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.
