People of the Bible: An Encyclopedia of Every Named Person Mentioned in Scripture

People of the Bible is a comprehensive, Scripture-based encyclopedia covering 565 named persons found in the pages of God's Word, from Adam in Genesis to Antipas in Revelation. Every entry follows a consistent ten-section format that includes the person's name and meaning, time period, key Scripture references, family relationships, tribal or religious associations, a narrative summary, connections to other biblical figures, their role in the immediate passage, important themes and lessons, and notes to distinguish persons who share the same name. Whether you encounter an unfamiliar name during personal Bible study, need quick background for a Bible class lesson, or want to trace the relationships between biblical figures, this reference puts the answer at your fingertips.This encyclopedia traces the complete named genealogical chain from Adam to Jesus Christ, covers every king of Israel and Judah, all twelve apostles and Paul's many co-workers, every tribal patriarch of Israel, the prophets and their contemporaries, and hundreds of lesser-known individuals whose stories are preserved in Scripture. From Zerubbabel the governor who rebuilt the temple to Rhoda the servant girl who was too overjoyed to open the gate for Peter, every named person receives attention — because every person God chose to name in His Word matters.The guiding principle throughout this work is simple: let Scripture speak for itself. Every claim is drawn directly from the biblical text with no reliance on tradition, legend, or extra-biblical sources. Where identifications are uncertain or scholarly opinion is divided, this is noted so the reader can evaluate the evidence. This book was written to help Bible students, teachers, and preachers know the people of God's Word more deeply — and through them, to know God Himself more fully. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). Read more