Abaddon, Rev. 9:11 -A Hebrew word, which in the Greek is Apollyon,,destroyer,. He is angel of the bottomless pit, and king of the destroying locusts. It is symbolical of Satan.
Abraham.
The first of the patriarchs, and the great ancestor of Israel. He was called of God to leave his country and his father's house, to go into Palestine, but we learn from the New Testament that he tarried in Mesopotamia until his father's death, Acts 7:2-4. Besides the promise made to Abraham as to his natural seed, Gen. 15:5; John 8:33 &c., God also made another promise to him respecting his seed, Christ, Gal. 3:16; cf. Gen. 12:2, 3; 22:18, through whom all who believe become 'children of Abraham,' Gal. 3: 7.
Adam
Referred to in the N. T. to bring out by contrast the character of the Lord Jesus in distinction from man by nature. "The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is out of heaven." "The first Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam a quickening Spirit," 1 Cor. 15:45, 47. We must look for no other: the last has appeared. Adam and Christ also represent two headships: all under one die, and all under the other are made alive. 1 Cor. 15:22.
Agabus
Acts 11:28; 21:10.-A Christian prophet who foretold a great famine over the whole habitable world. This was said about A.D. 42, and history confirms the prophecy. Agabus also foretold that Paul would be arrested at Jerusalem.
Agar
Gal. 4: 24, 25.-Same as Hagar, the bondwoman, who allegorically answers to Jerusalem, which was in bondage (under which the Galatians were putting themselves): whereas Sarah was a free woman, which corresponds to the Jerusalem above.
Agrippa.
See article on Agrippa, under “History of the Jews”.
Alexander
.-1, Son of Simon, Mark 15: 21. 2, One acting with the high priest, Acts 4:6. 3, At Ephesus, Acts 19:33. 4, The coppersmith, who made shipwreck of faith, and did Paul much evil, and withstood his words. 1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 4:14.
Ananias
1, High priest, nominated by Herod, King of Chalcis, about A.D. 48. Paul appeared before him, and on Ananias ordering him to be smitten, he said, 'God shall smite thee, thou whited wall.' He was deposed by Agrippa, and slain by assassins, Acts 23:2; 24:1. 2, The disciple who fell dead at the apostles' feet when he lied to the Holy Ghost, Acts 5:1. 3, The devout disciple at Damascus sent to restore sight to Paul after his conversion: Acts 9:10-17; 22:12.
Andrew
John 1:40, &c.-One of the apostles, and brother of Peter. He brought Peter to the Lord. Nothing further of importance is recorded of him.
Anna
Luke 2:36-38. -The aged prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who praised the Lord at the presentation of Jesus in the temple; one of the remnant of Israel who were really looking for the Messiah.
Annas
Luke 3:2; John 18:13, 24; Acts 4:6.-He was appointed high priest by Quirinus, Governor of Syria, A.D. 7, but seven years after was superseded. He seems to have retained the title of high priest while Caiaphas, his son-in-law, held the office.
Antipas
Rev. 2:13.-A faithful martyr, slain at Pergamos, but of whom nothing more is known.
Antipas
Herod.- See article on Herod Antipas, under “History of the Jews”.
Apollos
Acts 18:24; 19:1; 1 Cor. 1:12; 3:4; 16:12; Titus 3:13.-An eloquent disciple, ‘mighty in the scriptures’, and fervent in the Spirit; yet he knew only the baptism of John, until he was more perfectly instructed by Aquila and Priscilla; he became a companion of Paul.
Apollyon
.-See Abaddon.
Aquila
Acts 18:2, 18; Rom. 16:3; 1 Cor. 16:19.-A Christian found by Paul at Corinth, with whom he lived and worked as a tent-maker. With Priscilla, his wife, he went with Paul to Ephesus. Paul styles them his 'helpers in Christ Jesus,' and states that they had endangered their lives for his sake.
Archelaus
.See article on Archelaus, under “History of the Jews”.
Areopagite
Acts 17:34.-One of the council of the high court of Areopagus at Athens.
Aristarchus
Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2; Col. 4:10; Philem. 24.—A Thessalonian Christian who accompanied Paul on several journeys, and in his voyage to Rome. In Col. 4:10 Paul calls him his 'fellow-prisoner.'
Aser
Luke 2:36; Rev. 7:6.-The same as Asher, one of the twelve tribes.
Athenians
Acts 17:21.-The inhabitants of Athens. They were remarkable for their desire for something new. Demosthenes rebuked his countrymen for always asking, 'What news?' which entirely agrees with the above scripture.
Augustus
Caesar, Luke 2:1.-The first Roman Emperor. He was 'Imperator,' B.C. 31, and Augustus, B.C. 27. His real name was Caius Octavius, the same as his father. In Acts 25:21, 25; 27:1 The term 'Augustus ' is used instead of 'emperor:' Nero was at that time Emperor of Rome.
Balaam
2 Peter 2:15; Jude 11; Rev. 2:14.-The N. T. throws light upon the character of this soothsayer. He 'loved the wages of unrighteousness,' and taught Balac how to seduce the children of Israel, which was really doing Satan's work. He was slain by the Israelites in their war against Midian: Josh. 13: 22.
Barabbas
Matt. 27:16-26.-The notable robber, in prison for insurrection and murder, who was chosen by the rulers of Israel in preference to the Lord Jesus. Thought by some to be Satan's mimicry of the true 'Son of the Father,' which is what the name Barabbas signifies.
Barachias
Matt. 23. 35.-See Zacharias.
Bar-Jesus.
See Elymas.
Bar-Jona
Matt. 16. 17.-Peter referred to as 'Simon, son of Jonas.'
Barnabas‘Son of Consolation’,
Acts 4:36; 9:27; 11:22-30; 12:25; 13.; 14.; 15.; 1 Cor. 9:6; Gal. 2:1, 9, 13; Col. 4:10. He was a Levite of Cyprus; his name was Joses, but he was called Barnabas by the disciples. He sold his land and laid the money at the apostles' feet. He introduced Paul to the apostles at Jerusalem and related his conversion. When the apostles heard of the blessing at Antioch they sent Barnabas there, who greatly helped the converts. He fetched Paul from Tarsus to Antioch, and afterward went with him to Jerusalem to attend the conference of Acts 15 He also accompanied Paul in his first missionary journey; but desiring on another journey to take his relative, Mark (who before had left them), and Paul not consenting to it, he separated from him, and sailed with Mark to Cyprus. He was carried away by the dissimulation related in Gal. 2. 13.
Barsabas.
1, Joseph, surnamed Justus, who was one of the two proposed for the apostleship in place of Judas Iscariot, Acts 1:23. 2, Judas, sent with Silas from Jerusalem to Antioch to confirm the decision as to Gentile converts. They are styled 'chief men among the brethren.' They were prophets who exhorted and confirmed the brethren at Antioch. Acts 15:22, 27, 32.
Bartholomew
Matt. 10:3, &c.-One of the twelve apostles. See Nathanael.
Bartimזus,
Mark 10:46-52, a blind beggar of Jericho, who on crying to Jesus as the Son of David was heard and received his sight.
Beelzebub, or Beelzebulsaid
by the scribes and Pharisees to be the prince of demons, Matt. 12:24, 27; Luke 11:15-19.-The meaning of the word is not known, but Jesus takes up the accusation as applying to Satan.
Belial
2 Cor. 6:15.-By the use of the term in the O. T. it appears to be a symbolical name for evil, and as such would well apply to Satan.
Bernice, or Berenice
Acts 25:13, daughter of Herod Agrippa I., wife of her uncle, Herod, King of Chalcis, and afterward wife of Polemon, king of Cilicia. With her brother, Agrippa II., she visited Festus at Caesarea and formed part of the court before which Paul's case was heard. Eventually she became mistress of Vespasian, and afterward of Titus.
Boanerges
Mark 3:17, 'Sons of Thunder.'-A name given by the Lord to James and John, perhaps to mark their future ardent zeal: cf. Luke 9:54.
Caesar
not a name in the N. T., but a title given to any of the Roman emperors. There were during the N. T. history the emperors Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. The question, ‘Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar?’ meant exactly the same as ‘Is it lawful to give tribute to the emperor’, or 'to Rome?'
Caiaphas
Matt. 26:3, 57; Luke 3:2; Acts 4:6.-He was high priest under Tiberias, during the Lord's ministry; but was deposed by Vitellius, A D. 37. He was son-in-law of Annas.
Cainthe
firstborn of Eve.-Held up as an example of wickedness, 1 John 3:12; Jude 11.
Canaanite
Matt. 10:4; Mark 3:18.-See Simon.
Castor and Pollux
Acts 28:11.-The Greek word is simply Dioscuri, 'sons of Jupiter,' supposed to refer to Castor and Pollux of Mythology, who were said to preserve from shipwreck.
Cephas,
See Peter.
Cherubim
χερουβίμ.Symbolical executors of God's power, either in blessing or in punishing: Heb. 9:5.
Claudia
2 Tim. 4:21.-A Christian woman named by Paul in his salutations from Rome, together with Pudens and Linus. All of these are supposed to have been British subjects at Rome. About the same time that Paul wrote the second Epistle to Timothy, the Latin poet Martial wrote some epigrams, in which he mentions three friends: Pudens, his wife Claudia, and Linus. It is remarkable that the three names agree, and it may be as supposed.
Claudius
Acts 11:28; 18:2.-Fourth Roman emperor, who attained to the empire partially through the influence of Herod Agrippa 1., A.D. 41. In return for this he added Judaea, Samaria, and some districts of Lebanon to Agrippa's jurisdictien, and appointed Agrippa's brother, Herod, to Chalcis.
Claudius Lysias
Acts 23. 26.-The Commandant of Jerusalem, who, when Paul was dragged out of the temple and attacked, protected him, and sent him to Caesarea for safety.
Clement.
Phil. 4:3.-Paul's fellow-laborer at Philippi. He is accounted one of the Apostolic Fathers.
Cleopas, Clopas
Luke 24:18.-One of the two disciples who traveled to Emmaus, with whom the Lord conversed and to whom He made himself known in the breaking of bread. Supposed by some to be the same person as the Cleopas, or Clopas, named in John 19:25.
Cornelius
Acts 10.-A devout Roman centurion, who saw in a vision an angel of God telling him to send for Peter. While Peter preached to the gathered company the Holy Spirit fell on them, and they were baptized. These were the first Gentile converts.
Crispus
Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 1:14.-The chief ruler of the synagogue at Corinth; he believed at the preaching of Paul, who baptized him and his household.
Cyrenius
Luke 2 2.—Called in Roman history 'Quirinus,' twice governor of Syria, once at the time of the birth of Christ, and again in A.D. 6. On both occasions a ' census' was made.
David.
Many times referred to in the N.T., but particularly to show that Christ was born of the seed of David, His genealogy being given in Matt. 1 and Luke 3.: cf. John 7:42; Rom. 1:3; 2 Tim. 2:8. Christ was often spoken of as the ' Son of David,' Matt. 9:27; 20. 30, 31; 21:9, Mark 10:47, 48. He was David's Lord as well as Son, Matt. 22:43; the root and the offspring of David, Rev. 22:16; 5:5. He also had the key of David, authority to open or shut: Rev. 3:7.
Demas
Col. 4:14; Phile. 24.—A convert of, and fellow-laborer with Paul, but on Paul's second imprisonment, he had to write that Demas had forsaken him, having loved this present world: 2 Tim. 4:10.
Demetrius.
1, The silversmith of Ephesus, who sought to excite his fellow-workmen when their trade was in danger, Acts 19; 24:2, A disciple of whom John could say that he had a good report by all, and by the truth itself: 3 John 12.
Diana
Acts 19: 24-37.-The Latin name of the Greek goddess, "Αοτεμις, who, the Ephesians said, was worshipped by all Asia and the world.
Didymus.
See Thomas.
Dionysius
Acts 17:34.-Member of the great council of Areopagus at Athens, who believed the word preached by Paul and slave unto him.
Diotrephes
3 John 9.-A professing Christian who loved to have the pre-eminence, and who forbade any to receive the brethren, casting out of the church those that did. The apostle John said he would deal with him if he came where he was.
Dorcas
.-See Tabitha.
Drusilla
Acts 24:24 -The daughter of Herod Agrippa I., was married to Aziz, king of Emesa, but was induced by Felix, the procurator, to live with him. She and her son perished in the eruption of Vesuvius, A.D. 79.
Elamites
Acts 2:9.-Inhabitants of Elam, a country lying south of Assyria proper, and N. of Persia: cf. Dan. 8:2.
Elias
.-Another form of the name of Elijah. He is referred to in the N.T., a, in reference to John the Baptist, Matt. 11:14, &c.; b, he appeared as prophet with Moses on the mount of transfiguration, Matt. 17:3, 4, &c.; c, some judged the Lord to be Elias, Matt. 16:14, &c.; d, Elijah, at the time of a famine was sent only to a Gentile widow, Luke 4:25, 26; e, James and John sought to follow Elijah in calling down fire from heaven, but were rebuked by their Master, Luke 9:54; f, Elijah thought he alone remained faithful, but God had His unknown ones, Rom. 11:2; g, he is held up as an example, though a man of like passions with ourselves, of offering effectual prayer: James 5:17.
Elisabeth
Luke 1:5-57.-The wife of Zacharias the priest, and mother of John the Baptist. She being filled with the Holy Spirit hailed her cousin Mary as the mother of her Lord.
Elymas
Acts 13:8.-Said to be an Arabic word signifying sorcerer, by which he was perhaps better known than by his name Bar-Jesus, that is, son of Jesus or Joshua. He opposed Paul, and was struck with blindness.
Emmanuel
Matt. 1:23.-The word is interpreted ‘God with us’, that is, in the Person of the Lord Jesus. This passage alone suffices to declare His Godhead.
Enoch
Heb. 11:5; Jude 14.-Referred to in the N.T. as one who was by faith translated without dying (type of the rapture of the church), and who before that event had the testimony that he pleased God. There can be no doubt that Jude refers to an unrecorded prophecy by Enoch, and did not copy from the apocryphal book bearing Enoch's name.
Epaphras
Col. 1:7; 4:12; Phile. 23. -One of the saints at Colosse, where he was a faithful minister of Christ. At Rome Paul speaks of him in the Epistle to the Colossians as our dear fellow-servant,' but in Philemon he calls him my fellow-prisoner.'
Epaphroditus
Phil. 2:25; 4:18.-A brother and companion in labor and fellow-soldier ' of Paul. He was sent by the saints at Philippi with subsidies to Paul, and probably remained with him some time, where he was sick nigh unto death.
Epicureans
. Acts 17:18. -Greek philosophers, who held that physical indulgence constituted true happiness. It is from them that the English word ‘epicure’ is derived.
Erastus
.-1, Chamberlain or treasurer of the city of Corinth who sent his salutation to Rome, Rom. 16: 23. 2, One named in Acts 19:22; 2 Tim. 4:20, as a fellow-worker with Paul.
Esau
.-Referred to in the N.T. a, as an instance of God's sovereignty, Rom. 9:13; b, as a profane person (βέβηλος), who not valuing God's gift of birthright, sold it for one morsel of food, Heb. 12:16; nevertheless Isaac was by faith able to bless him concerning things to come: Heb. 11:20.: cf. Gen. 27: 39, 40.
Euodias
Phil. 4:2. -A christian woman of Philippi, whom Paul exhorted to be of " the same mind in the Lord " with Syntyche. They had labored much with him in the gospel.
Eutychus
Acts 20:9, the youth who when asleep fell from the third floor of a house at Troas, while Paul was preaching, and who was restored by the apostle.
Eve
2 Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim. 2:13, 14.-Introduced in the N. T. as an example of one being deceived by the subtlety of Satan. She was in the transgression, but in grace women shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with sobriety: cf. Gen. 3. 16.
Felix
Acts 23, 24, 26; 24:3-27; 25:14.-Procurator of Judaea,' appointed by Claudius, about A. D. 53; superseded by Portius Festus in A. D. 60. Felix had been a slave, and ruled as one, most deplorably; but he escaped the punishment he deserved by the intercession of his brother, Pallas, with Nero. He married Drusilla, daughter of Herod Agrippa I., whom he induced to leave her husband, Aziz, king of Emesa. Though he had trembled at Paul's preaching, his mean character is exhibited in expecting to be bribed to release him, and by leaving him bound to please the Jews.
Festus, Portius
Acts 24:27; 25:1-24; 26:24, 25, 32 Appointed procurator of Judaea by Nero in A. D. 60.
Fortunatus
1 Cor. 16. 17.-A Corinthian convert who was with Paul at Ephesus when he wrote his first Epistle to the Corinthians, and returned to Corinth with the epistle.
Gabriel
Luke 1:19, 26, an angel, who said, " I stand in the presence of God." He was sent to both Zacharias and to Mary to announce the conception of John the Baptist and of the Lord Jesus: cf. Dan. 8:16; 9:21.
Gadarenes, Gergesenes, Gerasenes
(the Greek MSS. have these three names), Matt. 8:28; Mark 5:1; Luke 8:26, 37.-The inhabitants of the country on the east of the Sea of Galilee, where the Lord cured a man possessed by demons. On losing their swine, the inhabitants besought the Lord to leave the place. In the district there are places that exactly correspond with the details of the gospel narrative.
Gaius
.-I, A convert of Macedonia, Acts 19:29. 2, A convert of Derbe, Acts 20:4. 3, A Christian whom Paul had baptized; he calls him his ' host' and of the whole church.' Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 1: 14. 4, A convert, to whom the third Epistle by John is addressed 3 John 1.
Gallio
Acts 18:12-17.-A Roman pro-consul of the province of Achaia. Paul was accused before him at Corinth of " persuading men to worship God contrary to the law;" but he refused to entertain the accusation, and drove them away.
Gamaliel
Acts 5:34; 22:3.-A doctor of the law of great repute, at whose feet Paul had been brought up. He gave the wise counsel when the apostles were arrested, that if their mission were not of God it would come to nothing; and if it were of God they could not overthrow it He is reported by the Jews to have died a Pharisee, but ecclesiastical traditions claim him as a Christian.
Gog and Magog
Rev. 20:8.-Two nations which Satan, after he is released from his 1,000 years' imprisonment, will gather together to war against the camp of the saints and the beloved city (Jerusalem). Fire will come from God and devour them: cf. Ezek. 38.; 39. Doubtless nations to the north and north-east of Palestine are alluded to, Russia being the head of them.
Grecian'Ελληνιστής ‒
Greek-speaking Jews, and should not be confounded with Gentile Greeks: Acts 6:1, 9:29; 11:20 but in the last passage the Editors read ' Greeks.'
Hebrews
Acts 6. I; 2 Cor. 11:22; Phil. 3:5.-The name is supposed to come from Eber or Heber, of whom Abraham was a descendant: cf. Luke 3. 34, 35, and thus Abraham is called ' the Hebrew,' Gen. 14:13, and hence the name is applied to the children of Israel in their natural descent, in distinction from their being God's people. Paul called himself a Hebrew of the Hebrews, signifying the pure descent, without any mixture of Gentile or proselyte blood.
Hermogenes
2 Tim. 1:15.-A convert of the Roman province of Asia, who is named with Phygellus as " having turned away " from Paul, not necessarily as apostates, but as giving up Paul's gospel and the special heavenly teaching committed to him.
Herod
.-See “Herod the Great” Under “Historical Connection of the Old Testament With the New.” Herod, Family of.-See Diagram at the End of “Historical Connection of the Old Testament With the New.” Herodians
.-See article on “The Herodians” insection on “Jewish Sects”
Herodias
See reference to Herodias in articles on “Philip Antipas” and “Herod Antopas” under “History of the Jews”.
Hymenזus
1 Tim. 1:20; 2 Tim. 2:17.-One who had made shipwreck of the faith, and who had erred concerning the truth saying that the resurrection was passed already, and who stumbled others. Paul delivered Hymenזus and Alexander to Satan, that they might learn not to blaspheme.
Israel
Israelite.-See Jews.
Jacob
.-The Patriarch, mentioned in connection with Abraham and Isaac, as when the Lord declared that God was not the God of the dead but of the living, because it had been said to Moses that God was their God, Matt. 22:32; Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37. Jacob is also spoken of as an instance of God's sovereignty: God had loved Jacob, but had hated Esau: Rom. 9:13.
Jairus
. Ruler of the synagogue, whose daughter Jesus raised from the dead: Mark 5:22; Luke 8:41
Jambres
.-See Jannes
James
.-1, Son of Zebedee, one of the twelve apostles, Matt. 4:21; 10.2; Mark 1:19; 3:17.-He was brother of John, probably an elder brother by being always named first. He and his brother were termed 'Sons of Thunder' (see Boanerges). The two brothers and Peter seem to have been chosen by the Lord to a kind of first place: cf. Mark 5:37; 9:2; 14:33. James was killed with the sword by Herod Agrippa 1., about A.D. 44: Acts 12:2. He may be alluded to in 1 Cor. 15:7. 2, Son of Alphזus, one of the twelve apostles, Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13.-These are the only passages where with certainty this apostle is alluded to by name; but in the Acts we find a James at Jerusalem holding a sort of first place, and saying at the conference 'My sentence is,' chap. 15:19, which naturally points him out as an apostle, and who could that be but James, the son of Alphזus? Chapter 12:17; 15 13; 21:18; Gal. 2:9. The same is doubtless the writer of the Epistle bearing his name; and he also appears to have been the brother of Jude: Luke 6:16; Jude 1.
3, The Lord's Brother, Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3; Gal. 1:19. -He could not have been an apostle, for we read distinctly, "neither did his brethren believe in him," John 7:5. In Gal. 1:19 he is found at Jerusalem; but is there doubtless called the Lord's brother to distinguish him from the James that was referred to as usually being at Jerusalem, and named in Gal. 2:9. In Gal. 1:19 the words do not necessarily imply, according to the learned, that James, the Lord's brother, was an apostle.
4, The Less, Mark 15:40, also mentioned simply as James in Matt. 27:56; Luke 24:10. These are only mentioned to point out their mother, named Mary. James and Joses being common names -the Lord having brothers of the same name-there is no means of otherwise identifying James the Less.
Jannes and Jambres
2 Tim. 3:8, 9.-These, according to ancient Jewish tradition, were the chief of the Egyptian magicians. who were allowed by God to imitate, to a certain extent, the wonders wrought by Moses.
Jason-1,
A kinsman of Paul, Rom. 16:21. 2, One attacked because of his connection with the apostle at Thessalonica, Acts 17:5-9.
Jesus
the Lord Jesus was the personal name of the Lord as a man, Matt. 1:21. It signifies Jehovah the Savior. He was born of the Virgin Mary, conceived by the Holy Ghost, ver. 20. Of His childhood we read that He waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him. At the age of twelve years He was found in the temple, sitting among the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions: doubtless He also taught without as yet seeming to teach, for they were astonished at His understanding and His answers. He was thus about His Father's business; but He went to Nazareth, and was subject to His parents: the two things being beautifully combined. For the next eighteen years we know only that He increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. When He began to be about thirty years of age, He came forth, was baptized by John, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. Then He was tempted of the devil. Being announced by John as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, He began His ministry. It consisted chiefly in preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing diseases of every kind, casting out the demons, and raising the dead. He fulfilled the O.T. scriptures that spoke of what Messiah would do. The Lord was here also for another purpose, namely, to save souls; as many as received Him to them gave He power to become the sons of God. He revealed God to them as Father, gave them eternal life, and by the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost they became as one body, united to the Lord in glory as the Head of the church. He was the second Man and the last Adam, being Head, as it were, of a new race in His saints, who were delivered from their old standing in Adam, and in new creation given a new standing in Christ. From the first He was refused by the leaders of Israel: " His own received him not." Still a few were gathered to Him, of whom He chose twelve apostles. After a ministry of about three years and a half, the time had arrived, according to the counsels of God, for Jesus to be offered up as a sacrifice for sin. In the garden of Gethsemane He was in the deepest anguish at the prospect of bearing sin, and asked if it were possible the cup might pass from Him, but bowed to His Father's will. He was arrested, and crucified: His blood was shed, by which redemption was accomplished. On the third day He rose from the dead; breathed into the apostles the Spirit and power of life; and after appearing several times to many witnesses, He ascended to heaven. That the Lord Jesus was God as well as man is clearly proved in scripture, both by direct statement and by His works: for He accomplished what no mere man could do, such as casting out demons, raising the dead, forgiving sins, reading the thoughts of men, and by raising Himself from the dead. The Lord Jesus being God as well as man, there is necessarily a mystery enshrouding His Person that is beyond man's grasp: we are told that no man knoweth the Son but the Father, and no one knoweth who the Son is but the Father. This should be no stumbling block,, but should call forth reverence, adoration, and worship.
Jesus
.-1, Acts 7:45; Heb. 4. 8, the Greek form of ' Joshua.' 2, A disciple at Rome, also called Justus, Col. 4:11.
Jews
.-This term was not used until after the division of the ten tribes from the two, 2 Kings 16:6, and is supposed to be derived from 'Judah,' the chief of the two tribes, in distinction from 'Israel,' the name given to the ten tribes. Those who returned from the captivity were of the two tribes, and these, with any of the ten tribes who may have been left in the land or have returned and dwelt in Palestine are called 'Jews.' The Lord is called 'King of the Jews,' and He said, 'Salvation is of the Jews.' But the name of ' Israel ' is also used: the elders are called 'the elders of Israel' or the 'elders of the Jews.' John showed himself to Israel; the Lord said He had not found such faith in Israel, &c. Thus it appears that the term 'Israel' is often used as if there had been no division of the tribes. The Lord said He was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. It is also used in the sense of those privileged of God,' as all are not Israel that are of Israel. Nathanael was declared to be truly an Israelite in whom was no guile. In John's Gospel the Jews ' refer to those in Judaea in distinction from 'the people' who gathered to the feasts from other parts. In the Revelation (2:9; 3:9) some in the church falsely claim to be Jews (symbolical of privileged persons), who are really of the synagogue of Satan: such as they who seek to Judaize Christianity, and to assimilate christian worship to forms and ceremonies.
Jezebel
Rev. 2:20. -Symbolical of a wicked and seductive spirit that led into idolatry. See her character in the Old Testament, where she is called an " accursed woman."
Joanna
Luke 8:3; 24:10, wife of Chuza, steward of Herod Agrippa; she had been cured of some infirmity, and ministered to the Lord of her property. She was honored by being one who carried to the disciples the news of His resurrection.
John the Baptist
the forerunner of Christ; he was the son of Zacharias and Elisabeth, born to them in their old age, both of whom were of the tribe of Levi. His name was fixed by Gabriel, and he was a Nazarite from his birth. Of his early life we know nothing; his ministry was carried on in the wilderness, and he was clothed in camel's hair, and ate locusts and wild honey. His baptism was to repentance, and his mission was to prepare the way for the Messiah, though it extended to proclaiming Jesus as the true light that lighteth every man, and as the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. In one sense he was the Elijah who was to usher in the coming of the Lord, and in another sense he was not, because Jesus was not accepted by Israel as the Messiah. He was declared to be the greatest born of women, and yet the least in the kingdom of heaven was greater than he, because of the new place such would be in. His faithfulness in rebuking Herod Antipas for his sin led to his imprisonment and ultimately to his death. While in prison his faith seems to have failed, for he sent to ask if Jesus was the coming one, or were they to look for another. The Lord in reply pointed to His works, which showed that He was the true Messiah.
John the Apostle
the son of Zebedee and brother of James.
He was a fisherman before being called to be an apostle. He was one of the three who were with the Lord on the mount of transfiguration and on other occasions. He called himself 'the one whom Jesus loved,' and at the last Passover he leaned on Jesus' bosom. He and James were called ' Sons of Thunder' (see Boanerges); but except in uniting with his brother in asking if they should call down fire from heaven (Luke 9:54), he appears to have been of a loving and lovable spirit. The Lord at His crucifixion committed His mother to John's care. He was the writer of the Gospel and Epistles bearing his name and of the Revelation. As to his after life, tradition and legends add much. We know he was in the Isle of Patmos; it is said that he had to work in the mines there, but was liberated and went to Ephesus, where he had previously labored. An interesting story is related of a convert having fallen away and become the head of a band of robbers, John went after him, and on being captured by the robbers demanded to see their captain, and was the means of melting his heart into contrition and restoring him to the Lord and to His saints.
John.
1, One of the Council in Acts 4:6. 2, the Nephew of Barnabas, Whose Surname Was Mark. See Mark.
Jona
,John 1:42.-The father of Peter: see Matt. 16:17, and in John 21:15 he is called Jonas; the Greek is the same.
Jonas
.-The prophet Jonah, Matt. 12:39-41; 16:4; Luke 11:29-32; referred to in the N.T. as a type of the Lord, being three days and three nights 'in the heart of the earth.' No other sign was to be given to the nation that had rejected Him who was 'greater than Jonah.'
Joseph
.-I, The Patriarch, John 4:5; Acts 7:9-18; Heb. 11:21, 22; Rev. 7:8. 2, The husband of Mary, Matt. 10:18-24; 2:13, 19; Luke 1:27; 2, 4:16, 33, 43; 3:23; John 1:45. He was 'of the house and lineage of David,' and a just man; he followed the instructions from heaven, and sought the safety of the Lord when a babe. He was a carpenter by trade, but all Jews learned a trade, so that this does not tell us his position in life. At the presentation at Jerusalem they offered two turtle doves, which was the offering of the poor. John 6:42 is the latest mention we have of Joseph; it is supposed he died early, for Jesus when on the cross commended His mother to the apostle John. 3, Joseph of Arimathזa, Matt. 27:57-59; Mark 15:43,; Luke 23:50; John 19:38. He was a counselor in Israel, a good and a just man, who did not consent to the condemning of the Lord. Though he had been a secret disciple, he fearlessly went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus, and interred Him in his own new tomb. Scripture says he was a rich man, and this agrees with Isa. 53.9, ' He was with the rich in his death.' 4, Joseph called Barsabas, surnamed
Justus, Acts 10:23. He was one of the two selected as fit persons to fill the place of Judas Iscariot, having been with the Lord Jesus throughout His ministry.
Joses
Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3. One of the brethren of the Lord. For Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:40, 47, see James. For Acts 4:36 see Barnabas.
Juda
Mark 6:3.-One of the brothers of the Lord.
Judah
Heb. 8:8.-The two tribes, in distinction from Israel, the ten tribes; with both of which the new covenant is to be made.
Judas
.-1, One of the apostles, Luke 6:16; John 14:22; Acts 1:13. In two places the Authorized Version has added the words ' brother of:' reading ' Judas, brother of James;' but it may be ' son of,' and we know not which James is referred to; but if Jude who wrote the Epistle is the same person, then ' brother' is correct. In the list of the apostles in Matt. 10:3 and Mark 3:18 it will be seen that Judas is not named, but instead occurs the name of Lebbזus, whose surname is Thaddeus, which leads to the conclusion that these are other names of Judas. Very little is recorded of this apostle: he asked the Lord how He would manifest Himself o His disciples and not unto the world. 2 Judas of Galilee, Acts 5:37, who raised an insurrection " in the days of the taxing," A.D. 6. He was slain by the Romans, and his followers dispersed. 3, Judas, Acts 15:22.-See Barsabas. 4, Judas, with whom Paul lodged, Acts 9:11. 5, Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, Matt. 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16; John 6:71; 13:2, 26; &c. One of the twelve apostles; he was entrusted with 'the bag,' though he was alas! a thief. Judas being chosen one of the apostles was a trial of man under new circumstances. He was an associate, ' friend,' of the Lord: saw Him in public and in private; heard His words, saw His actions, and witnessed His miracles. Could have asked Him anything, and have had all his doubts solved and his difficulties removed. But alas! he yielded to temptation, and then Satan entered into him, and he stayed not till he had with a kiss betrayed his Lord for thirty pieces of silver (about £3 15s.). His remorse speedily followed, and he confessed that he had betrayed innocent blood, and was impelled to return the money he had coveted: a complete dupe of Satan, who first leads into sin, and then mocks those led astray. He hanged himself, and then, either being cut down or his body falling, his bowels gushed out.
Jude
.-The writer of the epistle bearing his name. He says of himself that he was 'the servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James,' which has naturally led to the conclusion that he is the same as Judas the apostle, because of Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13. In both passages the word ' brother' is added, and is most probably correct.
Junia
Rom. 16:7.-A relative and fellow-prisoner of Paul, 'of note among the apostles,' and who was ' in Christ' before Paul.
Jupiter
Acts 14:12, 13; 19:35.-The supreme deity of Greek and Roman mythology.
Justus
1, Acts 1:23.-See Barsabas.
2, One at Corinth, Who 'Worshipped God,' Acts 18: 7.
3, One Who Was Also Named Jesus, One of Paul's Fellow-Workers, Col. 4:11.
Lazarus
1, John 11:1-43; 12:1-17, one whom Jesus loved at Bethany, whom He called ' our friend,' and whom He raised from the dead, proving that He was the resurrection as well as the life. Lazarus afterward sat at the table with the Lord, when Martha and Mary made Him a supper. The Jews came to see one who had been dead, but who was then alive; yet those in authority sought to put Lazarus also to death, because many believed on Jesus on account a this miracle. Not a word is said as to the experience of Lazarus between his death and his being raised, as if too sacred a subject to be uttered, as it was with what Paul heard when in the third heavens. 2, The name given to the beggar of the parable
in Luke 16:20-25, who when he died was carried into Abraham's bosom, where he was ' comforted.'
Lebbזus
.-See Judas.
Levi
Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27, 29.-The son of Alphזus, another name of the apostle Matthew.
Libertines
Acts 6:9.-Supposed to refer to persons who, after being taken prisoners by Rome, had been set at liberty.
Lot
spoken of as a righteous man, who was daily vexed by the ungodliness of those among whom he dwelt. His deliverance as a just man is recorded, 2 Peter 2:7; and the destruction of his city is held up as a type of the sudden judgment that will be executed when "the Son of man is revealed." The lingerer is told to " Remember Lot's wife:" Luke 17.28-32.
Lucius
.-I, Acts 13:1, a teacher, or prophet, of Cyrene. 2, A kinsman of Paul, Rom. 6:21,. whose salutation is sent to Rome.
Luke
Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:11, and called Lucas in Phile. 24,—Paul's fellow-laborer. Paul also styles him ‘the beloved physician’. He is supposed to have been a Gentile. When we remember that Luke is the writer of the third Gospel and of the Acts of the Apostles, it seems remarkable that his name should so seldom be mentioned. In the Gospel he never pointedly alludes to himself; he was present at many of the scenes recorded in the Acts, and in chapter 16 he says " we endeavored to go into Macedonia." He was with Paul at Philippi and other places, went with him to Jerusalem, and also traveled with him to Rome. When Paul wrote the second Epistle to Timothy, Luke was still with the apostle.
Lydia
Acts 16:14, 40.-A woman of Thyatira, ' a seller of purple,' whom Paul met at Philippi, in Macedonia. She believed and was baptized, and her household. She constrained Paul to take up his abode with her.
Lysanias
Luke 3:10.-Tetrarch of Abilene.
Magdalene
Matt. 27. 56.-Simply one belonging to the city of Magdala.
Malchus
John 18:10.-Servant of the high priest, whose ear Peter cut off. The Lord's healing it miraculously was a testimony at the moment of His arrest to His supernatural power and to His submission.
Manaen
Acts 13:1.-A prophet or teacher at Antioch. He had been ' brought up with Herod the tetrarch' (doubtless Herod Anti-pas), Herod's foster-brother' (margin).
Mark
Marcus, Acts 12:12, 25; 15:37, 39; 2 Tim. 4:11.-He is described as ' John, whose surname was Mark,' also as ' sister's son to Barnabas.' His mother's name was Mary, to whose house at Jerusalem Peter resorted when miraculously delivered from prison, and where he may have been the means of the conversion of ' son,' 1 Pet. 5:13. He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey, but forsook them at Perga. On Barnabas wishing to take him again, Paul thought it not good to take one who had previously left the work; so Paul and Barnabas separated. Paul and Mark were afterward reconciled; he was with Paul at Rome, and was commended to the Colossians, chap. 4. 10; was with Peter at Babylon; and Paul, when a prisoner a second time, asked for him to be brought, for he was serviceable for the ministry. Mark was used of God to write the Gospel which bears his name.
Martha
Luke 10:38, 40, 41; John 11:1-39; 12:2.-Martha was probably the widow of Simon the leper (cf. Matt. 26:6-13; Mark 14:3 -9; John 12:1-11), for she appears to be head of the favored family at Bethany, which Jesus loved, and to which He resorted. Having such a guest at her house she naturally wished to entertain Him well; but when she wished the aid of her sister, the Lord had to remind her that Mary had chosen the better part of being, in this instance, a receiver rather than a giver. The death and resurrection of Lazarus brought her into a truer appreciation of the character of her Lord as the Christ, the Son of God. At the supper made for Him six days before the Passover, Martha still served, but there is no gentle rebuke now, Lazarus sitting at table with Him was a living witness of the power of the One she entertained. Tradition says that Martha and Lazarus went to Marseilles and long served the Lord.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Matt. 1:16,18,20; 2:11; 13:55 Mark 6:3; Luke 1:27,30-56;2:5, 16, 19, 34.-' The Virgin,' pointed out in the Old Testament (Isa. 7:14) as the mother of Immanuel, God with us. Gabriel announced to her that the Holy Ghost should come upon her, and the power of the Highest should overshadow her, and her Son should be called the Son of God. She replied, " Behold the handmaid of the Lord: be it unto me according to thy word." She then went to her cousin Elisabeth, who, filled with the Holy Ghost, pronounced her blessed, and called her ' the mother of my Lord.' The Roman enrollment caused Joseph, Mary's affianced husband, to take her to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. Shepherds came, and related what they had seen and heard. Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. When Jesus was presented in the temple, and the devout Simeon foretold that He would be a light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel,' Mary wondered at the things spoken, and had to hear that a sword should pierce through her own soul. To avoid Herod's murderous intent Joseph carried the young child and Mary into Egypt, and on returning they abode in Nazareth. We next hear of Mary when she sought Jesus at Jerusalem, when He was twelve years old. She was with Him at the marriage in Cana of Galilee, and witnessed His first recorded miracle. Later on Mary came with his brethren,' and sought to speak to Jesus, but He said that those who did the will of God were His brother, and sister, and mother. We do not again hear of Mary until she stood and beheld Jesus nailed to the cross-doubtless a sword now pierced her soul. She would surely rejoice to hear of His resurrection, and was perhaps among the 500 who saw him at one time. We find her gathered with the apostles at Jerusalem, waiting for the gift of the Holy Spirit, Acts 1:14, and then hear of her no more. Mary said that all generations should call her blessed, which all Christians gladly do; for indeed it was a great favor to be thus used of God; but we in no way find that she had a place of honor given her beyond that of other servants of God. Jesus was called ' her firstborn son,' implying that she had other children. The people said, " Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joses, and of Juda and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us?" Mark 6:3, &c.
Mary, the Wife of Cleophas
John 19:25. where she is said to be the sister of the Lord's mother. By comparing this passage with Matt. 27:56, 61; 28:1; Mark 15:40, 47; 16:1; Luke 24:10, it appears probable that 'the other Mary' and Mary the mother of James (or James the less) and Joses, point to the same person, which may have been the wife of Cleophas. That Mary, the Lord's mother, should have a sister of the same name need not cause surprise, when it is pointed out that the two names are not spelled the same in the Greek: one is literally Maria, as we also have Mary and Maria.
Mary, Sister of Lazarus
Luke 10:39, 42; John 20:11: 1-45; 12:3.Apparently a younger sister of Martha in the united family at Bethany, and who were all loved by the Lord. We find Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus hearing His words: she had chosen the good part which was not to be taken from her. At the death of her brother she had to learn Jesus as the resurrection and the life; and at the supper prepared for the Lord a few days before the last passover, in true appreciation of Him she anointed His head and His feet with costly ointment. The indignation of the disciples drew out the Lord's commendation of her act: He declared that she had done a ' good work' upon Him; she did it for His burial. It should be told of her in the whole world. This act must not be associated with that recorded in Luke 7:36-50 by a woman ' which was a sinner.'
Mary.-
1, Mother of MarkActs 12:12, we only read of her as having a house at Jerusalem, at which a meeting for prayer was held at night when Peter was in prison. 2, A Christian woman who had bestowed much labor on Paul, to whom he sends greetings: Rom. 16:6.
Mary Magdalene
Matt. 27:56; Luke 8:2; John 20:1; &c.— One out of whom had been cast seven demons, and one who ministered to the Lord of her substance. We read no more of her until the crucifixion, when she was with the other women beholding the wonderful scene. She waited to see where the body of her Lord was laid. On Saturday evening she bought spices that she might embalm the body, and early the next morning was at the sepulcher; but found the tomb empty. She ran with the news to Peter and John; was so, and then went away to their own home. But Mary stood without, weeping, and stooping down saw two angels sitting where the body of her Lord had been laid, to whom she lamented the loss of His body. But, turning round, Jesus appeared and revealed Himself to her. She called Him Rabboni, Teacher. He sent her with the joyful message to His disciples, " I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." She was the first to whom our Lord appeared after His resurrection, and her deep love was thus rewarded. The name is really ' Mary of Magdala,' and has no connection with the modern term of ' Magdalen.'
Matthew
Matt. 9:9; 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13. -One of the twelve apostles, also called Levi. He was one of the collectors for those who farmed the Roman taxes. When called by Jesus he immediately left his office, and made a feast for the Lord. Beyond this we do not read anything of him except in connection with the other apostles. He wrote the Gospel bearing his name, in which he styles himself Matthew the publican or tax gatherer.
Matthias
Acts 1:23, 26.-One of those selected as having been associated with the apostles from the baptism of John, to fill the place of Judas Iscariot, and upon whom the lot fell. We read no more of Matthias.
Medes
. Acts 2:9.-Originally the inhabitants of Media, a large district to the north of Persia, and east of Assyria. Jews from Media were present in Jerusalem at Pentecost-remarkable as being the most distant place mentioned to which the ten tribes were carried.
Melchisedec
Heb. 5:6, 10; 6:20; 7:1-21.-The king and priest who blessed Abraham, Gen. 14:18-20, is in the New Testament a type of Christ as King of Peace in the millennium, and as Priest after a different order from Aaron. The Melchisedec priesthood differed from the Aaronic in that it did not descend from father to son ("without father, without mother," &c.), and that it had no succession; ‘abideth a priest forever’. We do not read of Melchisedec offering sacrifices, but of his blessing Abraham; so Christ in the millennium will be the ' blessing' Priest.
Mercurius
Acts 14:12.-The herald of the gods in the Roman mythology, the same as Hermes of the Greeks. At Lystra the heathen supposed Paul to be Mercurius, and wanted to offer a sacrifice to him; but afterward, at the instigation of the Jews, they helped to stone him, and he was left for dead.
Messias
John 1:41; 4:25.-The same as Messiah, which only occurs in Dan. 9:25, 26 in connection with the seventy weeks. The name is interpreted in John 1:41 to mean ' the Christ,' and in the margin, ' the anointed,' which is the meaning of both ' Messiah ' and ' Christ.' He is God's anointed One to carry out on earth the counsels of eternity respecting His ancient people Israel.
Michael
Jude 9; Rev. 12:7.-The Archangel, the only one read of in scripture. He contended with Satan for the body of Moses, but railed not against him. Michael and his angels will carry on war with Satan and his angels, and will prevail, and Satan will have no further access to heaven.
Mnason
Acts 21:16.-A native of Cyprus, an old disciple who traveled with Paul on his last visit to Jerusalem, and with whom he and those with him lodged.
Moloch
Acts 7:43.-The same as the Molech of the O. T., the god of the Ammonites, to whom children were offered in sacrifice: cf. Amos 5:26.
Moses
.-This name occurs in the New Testament as the embodiment of the law; "There is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust," John 5:45. b, in contrast to Jesus Christ, John 10:17. c, to show that the glory that accompanied Moses an the giving of the law is far exceeded by the ministry of the Spirit. 2 Cor. 3:7-11. d, The vail that Moses wore is still on the heart of Israel, whereas the Christian has an unveiled face to behold the glory of the Lord: 2 Cor. 3:13-18. e, The song of Moses (triumph over evil by God's judgment) will again be sung: Rev. 15:3.
Nathanael
John 1:45-49; 21:2.-The Israelite of whom the Lord said, " in whom is no guile," and who confessed Jesus to be the Son of God and the King of Israel. He is only again mentioned as being with the disciples when Peter went fishing. He is supposed by some to be identical with Bartholomew.
Nazarene
Matt. 2:23; Acts 24:5.-A native of Nazareth. For some reason, now unknown, it was proverbial among the Jews that nothing good could come from Nazareth. The Lord's reception must rest on higher and holier grounds than anything of earth.
Nephthalim
Matt. 4:13, 15; Rev. 7:6.-One of the twelve tribes: Naphtali.
Nicanor
Acts 6:5.‒One of those chosen to serve tables, of whom nothing more is read,
Nicodemus
John 3:1, 4, 9; 7:50; 19:39.-The ruler of the Jews, who came to Jesus by night-like others, a disciple in secret. He could not understand how a man could be born again, though the Lord intimated that being a Jesus should not be condemned without being heard. After the crucifixion he bought a hundred pound weight of spices to anoint the body of the Lord, thus openly identifying himself with the One whom the rulers had rejected.
Nicolaitanes
Rev. 2:6, 15.-There were those at Ephesus who hated the works of this sect, as the Lord did also; but at Pergamos there were some who held the doctrine of the same. It cannot now be traced what their error was.
Nicolas
Acts 6:5.-A proselyte of Antioch. One of the seven chosen to take care of the poor saints at Jerusalem.
Niger
Acts 13:1.-See Simeon.
Noah
NoeMatt. 24:37, 38; Luke 3:36; 17:26, 27; Heb. 11:7; 1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Peter 2:5. -Referred to in the N.T., a, for his raith in preparing an ark, according to the instructions by God, though no signs of danger were apparent; b, as a preacher of righteousness while the ark was being built; c, in being one of eight persons saved, when the flood came suddenly upon the ungodly, even as the coming of Christ will be when He comes to the earth.
Onesimus
Col. 4:9; Phile. 10.‒The runaway slave of Philemon, who was converted through Paul's ministry at Rome and sent back to his master. Christianity was not brought in by Christ to set the world right, and so the slave was sent back to his master, and Paul asked to be charged with whatever Onesimus owed to Philemon.
Onesiphorus
2 Tim. 1:16; 4:19.-One honorably mentioned as having diligently sought out Paul at Rome on his second imprisonment, and refreshed him, not being ashamed of his chain. He had also ministered to Paul at Ephesus.
Parmenas
Acts 6:5.-One of the seven chosen to attend to the needs of the saints at Jerusalem.
Parthians
Acts 2:9.-Natives of Parthia, a large country in the far east, adjoining Media, on the south of the Caspian. Parthians were at Jerusalem at Pentecost. This is apparently the most distant country from which any had traveled on that occasion. That there should have been Israelites of the dispersion from so many districts, and such immense distances was no doubt ordered of God, for it was an occasion that had never been before. Thousands heard the gospel and could carry it back with them: cf. Medes.
Paul
formerly named Saul.-He was of the tribe of Benjamin, a native of Tarsus, a city of Cilicia, and born free of Rome. He was a Pharisee, and studied under Gamaliel. We first hear of him as a young man, at whose feet the clothes of the witnesses against the martyr Stephen were laid. He became a violent persecutor of the church, thinking he was therein doing God service. After his conversion (about A.D. 36), he began at once to preach that Jesus was the Son of God, Acts 9:20. He had his gospel and his mission direct from heaven, so that he had no need to seek a commission from Jerusalem, though he was not independent of the church already formed: he received his sight and the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands of Ananias, a disciple of Damascus. A new phase began in the church by its heavenly character being taught by Paul, who was an apostle. To him was revealed the truth of the one body of Christ, and the doctrine of the church, that in Christ Jesus there is neither Jew nor Gentile, the middle wall being entirely broken down. Though the question of Gentile believers being exempt from keeping the law was settled at Jerusalem, yet. Paul suffered much persecution from the Jews and Judaizing teachers, who could not fall in with the Gentiles having an equal place with them. Paul was emphatically the apostle to the Gentiles, and this caused him to take several missionary journeys into Asia, and to cross to Europe. It is clear from 2 Cor. 11: 24-27 that in the Acts we do not get by any means a full account of his labors. He was arrested at Jerusalem, and sent to Cזsarea for his safety, To avoid being sent back to Jerusalem, where plots were made to murder him, he appealed to Rome, and was sent there. After two years of an easy imprisonment (Acts 28:30, 31), he was doubtless liberated, for this is implied in these last two verses of the Acts; and when previously could he have left Trophimus sick at Miletus? 2 Tim. 4:20. We do not know all his movements, but apparently he visited Ephesus, 1 Tim. 1:3; Macedonia, 1 Tim. 1:3; Troas, 2 Tim. 4:13; Miletus, 2 Tim. 4:20; Crete, Titus 1:5; and Nicopolis, Titus 3:12. The early writers say he visited Spain, which we know he desired to do, Rom. 15.24, 23. When 2 Timothy was written he was again a prisoner, expecting the near approach of death. Tradition says he was beheaded with the sword, and this form of execution is probable, because he was a Roman citizen.
Persis
Rom. 16:20.-A christian woman of Rome, who is called by Paul ' beloved,' and who labored much in the Lord.
Peter, Simon Peter, Cephas.-
Simon appears to have been his name at first, and Cephas or Peter to have been given him by the Lord, Luke 5:10; 6:14; John 1:40. He was a fisherman in partnership with James and John. They forsook all and became apostles, of whom Peter had a sort of first place. When a few of the apostles were chosen for any particular service, Peter is always one, and is named first; but beyond this we do not read that he had any authority over the others. Many incidents concerning him are related in the Gospels. He was energetic and impulsive. When he opposed the thought of Christ having to suffer, he was denounced as Satan, Matt. 16:23. His self-confidence led him to deny his Lord, but he was truly repentant, and after the resurrection was personally sifted as to having more love to the Lord than the others had, and was then enjoined to feed and shepherd the sheep and lambs of Christ. The keys of the kingdom were committed to Peter, and we find him preaching the first sermon after the giving of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost, when about three thousand souls were added to the assembly; these were Jews. He was also the means of bringing in Cornelius, a Gentile. Thus he opened the kingdom to both Jews and Gentiles. Peter was the apostle to the circumcision, and Paul to the Gentiles, and he seems never to have got quite clear of his Jewish prejudices. Paul had to withstand him to the face at Antioch, ' for he was to be blamed,' when he separated himself from the Gentile converts. He confesses that there were some things in Paul's epistles which were hard to be understood: they would be beyond one who could not break entirely away from Judaism. Peter wrote the two Epistles bearing his name. Tradition says he was crucified at Rome, and was, by his own request, impaled head downwards. It is also recorded that his wife suffered with him.
Pharaoh
Acts 7:10, 13, 21; Rom. 9:17; Heb. 11:24.-The kings of Egypt. One is introduced by Paul as an example of God's sovereignty. God had raised up Pharaoh to skew His power in him, that thus God's name might be declared throughout the world.
Phebe
Rom. 16:1.-A ministering servant (διάκονον) of the church, commended by Paul to the assembly at Rome to be helped by them; she had been a succorer of Paul and many others.
Philemon
Phile. I.-Greeted as a dearly beloved fellow-laborer; to him Paul wrote the Epistle bearing his name, when he sent back his slave Onesimus.
Philetus
2 Tim. 2:17. -a Professor Who Had Erred Concerning the Truth, Saying That the Resurrection Was Already Past (Probably Allegorizing It), by Whom the Faith of Some Had Been Overthrown.
Philip
one of the Apostles, Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; John 1:43-48; 14:8, 9.-He was of Bethsaida, and was no sooner called to follow the Lord than he ' found' Nathaniel, and invited him to come to Jesus. He asked to be shown the Father, when the Lord referred him to. Himself, saying, " He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.... I am in the Father, and the Father in me." Nothing is heard of Philip after Acts 1:13.
Philip the Evangelist,
Acts 6:5; 8:5-40; 21:8.-One of the seven chosen to look after the poor at Jerusalem. When the church was scattered, Philip went to Samaria, preached the word, and wrought miracles, and many believed with great joy. Then the angel of the Lord directed Philip to go into the desert between Jerusalem and Gaza, where he joined the Ethiopian, and 'preached unto him Jesus,' and baptized him. The Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, and he found himself at Azotus. From thence he announced the glad tidings in all the cities till he arrived at Caesarea, where he afterward remained, and where he entertained Paul. Philip had four virgin daughters who prophesied.
Philip.-See Family of Herod
page 51. Philip I. had no possessions. Philip II. is referred to in Luke 3:1. See pages 53, 56.
Phygellus
2 Tim. 1:15.-Named as one of Asia, who had turned away from Paul, though perhaps not an apostate.
Pilate, Pontius Pilate
Matt. 27.; Mark 15.; Luke 3:1; 13:1; 23.; John 18.; 19.-He was appointed governor (procurator) of Judaea, with full military and judicial authority, A.D. 25-6. Pilate had his headquarters at Jerusalem instead of Caesarea, which perhaps more easily brought him into conflict with the Jews. Josephus relates that he had outraged the prejudices of the Jews, cf. Luke 13:1, before he had anything to do with the trial of the Lord. He could see that the rulers had delivered Jesus out of envy, and determined to scourge Him and let Him go; but the clamor of the Jews was so great that he perhaps tried to find some plausible ground for condemning Him, but had to confess, ‘I find no fault in him.' The message from his wife also confirmed his desire to release Him; but the people, as well as the rulers, chose Barabbas instead of Christ; and the rulers declared that Pilate could not be Caesar's friend if he let the King of the Jews live. This decided the unprincipled judge. He took water, and, washing his hands, declared that he was innocent of the death of that just One; whereupon the rulers uttered that awful expression, "His blood be on us and on our children." Complaints from the Samaritans caused Pilate to be sent to Rome to answer the charges, A.D. 36, and he closed his life by his own hand. (Josephus, Ant. 18:4, 1, 2.)
Porcius.-See Festus.
Prisca, Priscilla
Acts 18:2, 18, 26; Rom. 16:3; I Cor. 16:19; 2 Tim. 4:19.-The wife of Aquila, both of whom Paul calls "my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus." They were with Paul at Corinth, and traveled with him to Ephesus, where they were enabled to " expound unto Apollos the way of God more perfectly." Priscilla is at times named before her husband.
Prochorus
Acts 6:5.-One of the seven chosen to look after the poor saints: nothing more is recorded of him.
Publius.-the Chief Man in the Island of Melita
when Paul was shipwrecked, who received and lodged the company courteously for three days. Paul healed his sick father: Acts 28: 7, 8.
Pudens.-See Claudia.
Rachel
Matt. 2:18.-Wife of Jacob, and mother of Benjamin, represented as weeping for the loss of her children when Herod killed all the infants of Bethlehem.
Rahab
Heb. 11:31; James 2:25.-Referred to in the N. T., a, as an example of faith: she believed Israel was going to be victorious; b, as being justified, in her acts, on the principle of faith being proved by works. Called Rachab in Matt. 1:5.
Remphan
Acts 7:43,-This is a quotation from Amos 5:26 in the LXX. In the Hebrew it reads 'Chiun,' instead of Remphan. What god is alluded to is not known.
Rufus-
1Son of Simon, a Cyrenian, who bore the cross of the Lord, Mark 15:21. 2, A Christian at Rome to whom Paul sent a salutation, to which he adds ‘and his mother and mine,' no doubt as the literal mother of Rufus, and as one who had been practically a mother to Paul, Rom. 16:13.
Salome
Mark 15:40; 16:1.-One of the women who witnessed the crucifixion, and who brought spices to anoint the Lord's body.
Sapphira
Acts 5:1.-The wife of Ananias, who had agreed with her husband to keep back part of the money for which they had sold their land. She fell down at the feet of Peter and expired.
Sara, Sarah
Rom. 4:19; 9:9; Heb. 11:11 ' Pet. 3:6.-Wife of Abraham: held up as an example of faith, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Also as an obedient wife, whose daughters morally all christian wives should be.
Satan.-
The personal name of the devilthe great enemy of God and man. He deceived Eve, and has been and is the great tempter of man to do evil, as he also tempted the Lord. He is called the ' god of this world' and the ' prince of the power of the air.' His power was annulled for the Christian by Christ on the cross, and believers are exhorted to resist him and he will flee from them; but his wiles are dangerous, for he is able to transform himself into an angel of light. He has access to the lower heavens, from which he and his angels will be cast out. He will be chief of the trinity of evil in conjunction with the head of the future Roman empire and Antichrist. He will be shut up in the bottomless pit for the thousand years of the millennium. After that he will be released for a short time, and will gather the nations together to war against the saints and the beloved city, Jerusalem. The fire of God will destroy the army, and Satan will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone for eternity. He is called the father of lies and a murderer from the beginning, a great dragon, and the old serpent: cf. Ezek. 28. 11-19.
Saul.-See Paul.
Scythian
Col. 3:11.-An inhabitant of the barbarous district north of the Caspian and Black Seas. The term was used to signify the most uncultivated people.
Sergius Paulus
Acts 13:7.-Roman proconsul of Cyprus, an intelligent man, who called for Barnabas and Saul that he might hear the word of God; he believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Silas
Acts 15:22-40; 16:19, 25, 29; 17:4, 10, 14, 15; 18:5.-A prophet and a 'chief man' among the brethren, sent from. Jerusalem with Paul and Barnabas, testifying to the decision as to the freedom of Gentiles from keeping the law. He accompanied Paul in her second missionary journey, was imprisoned at Philippi, where, with Paul, he sang praises to God, though he had been much beaten, and his feet were in the stocks.
Silvanus
2 Cor. 1:19; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:12.‒By comparing these passages with the Acts, it is generally supposed that Paul alludes to Silas, Whether Peter also refers to the same we have no means of knowing.
Simeon.-
1A just and pious man at Jerusalem, to whom it was revealed that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. On the presentation of Jesus he took Him up in his arms, blessed God, and said, " Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation," &c.; Luke 2:25. 2, Acts 15:14, The Hebrew form of Simon, alluding to Peter: in 2 Peter 1:1 it is also Simeon in the Greek. 3, A teacher at Antioch, surnamed Niger: Acts 13:1. 4, One in the genealogy in Luke 3:30.
Simon.-
1Simon Peter, see Peter. 2, Simon the Canaanite (or Canaanite, or Zealot, and therefore called Simon Zelotes), one of the twelve apostles, but of whom nothing further is recorded: Matt. 10:4; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13. 3, Simon, one of the brethren of the Lord, Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3. 4, Simon the leper, at whose house 'a woman' anointed the head of the Lord, Matt. 26:6; Mark 14:3. By comparing these passages with John 12:1-3 it would appear that Martha and Mary lived in the same house with, and were perhaps related to, Simon, and that it was Mary who used the ointment. 5, Simon the Cyrenian who was made to carry the Lord's cross: Matt. 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26. 6, Simon the Pharisee, who invited Jesus to his house, where a woman who was a sinner anointed the feet of the Lord, which raised unworthy thoughts in Simon's mind, and led to his being rebuked, while the woman was forgiven, Luke 7:36-50. 7, Simon, father of Judas Iscariot, John 6:71. 8, Simon the tanner, at whose house Peter was lodging when sent for by Cornelius, Acts 9:43, &c. 9, Simon Magus, one who had deceived the people of Samaria by magic arts, but who professed to believe at the preaching of Philip. When he saw that the apostles were able to impart the Holy Spirit by the laying on of their hands, he offered money to purchase the like powers (from which has arisen the word ' Simony '); but was denounced by Peter, Acts 8:9-24. Tradition records that he did much mischief among the saints, and died by his own hand.
Solomon
Matt. 6:29; 12:42; Luke 11:31; 12:27; Acts 7:47.-Referred to in the New Testament, a, to teach that man's works of art in their utmost glory are not to be compared with the simplest wild flower made by God; b, that though he was the wisest man, his wisdom was far exceeded by the Lord; c, that though Solomon built a house for God, yet the most high dwelleth not in hand-made temples.
Sosthenes
Acts 18.1; 1 Cor. 1. I.-The chief ruler of the synagogue at Corinth, who was beaten by the Greeks before the judgment seat. The words ' the Greeks' are omitted by most editors, and a few manuscripts read ‘the Jews’; but most probably Gentiles are meant. The Sosthenes of 1 Cor. 1. I may not be the same person.
Stephanas
1 Cor. 1:16; 16:15, 17.-A Corinthian whom, with his household, Paul had baptized: they were the first fruits of Achaia, and had devoted themselves to minister to the saints. Paul exhorted the Corinthian saints to submit to them.
Stephen
Acts 6:5, 8, 9; 7:59; 8:2; 22:20.-One of the seven chosen to attend to the poor saints: he is there described as a man "full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost." Certain disputed with him, but were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. They caused him to be brought before the Sanhedrim, in whose sight his face appeared like an angel's. In his defense he charged them with always resisting the Holy Ghost, and with being the betrayers and murderers of the Just One. They cast him out and stoned him. He was the first christian martyr, and to him the heaven was opened, and he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Susanna
Luke 8:3.-One of the pious women who had the honor of ministering to the Lord of their substance.
Syntyche
Phil. 4:2.-A christian woman at Philippi, who strove together with Paul in the gospel: she was exhorted to be of the same mind in the Lord with Euodias: they had apparently differed on some point.
Syrophenician
Mark 7:26.-A woman who was a Greek, but a Syrophenician by race; that is, one who was a native of Phenicia in the province of Syria. Being a Gentile, when she took the place of a dog, the Lord granted her petition.
Tabitha
Acts 9:36-42.-A disciple at Joppa, who was full of good works and almsdeeds, and made garments for the poor. She fell sick and died; but as Peter prayed over her, life returned. DORCAS is the Greek for Tabitha, which means a gazelle.'
ThaddזUs. See Judas.
Theophilus
Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1. The Christian to whom Luke addressed his gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, of whom nothing more is known. The term ' most excellent' is the same as applied to governors of provinces: cf, Acts 23:26; 26:25.
Theudas
Acts 5:36.-One who set himself up to be somebody and drew people after him; he was slain and his followers scatter ed. Cited as a proof that what is not of God comes to naught.
Thomas
Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; John 11:16; 14:5; 20:24-29; 21:2; Acts 1:13.-One of the twelve apostles, also called Didymus, a twin. It was he who said to the Lord, "We know not whither thou goest, and how can we know the way?" To which Jesus replied, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." Thomas also declared that he would not believe that the Lord had risen until he had seen and felt the marks of His wounds; but when he saw the Lord he at once confessed Him as "My Lord and my God." He was not with the other disciples when the Lord breathed on them and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost," and seems to be type of the future remnant who will not believe till they see the Lord.
Timon
Acts 6:5.-One of the seven chosen to attend to the needs of the poor saints at Jerusalem.
Timothy, Timotheus
Acts 16:1.; 1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10; Phil. 2:19; &c. -A young disciple whom Paul met at Lystra or Derbe, though apparently he had been converted previously through Paul's ministry, for he calls him his child. Though his mother and grandmother were devout Jewesses, his father was a Greek, and Paul, wishing to take Timothy with him, circumcised him, that the Jews should have no valid ground of objection against him. He was frequently with Paul in his journeys, as recorded in the Acts, and fulfilled commissions for the apostle. Paul associates Timothy with himself in several of his epistles, and writes two epistles directly to him. He declared that he had no one like-minded but Timothy, and his love for him was great. We gather from the instructions Paul gives him, as to bishops (overseers) and deacons, that he was a sort of delegate to lay his hands on such. Timothy had his share of suffering and imprisonment, for we read in Heb. 13:23 that he was set at liberty. Tradition records that he died a martyr.
Titus
2 Cor. 2:13; 7:6, 13:14; 8:6, 16, 23; 12:18; Gal. 2:1, 3; 2 Tim. 4:10; Tit. 1:4.-A Gentile convert who, though he accompanied Paul to Jerusalem, was not circumcised. He was associated with Paul in his dealing with the Corinthians, and he styles him partner, or companion, and fellow helper. He was Paul's 'own son after the common faith,' and was left by the apostle in Crete with authority to establish elders in every city. Paul wrote an epistle to him on the subject of maintenance of order in the church.
Trophimus
Acts 20:4; 21:29; 2 Tim. 4:20.-A Gentile convert who at times accompanied Paul. On the occasion of the great tumult at Jerusalem, when Paul was arrested, the Jews falsely charged him with having taken Trophimus into the temple. When Paul wrote his second Epistle to Timothy, he had left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
Tryphena and Tryphosa
Rom. 16:12.-Paul sends salutations to these women with the honorable description, "who labor in the Lord."
Tryphena
Acts 20:4; Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7; 2 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12.-A companion of Paul, whom he styles " a beloved brother and a faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord," and who was sent on various commissions by the apostle.
Zacchזus
Luke 19:2, 5, 8.-A chief among the tax-gatherers, who, greatly desiring to see the Lord, climbed into a tree. When called from the tree he was surprised and delighted by the visit of Jesus. The people called him a sinner,' but he began to justify himself by relating his good deeds; the Lord, however, declared that salvation had come that day to his house, for the Son of man had come to seek and to save the lost.
Zacharias.
Father of John the Baptist, a priest of the course of Abia. (1 Chron. 24:10.) When told that he should have a son, he was unbelieving, though he had prayed for one, and was dumb till John was circumcised, when his tongue was loosed and he was filled with the Holy Ghost, and praised God and prophesied: Luke 1:5-67. 2, Son of Barachias, who was slain between the temple and the altar: Matt. 23:35; Luke 11:51. Most probably the same as Zechariah, son of Jehoiada (for the Jews often had two names), 2 Chron. 24:20, 21, who was the last, as Abel was the first, righteous man recorded as murdered in the Old Testament.
Zebedee
Matt. 4:21, &c.-The father of the apostles James and John, and perhaps the husband of Salome see Matt. 27:56 and Mark 15:40.
Zelotes.-See Simon.