Reviewed profiles
People of the Bible
Trace relationships, major events, and the passages behind each profile. Scripture facts remain distinct from later tradition and interpretation.
12 reviewed profiles
Original summaries · Direct passage links
Jesus
Messiah and central figure of the New Testament
The Gospels present Jesus as born to Mary, teaching throughout Galilee and Judea, gathering disciples, performing signs, being crucified, and rising from the dead. The New Testament identifies him as the Christ and Son of God.
Moses
Leader, prophet, and mediator of the covenant at Sinai
Moses is raised in Pharaoh’s household, called by God at the burning bush, and sent to lead Israel out of Egypt. He guides the people through the wilderness and receives the covenant instructions at Mount Sinai.
Abraham
Patriarch associated with God’s covenant promises
Originally called Abram, Abraham leaves his homeland in response to God’s call. Genesis connects him with promises concerning land, descendants, blessing, and a covenant marked by circumcision.
David
King of Israel
David begins as a shepherd from Bethlehem, enters Saul’s service, and becomes king. The narrative presents military victories, covenant promises, family conflict, serious wrongdoing, repentance, and preparations connected with the future temple.
Paul
Apostle and missionary to the Gentiles
Acts first presents Paul as Saul, an opponent of Jesus’ followers. After encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, he becomes a missionary, travels widely, establishes and strengthens churches, and is eventually taken to Rome.
Peter
Disciple and apostle
Peter is a fisherman called by Jesus and becomes one of the most prominent disciples. The Gospels record his confession, failures, denial, and restoration; Acts presents him as a leading witness in the earliest Jerusalem church.
Mary
Mother of Jesus
Mary is a young woman from Nazareth who receives the announcement that she will give birth to Jesus. She appears in the birth narratives, at selected points during Jesus’ ministry, at the crucifixion, and among the believers after the ascension.
John the Baptist
Prophetic forerunner of Jesus
John is born to Zechariah and Elizabeth and grows into a wilderness preacher calling people to repentance. He baptizes Jesus, directs attention away from himself toward the coming one, and is later executed by Herod Antipas.
Joseph
Son of Jacob who rises to authority in Egypt
Joseph is favored by his father, sold by his brothers, and taken to Egypt. After imprisonment, he interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and is elevated to authority, enabling him to preserve food during famine and eventually receive his family.
Solomon
King of Israel and son of David
Solomon succeeds David as king, asks God for wisdom, oversees the construction and dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, and becomes known for wealth and international influence. Kings also records that his many foreign wives turned his heart toward other gods.
Esther
Jewish queen who intervenes for her people
Esther, also called Hadassah, is raised by Mordecai and becomes queen in the Persian court. When Haman plots against the Jews, Esther approaches the king at personal risk and exposes the plot.
Ruth
Moabite woman in the family line of David
After the deaths of their husbands, Ruth chooses to remain with her mother-in-law Naomi and travels to Bethlehem. She gathers grain in the fields of Boaz, later marries him, and becomes the great-grandmother of David.