Immanuel. This name, drawn from the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, signifies the divine presence among humanity through the birth of Jesus Christ. The use of “Immanuel” underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the belief that Jesus is the embodiment of God’s presence with His people.

Victorious. After Paul finished preaching in Troas, Eutychus, who had fallen from a window and was thought to be dead, was miraculously revived by Paul. The friends of Eutychus, along with the congregation, would have felt victorious, celebrating his restoration to life. This event not only demonstrated the power of God but also strengthened the faith and joy of those present.

Onesimus. Onesimus fled from his master, Philemon, and encountered Paul, who led him to the faith in Christ. Paul then sent Onesimus back to Philemon with a letter urging Philemon to receive Onesimus not just as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ. This story is a powerful example of the transformative power of the Gospel and the early Christian emphasis on reconciliation and equality.

Bartholomew. While Nathanael is explicitly named in the Gospel of John, he is traditionally equated with Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles mentioned in the synoptic gospels. This dual identity suggests a connection between the two names, with Bartholomew likely being his family name and Nathanael his given name.

Rewarded. Blind Bartimaeus persistently called out to Jesus despite the crowd’s attempts to silence him. His faith and determination were rewarded when Jesus stopped, healed him, and restored his sight. Bartimaeus’s story exemplifies the power of unwavering faith and the promise of divine response to earnest prayer.

Matthias. After Judas’s betrayal and subsequent death, the remaining apostles sought to fill his position. Matthias was selected by casting lots, signifying his divine appointment. This event underscores the early church’s commitment to maintaining the symbolic of twelve apostles, representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

Simon. Simon was compelled by the Roman soldiers to carry the cross when Jesus could no longer bear it due to the severe beating that He had endured. Simon’s act is remembered as a significant moment in the Passion narrative, symbolizing the sharing of Jesus’s burden by an ordinary man.

Wonderstruck. Thomas, who had initially doubted the resurrection of Jesus, became “wonderstruck” when he finally saw and touched the risen Christ. His doubt turned into awe and faith as he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” This moment marked a profound transformation for Thomas, solidifying his belief in Jesus’ resurrection and divinity.

Zacchaeus. The chief tax collector of Jericho, is famously known for his encounter with Jesus as described in Luke. Though initially seen as a sinner due to his profession, Zacchaeus’s decision to repent and give back what he had wrongfully taken marked a powerful moment of transformation and redemption.

Titus. Paul entrusted him with overseeing the churches in Crete, instructing him to appoint elders, teach sound doctrine, and promote good works. Titus’s role underscores his significance as a trusted co-worker of Paul and a key figure in maintaining the health and order of early Christian communities.

Nicodemus. Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council, approached Jesus seeking deeper understanding. Jesus’s discussion with Nicodemus about being “born again” is one of the key theological moments in the Gospel of John, emphasizing spiritual rebirth as a requirement for entering the Kingdom of God.

Luke. Luke was a physician credited with writing two books in the New Testament; the Gospel of Luke, and the Acts of the Apostles. Luke is known for his detailed and orderly account of Jesus’ life and the early church, providing a historical narrative that connects the Gospels to the broader context of Roman history. His background as a physician is reflected in his attention to detail and compassion in his writing.

Young. Despite his youth, Paul entrusted Timothy with significant responsibilities in the early church, encouraging him not to let others look down on him because of his age but to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Timothy’s youthfulness, combined with his dedication and leadership, made him an important figure in the spread of early Christianity.

Urbane. Urbane, mentioned in Romans 16:9, is recognized by Paul as a fellow worker in Christ. His inclusion in Paul’s greetings suggests that Urbane played an important role in the early Christian community, contributing to the spread of the Gospel and the strengthening of the church.

Cornelius. Stationed in Caesarea, Cornelius is described as a devout man who feared God and was known for his generosity. His encounter with the apostle Peter, where he and his household received the Holy Spirit, marked a pivotal moment in the early church, symbolizing the extension of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Demetrius. Demetrius crafted silver shrines of the goddess Artemis, and he stirred up the craftsmen and the public against Paul, fearing that Paul’s teachings would diminish the worship of Artemis and consequently, their trade. His actions led to a major uproar in the city, showcasing the tension between the spread of Christianity and existing pagan practices.

Jesus. His life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension are the foundation of Christian faith, and His teachings continue to guide believers worldwide. As the Messiah, Jesus is central to the New Testament narrative, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing a new covenant between God and humanity.

Herod. During a banquet, Herodias’s daughter pleased Herod with her dance, leading him to offer her anything she wanted. At her mother’s urging, she requested the head of John the Baptist, a decision Herod regretted but felt compelled to fulfill due to his oath. This event highlights the tragic consequences of Herod’s rash promises and the manipulation of Herodias to eliminate a vocal critic of her marriage.

Andrew. As one of the first disciples called by Jesus, Andrew is known for bringing his brother Simon (Peter) to Jesus, highlighting his role in spreading the news of the Messiah. His association with Bethsaida underscores the significant role this small town played in the early days of Jesus’ ministry.

Felix. Felix’s tenure as governor was marked by his handling of Paul’s case, where he frequently conversed with Paul but ultimately left him imprisoned, hoping for a bribe. His rule ended when he was succeeded by Festus, who then continued dealing with Paul’s appeal to Caesar.

Quartus. Quartus is briefly mentioned in Paul’s final greetings, indicating his inclusion in the early Christian community. Though little is known about him, his mention as a “brother” underscores the close familial bonds among the early believers.

As the city treasurer, Erastus held a significant civic position which underscores the diverse backgrounds of early Christians. His mention in Paul’s letter to the Roman believers indicates his active role in the church, reflecting the integration of believers from various social standings into the Christian community.

Gaius. Gaius a traveling companion of Paul, became a target of the mob’s anger when the uproar against Paul’s teachings threatened the city’s devotion to Artemis. His involvement in the incident highlights the dangers faced by early Christians as they spread the Gospel in hostile environments.

Karpos. Karpos is mentioned in the book of second Timothy as the person who kept Paul’s cloak, books, and parchments in Troas. Paul’s request to Timothy to bring these items highlights Karpos as a trusted figure in Paul’s ministry, reflecting the supportive network of early Christians.

Publius. Publius was the chief official of Malta who welcomed Paul and his group after they were shipwrecked. Publius showed hospitality by housing them for three days, and during this time, Paul healed Publius’s father, leading to many others on the island being cured of their diseases. This act of kindness played a significant role in Paul’s ministry on Malta, where he spread the Gospel during his stay.