Philip – The Evangelist
Jesus’ last words to his followers were a command to take the gospel everywhere, but they seemed reluctant to leave Jerusalem. It took intense persecution to scatter the believers from …
Adam – Father of the Human Race
We can hardly imagine what it must have been like to be the first and only person on earth. It’s one thing for us to be lonely; it was another …
Thomas Didymus – Doubting Thomas
Thomas Didymus aka Doubting Thomas Thomas Didymus lived in Galilee. Tradition says he labored in Parthia, Persia, and India, suffering martyrdom near Madras, at Mt. St. Thomas, India. Thomas was …
Moses – Prophet and Deliverer of Israel
Some people can’t stay out of trouble. When conflict breaks out, they always manage to be nearby. Reaction is their favorite action. This was Moses. He seemed drawn to what …
Mary Magdalene – Example of Thankful Living
The absence of women among the 12 disciples has bothered a few people. But it is clear that there were many women among Jesus’ followers. It is also clear that …
Judah – Son of Jacob
People who are leaders stand out. They don’t necessarily look or act a certain way until the need for their action is apparent. Among their skills are outspokenness, decisiveness, action, …
Joseph – Man With Divine Purpose
As a youngster, Joseph was overconfident. His natural self-assurance, increased by being Jacob’s favorite son and by knowledge of God’s designs on his life, was unbearable to his ten older …
Apostle John – Brother of James, Son of Zebedee
John Boanerges, son of Zebedee and Salome, brother of James, the Apostle. He was known as the Beloved Disciple. A fisherman who lived in Bethsaida, Capernaum, and Jerusalem, he was …
Laban – Brother of Rebekah
We’re all selfish, but some of us have a real corner on the weakness. Laban’s whole life was stamped by self-centeredness. His chief goal was to look out for himself. …
Caiaphas – High Priest of Israel
Caiaphas was the leader of the religious group called the Sadducees. Educated and wealthy, they were politically influential in the nation. As the elite group, they were on fairly good …
Rachel – Wife of Jacob
History seems to repeat itself here. Twice a town well in Haran was the site of significant events in one family’s story. It was here that Rebekah met Eliezer, Abraham’s …
Nicodemus – Pharisee, Member of the Sanhedrin
God specializes in finding and changing people we consider out of reach. It took a while for Nicodemus to come out of the dark, but God was patient with this …
Jacob – Son of Isaac, Brother of Esau
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are among the most significant people in the Old Testament. It is important to realize that this significance is not based upon their personal characters but …
John the Baptist – Prepares the Way for the Messiah
There’s no getting around it – John the Baptist was unique. He wore odd clothes and ate strange food and preached an unusual message to the Judeans who went out …
Esau – Son of Isaac, Brother of Jacob
Common sense isn’t always that common. In fact, the common thread in many decisions is that they don’t make sense. Esau’s life was filled with choices he must have regretted …