New Testament Key People Flashcards
Herod the Great
King of Judea (under Roman authority) at the time of Jesus’ birth. Ordered
all of the baby boys in Bethlehem under age two to be killed (Matt. 2; Lk. 1).
Herod Antipas
Son of Herod the Great, and tetrarch of Galilee and Perea during the events
recorded in the Gospels and Acts. Also referred to as “Herod the Tetrarch” (Matt. 14; Mk. 6;
numerous in Lk).
Pharisees
The fore-runners of rabbis who focused on interpreting and teaching the law.
Viewed tradition as equal to Scripture in authority. Believed in the resurrection of the dead,
and opposed the Sadducees (Matt. 23 (woes); Lk. 15 (sinners); etc.).
Sadducees
Priestly, aristocratic religious leaders who emphasized the authority of Scripture
above tradition, and rejected the resurrection of the dead. Opposed the Pharisees (Matt. 22
(wife in resurrection?); Acts 23 (Paul’s trial resurrection).
Essenes
Jewish sect that lived at Qumran, a separate community from the rest of society.
They rejected the Jerusalem priesthood, boycotted the Temple, and saw themselves as the
true Israel. Composed the Damascus Document and the Community Rule
Zealots
Nationalistic, revolutionary Jews who led the revolt against Rome
Samaritans
Inhabitants of an area between Judea and Galilee who had interracially mixed
with Gentiles, erected their own site for worship, and only accepted their version of the
Pentateuch as inspired Scripture (Jn. 4; Lk. 9).
Proselytes
Gentiles who had converted to Judaism by being baptized, circumcised, and
obeying the law.
God-Fearers
Gentiles who worshiped with the Jews and participated in the community, but
were not full converts, usually because they did not want to be circumcised
Peter
Disciple and apostle of Jesus. He denied Jesus and was restored. Became a key leader
in the early church, who preached at Pentecost, and was the first to preach the gospel to the
Gentiles when he preached to Cornelius. Author of 1 & 2 Peter.
o Key passages: Matt. 14 (walk on water); 16 (confession, rock); Lk. 22 (denial); Jn 21
(restoration); Acts 2; 10
Cornelius
Centurion who represented the first Gentile conversion in Acts 10
Barnabas
Associate of Paul who ministered at Antioch and accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey (Acts 4; 11-15).
Steven
Deacon of the early church who was martyred in Acts 6-7.
Paul
Pharisee and persecutor of the church, who converted to Christianity after Jesus
appeared to him on the road to Damascus in Acts 9. Became an apostle to the gentiles and a
significant leader in the early church. Authored 13 epistles (Acts 7-28).
Timothy
Disciple of Paul, Pastor of Ephesus, recipient of 1 & 2 Timothy (Acts 16-20).
o Father was a Gentile, mother was a Jew. Native of Lystra. Joined Paul on his 2nd
missionary journey.
James
Brother of John and apostle of Christ. Martyred in Acts 12.
James the Just
Brother of Jesus who became an influential leader in the early church. Spoke
at the Jerusalem council in Acts 15, wrote the Epistle of James
Onesimus
Slave of Philemon who escaped. Paul sent him back, and counseled Philemon to
receive him as a brother in Christ (Philemon).
Felix
Roman governor who deferred action on Paul’s case (Acts 24).
Festus
Roman governor who sent Paul to Rome (Acts 24-25).
Theophilus
Person to whom Luke/Acts is written (Lk. 1; Acts 1).
Apollos
Alexandrian Jew who proclaimed Christ, and was corrected by Priscilla and
Aquilla. Ministered in Corinth (Acts 18 & 19).
Caiaphas
High priest before whom Jesus was tried (Matt. 26).
Priscilla and Aquila
Husband and wife who were associated with Paul, and corrected
Apollos’ teaching concerning Jesus (Acts 18).
