The Twelfth Apostle Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection. Acts 1:21-22 After he rose …
Epaphras
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 …
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 …