Rebel to Redeemed…Sharing HIS Kind of Love
The name Luke means light. Scholars believe he originated from the Greek city of Antioch. Luke wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. Some historians believe he also contributed to the book of Hebrews. He is believed to have been a disciple of Paul. In Colossians 4:14, Paul refers to Luke as a physician. It is […]
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Joseph of Arimathea is best known for his role of burying Jesus body. The name Joseph means he will add. The exact location of Arimathea is unknown. However, Luke 23:51 tells us it was a “town of Judea”. Let’s take a look at what scripture tells us about him: He was rich Matthew 27:57 He was a disciple of […]
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The name Thaddeus is of Aramaic origin and means heart or God’s gift. Edessa is located in Upper Mesopotamia in Greece and under Roman rule during the time of the early church. Based on early Christian writings, Thaddeus was a Jew who came to Jerusalem for a festival and heard John the Baptist preaching. He was baptized by John the […]
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The name Apollos is Greek and means destroyer. He described as being a devout Jew born in Alexandria. We first meet Apollos in Acts 18. He is described as being “well-versed in the scriptures…he spoke with burning enthusiasm and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.” The narrative goes on to explain that […]
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The name Philemon is of Greek origin and means loving. In the New Testament, Philemon is a Christian in Asia minor who Paul writes a letter to. This letter makes up the book of Philemon in the Bible. His wife is Apphia, which means increasing. Philemon is considered to have been wealthy and possibly appointed as Bishop of Gaza, the […]
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Titus was a companion to Paul and mentioned in the Epistle of Titus. Titus is believed to have been Greek, and a Gentile, from Antioch. The name Titus means pleasing. He served as Paul’s secretary and interpreter and may have even been converted by Paul. Early Church tradition states when Paul came to the Island of Crete to preach, he […]
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The earlier Christian writer Hegesippus wrote that based on interview he conducted, Cleopas to be the brother of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. The name Cleopas means “glory to the father”. The only mention of him is found at the end of Luke. Cleopas and another unnamed man are walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus when a newly resurrected Jesus […]
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Barnabas accompanied Paul on his earlier missionary journey’s. The name Barnabas means son of encouragement or son of consolation. According to Acts 4:36 his other name was Joseph and he was a Jew from the Levite clan and originated from Cyprus. We are told a little about his character in the scriptures. “He was a good man, full of the […]
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Silas served as a leading member of the Early Christian church. He accompanied Paul on his first and second missionary journeys and preached alongside Paul and Timothy. {2 Corinthians 1:19} The name Silas means man of the forest and many historians believe his name originates from the Roman name Silvanus. We first meet Silas when he’s chosen to travel with […]
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Timothy served as a protégé to his mentor, Paul. The name Timothy means honouring God or honoured by God. He was born in Lystra to a Greek father and Jewish, follower of Christ, mother. “Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believerbut whose father was a Greek.” […]
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Ananias is mentioned in the book of Acts when he is sent to restore Paul’s sight. The name Ananias means favored of the Lord. We first meet him in the story of Paul’s conversion. “And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am […]
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We’ve studied the 12 Disciples of Jesus, the women who followed Jesus, and the Seven Deacons. We are going to wrap up the series with the apostles. Luke 10 tells us “And after these things, the Lord did appoint also other seventy, and sent them by twos before his face, to every city and place whither he himself was about […]
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Nicholas is the last of the deacons selected as mentioned in Acts 6. The name Nicholas is Greek and means victorious over people. He came from Antioch and the book of Acts states he converted to Judaism. He is described as being ordained by Peter. There are writings, although considered murky if this relates to the disciple, stating “He abandoned […]
Read more Parmenas is listed as one of the Seven Deacons. The name Parmenas is Greek and means that abides or is permanent. He is believed to have preached the gospel in Asia Minor. Parmenas was said to have settled down in Macedonia Christian tradition identifies him as the Bishop of Soli. Some historians believe this is Soli, Cyprus, Greece while others believe […]
Read more The name Timon is Greek and means to honour or to esteem. Timon is listed in Act 6:1-7 as one of the seven deacons. Timon was said to have been a Hellenized Jew who became a bishop in Greece or in Bosra, Syria. His preaching brought the ire of the local governor, who martyred him with fire. He is counted […]
Read more Nicanor is one of the Seven Deacons. He was born in Thessaloniki, Greece. His Greek name means a conqueror, victorious or victory. He was martyred in Cyprus, Greece in 76. He is counted among the Seventy Apostles. His feast day is December 28.
Read more Prochorus is one of the Seven Deacons. His name is Greek meaning leader of the dance. He was chosen to care for the poor of the Christian community in Jerusalem. {Acts 6:5} Tradition states he was the nephew of Stephen. He accompanied the Apostle Peter, who ordained him as the bishop to the cit of Nicomedia, which is an ancient […]
Read more Philip was the second mentioned of the seven deacons. After Stephen, he is the best known. The name Philip is Greek and means friend of horses. Philip is listed several times in the book of Acts. He is first mentioned as being chosen as one of the seven deacons. The deacons were chosen to attend to the poor of the […]
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Judas Iscariot has betrayed Jesus, who has been crucified and risen from the grave. Judas was remorseful for his actions and killed himself. Jesus has ascended to heaven and the disciples gather in the upper room waiting for the Holy Spirit to descend. Here were are introduced to two followers of Jesus, who have been following him since his baptism […]
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Judas Iscariot is the most reviled of the 12 disciples, after all he was the one who betrayed Jesus. The name Judas is Hebrew and means praise or the praised one, while Iscariot is Greek and means man from Kerioth. Today the name means traitor. We are told early in the gospel accounts that Judas betrayed Jesus. “Judas Iscariot, who also […]
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