People of the Bible
Learn about the key figures in God's story.
Patriarchs
Adam
Old Testament
The first man created by God. Adam and his wife Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, where they fell into sin by eating the forbidden fruit.
Eve
Old Testament
The first woman, created by God as a companion for Adam. She was deceived by the serpent and ate the forbidden fruit.
Noah
Old Testament
A righteous man who built the ark at God's command to save his family and animals from the great flood. He found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
Abraham
Old Testament
The father of faith. God called Abraham to leave his homeland and promised to make him a great nation. He is the patriarch of Israel and the model of faith.
Isaac
Old Testament
The son of Abraham and Sarah, born by God's promise. He was the child of the covenant and father of Jacob and Esau.
Jacob
Old Testament
Son of Isaac and Rebekah, whose name was changed to Israel. He had twelve sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel.
Joseph
Old Testament
The favored son of Jacob who was sold into slavery by his brothers but rose to become second in command of Egypt. He saved his family from famine.
Prophets
Moses
Old Testament
The great deliverer and lawgiver of Israel. God used Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and gave him the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.
Samuel
Old Testament
The last judge and first prophet of Israel's monarchy. He anointed both Saul and David as kings.
Elijah
Old Testament
A mighty prophet who confronted the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. He was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire.
Elisha
Old Testament
The successor of Elijah who performed many miracles. He asked for and received a double portion of Elijah's spirit.
Isaiah
Old Testament
The evangelical prophet who foretold the birth, suffering, and glory of the Messiah more clearly than any other Old Testament prophet.
Jeremiah
Old Testament
The weeping prophet who warned Judah of the coming Babylonian captivity while offering hope of a new covenant.
Daniel
Old Testament
A prophet and statesman who remained faithful in Babylonian captivity. He survived the lion's den and received visions of the end times.
Jonah
Old Testament
A prophet who tried to flee from God's call to preach to Nineveh. He was swallowed by a great fish and finally obeyed God.
John the Baptist
New Testament
The forerunner of Jesus who prepared the way for the Messiah. He baptized Jesus and called people to repentance.
Woman of Faiths
Ruth
Old Testament
A Moabite woman who chose to follow Naomi's God and became the great-grandmother of King David. Her loyalty and faith are celebrated.
Mary (Mother of Jesus)
New Testament
The virgin mother of Jesus, chosen by God for this unique role. She displayed great faith and humility.
Mary Magdalene
New Testament
A follower of Jesus from whom he cast out seven demons. She was the first to see the risen Christ and announce his resurrection.
Martha
New Testament
Sister of Mary and Lazarus who served Jesus. She declared her faith in Jesus as the resurrection and the life.
Kings
Saul
Old Testament
The first king of Israel. He started well but disobeyed God and was rejected as king. His jealousy of David consumed him.
David
Old Testament
The shepherd boy who became Israel's greatest king. A man after God's own heart, he wrote many Psalms and established Jerusalem as the capital.
Solomon
Old Testament
Son of David known for his God-given wisdom. He built the first Temple in Jerusalem and wrote Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon.
Apostles
Peter
New Testament
One of the twelve apostles and a leader of the early church. A fisherman who denied Christ but was restored and became a bold preacher.
Paul (Saul of Tarsus)
New Testament
A Pharisee who persecuted Christians until his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. He became the greatest missionary and wrote much of the New Testament.
John (Apostle)
New Testament
The beloved disciple who wrote the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation. He was closest to Jesus among the twelve.
James (Brother of Jesus)
New Testament
The half-brother of Jesus who became a leader of the Jerusalem church. He wrote the epistle of James, emphasizing faith demonstrated through works.
Thomas
New Testament
One of the twelve apostles known for his doubt about the resurrection. After seeing the risen Christ, he declared "My Lord and my God."
Andrew
New Testament
One of the twelve apostles and brother of Peter. He brought Peter to Jesus and was known for bringing people to Christ.
Matthew
New Testament
A tax collector called by Jesus to be one of the twelve apostles. He wrote the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing Jesus as the promised Messiah.
Barnabas
New Testament
An early Christian known as the "son of encouragement." He introduced Paul to the apostles and accompanied him on his first missionary journey.
Philip (Apostle)
New Testament
One of the twelve apostles who brought Nathanael to Jesus. He was known for his practical nature and desire to see the Father.