob died, his body was taken back to Canaan for burial. The 12 sons of Jacob (Israel) became the twelve tribes of Israel. They multiplied greatly in Egypt for a few hundred years, and rturned to Canaan with Moses during the Exodus.
RACHEL
Rachel was Laban’s second daughter, and Jacob’s second wife. Jacob first met Rachel by a water well. He quickly fell in love with her. Jacob struck a deal with Laban that he would work for Laban for seven years to get permission to marry Rachel. But Laban tricked Jacob into marrying Leah, who was Rachel’s older sister.
Jacob, still in love with Rachel, struck another deal with Laban to work another seven years for the permission to marry Rachel. Eventually, Jacob also married Rachel.
Unlike her sister, Leah, Rachel struggled to conceive children. She presented her handmaid, Bilhah, to Jacob, for the purpose of bearing children. Bilhah gave birth to Dan and Naphtali, who were considered legal sons of Rachel.
Later, Rachel gave birth to Joseph and Benjamin. There is a site in Israel today that is revered as the burial site of Rachel. The story of Rachel is found in Genesis, chapters 29-35.
TAMAR
TAMAR- was the widow of Judah’s oldest son. According to custom, she was supposed to marry Judah’s second son, Onan. If a child was born, that child would be considered the offspring of her first husband. But Onan did not carry out his duties according to the law, and because of this, he was struck dead by God. Judah’s third son, Shelah, was next in line to marry Tamar, but Judah withheld Shelah from the marriage, fearing that he too would die. Tamar then disguised herself as a harlot, and was hired by Judah – who did not reconize the harlot as his former daughter-in-law. Tamar demanded Judah’s staff and seal as pledge of payment for her services. When she became pregnant, Tamar brougt forth Judah’s staff and seal, proving Judah was the father. She bore twin sons, Perez and Zerah. Perez was an ancestor of Jesus. (Genesis 38:6-30).
Tamar, daughter-in-law of Judah, is mentioned seven times in six verses, in Genesis 38:6, 11, 13, 24; Ruth 4:12; 1 Chronicles 2:4; Matthew 1:3.
DINAH
Dinah was the daughter of Leah and Israel (the man whose name was changed
from Jacob to Israel). Israel had 12 sons but Dinah was his only daughter. Much
of what is known about Dinah can be found in Genesis, chapter 34. Her story involves a great deal of tragedy and violence. After Israel and his
family traveled to the outskirts of the settlement of Shechem, Dinah was defiled
by the son of the man who ruled over the area. .
After the men of Shechem had been duped into a false sense of security, two
of Dinah’s brothers, Simeon and Levi, took swords and killed every male. The
settlement then was looted of everything, including women and children. Later, on his deathbed, as explained in Genesis 49:7, Israel curses Simeon
and Levi.
JOSEPH
Joseph was one of 12 sons of Jacob. He was the first born son of Rachel (Gen 30:22-24). He received preferential treatment which angered his ten older brothers. His brothers faked his death to their father Jacob, and sold him to a caravan of Ishmaelite traders who were on their way to Egypt. God gave Joseph the power to interpret dreams, and when the Pharaoh had two disturbing dreams, Joseph was brought before the Pharaoh, and interpreted his dreams, of seven years of plenty, followed by seven years of famine (Gen 41:8-32).
Joseph also suggested how to put this foreknowledge to good use, by storing produce in warehouses. Pharaoh charged Joseph, then at age thirty the rank and authority of a viceroy. When the famine came, it effected Canaan whereupon Jacob sent all his sons, except for Benjamin, to Egypt to buy food. Joseph broke down on seeing his brothers (they did not recognize him at first), gave them food, and eventually had his entire family move to Egypt to live.
Jacob’s family of seventy people traveled to Egypt, and multiplied into a few million before Moses led them out. Joseph had two sons by his Egyptian wife (Asenath), Manasseh and Ephraim. Joseph died at age 110, his body was embalmed in Egypt, and his bones returned to Canaan in the Exodus. The name Joseph means “May God increase.”
MOSES
Moses (“I drew him out of the water”) son of Amram and Jochebed from the tribe of Levi, and the younger brother of Miriam and Aaron. At the time of his birth, the Israelites were experiencing severe oppression in Egypt. Moses was adopted by a Egyptian princess and lived in Egypt many years.
Later, Moses was forced to flee Egypt after killing an Egyptian overseer who had beaten a Hebrew slave. He escaped into the Sinai desert, met with a Midiante priest named Jethro, and married one of his daughters, Zipporah. He had two sons by Zipporah.
The turning point in Moses life was the divine revelation of the burning bush. God ordered Moses to return to Egypt and lead His people out of bondage. Only after a series of ten divinely ordained punishments did Pharaoh agree to set the Israelites free.
Moses, at the age of 80, then assumed a new role, leading the Israelites on their historic journey. Moses, at God’s command, parted the Red Sea, to allow an escape route for the Israelites from the Egyptian army. Moses received the Ten Commandments from God, written on two stone tablets on Mount Sinai.
The Israelites sinned greatly in the desert, and God wanted to destroy them, but Moses talked to God, and saved His people. Because of their disobedience, grumbling, and not trusting in God, the Israelites were forced to live in the desert for 40 years, where they received manna (a bread-like substance) from heaven, to keep them alive. The entire Exodus generation died off (except for Joshua and Caleb) and their children were the ones who would later settle in Israel.
God instructed Moses to build a moveable Temple and to construct the Ark of the Covenant. After witnessing the conquest of the eastern side of the Jordan River, Moses was notified of his imminent death. Moses conferred his authority upon Joshua, to lead the 600,000 men (not counting women and children) into the land of “milk and honey.” Moses died at age 120.
He is credited with writing the first five books of the Bible. He talked with God and at God’s command he performed amazing miracles. The story of Moses is covered in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. He is mentioned 80 times in the New Testament, usually as a lawgiver. He is also seen as the prophet who points the way to Jesus. Moses, along with Elijah appeared in the Transfiguration with Jesus.
AARON
Aaron was the son of Jochebed and Amram of the tribe of Levi, brother of Moses and Miriam, forebear and founder of the Israelite priesthood. Because Moses stuttered, Aaron served as a spokesman before both the Pharaoh and the Israelites. Aaron was empowered by God to cast his staff to the ground where it turned into a serpent before Pharaoh’s eyes.
Several of the ten plagues were instigated by Aaron wielding the staff. Aaron’s position was officially established when God ordered Moses to consecrate him and his sons as priests. Aaron and his sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, officiated at Moses’ side.
Like Moses, Aaron was not allowed to enter the promised land. Aaron died on Mount Hor, at age 123, near the Edom border, and his son, Eleazar, became the priest. In the New Testament, Aaron is seen as the imperfect priest when contrasted with the perfect priesthood of Jesus (Hebrews 5:7,11).
JOSHUA
The son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim. Moses’ successor as the leader of Israel. Of the twelve spies, Joshua and Caleb were the only two men who gave an encouraging report, and were rewarded with permission to enter Israel with the new generation of Israelites. Joshua and his army crossed the Jordan and the battle began.
After taking Jericho, in which God destroyed the walls, there were three campaigns fought, one in the north, one in the central region, and one in the south. It took seven years of war to conquer the land, and drive out most of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzits, Hivites and Jebusites. Thirty one kings and their cities were destroyed by Joshua and his army.
After the initial victories, the land was divided among the tribes of Israel. At an old age Joshua made a covenant with the people of Israel, at Shechem, committing them to a permanent and binding contract between themselves and God. Soon after, he died at the age of 110, and was buried on his own estate at Timnath-sereh, in Ephraim. Israel obeyed the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua.
The Bible’s book of Joshua is named after him and, among other things, describes his life and times!
GIDEON
Gideon was the son of Joash the Abiezrite from the town of Ophrah. He was Israel’s fifth Judge. During Gideon’s time, a large army of Midianites and other nations had gathered against Israel. The Lord told Gideon that he would be made strong and that he was to save Israel from the Midianites.
Gideon raised an army of 32,000, but after several tests by the Lord, the army was whittled down to 300 men. God did this so that the people of Israel would not boast to him that they saved themselves by their own strength. At night, Gideon and his 300 men lit torches, blew trumpets and shouted. Then they stood by and watched as the enemy panicked and began fighting and killing each other.
Midian never recovered from this defeat, and there was peace for 40 years during Gideon’s lifetime. Gideon lived to be an old man. After he died he was buried near his father in the town of Ophrah. His victory over the Midianites was remembered for many generations as the “Day of Midian” (Isaiah 9:4). The story of Gideon is found in Judges, chapters 6-8. The name Gideon means “he who casts down.”
SAMSON
Samson, a member of the tribe of Dan, was one of the Judges of Israel. He Judged Israel for 20 years. Samson’s mother received a visit from an angel, who told her she would give birth to an unusual son, a Nazirite, and not to cut his hair. Samson had great strength, he killed a lion with his bare hands, and later killed 1,000 Philistines with a jawbone of a donkey. He had romantic encounters with three Philistine women.
He fell in love with one of the women, Delilah. The five leaders of the Philistine nation went to Delilah, and demanded that she find out from Samson what made him so strong, so they could subdue him. She eventually found out it was because his hair had never been cut. While asleep, Samson’s hair was cut off. Losing his strength, he was captured by the Philistines, who gouged out his eyes, and made him grind grain in prison.
Later, the Philistines stood Samson in the center of a temple during a celebration, his hair had now grown back. Samson was placed between the two main pillars of the temple. He asked God to strengthen him one more time “so that I may pay back the Philistines for the loss of at least one of my eyes.” Then Samson pushed against the pillars with all his might. “Let me die with the Philistines,” he prayed.
The temple crashed, killing more Philistines at the time of his death, than during his entire lifetime. His brothers brought him back home and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol, where his father, Manoah was buried. The story of Samson is found in the Book of Judges, chapters 13-16. The name Samson means “Little Sun.”
RUTH
During a famine, a man named Elimelech, and his wife Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, moved from Bethlehem to Moab. After the death of Elimelech, his sons married two Moabite women named Orpah and Ruth. But their husbands later died and the two women were childless.
Naomi decided to return to Bethlehem and Ruth insisted on joining her, saying “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16)
In Bethlehem, Ruth met a man named Boaz, who was related to her late father-in-law. Boaz and Ruth got married. (Ruth 4:5). Ruth and Boaz had a son named Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse, and Jesse was the father of David. So Ruth was the great-grandmother of King David.
The life and times of Ruth are described in the Bible’s Book of Ruth.
HANNAH
Hannah was the wife of Elkanah, a Levite of the Kohathite branch. She could not bear children, and was being mocked for this by Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, who bore several children. On a pilgrimage to the Temple in Shiloh, she made a vow to God that if He granted her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord for life. Eli, the priest at Shiloh, saw Hannah’s lips moving in silent prayer, and thought she was drunk. But Hannah convinced Eli she was praying to the Lord, and Eli blessed her and asked God to grant her petition.
The lord answered her prayers, and she gave birth to the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 1:9-20). Hannah kept her promise, and after Samuel was weaned, she left him with Eli. Each year thereafter Hannah visited Samuel, gave him a robe and offered a sacrifice at the temple. Because of her faithfulness, the Lord blessed her with three more sons and two daughters. 1 Samuel 2:1-10 contains a thanksgiving prayer by Hannah, for being blessed with a child.
SAMUEL
Samuel, the son of Elkanah, and his wife Hannah, was a prophet and the last of Israel’s Judges. Samuel grew up under Eli, who was the priest at Shiloh. He served a variety of roles in Israel. He was a prophet, a judge and a military leader. He was widely recognized throughout the country (1 Samuel 3:20). His home was in Ramah, where he headed groups of prophets.
At this time in Israel’s history, about 3000 years ago, the nation was ruled by judges who settled disputes, not kings. But the people demanded to have a king, like other nations. Samuel was opposed to having a king rule over Israel because he interpreted that as an act of apostasy and a rejection of the Kingship of God. God told Samuel to anoint Saul, son of Kish, as king, and so the people got what they wanted.
However, in time, the relationship between Saul and Samuel deteriorated and Saul took over certain functions that had belonged to a priest, not a king. In addition, Saul disobeyed God after the battle with the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:1-23). God had Samuel anoint young David to be the next king.
King Saul grew jealous of David. David fled from Saul and was given refuge by Samuel in his home in Ramah. David eventually succeeded Saul as king, but Samuel did not live long enough to see that. The story of Samuel is found in the book named 1 Samuel, chapters 1-25.
The Bible’s book of 1 Samuel and the book of 2 Samuel are named after Samuel, and contain many details about his life. Some Bibles combine 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel into a singular book called Samuel.
SAUL
Saul – the king – was the first king of Israel. He was the son of Kish of the tribe of Benjamin. He became king at about the time that Samuel had retired as the last Judge of Israel. Although the land of Israel had been ruled by judges, the people were clamoring to have a king, like other nations. Samuel asked the Lord for advice. God directed Samuel to Saul and to anoint him as the first king.
Saul, his army, and a miracle from God, defeated the Philistines in their first battle. He then defeated Moab, Ammon, Edom, the kings of Zobah, and the Amalekites. However Saul did not obey the Lord, and kept some of the loot after defeating the Amalekites. For this, God rejected Saul as king of Israel. The Lord had Samuel anoint young David as the next king.
After David killed Goliath, Saul made David his special assistant, and as David succeeded in everything he did, Saul grew extremely jealous. Saul became possessed by an evil spirit, went into fits of anger and tried to kill David several times. He even threw a spear at his own son Jonathan, who had become David’s close friend.
After Samuel died, the Philistines invaded Israelite territory and gathered forces at Shunem. Saul had a foreboding of his fate, and as he did not have Samuel to ask God for advice, he traveled to En Dor to consult a witch about the outcome of the battle. The result of the seance confirmed his worst fears, he was told that the entire Israel army would be routed by the Philistines, and that he and his three sons would be killed.
The Israelite army had no chariots and could not withstand the assault of the heavy Philistine weaponry. On Mount Gilboa, Saul and his three sons were killed. Their bodies were brought to Jabesh where they were cremated. David after learning of Saul’s death, moved to Hebron and was crowned king of the Judean confederacy.
The story of Saul is found in 1 Samuel, chapters 9-31.
DAVID
David was the youngest son of Jesse, the great-grandson of Boaz and Ruth, born in Bethlehem in the tribe of Judah. He was handpicked by God, anointed by Samuel, and became Israel’s second, and greatest, king.
David was a shepherd in his early years. After killing Goliath, with a slingshot, he joined the entourage of King Saul, Israel’s first king. Saul eventually became jealous of David’s popularity with the Israelites and tried to kill him several times. David and his followers had to flee and hide out from Saul, but with the defeat of the Israelites and the death of Saul at the hands of the Philistines, David was anointed King over Judah.
Later, David defeated Ishbosheth the son of Saul, who was King of the northern tribes of Israel. Thereafter, in his eighth year, David united all the tribes and became King of all Israelites. He moved the capitol to Jerusalem, and brought the sacred Ark of the Covenant there.
David defeated the Philistines in two decisive battles, at Baal Perazim and at Rephaim, and the Philistines were no longer a serious threat to Israel. David then defeated Moab, Edom, Damascus, and Ammon, and they all became subjugated.
David committed adultery with Bathsheba and sent her husband Uriah to his death. For this, God rebuked David through Nathan the prophet, and told David that murder will be a constant threat to his family from this time on. David’s first child by Bathsheba died seven days after birth. One of David’s sons, Absalom, killed his half-brother Amnon, after Amnon raped Absalom’s sister, Tamar.
Later, Absalom revolted against his father David and tried to take over the throne, but was killed by Joab, David’s army commander. Another son of David, Adonijah, was killed soon after David died.
David was king for about 40 years. He was an extraordinary musician and poet, and wrote many of the Psalms in the Book of Psalms. He had many sons and daughters and died at an old age, and Solomon, his second son by Bathsheba, became the next king.
David is noted for several things. He initiated a cultural and literary revival which was continued by Solomon. He undertook far-reaching reforms in national institutions and administration. He also began preparations for building a central sanctuary in Jerusalem (the first Temple) and chose the site. The worship of God became the official state religion, and the priesthood was organized under the chief priests. He also reorganized the army.
Because the prophets, during the Old Testament times, had proclaimed that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David, people would use the phrase “son of David” as a way to refer to Messianic prophecy or to their hopes that the Messiah would arrive during their lifetime.
Jesus is often called the “son of David.” A blind man named Bartimaeus, for example, refers to Jesus by that title, in Mark 10:46-52, shortly before Jesus healed him and restored his sight.
Details about the life of David can be found in the Bible’s books of 1 and 2 Samuel and the first two chapters of 1 Kings, also in 1 Chronicles.
SOLOMON
Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba, was the third king of Israel. Solomon was renown for his wisdom, wealth and for his construction projects. Israel enjoyed an era of security, prosperity, and international political and economic importance under Solomon.
Solomon was anointed king when his older brother, Adonijah, rashly tried to proclaim himself as ruler when their father, King David, became old. But Bathsheba and the prophet Nathan, with the support of others, crowned Solomon as King.
Solomon began his 40-year reign in 967 BC while David was still alive. Thanks to the conquests of David, Solomon’s domain stretched from Tipshah on the Euphrates to Gaza on the border of Egypt. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and told him to ask for anything he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom to lead the Israelites. God was so pleased with Solomon’s reply, He not only gave him wisdom, but riches and honor too.
It was in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign, that he began the construction of the Temple. Seven years later it was completed, and the Ark of the Covenant was moved from the Tabernacle in Zion, the City of David, to the Temple. He also built a large palace for himself, Fort Millo, the wall of Jerusalem, and the cities of Hazor, Megiddo and Gezer.
He also built cities for grain storage, cities to keep his chariots, homes for his army, and resort cities. He built a fleet of ships to bring gold in from Ophir. People from many lands came to visit him and to listen to his God-given wisdom, including the Queen of Sheba.
Solomon took many foreign wives – 700 wives and 300 concubines, and they turned his heart away from the Lord, and they encouraged him to worship their gods. He even built temples for these foreign wives to use for burning incense and for offering sacrifices to their gods. This made the lord angry, and the Lord told Solomon that after Solomon’s death, He would take the Kingdom away from Solomon’s son, except for one tribe.
After Solomon’s death his son, Rehoboam, became King of Judah, while an enemy of Solomon, Jeroboam, became king of the northern tribes.
Solomon was the author of 3,000 proverbs and wrote 1,005 songs. The Books of Ecclesiastes, The Song of Solomon, and parts of the Book of Proverbs are ascribed to him. The story of Solomon is found in 1 Kings, chapters 1-11, and in 2 Chronicles, chapters 1-9. The name Solomon means “peace/welfare.”
ELIJAH
Elijah, a Tishbite from the region of Gilead, was a prophet in Israel during the reigns of Ahab, Ahaziah and Jehoram. All his life Elijah was active in the defense of God. His teachings brought him into constant conflict with the Kings of Israel, and on one occasion had to flee for his life. He fought against the cult of Baal, and clashed frequently with Ahab’s wife Jezebel, who had introduced the pagan cult in Israel.
Elijah performed some extraordinary miracles as a prophet of God, he brought the dead son of a widow back to life (1 Kings 17:22-23), caused a jar of meal and a jar of oil to constantly refill during a drought, caused fire to come out of the sky and consume a burnt offering, ended a drought, and ran faster than King Ahab’s chariot.
In Kings 19 the Lord revealed Himself to Elijah. Elijah parted the waters of the Jordan River, by striking it with his mantle, and crossed on dry ground with his understudy, Elisha. “As they continued walking and talking, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah ascended in a whirlpool into heaven” (2 Kings 2:11).
Elisha then picked up Elijah’s mantle and became a prophet of God. Elijah remains one of the most intriguing of the prophets. In the New Testament, the angel Gabriel tells Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth will bear a son “with the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17).
Many have identified John the Baptist with Elijah the forerunner of the Messiah. Some thought Jesus to be Elijah but Jesus rejected this, attributing the roll to John the Baptist. Elijah, with Moses appears with Jesus at the Transfiguration. The story of Elijah is found in 1 and 2 Kings, and in 1 and 2 Chronicles. The name Elijah means “Yah is my God”.
ELISHA
Elisha, son of Shaphat, was a prophet from Abel Meholah in Gilead. He lived in the northern Kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz and Jehoash. Elisha was Elijah’s student.
When Elijah was taken up into heaven in a fiery chariot, Elisha picked up Elijah’s mantle, struck it on the waters of the Jordan River and said, “Where is the Lord the God of Elijah?” (2 Kings 2:14). The water then parted and Elisha crossed over, thus beginning his service as a prophet of God.
Elisha, like Elijah, performed some extraordinary miracles as a prophet of God. He brought back to life the dead son of a Shunammite woman; he cured Naaman a general from Damascus, of leprosy; he multiplied loaves of barley and ears of grain to feed a crowd of people; he caused a metal ax head to float on water; he caused an attacking Aramean army to go blind and then returned their sight; and, among other miracles, he filled large empty vessels with oil.
Elisha had a member of his company of prophets to anoint Jehu to be king of Israel, and to strike down Jezebel and members of Ahab’s household, which Jehu completed.
When Elisha was on his deathbed, he prophesied to Joash, the King of Israel, that Israel will win the next three Battles with Aram. When Elisha was being buried, the body of another man was placed in the same grave. When the dead man’s body touched Elisha’s body, the dead man came to life and stood on his feet. (2 Kings 13:21).
The story of Elisha is found in 1 and 2 Kings. Note: Before Elijah was taken up in the firey chariot, he asked Elisha “what may I do for you before I am taken from you”. Elisha asks, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit” (2 Kings 2:9). If you count the recorded miracles in the Bible, Elijah performed eight, and Elisha performed sixteen.
The name Elisha means “God is salvation”
JEHOASH
Jehoash, also known as Joash, was the 12th King of Israel. He was the son of King Jehoahaz and he reigned 16 years. Elisha, the prophet, prophesied that Jehoash would have three victorious battles over the Syrians. Jehoash was successful in recapturing the cities that his father had lost to Syria. King Amaziah of Judah goaded King Jehoash into a war.
At first Jehoash resisted, but eventually he led his men into battle at Bethshemesh and defeated Amaziah. Jehoash’s men marched into Jerusalem, captured King Amaziah, looted the Temple and palace, and took many people from Judah as hostages to Samaria. When Jehoash died, his son, Jeroboam 2, became king. The story of Jehoash is found in 2 Kings 13:9-19 and in 2 Chronicles 25:17-25. The name Jehoash means “God has bestowed/donated.”
JONAH
Jonah, the son of Amittai, was born in Israel. He was called by God to preach repentance to Assyria, of which the capital city was Nineveh. However, Jonah rebelled.
Jonah didn’t want to preach to the pagans of Assyria. So, Jonah tried to escape God’s plan by fleeing on a ship. But Jonah was thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. Later, the fish spit him out on the shoreline. Then, finally, Jonah obeyed God’s command and went to Nineveh to preach. His preaching was successful and 120,000 people in Nineveh turned to God in obedience, sparing themselves punishment from God.
Jonah’s time inside the fish is used as an example of Jesus’ burial in Matthew 12:38-41. The basic theme of Jonah is that God declares His love for all men, whether they are Israelites or not. Jonah was unable to love the Assyrians properly, but God desired nothing for them but their salvation, and so He sent a prophet to preach repentance.
Jonah, means “dove”. The Bible’s book of Jonah is the 5th of the twelve minor prophets. Unlike the other prophet books, Jonah’s is not a collection of prophetic speeches, but a short narrative.
HEZEKIAH
Hezekiah, son of King Ahaz, and mother Abijah, became king at age 25. He reigned 29 years. According to 2 Chronicles 29:2, his reign was a good one. He took the throne during a crucial time in Judah’s history. Assyria had recently conquered Aram. And during the early part of his reign, the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel. And, Judah itself had to pay an annual tribute to Assyria.
With the encouragement of the prophet Isaiah, Hezekiah undertook a religious reform, in removing idolatrous elements from worship, cleansing and sanctifying the Temple, and restoring the Levites to their Temple duties. He sent letters across Judah and Israel to have the people attend a Passover celebration. The celebration was a huge success. In fact, 2 Chronicles 30:26 says that Jerusalem hadn’t seen a celebration like that since the days of King Solomon.
Hezekiah strengthened Judah politically, expanded its borders, and had the people tithe their crops. He built an underground tunnel to bring water into Jerusalem, in case of a siege. Later, King Sennacherib invaded Judah, surrounded Jerusalem, and sent Hezekiah a letter, stating, basically, that Judah should surrender, claiming that the Assyrian gods were stronger than the Lord God.
Hezekiah and Isaiah prayed to the Lord. God answered Hezekiah and Isaiah by saying that He would defend and save the city. That night, 185,000 Assyrian troops mysteriously died and their bodies were seen all across the landscape in the morning (2 Kings 19:34-35).
Later, the Lord healed Hezekiah of a deathly sickness, after Hezekiah had prayed, and added 15 years to his life. When he died, his son Manasseh became the new king. The story of Hezekiah is found in 2 Kings, chapters 18-20, and 2 Chronicles, chapters 29-32.
The tunnel Hezekiah built is still in existence today. A stone inscription was found describing how King Hezekiah’s tunnel was dug by 2 teams of miners, starting at opposite ends, and meeting in the middle. There is also a clay Hebrew seal impression found, with Hezekiah’s name on it, now in the Israel museum. The name Hezekiah means “Yah is my strength.”
JOSIAH
Josiah, son of King Amon, and mother Jedidah, became King of Judah at age 8, and reigned 31 years (639-609 BC). The Bible passage at 2 Kings 22:2 says that the character of Josiah’s reign was good, and that he followed in the steps of his ancestor, King David, and was obedient to the Lord.
His reign was the last surge of political independence and religious revival before the disintegration of the Kingdom of Judah, which ended with the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 BC. When Josiah was 20 years old, he began to clean up Judah and Jerusalem, destroying the heathen altars and the shameful idols on the hills, according to 2 Chronicles 34:3.
He did the same thing in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, Simeon, and Naphtali. Later on, he set up a collection system for gifts for the Temple, and paid carpenters and masons to repair the Temple, from the damage and neglect by the earlier Kings of Judah.
A scroll was found in the Temple by Hilkiah the High Priest. The scroll, containing the Laws of God, was read to King Josiah. When Josiah found out that the reason for the Lord’s great anger on Judah and Israel was that the ancestors had not obeyed the laws written in the scriptures, he ripped his clothing in despair (2 Chronicles 34:21).
Josiah then gathered the elders and all the people to the Temple, read the scroll to them, and required everyone in Jerusalem and Benjamin to make a pledge to the Lord, to follow His Commandments. So, Josiah removed all of the idols from the areas occupied by Jews, and required all of them to worship God (2 Chronicles 34:33).
Josiah held a great Passover celebration that was not seen in Jerusalem since the days of Samuel the prophet. Later, King Neco of Egypt led his army against the Assyrians, and warned King Josiah not to interfere while his army passed through Judah (2 Chronicles 35:21). But Josiah refused to turn back, and led his army into battle at the valley of Megiddo. The enemy archers struck King Josiah with their arrows and fatally wounded him. He died in Jerusalem, and was buried there.
All of Judah mourned for him, including Jeremiah the prophet. Josiah’s son, Jehoahaz, was selected as the new king. The story of Josiah is found in 2 Kings, chapters 22 and 23, and 2 Chronicles, chapters 34 and 35. The name Josiah means “May Yah give.”
ISAIAH
Isaiah, the son of Amoz, was married and had two children. He was called in the year King Uzziah died (740 BC). His ministry was a long one, during the reign of four kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Isaiah, means “Yah is salvation”.
Isaiah was sent primarily to Judah, although his message concerns the northern kingdom of Israel as well. He lived through the awful days of the civil war between Israel and Judah in 734 – 732 BC. The grim lesson taught by Israel’s fall was not lost on Isaiah, and he used it to encourage Hezekiah to trust in the Lord. The Lord delivered Judah from the mighty Assyrian army by sending a plague to destroy the Assyrian army camp.
Isaiah is considered by some to be the greatest of all Old Testament prophets, his disciples continued to transmit his teachings long after he died. Isaiah also looked beyond his own time to the coming exile of Judah and the deliverance that God would provide. Jesus quoted from the book of Isaiah often, which is not surprising, considering that salvation is a central theme in the book of Isaiah.
Isaiah made that famous prediction in Isaiah 66:8, that a nation would be born in a single day, even before the birth pains come. This prophecy was fulfilled in May of 1948, when Israel declared independence without a war, but then was engulfed in war, with the surrounding nations, within hours of its declaration.
Today, we can see with our own eyes that many of Isaiah’s prophecies have found fulfillment with the worldwide dispersion of Jews, the worldwide persecution of Jews, the recent worldwide migration of Jews back to Israel during the past century, the recent re-establishment and restoration of Israel, and the worldwide impact that Jews have had on the world.
Isaiah’s book is the first of the Major Prophets, and the longest of all the Prophets
JEREMIAH
Jeremiah lived about 2600 years ago. He was the son of Hilkiah and lived in the town of Anathoth in the land of Benjamin in Judah. His ministry began during the reign of Josiah, and continued through the reigns of Jehoiakin, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah.
Jeremiah, according to the Bible book that bears his name, preached from about 628 BC to 586 BC in Jerusalem. During that time, the Babylonian Empire had taken control of Jerusalem. The Babylonians took Jews as captives to Babylon as early as 605 BC and 597 BC. Babylon destroyed Jerusalem in 586 BC.
Jeremiah lived through the invasions by the Babylonian armies, the deportations of his people, the slaughter of Jews living in Jerusalem, and the destruction of the Temple.
Jeremiah warned the people of Jerusalem that they would be punished harshly for their sins. He pleaded with the people to turn away from sin and to turn back to God, but to little avail. In return, Jeremiah was targeted with scorn and persecution.
When the people of Jerusalem were being deported, Jeremiah was given a choice of either staying in Judah or going to Babylon. He chose to stay in Judah, but was compelled later to flee to Egypt after a group of fanatics killed the Babylonian who had been appointed governor of Judah. It is believed that Jeremiah died in Egypt.
Jeremiah prophesized that the Jews would be scattered from their homeland and persecuted. He also said that God would protect the Jews from total destruction and that they would one day return to their homeland and that the “second” Israel would be more impressive than the first.
Today, we can see with our own eyes that the Jews have indeed survived worldwide dispersion and that they have re-established Israel (in 1948), after 19 centuries of exile and persecutions throughout the world.
The book of Jeremiah is the second of the four Major Prophets. The four Major Prophets are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel.
EZEKIEL
Ezekiel lived about 2600 years ago, during the time that the Babylonian Empire had subdued the nation of Judah and had destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. He was the son of Buzi, a Zadokite priest. Ezekiel was among the Jews in Judah who were taken as captives by the Babylonians to Babylon. He received his call as a prophet during the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin. Ezekiel’s ministry lasted about 22 years.
Ezekiel’s prophecies about the destruction of Jerusalem caused friction among the Jews who were with him in Babylon. But, when his prophecies came true, people began to listen to him more intently. Ezekiel’s wife died during the day that the Babylonians began their siege of Jerusalem. This siege began in about 586 BC, after Ezekiel and others had been taken as captives to Babylon. The siege ended with the destruction of Jerusalem and of the Temple in Jerusalem.
After the destruction, Ezekiel’s prophecies more or less changed from the theme of unbending judgment to the theme of hope and comfort in the future. Ezekiel was very much a shepherd and a watchman for the nation of Israel. As a shepherd, he protected the people. And as a watchman, he warned of dangers ahead.
Ezekiel’s name means “God strengthens.” The Bible’s book of Ezekiel is the third of the four Major Prophets.
DANIEL
Daniel was among the Jews who were carried off into captivity in Babylon about 2600 years ago.
Even though he was a captive, he received an education and rose to a high position in the Babylonian government. He later rose to a high position in the Persian government after the Persians conquered Babylon. Because of his faith in God he was persecuted by the Babylonians. At one point, he was thrown into a den of lions, but survived.
The Bible’s book of Daniel deals with many historical events of that era. His book also contains prophecies concerning the future. Daniel saw and described the great world empires that were to come. He also saw the power of God and of the Messiah (Jesus Christ) who was to come and undo the evil of this world.
The book of Daniel is divided into two parts. The first part is a collection of narratives about Daniel and his friends (Chapters 1 – 6). The second part is a collection of apocalyptic visions foreseeing the course of world history (Chapters 7 – 12).
After a three-year training period in Babylon, Daniel was found to be smarter than all of the skilled magicians and wise astrologers in Babylon, and was appointed as a counselor to King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel held that position until the first year of the reign of King Cyrus.
Daniel stayed true to God and prayed three times a day. He refused to bow to idols, and would not eat the food or drink the wine furnished by the King. He ate only vegetables and drank water. Through his faithfulness, God gave him the power to interpret dreams, see into the future, and God gave him a long life.
The name Daniel means “God is my judge.” His book is the fourth book of the four Major Prophets.
SHADRACH
Hananiah was one of the three friends of Daniel who was cast into the fiery furnace.
He was taken to Babylon with Daniel, Mishael, and Azariah after the siege of Jerusalem (Daniel 1:3-7). His name was changed to Shadrach by the Chaldeans (Babylonians). He entered the king’s service with his friends and became one of the wisest men in Babylon.
Later, because he would not worship the statue of Nebuchadnezzar, he was thrown into the furnace with his friends. But they survived by praying to God, and “the fire in no way touched them or caused them pain or harm” (Daniel 3). Hananiah means “the Lord is gracious.”
MESHACH
Mishael was one of the three friends of Daniel who was cast into the fiery furnace.
He was taken to Babylon with Daniel, Hananiah, and Azariah, by Nebuchadnezzar after the siege of Jerusalem (Daniel 1:3-7). His name was changed to Meshach by the Chaldeans. He entered the king’s service with his friends and became one of the wisest men in Babylon. Later, because he would not worship the statue of Nebuchadnezzar, he was thrown into the furnace with his two friends. But they survived while praying to God, and “the fire in no way touched them or caused them pain or harm” (Daniel 3). Mishael means “Who is what God is?”
ABEDNEGO
Azariah was one of the three friends of Daniel who was cast into the fiery furnace.
He was taken to Babylon with Daniel, Mishael, and Hananiah, by Nebuchadnezzar after the siege of Jerusalem (Daniel 1:3-7). His name was changed to Abed-Nego by the Chaldeans (Babylonians). He entered the king’s service with his friends and became one of the wisest men in Babylon.
Later, because he would not worship the statue of Nebuchadnezzar, he was thrown into the furnace with his two friends. But they survived by praying to God, and “the fire in no way touched them or caused them pain or harm” (Daniel 3). Azariah means “The Lord has helped”.
NEBUCHADNEZZAR
Nebuchadnezzar (also known as Nebuchadrezzar) was the son of Nabopolassar and King of Babylon from 605 to 562 BC. The name means “Nabu, protect my boundary”. Nebuchadnezzar expanded the neo-Babylonian empire so that it extended from Egypt in the west to Elam in the east. He rebuilt temples and public buildings throughout Babylonia. He laid siege to Jerusalem twice. In 586 BC, the city fell, the Temple was destroyed, and a large part of Judah’s population was exiled to Babylonia.
After long talks with Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar put Daniel on his regular staff of advisors. Daniel interprets King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the statue of a man with the head of gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of brass, and legs of iron (Dan 2:31-45). King Nebuchadnezzar built a golden statue 90-feet high and 9-feet wide, and had the people worship the statue.
But when three of Daniel’s friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not bow before the statue, the King threw them into a furnace, in which they survived by a miracle from God.
Daniel interprets another dream for the king, in which the king will be forced out of his palace to live with the animals in the fields and eat grass like a cow for seven years, until he finally realizes that God is the ultimate authority.
Twelve months after the dream, Nebuchadnezzar through his pride, was commending himself on how he by his own power built the beautiful city of Babylon. While he was speaking these words, the Lord struck him down to live like an animal in the fields. At the end of seven years his sanity returned, and he praised and worshiped God. When his mind returned, so did his honor, and his kingdom, with even greater honor than before. Then Nebuchadnezzar praised and glorified and honored the King of Heaven. (Daniel, chapter 4).
The story of Nebuchadnezzar is found in the Bible’s book of Daniel, chapters 1-4, and in various chapters of 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, and Jeremiah.
ESTHER
Esther (or Ester) was the daughter of Abihail, of the tribe of Benjamin. She was the cousin, and the adopted daughter, of Mordecai. On the orders of the Persian King Ahasuerus, Esther replaced Vashti as queen. And at Mordecai’s request, Esther concealed her Jewish birth.
After Haman, the king’s chief minister, found out that his foe, Mordecai, was Jewish, he devised a plan to have all Jews killed. Haman secured the king’s permission to have a massacre of all Jews in the Empire by the end of that year, on the14th day of the month of Adar. Haman built a gallows to hang Mordecai.
Esther, however, acted to foil the plot. She revealed to the king that she was Jewish, and that the Jews were destined to be massacred by orders from Haman. Haman’s last-minute appeal to the queen’s mercy was misinterpreted by the king as an attempt at seduction, and the king ordered that Haman be hung on the same gallows he had built for Mordecai. Esther reminded the king that the decree of extermination was still in effect.
Ahasuerus informed her that a royal edict could not be revoked, and instead issued a counter-edict, permitting the Jews to arm and defend themselves. When the day arrived, the Jews were so successful in defending themselves that they observed a new feast. In commemoration of these events, Esther and Mordecai instituted the annual festival of “Purim,” which means “throwing dice,” taken from the Persian word “Pur.” Esther and Mordecai were awarded Haman’s estate.
Details about the life and times of Esther are contained in the Bible’s book of Esther.
HAMAN
Haman was the evil and scheming prime minister of Ahasuerus (Xerxes 1), King of Persia (485-464 B.C.). When Mordecai refused to bow to Haman, Haman plotted to destroy Mordecai and his family, as well as all of the other Jews in the Persian Empire. But Esther intervened and saved her people. Haman was hanged on the very gallows that he had constructed for Mordecai (Esther 3:1-9).
EZRA
Ezra was the leader of a group of Jews returning to Jerusalem from the Babylonian Exile in 458 BC, during the reign of King Artaxerxes. When Ezra learned that the renewed Jewish community in Judah lacked spiritual direction, he got permission from the king to lead 1,754 exiles to Judah, to give a firm foundation to Mosaic Law there. Ezra convened the people for a public reading of the Law.
Ezra was a descendant from the priestly line of Aaron, and the author of the Old Testament Book of Ezra. The name Ezra means “God helps.”
NEHEMIAH
Nehemiah, son of Hacaliah, was a cupbearer of the Persian King Artaxerxes. In 444 BC the king appointed Nehemiah to be the governor of Judah and permitted him to go to Jerusalem to help his fellow Jews. He rallied the people to rebuild the damaged walls around Jerusalem.
Despite opposition from his enemies, Sanballat and Tobiah, he succeeded in rebuilding the walls in 52 days, and stationed guards at the city gates. In order to repopulate Jerusalem, he ordered that one out of every ten Jews should take residence in Jerusalem.
He also instituted a series of social reforms including the cancellation of debts owed by the poor and the payment of tithes. He then returned to Persia. In 432 BC he came back to Jerusalem and enforced several laws, such as payment due to the Levites and the observance of the Sabbath.
He is the author of the Book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament. The name Nehemiah means “God has comforted.”
ANGELS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE
GABRIEL
Gabriel is an angel of heaven who appears to the prophet Daniel to interpret a vision (Daniel 8:15). He reveals to Daniel a prophecy found in Daniel 9:20. And in Luke 1:19, Gabriel announces the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah. In Luke 1:26, God sends Gabriel to Nazareth in Galilee to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the House of David.
The virgin’s name was Mary. Gabriel told her that she had found favor with God, and that she would conceive and bear a son whom she was to give the name of Jesus, which means “Salvation.” He also told Mary that her relative, Elizabeth, despite her old age, had also conceived a son (John the Baptist). Gabriel functions as a messenger. He announces the births of both John the Baptist and Jesus.
MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
Michael, the Archangel, is the patron angel of Israel. In Daniel 10:13, it is Michael who assists another angel who had been sent to Daniel, to respond to Daniel’s prayer. In Daniel 12:1-3, Michael’s tasks include the destruction of sinners at The End of Days, he will also praise and glorify the righteous. In Jude 1:9, Michael contended with the Devil over Moses’ body, and did not dare to bring a condemnation of slander against him, but said “The Lord rebuke you!” In Revelation 12:7-8, Michael is the angel who leads a battle against evil, which is characterized as a dragon. Michael prevails. The name Michael means “Who is like God?”
LUCIFER- Isaiah 14:12-17
12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. 16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; 17 That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? Read Bevelation 12.
People: New Testament
JESUS- The Life of Christ [on choose a page!]
Matthew
One of Jesus’ original 12 disciples. The gospel he wrote, in 35 A.D., was the very first book written for the New Testament.
Mark
Was also known as John Mark. He was a cousin of Barnabas. Wrote one of the four gospels. Abruptly left Paul and Barnabas during Paul’s first missionary journey.
Luke
Wrote one of the four gospels and the book of Acts. Traveled with Paul on part of his second and third missionary journeys. Accompanies Paul from Caesarea to Rome in 60 A.D. during what is called Paul’s Fourth Missionary Journey. Luke is again with Paul during his final imprisonment in Rome which started in 67 A.D.Lydia
A Jewish proselyte who was a “seller of purple.” She was the apostle Paul’s first convert to Christianity in Europe (Acts 16:13 – 15).
John
Brother of James (the Greater) and author of one of the 4 gospels. One of Jesus’ original 12 disciples. Also wrote three other New Testament books and the book of Revelation. Asked Jesus, during the last Passover, who it was who would betray him.
Andrew
Fisherman who was one of the first two disciples Jesus choose to follow him and become an apostle. Brother of Simon Peter. Lived in Bethsaida when Jesus called him.
Peter
Originally named Simon and renamed Peter by Jesus. A married fisherman from Bethsaida who was third person Jesus called to be an apostle (John 1:40 – 42). He walked on water with Jesus (Matthew 14) and also denied 3 times he knew him (Matthew 26). Peter as a witness to Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17). Raised a widow from the dead (Acts 9). Was rebuked by Apostle Paul for his hypocritical behavior (Galatians 2). Wrote two New Testament books. Died a martyr around 67 A.D.
James (the Greater)
This James, brother of the apostle John, is also called ‘James the Greater’ to distinguish him from the other disciple named James (who is the son of Alpheus). One of Jesus’ original 12 disciples.
James (the Less)
This James is also called ‘James the Less’ to distinguish him from the other disciple named James (who is John’s brother). One of Jesus’ original 12 disciples.
Judas Iscariot
One of Jesus’ original 12 disciples who, although a thief, carried the group’s money bag. Judas betrayed Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver. After his betrayal the remorse of his sin leads him to kill himself
Nathanael
Also called Bartholomew. One of Jesus’ original 12 disciples.
Philip
One of Jesus’ twelve apostles. Resided in Bethsaida where also Andrew and Peter lived. Also the name of one of the first 7 men specially chosen by the early church to serve (Acts 6). Was also considered an evangelist. The apostle Paul stayed at Philip’s house on his way to Jerusalem (Acts 21:8 – 10).
Simon
Also known as Simon the Canaanite or Simon the Zealot. One of Jesus’ original 12 disciples. Was brother of the disciples James the Less and Judas (not Iscariot).
Thaddeus
One of 12 Apostles, also known as Lebbeus or Judas.
Thomas
Also called Didymus. Was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples. After Jesus’ resurrection, when the other disciples had seen him alive, Thomas refused to believe Jesus was back from the dead until he literally saw and touched his wounds from the cross (Matthew 28:9 – 10, Luke 24:36 – 48). Later, Jesus did appear to Thomas and removed all doubts. The term “doubting Thomas” comes from Thomas’ disbelief in Jesus’ literal resurrection.
Paul
Born around 2 A.D. Originally named Saul. Although a Jew was considered a Roman citizen. Taught by well-known Pharisaic Rabbi Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). Became a zealous Pharisee who persecuted early Christian church (Acts 7 – 8) Paul was converted on trip to Damascus and later renamed Paul (Acts 13:9). Worked as tent maker during ministry (Acts 18:2 – 3). From 33 to 67 A.D. conducted 5 missionary journeys preaching the gospel. Spent a total of about 6 years in prison. Wrote 14 New Testament books. Was martyred, at the age of 66, in Rome.
Matthias Replaced Judas Iscariot. Acts 1:26
Agabus
Prophet who prophesied that a three-year famine would occur in Judea and Jerusalem (Acts 11). Also prophesied the apostle Paul would be bound and arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 21).
Elizabeth
Wife of Zacharias who was a cousin of Mary, Jesus’ mother. She was healed of being barren and gave birth to John the Baptist
Mary
Mother of Jesus who was of the lineage of King David. Not counting Jesus, Mary gave birth to four boys and at least two girls (for a family of seven or more children!). After the death and resurrection of Jesus she was taken care of by the apostle John.
John the Baptist
John, a Nazarite from birth, was born 6 months before Jesus. His ministry lasted from 26 to 29 A.D. His mission was to prepare the people for the ministry of Jesus. Was beheaded by Herod Antipas.
Joseph
Husband of Mary and foster-father of Jesus. Was a just man who died sometime after Jesus’ 12th birthday.
Herod the Great
The son of Antipater (who started the Herodian dynasty of rule), was made tetrarch of Jerusalem/Galilee in 41 B.C. by Mark Antony. In 37 B.C. Herod is made King of Judea by the Romans. Began to repair and restore Jerusalem’s Temple in 20 B.C. Known for his cruelty, he ordered the slaughter of males two years old and younger around Bethlehem in an attempt to kill baby Jesus.
Herod Antipas
Upon the death of his father Herod the Great, becomes tetrarch of Galilee and Perea around 4 B.C. When condemned by John the Baptist for marrying a relative he throws John in prison. Herod, because of a promise made to Salome (his wife Herodias’ daughter by previous marriage) who pleased him with a dance, has John the Baptist beheaded. Herod questions, then mocks Jesus just before he is sent to the cross.
Herod Agrippa
Grandson of Herod the Great, takes over rulership when Herod Antipas dies in 39 A.D. To please the Jews has James, the brother of John, murdered and throws Peter in prison. God sends the angel of the Lord to kill Herod in 44 A.D.
Mary Magdalene
Most prominent of Jesus’ female disciples. This Mary was the first person to see Jesus alive after his resurrection.
Lazarus
Brother of Mary and Martha and a relative of Jesus who lived in Bethany. Jesus resurrected him after he had been in a tomb for four days.
Nicodemus
A Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin who, like Joseph of Arimathea, believed in Jesus. He first visits Jesus at night and tells him the Sanhedrin knows he is a teacher from God (John 3). He later defends Jesus in a meeting of the Sanhedrin (John 7:45 – 53). After Jesus’ death on the cross he helps Joseph of Arimathea wrap his body and bury him (John 19:38 – 42).
Joseph of Arimathea
A rich member of the Sanhedrin who secretly believed in Jesus. After Jesus’ death got Pontius Pilate to give him the body. Both Joseph and Nicodemus wrap Jesus’ body in fine linen with a mixture of myrrh and aloes and bury him in a brand new tomb Joseph made for himself. (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19).
Salome
Was Herodias’ daughter by a former husband. Herodias was the wife of Herod Antipas who was tetrarch of Galilee. Though not identified by name in the New Testament the historian Josephus states it was Salome. Her dance before Herod and his birthday guests so pleased him that he offered to give her anything she wanted. On her mother’s advice she asks for the head of John the Baptist, who was in Herod’s prison (Mark 6). Her wish is granted and she is given John’s head on a plate.
Salome was also name of apostle John and James’ mother who followed Jesus (Matthew 27:56, Mark 15). She is the person who requested from Jesus that her two sons sit next to him in the Kingdom of God (Matthew 20:20 – 21).
Barabbas
Robber, murderer whom Pontius Pilate wanted to condemn to death instead of Jesus.
Annas
At the time of Jesus’ arrest Annas (Ananus ben Seth) was a former High Priest (6 – 15 A.D.) and likely the president of the Sanhedrin. Although High Priests were to serve for life, Annas was removed from office by Valerius Gratus (15 – 26 A.D.), the Roman procurator of Judea. Annas was father-in-law of the High Priest Caiaphas (18 – 36 A.D.). Jesus was first taken to the court of Annas after his betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18).
Caiaphas
Roman-appointed High Priest and Sadducee who was son-in-law of a former high priest named Annas (6 – 15 A.D.). Served as High Priest at Jerusalem’s temple from 18 to 36 A.D. and ruled longer than any other priest in New Testament times.
Caiaphas hated Jesus and plotted with other priests and elders to have him killed “by trickery” (Matthew 26:5, NKJV). Jesus appeared before him after his arrest in order to ‘officially’ be condemned to death (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22). The disciples also appeared before Caiaphas in regard to teaching the truth (Acts 4).
Pontius Pilate
Was Roman Prefect (governor) of Judea during the time of Jesus’ public ministry and crucifixion. Served as Prefect from 26 to 36 A.D. Thought Jesus was innocent of death but condemned him to the cross due to pressure from Jewish leaders.
Ananias and Sapphira
Husband and wife who lied about property they sold to benefit the church. They were stricken dead the moment they confessed their lie (Acts 5:1 – 10).
Apollos
A Jew born in Alexandria who knew the Scriptures very well and was a good speaker. Aquila and Priscilla instructed him regarding Jesus Christ (Acts 18:24 – 28). Met the apostle Paul in Corinth and was with him when Paul wrote his epistle to the Ephesians.
Barnabas
Name means “son of consolation.” He was a Levite who lived on the island of Cyprus. Sold land to give money to the early church. Brought Paul to the apostles at a time when everyone was rejecting him. Traveled with Paul on his first missionary journey. He was a cousin of of Mark, one of the 4 gospel writers.
Cornelius
Roman centurion, living at Caesarea, who became the first gentile (non-Jew) to be baptized and become a Christian.
Dorcas
Also called Tabitha. A Christian widow, living in Joppa, whom Peter brought back from the dead (Acts 9).
Eutychus
A young man in Troas who fell through an open window while listening to the apostle Paul teach. Paul brought the young man back from the dead (Acts 20).
Felix
Roman Procurator of Judea from 52 to 60 A.D. The apostle Paul is sent to Felix after he caused a riot at Jerusalem’s temple (Acts 21). Governor Felix, in spite of Paul’s innocence, keeps him a Caesarea prison for 2 years hoping to be bribed to release him (Acts 24:26 – 27). In 60 A.D. Felix is replaced as Procurator by Porcius Festus.
Festus
Roman Procurator of Judea from 60 to 62 A.D. Hears the case against the apostle Paul after Governor Felix has had him in prison for 2 years. As a Roman citizen Paul asserts his right to have his case heard by Caesar in Rome. Festus agrees to send Paul to Rome.
Gamaliel
Well-known Pharisaic Rabbi and grandson of the also famous Rabbi Hillel. Taught a very young Saul (apostle Paul – Acts 22:3). When apostles were brought before the Sanhedrin he wisely counseled them to “leave them alone” lest they might find themselves fighting against God (Acts 5)!
Phoebe
A deaconess of the church at Cenchrea. Took apostle Paul’s epistle to the Romans to the city of Rome (Romans 16).
Priscilla and Aquila
Husband and wife team who helped instruct Apollos about Jesus Christ (Acts 18). Half the time Priscilla’s name is mentioned in scripture it is placed before Aquila’s. They meet the apostle Paul for the first time in Corinth toward the end of his second missionary journey (Acts 18). They, like Paul, made a living as tentmakers.
Silas
Also called Silvanus. Accompanied Paul and Barnabas from Jerusalem to Antioch with church decision concerning circumcision and salvation (Acts 15). Traveled with the apostle Paul on his second missionary journey. Delivered to elders in the church the apostle Peter’s first epistle (1Peter 5:12).
Simon of Cyrene
Person who was seized by Roman soldiers and forced to carry Jesus’ cross to Golgotha (Matthew 27:32).
Simon the Sorcerer
Also called Simeon Magus. He was a Samaritan sorcerer who practiced magic and presented himself as being ‘great’ (Acts 8). Was nominally converted and baptized by Philip. Saw how by the laying on of hands the Holy Spirit was given to believers and thought he could purchase the same power for himself. Was strongly rebuked by Peter for his request. The term Simony, used to denote a person who makes a profit from religious or sacred things, was derived from him.
Stephen
One of original 7 Jerusalem deacons. Was first Christian martyr in 32 A.D. (Acts 6 – 7).
Timothy
Lived in Lystra. His mother was a Jew and father was a Greek. Traveled with Paul on most of his second missionary journey, served Paul in Ephesus during third missionary journey (Acts 19:22) and was with him during his imprisonment in Rome (Philemon 1:1). Paul stated that Timothy was specially given the gift to evangelize and defend the truth (1Timothy 4:14, 2Timothy 1:6). He considered Timothy his closest friend and even treated him like a son (2Timothy 2:2 – 6).
Zacchaeus
A chief tax collector of Jericho who was rich and short. Had to climb a tree to see Jesus walk by. On seeing Zacchaeus Jesus stated he would stay at his house for the night (Luke 19).