G. NEW TESTAMENT: Key People Flashcards
Herod the Great:
Mat. 2; Lk. 1
King of the Jews during the time of Jesus’ birth. He was the King Herod whom the Magi visited as they sought
Jesus. Gave orders to kill all boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under. Joseph had
been told by the Lord in a dream to flee to Egypt. They returned after Herod’s death.
Herod Antipas:
(AKA Herod the Tetrarch) Mt. 14; Lk. 3, 9, 13, 23; Mk. 6
The Herod who imprisoned and executed John the Baptist. He also briefly encountered Jesus when he was sent
by Pilate to Herod (Lk. 23). Jesus described him as “that fox” (Lk. 13). He divorced his first wife in order to marry
Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Herod Philip. John was imprisoned because he denounced this second
marriage as unlawful (Mk. 6:17ff).
Pharisees:
Throughout the Gospels, esp. Mt. 23
Non-professional, small (6,000 adherents), influential. Held in high esteem by populace and they considered
themselves the true Israel. Insisted they preserved and interpreted the oral Law of Moses (see Mt. 5:20). Beliefs:
attempted to balance human merit and divine grace; soul is imperishable and there will be a resurrection of the dead;
simple living (no concession to luxury); high view of human capacity. For them the life of faith was obedience to
the Law and they held de facto that tradition and interpretation supersede law.
Sadducees:
Throughout the Gospels, esp. Mk. 12
Strong adherence to biblical authority, as opposed to oral traditions of Pharisees. Human agency stressed over
fate and God’s activity. Anti supernaturalist: denied resurrection and angels. Were priestly, aristocratic, wealthy
and largely unpopular with the people. Cooperated with the Romans. They were the governing party of the
religious establishment.
The Apostles (name them)
\: Mt. 10; Mk. 3 Simon (Peter), Andrew (brother of Simon), James (Son of Zebedee), John (brother of James), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (Son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon (the Zealot), Judas Iscariot (who betrayed Jesus). Judas was later replaced by Matthias (Ac. 1). They were appointed and designated Apostles by Jesus that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and drive outdemons (Mk. 3:14-15). They became his witnesses and according to church tradition, all were martyred except for John. They provided leadership in the early church by carrying out ministry of prayer and the word.
Peter:
Mt. 14, 26, 16; Mk. 14; Lk. 22; Jn. 21; Ac. 2-5, 10-11; Petrine Epistles
Walked on the water with Jesus (Mt. 14). Was part of an inner circle of Apostles who had special access to
Jesus (along with James and John; see e.g. Mt. 17.). Betrayed Jesus and was restored. Preached at Pentecost and
became a key early leader of the church in Jerusalem (Ac. 2-5). His vision and interaction with Cornelius led to
Jewish church embracing mission to Gentiles (Ac. 10-11). Church tradition say was crucified upside down in
Rome.
Cornelius:
Acts. 10
Centurion and devout God-fearer who gave generously to needy and prayed regularly. Had a vision where an
angel of God told him to send for Peter who was at that time in Joppa. God confirmed this request to Peter
through a vision, and Peter went to Cornelius in Caesarea. While Peter was speaking to his household the Holy Spirit came upon all who heard the message and they were baptized with water. This incident confirmed to the Jews
that the gospel would go to the Gentiles.
Barnabas:
Ac. 4, 11, 13-15
Also known as Joseph from Cyprus. Was a Levite who sold a field he owned and put the proceeds at the
apostles’ feet (Ac. 4). Barnabas means Son of Encouragement. Sent by church at Jerusalem to Antioch where
ministered. Went to Tarsus to find Paul and brought him to the church at Antioch. Sent out by the church at Antioch
with Paul as missionary to Gentiles. Later differed with Paul over John Mark and the two went their separate ways
Stephen: Ac. 6-7
One of the seven chosen by the people to serve physical needs of the church at Jerusalem. Full of the Spirit and
Wisdom and did great wonders and miraculous signs (Ac. 6). Was seized by members of the Synagogue of
Freedmen who brought him before the Sanhedrin. After testifying about Jesus before the Sanhedrin was stoned to
death. The first recorded martyr of the early church.
Paul:
Ac. 7, 9, 13-28; Pauline epistles
Born in Tarsus, a Roman citizen. Educated in Jerusalem as a Pharisee under Gamaliel. Initially persecuted the
church as a member of the Sanhedrin, but was confronted by Christ on the Damascus road and converted. Spent
time in Damascus after conversion then made a brief visit to Jerusalem where met with John, Peter and James. After
that meeting spent several years in Tarsus before going to Antioch with Barnabus. Spent about a year in Antioch
and then went to Jerusalem. Sent out by the church at Antioch as a missionary to Gentiles, and made his first
missionary journey with Barnabas. Attended the apostolic council, and then made his second missionary journey
with Silas after differing with Barnabas over Mark. Went on a third missionary journey and then returned to
Jerusalem where he was imprisoned in Caesarea and eventually sent to Rome. Author of Romans, 1-2 Corinthians,
Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon
Timothy:
Acts 16-18; 1 Cor. 4,16; Phil 2; 1-2 Tim.
His father was Greek, but his mother was a Jewess. He was a native of Lystra. Joined Paul on his second
missionary journey, at which time Paul had him circumcized. Paul describes his as his true son in the faith, and says
he has no one else like him. Carried on ministry in Macedonia, Ephesus, and Corinth. Was evidently of timid
disposition. Apparently served as a pastor for some time in Ephesus, and eventually became a prisoner (Heb.
13:23).
James:
Mt. 13; Ac. 12, 15, 21; 1 Cor. 15; Gal. 1-2; Epistle of James
The brother of Jesus who initially did not accept that Jesus was the Messiah. After Jesus rose from the dead he
appeared to James, and James became a leader in the church at Jerusalem. Presided over the Jerusalem council (Ac.
15). Suffered martyrdom by stoning at the instigation of the high priest at the time. Known as James the Just
because of his piety. Author of the Epistle of James.
