Sermon Central
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Bible Characters
Contributed by John Lowe on Dec 31, 2021 (message contributor)
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1. Silas
Contributed on Dec 31, 2021
Not everyone liked what Paul and Silas were doing, so they imprisoned them. Despite all the intricate and demanding things they experienced, they never complained. On the contrary, songs of praise were heard from the darkest dungeon where they were being held.
Silas Paul settled in Antioch, where he continued to work with the people to live a happy life by the gospel. However, Paul felt that the Holy Spirit was working in the Church, so that it was time to go out and spread the gospel of Jesus. So he went out to be a missionary, and on one of his ...read more
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2. Sopater
Contributed on Dec 31, 2021
Inborn intelligence and diplomacy bring ambition to fruition. Versatility brings honors, do not become careless. Use, develop, and apply imagination and succeed, but avoid irrationality.
Sopater In Biblical Names, the meaning of Sopater is: Who defends the father. Today, we will attempt to discover all there is to know about the person named Sopater. To do this, we will use an acrostic and the name Sopater. First, notice that the name of this ancient man has seven letters, ...read more
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3. Stephen, First Martyr
Contributed on Jan 2, 2022
Stephen: "a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit." What is known about him is what is truly important. He was faithful, even when faced with certain death.
Stephen, First Martyr Who was Stephen in the Bible? Acts 6:5 introduces a faithful man of God named Stephen: "a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit." Nothing is known about the personal life of Stephen—his parents, his siblings, or whether he had a wife or children; however, what ...read more
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4. Epaparas
Contributed on Jan 2, 2022
Epaphras is mentioned three times in the New Testament, twice in Colossians and once in Philemon. He was a believer in Christ who served with the apostle Paul, who referred to him as a "fellow servant."
Epaphras (a fellow prisoner of Paul, fellow worker) Epaphras is mentioned three times in the New Testament, twice in Colossians and once in Philemon. He was a believer in Christ who served with the apostle Paul, who referred to him as a "fellow servant," "faithful minister," ...read more
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5. Mary, Mother Of Jesus
Contributed on Jan 2, 2022
mother mary lived through every gamut of emotions a mother can face and was even loyal to stay with her son as he died on the cross. memories of young jesus were of powerful comfort to her while she waited, as we wait, to be with him again.
Mary, mother of Jesus Mother mary lived through every gamut of emotions a mother can face and was even loyal to stay with her son as he died on the cross. Memories of young Jesus were of powerful comfort to her while she waited, as we wait, to be with him again. Ask someone to name a famous ...read more
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6. Timothy (Paul's Disciple)
Contributed on Jan 3, 2022
This young man was so closely associated with the Apostle Paul that they shared his thoughts and work. However, we must assume the more profound knowledge of him conveyed by the Acts and Epistles and by the letters of counsel addressed by St. Paul to him personally.
Timothy Acts 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman… ________________________________________ This young man was so closely associated with the Apostle Paul that they shared his thoughts and work. He is ...read more
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7. Titus (A Companion Of Paul)
Contributed on Jan 4, 2022
Titus was a Gentile (Galatians 2:3) who was led to faith in Christ by Paul (Titus 1:4). He was drawn to the ministry and became a co-worker with Paul, accompanying him and Barnabas from Antioch to Jerusalem.
Titus (A Companion of Paul) There are several questions that this article will attempt to answer about Paul's companion and friend, Titus. Thus the first section is titled: Titus (A Companion of Paul) Titus was an early church leader, a trusted companion of the Apostle Paul, and a faithful ...read more
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8. Abimelech
Contributed on Jan 5, 2022
Abimelech means “my father a king” or “father of a king.” This is the name of 5 biblical men; 4 were kings. Abimelech was the common name for Philistine kings, as was the name “Pharaoh” for Egyptian kings.
Tom lowe 1/5/2022 Abimelech, King of Gerar Abimelech[1] means “my father a king” or “father of a king.” This is the name of 5 biblical men; 4 were kings. Abimelech was the common name for Philistine kings, as was the name “Pharaoh” for Egyptian kings. Abimelech, the Philistine king of Gerar, ...read more
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9. Ampliatus
Contributed on Jan 6, 2022
Ampliatus (Amplias in the King James Version) was a Roman Christian mentioned by Paul in one of his letters, where he says, "Greet Ampliatus, whom I love in the Lord." (Romans 16:8)
tom lowe 1/6/2022 Ampliatus (Roman Christian) Ampliatus (Amplias in the King James Version) was a Roman Christian mentioned by Paul in one of his letters, where he says, "Greet Ampliatus, whom I love in the Lord." (Romans 16:8) He is considered one of the Seventy Disciples by the Eastern ...read more
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10. Ancient City Of Damascus
Contributed on Jan 7, 2022
Founded in the 3rd millennium B.C., Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. It was the center of a flourishing craft industry, specializing in swords and lace. The city has some 125 monuments from different periods of its history.
Ancient City of Damascus Founded in the 3rd millennium B.C., Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. It was the center of a flourishing craft industry, specializing in swords and lace. The city has some 125 monuments from different periods of its history – one of the most ...read more
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11. Andronicus And Junias
Contributed on Jan 7, 2022
Andronicus and Junia successfully brought many to Christ and demolished many temples of idolatry. The tradition holds that they were capable of performing miracles, by which they drove out demons and healed many of sickness and disease.
Tom lowe 1/7/2022 Title: Andronicus and Junias Andronicus and Junia successfully brought many to Christ and demolished many temples of idolatry. The tradition holds that they were capable of performing miracles, by which they drove out demons and healed many of sickness and disease. Andronicus ...read more
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12. Anna, The Prophetess
Contributed on Jan 8, 2022
"She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four" (Luke 2:36–37). Anna had been married only seven years when she became a widow, and she remained a widow for the rest of her life.
tom lowe 1/8/2022 Anna, the Prophetess Who was Anna the prophetess in the Bible? I am ashamed that I could not answer that question until I researched this article. I have read the Bible from cover to cover, but I must admit I do not recall anything about her. Furthermore, I have never heard a ...read more
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13. Anna, The Prophetess [part 2]
Contributed on Jan 8, 2022
As a prophetess, Anna receives insight into things that typically remain hidden to ordinary people; she recognizes this child and tells of his significance to selected people in Jerusalem.
Regarding Anna, Luke provides three terse verses that manage to vividly depict her as a woman deserving the honor bestowed on the elderly in the ancient Mediterranean world (v. 36-38). She could well serve as the Bible's example of a remarkable woman and mother. The appositive prophetess heads ...read more
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14. Apollos
Contributed on Jan 9, 2022
Apollos was a 1st-century Alexandrian Jewish Christian mentioned several times in the New Testament. A contemporary and colleague of Paul the Apostle, he played an essential role in the early development of the churches of Ephesus and Corinth.
Apollos Born 1st century Died 1st century Venerated in Anglican Communion Coptic Orthodox Church Eastern Orthodox Church Oriental Orthodox Churches Roman Catholic Church Feast February 13th Apollos was a 1st-century Alexandrian Jewish Christian mentioned several times in the New Testament. A ...read more
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15. Aristobulus And Narcissus
Contributed on Jan 10, 2022
We do not know anything about these two persons, men of position evidently, who had large households. But learned commentators of the New Testament have advanced a very sensible conjecture concerning each of them.
tom lowe 1/10/2022 Aristobulus and Narcissus Early Church Workers • Aristobulus was the grandson of Herod the Great and lived in Rome as a private citizen. • Since Paul does not greet him, but only those in his household, it is plausible to think he had either passed away or was not a ...read more
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16. Armageddon
Contributed on Jan 11, 2022
The ancient city of Megiddo is located 30Km southeast of Haifa and is located at a strategic entrance through the eastern Carmel/Manasseh hills, where an ancient trade road (Via Maris). On this site, a vital City once flourished
tom lowe 1/11/2022 Armageddon Who, what, where, when, why. I will attempt to clear away Armageddon's mystery by answering these five questions. WHO? Revelation 16 describes the end of the age and the last battle being fought at Armageddon between the forces of good and evil; for they are ...read more
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17. Asenath [part 2]
Contributed on Jan 12, 2022
Asenath is a minor figure in the Book of Genesis. Asenath was a high-born, aristocratic Egyptian woman. She was the wife of Joseph and the mother of his sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.
[part 2] Abundant grain (Joseph is in charge of All Egypt’s crops.) Genesis 41:28-67 28 It is as I told Pharaoh, God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. 29 There will come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt, 30 but after them, there will arise seven years of ...read more
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18. Author Of Psalms
Contributed on Jan 14, 2022
According to Jewish tradition, the Book of Psalms was composed by the First Man (Adam), Melchizedek, Abraham, Moses, Heman, Jeduthun, Asaph, and the three sons of Korah.
Author of Psalms According to Jewish tradition, the Book of Psalms was composed by the First Man (Adam), Melchizedek, Abraham, Moses, Heman, Jeduthun, Asaph, and the three sons of Korah. King David is credited with writing most of the Psalms in the Bible, but that does not mean he wrote any of ...read more
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19. Baruch
Contributed on Jan 18, 2022
Baruch is believed to be a priest and a prophet and one of the descendants of Rahab.
Baruch • (The Book of Baruch (1 Baruch) is one of the additions to the Book of Jeremiah in the Septuagint. • 2 Baruch (Syriac Apocalypse of Baruch) describes the Babylonian capture of Jerusalem, written to encourage Jews after the destruction of the second Temple. • (biblical) Any of several Old ...read more
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20. The Beatitudes
Contributed on Jan 20, 2022
The Beatitudes are sayings attributed to Jesus. Each is a proverb-like proclamation without narrative. Eight blessings are related (divulged) by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-10),.
The Beatitudes Jesus' beatitudes are written without a verb, describing present reality, not a future time. Blessed or Happy is "Makarios," a word describing complete happiness, the realm of the gods. The Beatitudes are sayings attributed to Jesus. Each is a proverb-like proclamation ...read more
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21. Balaam
Contributed on Jan 20, 2022
In order to avoid the angel, the donkey presses close to one side, crushing Balaam’s foot.
Balaam Balaam (Fast Facts) • Stories about Balaam occur in Numbers 22-24. • He is the son of Beor and a prophet in Pethor near the Euphrates River. • Scholars are not sure of the meaning of his name. • Some think it might mean either “glutton” or “foreigner.” • Others see a compound of “Bel” and ...read more
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22. Barnabas
Contributed on Jan 22, 2022
Scripture tells us that Barnabas "was filled with joy," "was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith," and was an influential evangelist. It also says he "encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord" (Acts 11:23-24).
Barnabas—(Friend and Companion of Paul) Scripture tells us that Barnabas "was filled with joy," "was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith," and was an influential evangelist. It also says he "encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord" (Acts ...read more
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23. Herodias
Contributed on Jan 23, 2022
Herodias in the Bible is notorious for being the woman who desired John the Baptist's head on a platter. She was the unlawful wife of the tetrarch Herod Antipas and had formerly been Herod's brother, Philip.
Herodias Herodias was a princess of the Herodian dynasty of Judaea during the Roman Empire. Christian writings connect her with John the Baptist's execution. Born: 15 B.C. Died: 39 AD, Lyon, France Spouse: Herod Antipas (m. ?–39 AD), Herod II Children: Salome, Salomé II Parents: ...read more
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24. Herod The Great
Contributed on Jan 24, 2022
Herod's despotic rule has been demonstrated by many of his security measures to suppress his people's contempt towards him, especially Jews. For instance, it has been suggested that Herod used secret police to monitor and report the feelings of the general populace toward him.
Herod the Great Tom lowe 1/24/2012 Herod (also known as Herod the Great) was a Roman *client king of Judea, *A king who is dependent on a more powerful state for political, economic, or military support, and who in return is expected to serve the interests of that state; specifically a king ...read more
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25. Balak
Contributed on Jan 24, 2022
Balak's hired soothsayer tries to curse the Israelites three times, but the words that come forth are a wonderful surprise, which can inspire us all.
Balak [part 1] Balak was a king of Moab described in the Book of Numbers in the Hebrew Bible, where his dealings with the prophet Balaam are the main topic. Religion: Chemosh Born: Moab Died: Moab Parents: Zippor Partner: Amina Family: Zippor (father) Grandchildren: Ruth, Orpah Children: ...read more
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26. The Beloved Disciple
Contributed on Jan 25, 2022
The New Testament writings associated with John the Beloved present him as both a teacher and a model for our discipleship.
Tom lowe 1/25/2022 The Beloved Disciple There are many theories about who the beloved disciple was, and though none are conclusive, all are interesting. Now, I must reveal something to you; 'I have to know (must know) the identity of the person Jesus loves. The shadowy figure known as ...read more
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27. Ben Sira
Contributed on Jan 26, 2022
Ben Sira, also known as Shimon ben Yeshua ben Eliezer ben Sira or Yeshua Ben Sirach (2nd century BCE), was a Hellenistic Jewish scribe, sage, and allegorist from Seleucid-controlled Jerusalem of the Second Temple period.
Ben Sira Ben Sira, also known as Shimon ben Yeshua ben Eliezer ben Sira or Yeshua Ben Sirach (2nd century BCE), was a Hellenistic Jewish scribe, sage, and allegorist from Seleucid-controlled Jerusalem of the Second Temple period. He is the author of Sirach, also known as the "Book of ...read more
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28. Benjamin
Contributed on Jan 27, 2022
The narrative states that Judah (on behalf of the other brothers) begged Joseph not to enslave Benjamin and instead enslave him since the enslavement of Benjamin would break Jacob's heart. This caused Joseph to recant and reveal his identity.
tom lowe 1/27/2022 Benjamin *tom lowe 1/27/2022 Benjamin *Benjamin is Jacob's twelfth son and a full brother to Joseph. Rachel names him Benoni with her dying breath, which means "son of my misfortune" or "son of my sorrow." After her death, Jacob changes his name to ...read more
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29. Caleb
Contributed on Jan 28, 2022
Caleb was an Israelite leader known for following God wholeheartedly. After leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, God told Moses to send a leader from each tribe into Canaan to explore the Promised Land.
Caleb Who was Caleb in the Bible? Caleb was an Israelite leader known for following God wholeheartedly. After leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, God told Moses to send a leader from each tribe into Canaan to explore the Promised Land. Caleb, age forty at the time, was chosen as the ...read more
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30. The Seven Churches Of Revelation
Contributed on Jan 30, 2022
The seven churches mentioned in the Revelation were physical churches with definite locations. So the letters that John writes to these churches were delivered to the cities/churches, he mentioned.
tom lowe 1/30/2022 The Seven Churches of Revelation The seven churches mentioned in the Revelation were physical churches with definite locations. So the letters that John writes to these churches were delivered to the cities/churches, he mentioned. These letters may have less to do with seven ...read more