People of the Bible 978-1-937913-77-9
People of the Bible answers the questions; Who is the oldest person in the Bible? How was Jesus related to King David? What does the name Salome mean? Who replaced Judas as an Apostle? All these questions - and many more - are answered in this fascinating book, which gives summary portraits of more than 230 of the best-known figures in the Bible. Illustrated in color throughout, each entry has Scripture references. Fully indexed, this book is an invaluable and handy reference.
One of six titles in the St. Joseph Bible Resources series,
People of the Bible by Robert Backhouse offers, in a concise and accessible format, succinct summaries of the lives of over 200 personages from the Old and New Testaments, providing the following:
- 13 sections that present the people in the order in which they appear in the Bible, thereby showing how God worked through ordinary individuals through the centuries
- the meaning of each person's name, some of which are more significant than others
- information on less familiar biblical figures
- Scripture references that point to some of the most important appearances of each person in the Bible
This booklet is an invaluable resource for use in schools, in Bible study groups, or by the individual inquirer.
We invite you to view other titles in this series as well as additional Bible study resources here: https: //catholicbookpublishing.com/browse/bible-study-resources.
Knowing the people in the Bible is essential for understanding its message, themes, and relevance. The Bible is a narrative of human interaction with the divine, told through the lives of individuals and communities. Each person mentioned contributes to the overarching story of God's plan, making their roles, struggles, and faith journeys crucial for readers to explore.
Understanding Biblical figures such as Abraham, Moses, David, Mary, and Paul helps contextualize key events and theological concepts. For instance, Abraham's faith and covenant with God lay the foundation for understanding God's promises to His people, while Moses' leadership demonstrates themes of deliverance and obedience. Learning about David's life reveals the complexity of human frailty and divine grace, while Mary's story underscores humility and trust in God's plan.
Biblical characters also provide personal and spiritual lessons. Their experiences--whether triumphs, failures, or moments of doubt--mirror universal human struggles. By studying their stories, readers find inspiration, encouragement, and warnings applicable to their own lives. For example, Job's perseverance through suffering teaches endurance, and Peter's redemption after denial offers hope for restoration.
Moreover, understanding the cultural and historical context of these figures brings clarity to their actions and decisions. It highlights how their faith shaped history and reveals how God works through flawed yet faithful individuals. By knowing the people of the Bible, readers can see themselves in the narrative, deepening their connection to its timeless truths.
Chapter title include:
- Introduction
- The First Families
- Into Egypt-and Out
- Judges
- The First Kings
- Judah's Prophets and Kings
- Israel's Prophets and Kings
- Exile and Return
- People in the Gospels
- The Twelve
- Jesus' Friends and Foes
- The First Christians
- Paul and His Circle
- Paul's Converts and Opponents
- Index
