People & Groups of the New Testament: Profiles, Biographies
For many, the New Testament of the Bible is a historically accurate record and a reliable guide to people, places, and events in the past. For most scholars, the Bible records events from the past but through the filters of religious, political, and social agendas - filters thick enough to make it difficult to disentangle fact from fiction. Many people and groups described in the New Testament existed, but not always in the way that the Bible suggests.
Andrew the Apostle: Profile & Biography of Andrew the Apostle, Disciple of Jesus in the New Testament Gospels
Andrew, whose Greek name means 'manly,' was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. The brother of Simon Peter and son of Jona (or John), Andrew's name appears on all of the lists of apostles, and his being called by Jesus appears in all three synoptic gospels as well as Acts. Andrew's name comes up multiple times in the gospels - the synoptics show him at the Mount of Olives and John describes him as a one-time disciple of John the Baptist.
Andrew, whose Greek name means 'manly,' was one of Jesus' twelve apostles. The brother of Simon Peter and son of Jona (or John), Andrew's name appears on all of the lists of apostles, and his being called by Jesus appears in all three synoptic gospels as well as Acts. Andrew's name comes up multiple times in the gospels - the synoptics show him at the Mount of Olives and John describes him as a one-time disciple of John the Baptist.
Apostles of Jesus: Profile of the Apostles of Jesus, New Testament Figures Who Followed Jesus
Apostle is an English transliteration of the Greek apostolos, which means 'one who is sent out.' In ancient Greek, an apostle might be any person 'sent out' to deliver news - messengers and envoys, for example — and perhaps carry out other instructions. Via the New Testament, however, apostle has acquired a more specific usage and now refers to one of the elect disciples of Jesus. Apostolic lists in the New Testament all have 12 names, but not all the same names.
Apostle is an English transliteration of the Greek apostolos, which means 'one who is sent out.' In ancient Greek, an apostle might be any person 'sent out' to deliver news - messengers and envoys, for example — and perhaps carry out other instructions. Via the New Testament, however, apostle has acquired a more specific usage and now refers to one of the elect disciples of Jesus. Apostolic lists in the New Testament all have 12 names, but not all the same names.
Barabbas: Profile & Biography of Barabbas, Chosen for Release by Jews at the Trial of Jesus
Barabbas was a criminal whom the gospels say was released by the Romans instead of Jesus. Bar-abbas means 'son of the father,' thus a false 'son of the father' was chosen by the Jews to be released while the true 'son of the father' was delivered to the Romans for crucifixion. Some early manuscripts of Matthew give Barabbas a surname: Jesus. This may have been a copyist error because the Greek words for 'to you' ('release to you Barabbas') could have looked like an abbreviation for Jesus.
Barabbas was a criminal whom the gospels say was released by the Romans instead of Jesus. Bar-abbas means 'son of the father,' thus a false 'son of the father' was chosen by the Jews to be released while the true 'son of the father' was delivered to the Romans for crucifixion. Some early manuscripts of Matthew give Barabbas a surname: Jesus. This may have been a copyist error because the Greek words for 'to you' ('release to you Barabbas') could have looked like an abbreviation for Jesus.
Centurion: Profile of the Centurion, Officer in the Roman Legions
The title Centurion was used in the Roman army to designate a non-commissioned officer who was in charge of around 100 men. In practice, though, centurions were usually in charge of a 'century' of just 80 men. A Roman legion of 4,800 to 6,000 men thus contained 60 Centurions.
The title Centurion was used in the Roman army to designate a non-commissioned officer who was in charge of around 100 men. In practice, though, centurions were usually in charge of a 'century' of just 80 men. A Roman legion of 4,800 to 6,000 men thus contained 60 Centurions.
Christ: Profile of Christ, Jewish Messiah, Anointed One
Christ is a title, not a person. Christ is the Greek form of Messiah, which comes from the Hebrew word mashiah. For Jews, the Christ is the 'anointed' or 'consecrated' one. Kings, priests, and prophets were all anointed in some fashion, but the Christ is typically regarded as the perfect union of all three: a king, priest, and prophet picked by God to lead his chosen people.
Christ is a title, not a person. Christ is the Greek form of Messiah, which comes from the Hebrew word mashiah. For Jews, the Christ is the 'anointed' or 'consecrated' one. Kings, priests, and prophets were all anointed in some fashion, but the Christ is typically regarded as the perfect union of all three: a king, priest, and prophet picked by God to lead his chosen people.
Christian: Who was a Christian? Profile of Christians During New Testament Times
The definition of Christian is a matter of great debate - every Christian group seems to have their own definition that includes themselves but excludes many others. The simplest, most basic definition of Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ. How one 'follows' and what one thinks about Jesus (aside from him being the Christ) varies considerably.
The definition of Christian is a matter of great debate - every Christian group seems to have their own definition that includes themselves but excludes many others. The simplest, most basic definition of Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ. How one 'follows' and what one thinks about Jesus (aside from him being the Christ) varies considerably.
Essenes: Profile of the Essenes - Jewish Religious Group, Creators of the Dead Sea Scrolls
The name Essenes comes from the Greek for 'holy ones.' The Essenes were a Jewish sect that broke away from mainstream Judaism because of a dispute over who was qualified to be high priest. After the Maccabean revolt, the Hasmoneans claimed the office of high priest as part of the spoils of war. Some argued that the Maccabees couldn't be priests because they didn't come from the tribe of Levi, and some of these critics joined a group called the Hasideans which, it is thought, became the Essenes.
The name Essenes comes from the Greek for 'holy ones.' The Essenes were a Jewish sect that broke away from mainstream Judaism because of a dispute over who was qualified to be high priest. After the Maccabean revolt, the Hasmoneans claimed the office of high priest as part of the spoils of war. Some argued that the Maccabees couldn't be priests because they didn't come from the tribe of Levi, and some of these critics joined a group called the Hasideans which, it is thought, became the Essenes.
Gentiles: Profile of the Gentiles, Hebrew Designation for Non-Jews in the New and Old Testaments
The label Gentile comes from the Latin gens which is a translation of the Hebrew word goy and means 'nation' or 'people.' It's roughly equivalent to the Greek ethnos, though in Hebrew usage it occurs exclusively in reference to non-Jewish nations and people rather than for more general considerations. The concept of 'Gentile' includes those nations and people who exist outside the laws and justice of God.
The label Gentile comes from the Latin gens which is a translation of the Hebrew word goy and means 'nation' or 'people.' It's roughly equivalent to the Greek ethnos, though in Hebrew usage it occurs exclusively in reference to non-Jewish nations and people rather than for more general considerations. The concept of 'Gentile' includes those nations and people who exist outside the laws and justice of God.
Herod Antipas: Profile & Biography of Herod Antipas, New Testament Figure & Jewish Leader
Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great and one of his wives, Malthace. Antipas became tetrarch of Gaililee and Perea on the death of his father in 4 BCE. Once his brother Archelaus was deposed, he acquired the dynastic name Herod.
Herod Antipas was the son of Herod the Great and one of his wives, Malthace. Antipas became tetrarch of Gaililee and Perea on the death of his father in 4 BCE. Once his brother Archelaus was deposed, he acquired the dynastic name Herod.
Herod the Great: Profile & Biography of Herod the Great, New Testament Figure & Jewish Leader
Herod the Great was the most famous and important ruler in the Herodian dynasty. He was made king of the Jews by the Roman senate, but that title only became a reality when he successfully eliminated Antiognus II, a Hasmonean rival supported by Rome's enemy the Parthian empire.
Herod the Great was the most famous and important ruler in the Herodian dynasty. He was made king of the Jews by the Roman senate, but that title only became a reality when he successfully eliminated Antiognus II, a Hasmonean rival supported by Rome's enemy the Parthian empire.
Herodian Dynasty: Profile of the Herodian Dynasty, Jewish Rulers during New Testament Times
The name Herod is Greek and means 'sprung from a hero.' The origins of the Herodian family are not known, aside from the fact that they were a powerful Idumean family. The earliest references to them occur in the context of the Hasmonean rulers of Judea in the early first century BCE. Major Herodian rulers included: Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, Herod Philip, Herod Agrippa, and Herod Agrippa II.
The name Herod is Greek and means 'sprung from a hero.' The origins of the Herodian family are not known, aside from the fact that they were a powerful Idumean family. The earliest references to them occur in the context of the Hasmonean rulers of Judea in the early first century BCE. Major Herodian rulers included: Herod the Great, Herod Antipas, Herod Philip, Herod Agrippa, and Herod Agrippa II.
Herodians: Profile of the Herodians, a New Testament Group Described as Opposed to Jesus
The Herodians appear to have been a Jewish political faction active around the time Jesus would have been alive. Not much is known about them, but based upon the name they would have primarily been a political rather than religious group interested in maintaining the power and authority of the Herodian Dynasty of rulers.
The Herodians appear to have been a Jewish political faction active around the time Jesus would have been alive. Not much is known about them, but based upon the name they would have primarily been a political rather than religious group interested in maintaining the power and authority of the Herodian Dynasty of rulers.
James the Apostle: Profile & Biography of James the Apostle, Disciple & Apostle of Jesus in the Gospels
James, the son of Zebedee, was called along with this brother John to be one of Jesus' twelve apostles who would accompany him on his ministry. James appears in the lists of apostles in the synoptic gospels as well as Acts. James and his brother John were given the nickname 'Boanerges' (sons of thunder) by Jesus; some believe this was a reference to their tempers.
James, the son of Zebedee, was called along with this brother John to be one of Jesus' twelve apostles who would accompany him on his ministry. James appears in the lists of apostles in the synoptic gospels as well as Acts. James and his brother John were given the nickname 'Boanerges' (sons of thunder) by Jesus; some believe this was a reference to their tempers.
John the Apostle: Profile & Biography of John the Apostle, Disciple & Apostle of Jesus in the Gospels
John, the son of Zebedee, was called along with this brother James to be one of Jesus' twelve apostles who would accompany him on his ministry. John appears in the lists of apostles in the synoptic gospels as well as Acts. John and his brother James were given the nickname 'Boanerges' (sons of thunder) by Jesus; some believe this was a reference to their tempers.
John, the son of Zebedee, was called along with this brother James to be one of Jesus' twelve apostles who would accompany him on his ministry. John appears in the lists of apostles in the synoptic gospels as well as Acts. John and his brother James were given the nickname 'Boanerges' (sons of thunder) by Jesus; some believe this was a reference to their tempers.
John the Baptist: Profile & Biography of John the Baptist, New Testament Prophet
John the Baptist (also: John the Baptizer) appears in each of the four gospels as a figure preaching the immediate coming of a Messiah. John is depicted in a manner consistent with Jewish eschatological expectations: dressed and acting like Elijah, John is preparing the way for the Messiah as well as the 'last days.' Gospel stories suggest that John's ministry was popular and successful. According to Luke, he was born into a priestly family.
John the Baptist (also: John the Baptizer) appears in each of the four gospels as a figure preaching the immediate coming of a Messiah. John is depicted in a manner consistent with Jewish eschatological expectations: dressed and acting like Elijah, John is preparing the way for the Messiah as well as the 'last days.' Gospel stories suggest that John's ministry was popular and successful. According to Luke, he was born into a priestly family.
Joseph of Arimathea: Who Was Joseph of Arimathea? Did Joseoph Carry the Holy Grail?
The role and behavior of Joseph of Arimathea is one of the few things discussed in all four gospels. According to the gospels, Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man, a member of the Sanhedrin who disagreed with Jesus' conviction. John and Matthew even say that he was a disciple of Jesus. Joseph took the body of Jesus, wrapped it in linen, and buried it in a tomb that he may have prepared for himself.
The role and behavior of Joseph of Arimathea is one of the few things discussed in all four gospels. According to the gospels, Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man, a member of the Sanhedrin who disagreed with Jesus' conviction. John and Matthew even say that he was a disciple of Jesus. Joseph took the body of Jesus, wrapped it in linen, and buried it in a tomb that he may have prepared for himself.
Josephus (Falvius Josephus): Profile & Biography of Josephus, Jewish Historian and Author
Josephus is also known as Flavius Josephus and Joseph Ben Matthias (Yosef Ben Mattityahu). Josephus was a leader of Jewish Revolt who was captured by the Romans at Jotapata in 67 CE and quickly ingratiated himself with Vespasian. Josephus predicted that Vespasian would become emperor; this happened in 69 and Josephus was subsequently released.
Josephus is also known as Flavius Josephus and Joseph Ben Matthias (Yosef Ben Mattityahu). Josephus was a leader of Jewish Revolt who was captured by the Romans at Jotapata in 67 CE and quickly ingratiated himself with Vespasian. Josephus predicted that Vespasian would become emperor; this happened in 69 and Josephus was subsequently released.
Judas Iscariot: Profile & Biography of Judas Iscariot, Disciple & Apostle who Betrayed Jesus
Every story needs a villain and Judas Iscariot fills this role in the gospels. He is the apostle who betrayed Jesus and helps the Jerusalem authorities arrest him. Judas may have enjoyed a privileged position among Jesus' apostles - John describes him as the band's treasurer and he is often present at important times. John also describes him as a thief, but it seems implausible that a thief would have joined such a group or that Jesus would have made a thief their treasurer.
Every story needs a villain and Judas Iscariot fills this role in the gospels. He is the apostle who betrayed Jesus and helps the Jerusalem authorities arrest him. Judas may have enjoyed a privileged position among Jesus' apostles - John describes him as the band's treasurer and he is often present at important times. John also describes him as a thief, but it seems implausible that a thief would have joined such a group or that Jesus would have made a thief their treasurer.
Luke the Evangelist: Profile & Biography of Luke the Evangelist, Author of a Gospel and Acts
The name Luke comes from the Greek Loukas which may itself be an affectionate form of the Latin Lucius. Luke is mentioned three times in New Testament letters attributed to Paul (Philemon, Colossians, 2 Timothy), only one of which was likely written by Paul himself (Philemon). The inauthentic passages describe Luke as 'the beloved physician.' The authentic passage describes him as someone working with Paul. This same Luke is usually identified as the author of the gospel of Luke and Acts.
The name Luke comes from the Greek Loukas which may itself be an affectionate form of the Latin Lucius. Luke is mentioned three times in New Testament letters attributed to Paul (Philemon, Colossians, 2 Timothy), only one of which was likely written by Paul himself (Philemon). The inauthentic passages describe Luke as 'the beloved physician.' The authentic passage describes him as someone working with Paul. This same Luke is usually identified as the author of the gospel of Luke and Acts.
Mark the Evangelist: Profile & Biography of Mark the Evangelist, Gospel Author
A number of people in the New Testament are named Mark and any could, in theory, have been the author behind the gospel of Mark. Tradition has it that the Gospel According to Mark was written by Mark, a companion of Peter, who simply recorded what Peter preached in Rome (1 Peter 5:13), and this person was in turn identified with 'John Mark' in Acts (12:12,25; 13:5-13; 15:37-39) as well as the 'Mark' in Philemon 24, Colossians 4:10, and 2 Timothy 4:1.
A number of people in the New Testament are named Mark and any could, in theory, have been the author behind the gospel of Mark. Tradition has it that the Gospel According to Mark was written by Mark, a companion of Peter, who simply recorded what Peter preached in Rome (1 Peter 5:13), and this person was in turn identified with 'John Mark' in Acts (12:12,25; 13:5-13; 15:37-39) as well as the 'Mark' in Philemon 24, Colossians 4:10, and 2 Timothy 4:1.
Mary Magdalene: Profile & Biography of Mary Magdalene, Female Disciple of Jesus
Mary Magdalene is mentioned in the lists of Jesus' female companions that appear in Mark, Matthew, and Luke. Some believe that Mary Magdalene may have been an important figure among the female disciples, perhaps even their leader and a member of Jesus' inner circle of disciples - but not, apparently, to the degree of the 12 apostles. There is no textual evidence to allow for any definitive conclusions, though.
Mary Magdalene is mentioned in the lists of Jesus' female companions that appear in Mark, Matthew, and Luke. Some believe that Mary Magdalene may have been an important figure among the female disciples, perhaps even their leader and a member of Jesus' inner circle of disciples - but not, apparently, to the degree of the 12 apostles. There is no textual evidence to allow for any definitive conclusions, though.
Matthew the Apostle: Profile & Biography of Matthew the Apostle, Disciple of Jesus, Gospel Author
Matthew is recorded as one of Jesus' original disciples in all four gospels and in Acts. In the gospel of Matthew he is described as a tax collector; in parallel accounts, however, the tax collector Jesus encounters is named 'Levi.' Christians have traditionally thought that this was an example of a double naming.
Matthew is recorded as one of Jesus' original disciples in all four gospels and in Acts. In the gospel of Matthew he is described as a tax collector; in parallel accounts, however, the tax collector Jesus encounters is named 'Levi.' Christians have traditionally thought that this was an example of a double naming.
Messiah: Profile of the Messiah, Annointed One and God's Chosen Leader of the Jews
Messiah is a title, not a person. The Hebrew form is mashiah and the Greek form is Christos, commonly rendered in English as Christ. For Jews, the Messiah is the 'anointed' or 'consecrated' one. Kings, priests, and prophets were all anointed in some fashion, but the Messiah is typically regarded as the perfect union of all three: a king, priest, and prophet picked by God to lead his chosen people.
Messiah is a title, not a person. The Hebrew form is mashiah and the Greek form is Christos, commonly rendered in English as Christ. For Jews, the Messiah is the 'anointed' or 'consecrated' one. Kings, priests, and prophets were all anointed in some fashion, but the Messiah is typically regarded as the perfect union of all three: a king, priest, and prophet picked by God to lead his chosen people.
Peter the Apostle (Simon Peter): Profile & Biography of Peter, Disciple of Jesus and Church Leader
Peter was one of the most important of Jesus' twelve apostles. Peter is known as Simon Peter, the son of Jona (or John) and brother of Andrew. The name Peter comes from the Aramaic term for 'rock' and Simon comes from the Greek for 'hearing.' Peter's name appears on all of the lists of apostles and his being called by Jesus appears in all three synoptic gospels as well as Acts.
Peter was one of the most important of Jesus' twelve apostles. Peter is known as Simon Peter, the son of Jona (or John) and brother of Andrew. The name Peter comes from the Aramaic term for 'rock' and Simon comes from the Greek for 'hearing.' Peter's name appears on all of the lists of apostles and his being called by Jesus appears in all three synoptic gospels as well as Acts.
Pharisees: Profile of the Pharisees, Jewish Faction in Gospel Stories of Jesus
The Pharisees were an important, powerful, and popular group of religious leaders among the Jews of Palestine. Their name might come from the Hebrew for 'separate ones' or perhaps 'interpreters.' Their origin is unknown but they are believed to have been very popular with the people. Josephus identifies some Jewish priests as Pharisees, so they should be regarded as a faction or interest group not necessarily opposed to the religious leadership.
The Pharisees were an important, powerful, and popular group of religious leaders among the Jews of Palestine. Their name might come from the Hebrew for 'separate ones' or perhaps 'interpreters.' Their origin is unknown but they are believed to have been very popular with the people. Josephus identifies some Jewish priests as Pharisees, so they should be regarded as a faction or interest group not necessarily opposed to the religious leadership.
Philip the Apostle: Profile & Biography of Philip the Apostle, Disciple of Jesus
Philip is listed as one of Jesus' apostles in all four apostolic lists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts. He plays the largest role in John and appears little in the other gospels. The name Philip means 'lover of horses.'
Philip is listed as one of Jesus' apostles in all four apostolic lists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts. He plays the largest role in John and appears little in the other gospels. The name Philip means 'lover of horses.'
Pontius Pilate: Profile & Biography of Pontius Pilate, Roman Prefect of Judea in Gospel Times
Pontius Pilate was prefect (not procurator, as the gospels say) of Judea during the reign of emperor Tiberius Caesar. He was the fifth Roman appointed to govern Judea and held that office for the second-longest time: 26-36 CE. This was the same time during which John the Baptist and Jesus would have been active. As prefect, he was responsible for Tiberius' estates, collecting taxes, and maintaining order. His rank was equestrian and thus he was subordinate to the senate legate of Syria.
Pontius Pilate was prefect (not procurator, as the gospels say) of Judea during the reign of emperor Tiberius Caesar. He was the fifth Roman appointed to govern Judea and held that office for the second-longest time: 26-36 CE. This was the same time during which John the Baptist and Jesus would have been active. As prefect, he was responsible for Tiberius' estates, collecting taxes, and maintaining order. His rank was equestrian and thus he was subordinate to the senate legate of Syria.
Sadducees: Profile of Sadducees, Jewish Faction in Gospel Stories of Jesus
The Sadducees were a faction or interest group within Judaism. The label Sadducees derives from the Hebrew saddiqim, which means 'righteous ones.' It's uncertain whether this title originally came from the Zadok, the name of the high priest under David. Clear evidence for who the Sadducees were and what they believed is even worse than it is for the Pharisees, despite the fact that they appear to have been a well-established and powerful group.
The Sadducees were a faction or interest group within Judaism. The label Sadducees derives from the Hebrew saddiqim, which means 'righteous ones.' It's uncertain whether this title originally came from the Zadok, the name of the high priest under David. Clear evidence for who the Sadducees were and what they believed is even worse than it is for the Pharisees, despite the fact that they appear to have been a well-established and powerful group.
Salome: Profile & Biography of Salome, New Testament Figure in the Story of John the Baptist
Salome was the daughter of Herod and Herodias; the granddaughter of Herod the Great. Salome later married her uncle, Herod Philip the tetrarch.
Salome was the daughter of Herod and Herodias; the granddaughter of Herod the Great. Salome later married her uncle, Herod Philip the tetrarch.
Sanhedrin: Profile of the Sanhedrin, Council of Jews that Tried Jesus
Sanhedrin comes from the Greek synedrion, which literally means 'sitting together' and refers to a council of leaders - political, religious, state, etc. Ancient sources have references to both Roman and Jewish Sanhedrin in Palestine, though most today associate the body with a supreme court of Jewish chief priests in Jerusalem.
Sanhedrin comes from the Greek synedrion, which literally means 'sitting together' and refers to a council of leaders - political, religious, state, etc. Ancient sources have references to both Roman and Jewish Sanhedrin in Palestine, though most today associate the body with a supreme court of Jewish chief priests in Jerusalem.
Thomas the Apostle: Profile & Biography of Thomas the Apostle, Disciple of Jesus
Thomas was one of Jesus' twelve apostles and is included in each of the four apostolic lists. Thomas doesn't do much in the synoptic gospels but becomes important towards the end of John. Thomas is also called Didymus (the twin) each of the three times he appears in the Gospel According to John.
Thomas was one of Jesus' twelve apostles and is included in each of the four apostolic lists. Thomas doesn't do much in the synoptic gospels but becomes important towards the end of John. Thomas is also called Didymus (the twin) each of the three times he appears in the Gospel According to John.
Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus: Profile & Biography of Mary
The synoptic gospels (but not John) identify Mary as the mother of Jesus. Mark describes Jesus as the 'son of Mary.' In Jewish tradition, a man is always identified as the son of his father, even if the father is dead. Mark may not have done this because Jesus' birth wasn't legitimate - that his parents weren't married and, therefore, his biological father wasn't also his "social" father.
The synoptic gospels (but not John) identify Mary as the mother of Jesus. Mark describes Jesus as the 'son of Mary.' In Jewish tradition, a man is always identified as the son of his father, even if the father is dead. Mark may not have done this because Jesus' birth wasn't legitimate - that his parents weren't married and, therefore, his biological father wasn't also his "social" father.
Major Sources: Bibliography of Sources Used for Profiles of New Testament Figures
List of major sources used in writing profiles and biographies of important figures in the New Testament of the Bible
List of major sources used in writing profiles and biographies of important figures in the New Testament of the Bible