Matthew to Philetus
Important New Testament People

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This page lists information on important New Testament people who played a role in the development and expansion of the first century church. Individuals discussed on this page include the apostles Matthew, Matthias and Nathanael (Bartholomew), Nicodemus, apostles Paul and Peter, and others.

Matthew (Levi)
Matthew 9:9 - 10, 10:3, Mark 2:14 - 15, 3:18
Luke 5:27 - 29, 6:15, Acts 1:13

Matthew, also referred to as Levi, is the seventh person called by Christ to be one of his twelve apostles (Mark 2:14, Luke 5:27 - 29).

Matthew's vocation before meeting Jesus was as a tax collector (Matthew 9:9, 10:3). As such, He may have been a wealthy man since they were notorious for practicing extortion, stealing, and generally being dishonest (Luke 3:12 - 13, 19:7 - 8).

Matthew's gospel, written in 35 A.D., is the first of four gospels to be recorded. It is also the first book written that was included in the canonized New Testament.

According to Foxe's Book of Martyrs he preached the gospel both in Ethiopia and Parthia. It is believed he died a martyr. When God's builds his New Jerusalem, the gemstone that will be an everlasting memorial to Matthew's efforts will likely be a chrysolite stone.

Matthias
Acts 1:23 - 26

Matthias was chosen to be one of the twelve apostles, through lot, to replace Judas Iscariot who committed suicide (Matthew 27:3 - 5, Acts 1:16 - 26). The 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia believes Matthias was one of the seventy disciples Jesus personally trained during his ministry (Luke 10).

When God's builds his New Jerusalem, the gemstone that will be an everlasting memorial to Matthias' efforts will likely be an amethyst.

The Apostle Matthias
The Apostle Matthias
Duccio di Buoninsegna, 1308 - 11

Mnason
Acts 21:16

See people connected to Paul listing.

Narcissus
Romans 16:11

See people connected to Paul listing.

Nathanael (Bartholomew)
Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18
Luke 6:14, John 1:45 - 49, 21:2
Acts 1:13

Nathanael is also referred to as Bartholomew in the New Testament (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:14, Acts 1:13). He was the fifth person called to be a disciple and apostle of Jesus Christ.

Jesus jokingly commented on Nathanael's candor, moments before their first meeting, when he said, "Behold, truly an Israelite in whom there is no guile" (John 1:48).

Foxes' Book of Martyrs believes he preached the gospel in India, after which he brutally beaten and crucified. The Catholic Encyclopedia states he died at Albanopolis in Armenia.

When God's builds his New Jerusalem, the gemstone that will be an everlasting memorial to Nathanael's efforts will likely be a sardonyx stone.

Nereus
Romans 16:15

See people connected to Paul listing.

Nero (Emperor)
Acts 17:7, 25:8, etc.

See people connected to Paul listing.

Nicanor
Acts 6:5

Nicanor was one of the first seven men, selected by the early church, to handle the daily distribution of food to the poor saints in Jerusalem. These men (Nicanor, Nicolas, Parmenas, Philip, Prochorus, Stephen and Timon) are commonly referred to as the New Testament's first elected deacons (leaders). Nothing more is known about Nicanor.

Nicodemus
John 3:1 - 10, 7:50 - 53, 19:39

Nicodemus' name is only recorded in the gospel of John. He was a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin who believed in Jesus. His first recorded visit with Christ was at night to inform him the Jews, based on his miracles, understood he was a teacher from God (John 3).

Nicodemus, to the great surprise of the Sanhedrin, later defended Christ before them (John 7:44 - 52). He also, at great risk to his standing among the Jews, aided Joseph of Arimathaea in preparing Jesus' body for burial in a new tomb (19:39 - 42).

Nicolas
Acts 6:5

Nicolas was one of the first seven men, selected by the early church, to handle the daily distribution of food to the poor saints in Jerusalem. These men are commonly referred to as the New Testament's first deacons.

Nicolas is the first recorded New Testament case where a proselyte (Gentile convert to Judaism), who then became a Christian, was given a position of responsibility within the early church. Nothing more is known about him.

Nymphas
Colossians 4:15

See people connected to Paul listing.

Olympas
Romans 16:15

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Onesimus
Colossians 4:9, Philemon 1:10

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Onesiphorus
2Timothy 1:16 - 18, 4:19

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Parmenas
Acts 6:5

Parmenas was one of the first seven men, selected by the early church, to handle the daily distribution of food to the poor saints in Jerusalem. These men are commonly referred to as the New Testament's first deacons. Nothing more is known about Parmenas.

Patrobas
Romans 16:14

See people connected to Paul listing.

Paul (Saul)
Acts 7:58, 8:1 - 3, 9, 11:25, 30,
12:25, 13 - 28, Romans 1:1,
1Corinthians 1:1, 2Corinthians 1:1, etc.
2Peter 3:15

The Apostle Paul, whose birth name was Saul, was born around 2 A.D. His father was a Pharisee (Acts 23:6). Although a Jew by birth, he was considered a Roman citizen. He received his education in Jerusalem by the well-known Pharisaic Rabbi Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). As a young man, he was a zealous Pharisee who persecuted the early Christian church (Acts 7 - 8).

Paul's ministry ran from 33 to 68 A.D., during which time he conducted at least five missionary journeys. For more information please see our article dedicated to Paul.

Persis
Romans 16:12

See people connected to Paul listing.

Peter (Cephas, Simon Peter)
Matthew 4, 8, 10, etc., Mark 3, 5, 8, 9, etc.
Luke 5, 6, 8, 9. etc.
John, 1, 6, 13, 18, 20, 21
Acts 1 - 5, 8, 9, etc.
Galatians 1:18, 2:7 - 14
1Corinthians 1:12, 3:22, 9:5, 15:5
1Peter 1:1, 2Peter 1:1

Peter, the brother of Andrew, was the third person Jesus personally called to be one of his disciples. Both he and his brother Andrew, who lived in Bethsaida (John 1:44), worked together as fishermen (Matthew 4:18 - 20, Mark 1:16 - 18). At the time of his calling Peter, whose original name was Simon, was married (Mark 1:29 - 31).

Peter was one of only three witnesses to Jesus' transfiguration (the other two being James and John, Matthew 17). He also walked on water with Jesus (Matthew 14) and denied him three times just before the crucifixion (Matthew 26). He wrote two books that were included in the New Testament.

Contrary to Roman Catholic tradition, Peter was not the first pope, was not the head of the church, was not given the keys to God's kingdom and certainly was not infallible. There are no Scriptures stating Peter, or anyone after him, was given the authority to rule over the faith of Christians.

Peter died as a martyr likely in 68 A.D. For more information, please see his listing under those connected to the Apostle Paul.

Philemon
Philemon 1:1

See people connected to Paul listing.

Philetus
2Timothy 2:17 - 18

See people connected to Paul listing.

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