Unknown to us, but known by God and part of His Plan
In the grand narrative of the Bible, there are individuals whose lives and actions, though briefly mentioned, play significant roles in God's unfolding plan. Here, we explore a dozen such figures, drawing upon the insights of renowned Christian authors and preachers to shed light on their importance.
Iddo
Iddo was a prophet and seer during the reign of Solomon and later Rehoboam. His writings are referenced in the biblical books of Kings and Chronicles. He played a role in chronicling the history of his time and provided divine counsel.
1 Kings 4:34 (NLT): “And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon.”
2 Chronicles 9:29 (NLT): “The rest of the events of Solomon’s reign, from beginning to end, are recorded in The Record of Nathan the Prophet and in the Prophecy of Ahijah from Shiloh and also in the Visions of Iddo the Seer concerning Jeroboam son of Nebat.”
“Iddo’s role reminds us that chronicling God's work in history is a prophetic task, revealing His faithfulness through the ages.” — Charles Spurgeon
Junia
Junia is mentioned in Romans 16:7, where Paul refers to her as "outstanding among the apostles." This reference has sparked significant discussion about the role of women in the early church.
Romans 16:7 (NLT): “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did.”
“Junia, recognised as an apostle, signifies that the early church acknowledged the contributions of women in spreading the gospel.” — N.T. Wright
Sheerah
Sheerah is noted in 1 Chronicles 7:24 as the builder of the towns of Lower and Upper Beth Horon as well as Uzzen Sheerah. Her mention highlights her remarkable achievements in a male-dominated society.
1 Chronicles 7:24 (NLT): “He built the towns of Lower Beth-horon, Upper Beth-horon, and Uzzen-sheerah.”
“Her legacy as a builder reflects the potential for leadership and influence regardless of gender.” — Beth Moore
Asenath
Asenath was the Egyptian wife of Joseph and the mother of Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 41:45). Her marriage to Joseph symbolises the union of different cultures under God’s sovereignty.
Genesis 41:45 (NLT): “Then Pharaoh gave Joseph a new Egyptian name, Zaphenath-paneah. He also gave him a wife, whose name was Asenath. She was the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On. So Joseph took charge of the entire land of Egypt.”
“Asenath's story is a beautiful reminder of God’s inclusive plan that transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries.” — John Piper
Jochebed
Jochebed, the mother of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, is noted for her faith and courage in hiding her baby Moses to save him from Pharaoh's decree (Exodus 2:1-10).
Exodus 2:1-3 (NLT): “About this time, a man and woman from the tribe of Levi got married. The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden for three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River.”
“Jochebed’s act of faith changed the course of history, demonstrating the power of a mother’s love and trust in God.” — Elisabeth Elliot
Priscilla
Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, was a key figure in the early church, known for her theological knowledge and for mentoring Apollos (Acts 18:26).
Acts 18:26 (NLT): “When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.”
“Priscilla’s ministry partnership with Aquila exemplifies the vital role of women in teaching and strengthening the church.” — John Stott
Zipporah
Zipporah was the wife of Moses and the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian. She played a crucial role in Moses’ life, particularly in an episode where she circumcised their son to save Moses from divine wrath (Exodus 4:24-26).
Exodus 4:24-26 (NLT): “On the way to Egypt, at a place where Moses and his family had stopped for the night, the Lord confronted him and was about to kill him. But Moses’ wife, Zipporah, took a flint knife and circumcised her son. She touched his feet with the foreskin and said, ‘Now you are a bridegroom of blood to me.’ (When she said ‘a bridegroom of blood,’ she was referring to the circumcision.) After that, the Lord left him alone.”
“Zipporah’s decisive action highlights the importance of spiritual obedience and partnership in marriage.” — Francis Chan
Aquila
Aquila, the husband of Priscilla, was a tentmaker by trade and a significant figure in the early Christian movement. He worked closely with Paul and hosted a church in his home.
Acts 18:2-3 (NLT): “There he became acquainted with a Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with his wife, Priscilla. They had left Italy when Claudius Caesar deported all Jews from Rome. Paul lived and worked with them, for they were tentmakers just as he was.”
“Aquila’s hospitality and dedication to the gospel remind us of the importance of lay ministry in the spread of Christianity.” — R.C. Sproul
Archippus
Archippus is mentioned in Philemon 1:2 and Colossians 4:17, where Paul exhorts him to complete the ministry he received in the Lord. He likely served in a leadership capacity within the Colossian church.
Colossians 4:17 (NLT): “And say to Archippus, ‘Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.’”
Philemon 1:2 (NLT): “... and to our sister Apphia and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house.”
“Archippus’s mention encourages every believer to faithfully fulfil their God-given mission, no matter how small or great it appears.” — A.W. Tozer
Apphia
Apphia is greeted alongside Philemon and Archippus in the letter to Philemon. She is believed to be a prominent member of the church, possibly Philemon's wife.
Philemon 1:1-2 (NLT): “This letter is from Paul, a prisoner for preaching the Good News about Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. I am writing to Philemon, our beloved co-worker, and to our sister Apphia and to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the church that meets in your house.”
“Apphia's inclusion in Paul's greetings reflects the integral role of women in the house churches of the early Christian community.” — F.F. Bruce
Onesimus
Onesimus was a runaway slave who became a Christian through Paul's ministry. Paul wrote to Philemon, his master, urging him to receive Onesimus back as a brother in Christ (Philemon 1:10-16).
Philemon 1:10-16 (NLT): “I appeal to you to show kindness to my child, Onesimus. I became his father in the faith while here in prison. Onesimus hasn’t been of much use to you in the past, but now he is very useful to both of us. I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart. I wanted to keep him here with me while I am in these chains for preaching the Good News, and he would have helped me on your behalf. But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever. He is no longer like a slave to you. He is more than a slave, for he is a beloved brother, especially to me. Now he will mean much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.”
“Onesimus’s transformation from slave to brother underscores the radical equality and reconciliation found in the gospel.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Nympha
Nympha is mentioned in Colossians 4:15 as hosting a church in her house. Her role indicates the significant contributions of women in providing venues for early Christian worship.
Colossians 4:15 (NLT): “Please give my greetings to our brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.”
“Nympha’s hospitality and leadership in the church illustrate the pivotal role of women in nurturing the early Christian communities.” — Tim Keller
Epaphras
Epaphras was a fellow worker of Paul and a founder of the church in Colossae. He is commended for his fervent prayers and dedication to the believers (Colossians 4:12-13).
Colossians 4:12-13 (NLT): “Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis.”
Quotation:
“Epaphras’s example teaches us the importance of intercessory prayer and pastoral care in the life of the church.” — Oswald Chambers
Conclusion:
These individuals, though often unknown or overlooked, each played a vital part in God's divine plan, illustrating that every person, no matter how small their role may seem, is significant in the eyes of God. They teach us the value of faithfulness, hospitality, leadership, and prayer. Each of their stories encourages us to fulfil our own God-given missions with dedication and trust.
Call to Action:
Reflect on these lives and let them inspire you to recognise your own unique role in God's plan. Whether through hospitality like Nympha, intercessory prayer like Epaphras, or the courage to act like Jochebed, let their examples guide you in your walk with Christ. Engage in your community, support your local church, and remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God values and uses each person to further His kingdom.
