Voices of the Bible

beginning of human history (Genesis 4)

Righteous shepherd and second son of Adam who brought acceptable offering to God by faith. First human to die, murdered by jealous brother Cain. His blood cried from the ground, and though dead, his faith still speaks.

c. 2000-1800 BC

Father of the faithful, called by God from Ur to become father of many nations. Made covenant with God, waited decades for promised son Isaac. Demonstrated radical obedience when commanded to sacrifice Isaac, trusting God would provide.

beginning of creation (Genesis 1-5)

First man created in God's image from dust, placed in Eden with dominion over creation. Disobeyed God's command by eating forbidden fruit, bringing sin and death into the world. Expelled from paradise, lived 930 years witnessing the consequences.

beginning of human history (Genesis 4)

Firstborn son of Adam and Eve who murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy when God accepted Abel's offering but not his own. Became a fugitive and wanderer, marked by God for protection, built the first city seeking security apart from God.

6th century BC

Hebrew exile who served Babylonian and Persian kings with integrity. Interpreter of dreams and receiver of apocalyptic visions. Remained faithful to God despite threats of death, surviving the den of lions.

10th century BC

Shepherd boy who became Israel's greatest king. Warrior, poet, and 'man after God's own heart.' Author of many psalms and recipient of the eternal covenant promising the Messiah from his lineage.

c. 1200-1100 BC

Prophetess and judge of Israel, called 'a mother in Israel.' Received God's word for Barak to fight Sisera and went into battle with him. Composed the Song of Deborah celebrating victory. Her leadership brought 40 years of peace.

9th century BC

Fiery prophet who called down fire from heaven and confronted idolatry in Israel. Challenged 450 prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Taken to heaven in a whirlwind without experiencing death.

c. 850-800 BC (kings of Israel and Judah)

Prophet who succeeded Elijah and received a double portion of his spirit. Performed numerous miracles of provision and healing for common people while serving as prophetic voice to kings for over 50 years.

5th century BC

Jewish orphan who became queen of Persia. Risked her life to save her people from genocide by approaching the king unbidden. Demonstrated that God works through ordinary people placed in extraordinary circumstances.

beginning of creation (Genesis 2-4)

First woman created from Adam's rib as suitable helper. Deceived by the serpent, ate forbidden fruit and gave to Adam, bringing the curse. Became mother of all living, bearing the grief of the Fall and hope of the promised seed.

c. 1100-1050 BC

Mother of Samuel the prophet, faithful prayer warrior. Barren and mocked, she wept bitterly and vowed to give her son to God. When Samuel was born, she kept her vow and dedicated him to temple service. Her prayer of worship models deep theology and surrender.

c. 2000-1800 BC (patriarchal period)

Promised son born miraculously to Abraham and Sarah. Submitted to near-sacrifice on Mount Moriah, became peaceful patriarch who avoided conflict, and passed the covenant blessing to Jacob despite intending it for Esau.

8th century BC

Major prophet who saw the glory of the LORD in the temple. Prophesied judgment upon nations and comfort for Israel. Foretold the coming Messiah centuries before His birth with remarkable detail.

c. 1900-1700 BC (patriarchal period)

Supplanter who deceived his father and brother for the blessing, wrestled with God at Peniel and was renamed Israel. Transformed from schemer to covenant patriarch, fathering the twelve tribes through profound suffering and restoration.

c. 627-586 BC

The weeping prophet who proclaimed judgment to Judah before exile. Called as a young man, persecuted throughout his ministry. Proclaimed the new covenant and wept over Jerusalem's fall. Models authentic emotion in faithful ministry.

c. 2000 BC (uncertain, patriarchal period)

Righteous man who suffered catastrophic loss - children, wealth, health - yet maintained his integrity. Wrestled honestly with God and rejected false comfort. Encountered God in the whirlwind and repented in dust and ashes. Restored with double what he lost.

c. 780-750 BC (reign of Jeroboam II)

Reluctant prophet who fled from God's call to preach to Nineveh, was swallowed by a great fish, and grudgingly obeyed. Honest enough to record his own anger when God showed mercy to Israel's enemies.

c. 1900-1800 BC

Favored son of Jacob, sold into slavery by jealous brothers. Resisted Potiphar's wife and was imprisoned unjustly. Interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and saved Egypt from famine. Forgave his brothers, declaring 'You meant evil, but God meant it for good.'

c. 1400-1375 BC

Moses' successor who led Israel into the Promised Land. One of two faithful spies who trusted God's promise. Commanded conquest of Canaan with courage and obedience. Famous for 'Choose this day whom you will serve... as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.'

15th-13th century BC

Prophet and lawgiver who led Israel out of Egyptian bondage. Author of the Torah and mediator of the covenant at Sinai. Spoke with God face to face and received the Ten Commandments.

12th-11th century BC

Moabite woman who chose the God of Israel over her own people. Showed extraordinary loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi. Ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ through her marriage to Boaz.

c. 970-930 BC

Wisest man who ever lived, son of David who built the temple. Asked God for wisdom and received also riches and honor. Wrote Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. His later life warns of spiritual compromise despite great gifts.

Genesis 3 (the Fall)

ANTAGONIST - Subtle creature used by Satan to deceive Eve by questioning God's word and promising godhood through disobedience. Cursed to crawl on belly; prophesied that woman's seed would crush his head. Represents the father of lies and original deception.

c. 30-70 AD (early church)

Fisherman and John the Baptist's disciple who became first to follow Jesus. Immediately brought his brother Peter to the Messiah. Consistently noticed individuals and brought people to Jesus throughout the Gospels.

c. 30-60 AD

Son of Encouragement, apostle who sold property to support the early church. Vouched for Paul when others feared him. Partnered with Paul on missionary journeys. Gave John Mark a second chance after desertion, demonstrating grace and restoration.

c. 30-44 AD (early church)

Fisherman and son of Zebedee, part of Jesus' inner circle with Peter and John. Called 'son of thunder' for fiery zeal, witnessed Transfiguration and Gethsemane. First apostle martyred by Herod Agrippa's sword, proving able to drink Jesus' cup.

c. 4 BC - 30 AD, eternal Son of God

The eternal Son of God incarnate - fully God and fully man. Word made flesh who taught with divine authority, performed miracles, died for sins, rose victoriously, and will return in glory. The Way, the Truth, and the Life - Savior and Lord of all.

1st century AD

The beloved disciple who leaned on Jesus' breast at the Last Supper. Apostle of love who wrote profound theological works on the nature of Christ. Received apocalyptic visions on the island of Patmos recorded in Revelation.

c. 40-90 AD (early church)

Physician and careful historian who traveled with Paul and interviewed eyewitnesses. Wrote orderly Gospel emphasizing Jesus' compassion for all people, and Acts documenting the early church's expansion through the Holy Spirit's power.

c. 30-75 AD (early church)

John Mark who deserted Paul's first missionary journey but was restored through Barnabas. Became Peter's interpreter and wrote the Gospel of Mark emphasizing Jesus as the suffering Servant through fast-paced, action-oriented narrative.

1st century AD

Mother of Jesus Christ, chosen by God to bear the Messiah. Faithful handmaid who said 'be it unto me according to thy word.' Pondered the mysteries of her son's identity in her heart and stood by Him at the cross.

1st century AD

Devoted follower of Jesus who was freed from seven demons. Faithful witness who remained at the cross when others fled. First person to see the risen Christ and commissioned to tell the disciples 'I have seen the Lord.'

c. 30-70 AD (early church)

Tax collector who left everything when Jesus called him. Wrote meticulous Gospel account proving Jesus is the Jewish Messiah through systematic documentation of teachings and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

1st century AD

Former Pharisee turned apostle to the Gentiles after encountering the risen Christ on the Damascus road. Wrote much of the New Testament through letters to churches. Champion of grace and justification by faith alone.

1st century AD

Fisherman called to be fisher of men. Leader among the twelve apostles and pillar of the early church. Eyewitness to Christ's ministry, transfiguration, and resurrection. Denied Jesus three times but was restored to feed His sheep.

c. 30-70 AD (early church)

Apostle from Bethsaida who immediately followed Jesus and brought Nathanael. Practical, literal-minded questioner who calculated bread costs and asked to see the Father. Bridge facilitating seekers' access to Jesus alongside Andrew.

c. 30-35 AD

First Christian martyr, chosen as one of seven deacons. Full of faith and the Holy Spirit, performed great wonders. Delivered powerful sermon before Sanhedrin tracing Israel's history. Stoned to death while forgiving his murderers and seeing Jesus in glory.

c. 30-70 AD (early church)

Apostle also called 'the Twin' who exemplified honest doubt requiring empirical evidence. Devoted enough to die with Jesus, confused by His teaching, demanded to touch resurrection wounds. Made highest confession: 'My Lord and my God.'

c. 50-100 AD (early church)

Young pastor mentored by Paul, overseeing the church at Ephesus. Despite natural timidity, faithfully guarded sound doctrine and pastoral leadership through sincere faith learned from his mother and grandmother.