The Apostles: Luke the Evangelist

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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The Apostles: Joseph of Arimathea

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 Apostles: Thaddeus of Edessa

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 Apostles: Apollos

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 Apostles: Philemon

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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The Apostles: Titus

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 Apostles: Cleopas

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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The Apostles: Silas

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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The Apostles: Timothy

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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The Apostles: Ananias

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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The Apostles: Paul

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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The Seven Deacons: Timon

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 […]

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