Major Bible Characters

OLD TESTAMENT PEOPLE

Adam & Eve: The first man and woman who God created. They lived in the Garden of Eden and their story can be found in the first three chapters of Genesis.

Noah: At a time when the world had become so disobedient to God, Noah was a man who still obeyed. God told him to build a large boat (an ark) which God would use to save Noah's family and land animals from worldwide flood. [Genesis 6-9]

Abraham (also Abram): God first called Abraham in Genesis 12, and promised him a son. In fact, God promised that Abraham would be the "Father of Many Nations." This seemed unbelievable since Noah was 100 years old. However, Abraham was faithful and God fulfilled his promise.

Isaac: Abraham's son (by Sarah), who had two sons, Jacob and Esau. It is through his lineage that God's promise to Abraham was passed. [Genesis]

Jacob (later known as Israel ): Abraham's grandson, Isaac's son. Jacob's twelve sons became the twelve tribes of Israel. [Genesis]

Joseph: One of Jacob's 12 sons, Joseph was shown favoritism by his father. His brothers sold him as a slave to Egypt, but Joseph remained obedient to God and eventually became second-in-command in Egypt. His brothers (whose families became the tribes of Israel) came to live in Egypt. [Genesis]

Moses: An Israelite born in Egypt during the time of Israel's slavery. Through his mother's shrewd actions, he was raised in palace by Pharoah's daughter. He eventually fled the country of Egypt until God called him back to lead the nation of Israel away from its slave masters. Moses led the nation of Israel for 40 years. [Exodus-Deuteronomy].

Joshua: Moses' apprentice and the next leader of Israel. Joshua led Israel through the time of wars and conquests as they were fighting for the Promised Land (the geographic area of Israel). [Joshua]

Rahab: a prostitute in the city in Jericho who was rewarded for helping Israelite spies during the time of conquest. Her life was spared when the walls of Jericho fell.

Ruth: a Moabite (non-Israelite) who showed extreme loyalty to her mother-in-law during difficult times and to whom God showed favor. Ruth became the great-grandmother of King David.

Samuel: a great prophet of Israel, and Israel's last judge. Samuel was a bold leader and he was the one who annointed the first two kings of Israel.

Saul: The first king of Israel. Saul was not an ideal leader, though he did some good things. He became obsessed with his power and was unfaithful as a ruler.

David: The second king of Israel, and "a man after God's own heart." David was a bold leader, extremely faithful, and proved to be a great king. David did succomb to great temptation, however, and this tainted his kingship. David wrote many of the Psalms which display his wide range of emotions before God.

Solomon: David's son who succeeded him as King. Solomon was granted one request from God, and he decided to ask for wisdom. God granted Solomon great wisdom, and blessed him also with riches and peace and power. Solomon is known for building the great temple.

NEW TESTAMENT PEOPLE

Mary: a young woman who God chose to give birth to Jesus. She was obviously very special in God's sight. She also witnessed Jesus' crucifixion. However, nowhere in scripture is she said to be sinless or an object of worship, and we are not directed to pray to her.

Joseph: was Jesus' earthly father and the husband of Mary. Joseph was a carpenter.

John the Baptist: a cousin of Jesus (his mother and Mary were sisters). John prepared the way for Jesus by preaching about the Messiah and calling people to repentance. He is known for living in the desert eating locust and honey and baptizing in the Jordan River.

Jesus: the son of God, who was born to Mary. He lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all by dying on the cross. He rose from the dead after 3 days. By this, He demonstrated His power over sin and death. After appearing to more than 500 people, He then ascended into Heaven. We believe He will return someday to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Peter: one of Jesus' 12 disciples. He was with Jesus during His whole public ministry. He was bold, loud and faithful. Though he denied being friends with Jesus at one time, he was forgiven and became a bold leader in the early Church - reaching out to Jews and Gentiles. He is credited to writing 1 and 2 Peter.

John: a close friend and disciple of Jesus. He also was with Jesus during His whole public ministry. From Christian tradition, we learn that John was the only disciple who was not a martyr. He is credited to writing the books of John, 1st, 2nd and 3rd John, and Revelation.

Paul: an apostle who preached the truth of Jesus Christ all over the Roman Empire. He is credited to writing at least 12 books in the New Testament. His main notariety is in preaching the message of Christ to Gentiles (non-Jews). Before becoming a Christian, Paul was a strict Jew who actually persecuted Christians for their beliefs. However, Jesus spoke to Paul one day while he was traveling to Damascus, and told Paul the truth of his identity. From that point on, Paul was an obedient follower of Christ.

James: the brother of Jesus and a leader of the church in Jerusalem. James is credited to writing the book that bears his name. This James was not one of the 12 disciples.

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