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Person / Group | | Description / Notes |
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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. Uncle of Mark, one of the 4 gospel writers. | |  Apostle James the Greater | | | | | 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. 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). | | | | |
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| Caligula | | Emperor of the Roman Empire from 37 to 41 A.D. Assassinated in a conspiracy involving senators and Praetorian Guards. |
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| Claudius | | Emperor of the Roman Empire from 41 to 54 A.D. Possibly died after being poisoned by his wife Agrippina. |
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| Cornelius | | Roman centurion, living at Caesarea, who became the first gentile (non-Jew) to be baptized and become a Christian. |
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| Domitian | | Emperor of the Roman Empire from 81 to 96 A.D. Exiles the apostle John to the island of Patmos. Assassinated by court officials. |
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| Dorcas | | Also called Tabitha. A Christian widow, living in Joppa, whom Peter brought back from the dead (Acts 9). |
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| 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. |
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| 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). |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Gabriel | | Archangel who told Mary she would give birth to Jesus |
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| 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)! |
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| Herod | | 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. |
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| Herodians | | The Herodians were probably a faction that supported the policies and government of the Herodian family, especially during the time of Herod Antipas. Herod was a ruler over Galilee and Perea during the lifetimes of John the Baptist and of Jesus. |
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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. |
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(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. | |  The Apostles Peter and Paul | | | | | 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. | | | | | 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. | | | | |
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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). |
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| 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. |
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Judas
(Thaddaeus) | | This Judas, one of the original 12 disciples, was also called Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus. Brother of James the Less and Simon (the Canaanite). |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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). |
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| Mark | | Was also known as John Mark. His uncle was Barnabas. Wrote one of the four gospels. Abruptly left Paul and Barnabas during Paul's first missionary journey. | |  Apostle St. John the Evangelist | | | | | 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. | | | | | Mary
Magdalene | | Most prominent of Jesus' female disciples. This Mary was the first person to see Jesus alive after his resurrection. | | | | | 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. | | | | | | | Nathanael | | Also called Bartholomew. One of Jesus' original 12 disciples. | | | | |
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| Nero | | Emperor of the Roman Empire from 54 to 68 A.D. Apostles Paul and Peter are put to death under his reign. Committed suicide after being declared a public enemy by the Senate. |
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| Nerva | | Emperor of the Roman Empire from 96 to 98 A.D. Releases the apostle John from his island of Patmos banishment. |
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| 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). |
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| 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). Was converted on trip to Damascus and later renamed Paul (Acts 13:9). Worked as tentmaker 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. |
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| 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). Was 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 2 New Testament books. Died a martyr at the hands of Rome around 67 A.D. |
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| Pharisees | | The Pharisees were a group of influential Jews active in Palestine from the second century B.C. through the first century A.D. The Pharisees advocated and adhered to strict observance of the Sabbath rest, purity rituals, tithing, and food restrictions based on the Hebrew Scriptures and on later traditions. |
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| 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). |
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| Phoebe | | A deaconess of the church at Cenchrea. Took apostle Paul's epistle to the Romans to Rome (Romans 16). |
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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. |
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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. |
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| Sadducees | | The Sadducees were a prominent religious group of Jews in Palestine from the second century B.C. through the first century A.D. They were probably a smaller "elite" group but even more influential than the Pharisees. They also followed the laws of the Torah, but denied that the oral law was a revelation of God to His people and deemed the written law alone as the divine authority to be obligatory on the nation. |
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| 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) |
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| Sanhedrin | | The Sanhedrin, or more properly the Great Sanhedrin, was the supreme council of the Jews composed of seventy elders plus the high priest. The Great Sanhedrin, who at the time of Jesus officially met in a chamber within Jerusalem's temple known as the chamber of hewn stones, had jurisdiction over religious matters. |
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| Scribes | | The scribes were men specially trained in writing, and thus influential as interpreters and teachers of the Law, and agents of the rulers. |
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| 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). |
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| 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). |
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Simon
of Cyrene | | Person who was seized by Roman soldiers and forced to carry Jesus' cross to Golgotha (Matthew 27:32). |
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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. |
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| Stephen | | One of original 7 Jerusalem deacons. Was first Christian martyr in 32 A.D. (Acts 6-7). |
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| Thaddeus | | One of 12 Apostles, also known as Lebbeus or Judas. |
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| 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. |
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| Tiberius | | Emperor of the Roman Empire from 14 to 37 A.D. Was emperor during Jesus' public ministry and crucifixion. Possibly died through assassination. | |  Statue of Augustus Caesar | | | | | Titus | | Emperor of the Roman Empire from 79 to 81 A.D. | | | | | | 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). | | | | | Trajan | | Emperor of the Roman Empire from 98 to 117 A.D. Trajan reigns when the Roman Empire is at its peak of power and prosperity. | | | | |
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| Vespasian | | Emperor of the Roman Empire from 69 to 79 A.D. |
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| 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). |
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Written by: THE Bible Study Web Site at BibleStudy.org |
References used: Easton's Bible Dictionary; Fausset's Bible Dictionary; Nave's Topical Bible |
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