Letter Carrier and More Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. Colossians 4:12 Although the apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he touched many people—even us today—with his letters. He couldn’t post these letters …
Lydia
Time to Shift Priorities? “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” Philippians 3:7 Lydia was a savvy businesswoman who had established a relationship with many, if not most, of the wealthiest citizens in Philippi. Her specialty was purple cloth, a high-end fabric that symbolized status in first-century Europe because the dye was …
Priscilla and Aquila
Ready to Help Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Romans 16:3–4 The apostle Paul arrived in the port city of Corinth around 51 BC. The bustling trade route center, infamous for its immorality, would be the …
Timothy
Pass It On And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2 Timothy’s mother and grandmother had probably become believers when Paul made his first missionary journey to Derbe and Lystra. They passed on to Timothy the “sacred writings”—the Old …
Barnabas
The Power of Encouragement But Barnabas took [Paul] and brought him to the apostles. He told them how [Paul] on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. Acts 9:27 Did you have a nickname when you were young? Somehow my …
Tabitha
Always Doing Good “Now, let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10). Peter and John had been jailed for healing …
David’s Mighty Warriors
Steadfast Servants of God They shall be like mighty men in battle, trampling the foe in the mud of the streets; they shall fight because the Lord is with them, and they shall put to shame the riders on horses. Zechariah 10:5 (ESV) Josheb-Basshebeth. Eleazar. Shammah. These names don’t appear on any list of popular names for baby boys. But …
Ethan
Great Is His Faithfulness Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty and your faithfulness surrounds you. Psalm 89:8 Identified as a temple musician during David’s reign, Ethan the Ezrahite was also considered one of the wisest men in Solomon’s kingdom (See 1 Chronicles 15:16–19; 1 Kings 4:31). One psalm is attributed to Ethan, a song that …
Zerubbabel
Spiritual Authority “I will take you Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,” says the Lord. “I will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,” says the Lord of Hosts.” Haggai 2:23 Zerubabbel was born in exile in Babylon. He was appointed governor and led nearly 50,000 people back to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem (Ezra …
Asaph
A Musician’s Legacy Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. Psalm 77:13–14 Whatever your taste in music, the names of some composers echo down through the centuries: Ludwig van Beethoven, John Philip Sousa, and John Williams. In the era …