Finding
your biblical Identity through the Persons in the Bible
Below
are some biblical personalities and some assigned Myers Briggs letters for their
personality types.
Choose
seven of these for your personal mentor.
Choose
seven of these for a parish leadership team.
Be
ready to speak about why you chose them.
If you have other biblical personalities not mentioned, you are free to
add them. Jesus is not mentioned,
because he is on everyone "team."
Noah
(ESTP)
A
good man when everyone else was evil.
Chosen to build an ark to a few people and a few animals who could start
over after a great flood destroyed the rest of the known world. Obeyed God to build an ark when there was no
obvious reason to do so.
Abraham (ENFJ)
Sensitive
to God's voice to leave his home in Ur and travel west. Known for his relationship to God and as a
Patriarch of people of faith. He
believed God and God's promises even when the evidence seemed to the
contrary. He was a man tested; he was
asked to sacrifice the son born to him and his wife in their advanced age. He passed the test and became known later as
the father of faith. He was not without
his doubts. Instead believing in a
promised child with his wife, he took a surrogate wife to bear Ishmael. When in Egypt, he presented his wife to the
Pharaoh as his sister and the Pharaoh tried to take her as his wife.
Sarah
Sarah
was the wife of Abraham. She was loyal
to her husband in following him on his long ventures away from their home. She gave her slave Hagar to her husband as a
surrogate to bear a child and then became jealous of the woman and her son
Ishmael. In her old age she overheard
the messengers of God say that she was going to have a baby and she laughed and
she denied laughing. And the promised
baby of Abraham and Sarah named meant "laughter."
Jacob
(ISTP)
Jacob
was a twin son of Isaac and Rebecca. He
was known as the "trickster" or supplanter. He tricked his hairy twin brother out of the
family blessing and tricked his blind father Isaac to bless him after putting
sheep wool on his arms to pass as his hairy brother. In fright he ran away from home and went to ancient
home to work and he was tricked into marrying the older daughter of his uncle
when his true love was young sister Rachel.
Jacob returned home and on his way wrestled with an angel of God and he
got his name changed to Israel, meaning the one who wrestles and strives with
God. Jacob as Israel became the
Patriarch of a group of tribes who took their names after the sons of Jacob and
the two sons of his son Joseph. Jacob
died in Egypt when his sons brought him there to avoid a famine. His long lost son, Joseph had risen to power
in Egypt and helped all of his father's family survive the drought.
Joseph
(INFJ)
He
was the older son of Jacob's second wife Rachael. He had many older half brothers who detested
him because as a child, he was perceived to be his father's favorite as
exemplified his special gift coat of many colors. Joseph was a dreamer and he shared his dreams
with his jealous brothers, who were so fed up that they faked his death and
sold him to slave traders going to Egypt.
His father Jacob lived many years, believing his beloved Joseph was
dead. Joseph, the dreamer and with dream
interpretation skills was able to gain promotion as a servant to members of the
court of Egypt. He rose to be a chief
officer for the Pharaoh and organized the economy to prepare for the years of
drought. With his position he was able
to provide refuge for father Jacob and all of his brothers during the time of
drought that hit Palestine.
Moses (ENTP)
He
was the person responsible for crystallizing the identity of people of Israel
around the revelation of a Code of Law that represented a Covenantal
relationship with the One God. Moses had
his life spared in the midst of the effort to kill all Hebrew children when he
was hidden as baby and was discovered and adopted by the daughter of a Pharaoh.
He was raised as a Hebrew in the courts of Pharaoh but when he observed the
conditions of his Hebrew brothers he felt called to help. He tried to do it his way first; failed, fled
and gave up and became a shepherd. In a
burning bush experience God called a reluctant Moses to go back to Egypt. He meekly obeyed and returned to confront the
Pharaoh with the plagues of God to secure the escape of his people from
Egypt. He led the Israelites through the
Red Sea into a wilderness journey for 40 years.
The highlight was his climb up Mt. Sinai to receive the Law of God. Moses led his people with patience even as
they were perpetual grumblers. He was
not granted the privilege of leading his people into the Promised Land but he
was the chief person responsible for the formation of the identity of the
people of Israel around their covenant with the One God.
Miriam
(ENFJ)
She
was the older sister of Moses and Aaron.
She assisted her mother in hiding Moses when the Pharaoh was killing the
Hebrew children. When the baby Moses was
"adopted" by the daughter of the Pharaoh who saw him in a floating
reed basket, Miriam negotiated to have their Moses be the "wet nurse"
for her son as he was raised in the palace.
Miriam is viewed to be a prophetess and is adamant in stating her
calling. She is known for the famous
song about the deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea, fulfilling a traditional
role of women as singer, dancer and poetess within her community. Miriam was not above criticizing her brother
Moses on a issue that pertained to his marriage. She was hasty to judge and was punished with
temporary leprosy, but she lived in a time when women were valued more for
their silent duty and not for their full right to exercise a fuller community
prophet role.
Amos
the Prophet
He
was a sheepbreeder, sycamore cultivator, and prophet during the reign of
Jeroboam II. He is best known as the
prophet who denounced the northern kingdom of Israel for its idolatry,
injustice, corruption, and oppression of the poor. Amos' nine warnings of the
Lord's judgment came to pass when Assyria overran Israel a generation later. The warnings were 1.Flee from cruelty, 2.Don't forsake God's
laws, 3.Don't worship wealth, 4. Heed God's chastisements, 5.Flee false
religious practices, 6. Beware of false security, 7. Don't disdain God's
spokesmen, 8. Don't revile God's holy days and 9. Don't flee from God.
David
(ESFP)
David
- The king of Israel and the founder of Jerusalem, or “Zion.” He was a shepherd boy and youngest son of
Jesse. He became famous by downing the
Philistine giant Goliath with his sling shot.
Was anointed by Samuel to replace Saul.
David spared Saul's life even as Saul was trying to kill David. David's best friend was the son of Saul,
Jonathan, whom it is said that he loved with more than his love for women. His
kingship became the model for the future Messiah since things were never so
good as in the time of the David, the people of Israel longed for someone to
bring about another successful messianic reign.
David was complicated and talented.
A musician and a poet (Psalms are ascribed to him). He was a political genius; he organized
families and tribes into a cohesive nation.
He had his faults; he lusted after Bathsheba and arranged for the death
of her husband. David and Bathsheba's
son Solomon became the successor king of Israel. He had his sorrows; his son Absalom attempted
at coup which deeply distressed him. He
was ecstatic; he danced unclothed in front of a crowd. David’s reign marks the high point of Israel
in the biblical narrative. David’s
decision to bring the Ark of the Covenant—Israel’s symbol of God—to the capital
of Jerusalem signals the long-awaited unification of the religious and
political life of Israel in the promised land. (from sparknotes)
Saul
Israel’s
first king. After God chooses Saul to be king, Saul loses his divine right to
rule Israel by committing two religious errors. Saul acts as a character foil
to David, because his plot to murder David only highlights David’s mercy to
Saul in return. Saul’s inner turmoil over the inscrutability of God’s exacting
standards makes him a sympathetic but tragic figure. (from sparknotes)
Solomon
(INTJ)
David’s
son and the third king of Israel. Solomon builds the opulent Temple in
Jerusalem and ushers in Israel’s greatest period of wealth and power. God
grants Solomon immense powers of knowledge and discernment in response to
Solomon’s humble request for wisdom. Solomon’s earthly success hinders his
moral living, however, and his weakness for foreign women and their deities
leads to Israel’s downfall. (from sparknotes)
Two
for One
Elijah
(ENFJ) and Elisha (INFJ) - The prophets who oppose the worship of the god Baal
in Israel. After the division of Israel into two kingdoms, Elijah and his
successor, Elisha, represent the last great spiritual heroes before Israel’s
exile. Their campaign in northern Israel against King Ahab and Jezebel helps to
lessen Israel’s growing evil but does not restore Israel’s greatness. Elijah called down fire from heaven in his
challenge with the Baal prophets on Mount Carmel. He fled in fear of his life. He raised a child back to life, the child of
a woman who provide him room and board from a miraculously daily supply of oil
and meal. Elijah had a disciple named
Elisha. Elisha was reluctant to take
Elijah's place but Elijah promised that if he were seen departing this life,
that his spirit would abide in Elisha and his ministry. Elisha witnessed Elijah going to heaven in a
chariot with horses of fire. Elisha took
up the prophetic mantle of Elijah and he continued in the miraculous tradition
of Elijah, including the baffling of the Syrian armies and healing the leprosy
of the Syrian general Naaman. Israel’s
demise makes Elijah and Elisha frustrated doomsayers and miracle workers rather
than national leaders or saviors. (from sparknotes)
Isaac
(ISFJ)
Abraham’s
son and the second member in the triumvirate of Israel’s patriarchs. Isaac’s
importance consists less in his actions than in the way he is acted upon by
others. God tests Abraham by commanding him to kill his son Isaac, and Isaac’s
blindness and senility allow his own son Jacob to steal Isaac’s blessing and
the inheritance of God’s covenant. Isaac was married to Rebekah. (from sparknotes)
Aaron
(ENFP)
Moses’s
brother, who assists Moses in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. God
designates Aaron to be the first high priest in Israel. The quiet Aaron often
stands between Moses and the people to soften Moses’s angry response to their
sinful behavior, though Aaron was in some ways a spokesman for Moses who claim
to be too timid to speak. (from sparknotes)
Joshua
(ENTJ)
The
successor of Moses as Israel’s leader.
Joshua along with Caleb and other were spies sent to Canaan to prepare
the military ventures. Joshua directs
the people in their sweeping military campaign to conquer and settle the
Promised Land, including the dramatic siege of Jericho when the walls came
tumbling down after the rather strange tactics for marching around the city and
blowing horns. Joshua’s persistent
exhortations to Israel to remain obedient to God imply that he doubts Israel
will do so. His exhortations foreshadow Israel’s future religious struggles.
(from sparknotes)
Samson
(ENFP)
One
of Israel’s judges and an epic hero who thwarts the neighboring Philistines
with his superhuman strength. Samson is rash, belligerent, and driven by lust
for foreign women—qualities that contradict Jewish religious ideals. Samson’s
long hair is both the source of his strength and the symbol of his religious
devotion to God as a Nazirite. Samson
married a Philistine woman, the woman whose name became synonymous forever as a
temptress, "Delilah." Samson
was a riddle maker. He was strong enough
to rip lions apart. He slaughtered foes
in battle with the jawbone of an ass.
Delilah seduced Samson to reveal that his strength lie in is uncut hair
and she managed to cut his hair while he slept.
He was captured, blinded and imprisoned by the Philistines. They parade as a trophy of war but
inadvertently let his hair grow long again.
In a final act, he pulled over the pillar holding up the large room
where the Philistines gathered. He and
they died in this final act of strength.
Samson’s character demonstrates that in the bible, heroic potential is
gauged not by human excellence but by faith in God.(from sparknotes)
Samuel
(ESTJ)
The
last of Israel’s judges and the prophet who anoints both Saul and David as
king. Samuel fulfills political and priestly duties for Israel, but he ushers
in Israel’s monarchy mainly as a prophet—one who pronounces God’s words and
decisions. Samuel’s stoic and aloof position in Israel allows Saul to struggle
with God and his fate on his own. Samuel was the miracle child of the barren
Hannah who gave him to God to serve in the Temple. He took the vow of the nazirite which
included refraining from wine and the cutting of his hair. (from sparknotes)
Job
(INFP)
The
subject of God and Satan’s cosmic experiment to measure human faithfulness to
God in the midst of immense pain. Job scorns false contrition and the advice of
his friends, preferring instead to question God’s role in human suffering. He
retains an open and inquisitive mind, remaining faithful in his refusal to
curse God. Job is the prime example of
suffering and dealing with issue of why bad things happen to good people. Job in faith cries, "I know my redeemer
lives." (from sparknotes)
Ruth
(ISFJ)
She
had the good sense to listen to someone older and wiser than herself, and most
of us could learn a lot from her. But
her common sense is not the only reason the story is popular. Ruth was loyal to
someone who needed her and had been good to her in the past, even when the
sensible thing would have been to cut and run. Heaven knows Naomi had nothing
to offer the young widow, but Ruth stayed with her mother-in-law even when
there was no gain in it for herself. It
turned out to be the right decision. Naomi was financially destitute but she
was street-wise, with a remarkable knowledge of the world and of men in
particular. This proved more valuable than money. She told Ruth how to go about
prodding Boaz, an eligible bachelor, into proposing – a skill that many young
women today would like to learn. Ruth recognized good advice when she heard it,
and acted accordingly. And she and Boaz lived happily ever after. (taken from
womeninthebible.net)
Esther
((INFJ)
Esther's
future husband, a king, had divorced his first wife over a petty matter,
because his advisers told him to do so.
Now he chose a second wife for her beauty – all very fine, but not when
the woman in question is to be queen of a vast empire. Esther, a second Anne
Boleyn, would need more than beauty and virtue to navigate the shoals of a
corrupt and dangerous court. As it happened,
Esther was up to the task. When she learnt about a plot to eradicate all the
Jews in the kingdom, she went unbidden into the king’s presence – a capital
offense for which she could have been executed. The Bible text says her heart
was ‘frozen with fear’. So as well as
good looks and virtue, she had intelligence and courage, both of which she used
to save her people from the pogrom that faced them. Of course she succeeded (or
we would not be reading the story). The Jewish people were saved, their enemies
annihilated, and the event is celebrated to this day in the festival of
Purim. (taken from womeninthebible.net)
Deborah
(ENTJ)
This
extraordinary woman was a prophetess and a judge in ancient Israel.. She used
to sit under the palm of Deborah (‘Deborah’ means ‘bee’) between Ramah and
Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelite people came up to her
for judgment and wise advice. Under
God’s inspiration she did an extraordinarily daring thing: she took command of
the Israelite people and convinced them to fight the better equipped and
trained Canaanite army, led by a terrifying Canaanite general called
Sisera. The general Deborah appointed to
lead the Israelites was none too enthusiastic about his task. He was a sensible
man and could see the Israelites were outclassed. But Deborah was able to
convince him he could win – though he only agreed to fight if she was
there. When the time came, God stood by
the Israelites. A drenching storm made the flat land of the battlefield a
quagmire. Sisera’s iron-wheeled chariots became bogged in the mud, making his
soldiers an easy target for the Israelite sling-men and archers. Deborah’s complete faith in God, even when
she was facing impossible odds, was vindicated. (taken from
womenofthebible.net)
Mary,
Mother of Jesus (ISFJ)
Mary
was the chosen person to give birth to Jesus.
She humbly accepted the role and ponder her prodigy child. She had to witness his arrest, trial and his
crucifixion. She also continued after
his resurrection in the church. Mary was
astute and observant. She saw what was going on behind the scenes at the
wedding at Cana, and that the wine had run out – a severe embarrassment to any
host and his family in Middle Eastern society. She also knew what her son was
capable of. She approached him with a suggestion, nudging him into action.
Jesus complied, though not without mildly objecting. Her tactful request was a
subtle and diplomatic way of starting him in his ministry. Having made the suggestion she stepped back,
letting him take over and follow up on her words in his own way. This he did,
with his first miracle – a momentous event, even though it happened quietly.
Mary knew when to speak, and when to be quiet.
The story finishes with the image of Jesus, his mother and his extended
family moving away together. The Miracle at Cana is not the most famous story
about Mary of Nazareth, yet it sums up her character and her relationship with
her son better than any of the other, better known stories. (taken from
womenofthebible.net)
Daniel
(INTJ)
A
descendent of a noble Jewish family who was taken captive by King
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon when he conquered Judah. Was highly likely a eunuch.
Became a chief advisor to the King and eventually was made third ruler of
kingdom (Daniel 5). God gave him ability to interpret dreams. Survived being
thrown in lion's den (Daniel 6). Gave prophecies that foretold of future world
empires leading up to the return of Christ.
He had three friends who survived a fiery furnace. He had visions about the future. He also could be a figure created by an
apocalyptic writer to reveal the meanings of the events that occurred during
the time of Antiochus Epiphanes.
Ezra
(ENFP)
An
Aaronic priest who led the effort, along with the Great Synagogue, to canonize
the Old Testament. Produced Hebrew Scriptures and a "canon" containing 22 manuscripts divided into three
main divisions: The Law, The Prophets, and The Writings.
Gideon (ISFP)
Called
by God to deliver Israel from Midianite and Amalekite oppression. Took 300 men
and surrounded the camp of Israel's enemies (Judges 7). After all the men blew
trumpets and broke pitchers with torches in them the enemy became confused and
fought amongst themselves. Gideon served 40 years as Israel's judge.
Hannah
Barren
woman who prayed to God for a child and promised to dedicate him to His
service. She met Eli in the place of worship; she was so distraught, he thought
she was drunk. She miraculously gave
birth to Samuel, he was raised in the temple serving Eli, and became one of the
most important Judges and prophets in the Old Testament. Hannah composed a famous song of praise after
the miraculous birth
Jeremiah (ISFJ)
Destined
to be a major prophet before he was born (Jeremiah 1:4-5). Foretells and
laments the desolation of Jerusalem and Judah. Imprisoned by Judah's King
Zedekiah but released by Nebuchadnezzar. His writings are used by New Testament
writers as Foretelling the suffering of Jesus.
His writings bemoan the conditions of his country as he searches for the
reason why bad things are happening and as he envisions a better future.
Jonah
A
prophet sent to warn Nineveh of their impending judgment for their sins. Jonah
initially refuses to warn the city. God then has a great fish swallow him.
Jonah cries out for help and after 3 days and nights (a type of Jesus' death);
the fish vomits Jonah on a beach near Nineveh. He then warns the city, which
heeds his words, repents, and is spared destruction. Jonah is upset because he is one who wants to
treat God and God's word as belonging only to Israel. The book of Jonah exposes the view that
assumes God is only for God's chosen people Israel.
Josiah (ISTJ)
One
of the best Kings of Judah. Reigned 31 years. Helped restore the true worship
of the Lord to Judah. The Torah had been "lost" and was found again
in the archives. The horrified Josiah
restored the reading of the Torah and the ritual practices therein. Fatally wounded in battle by random arrow.
Nathan
(INTP)
Prophet
during the reigns of David and Solomon. Reproved David for his adultery with
Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12). He told David a
story and asked for David's judgment on the offending party of the story, and
Nathan said in a gotcha moment: "Thou art the man." He also educated Solomon in his youth.
Nehemiah (ENTJ)
Prophet
who, as captive of the Persian empire, was given permission to return to Judah
and rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1-2). Became Governor of Judah. Helped Ezra
canonize the Old Testament, which involved editing/organizing the various
writings that have come to be a part of the official Scriptures of Jews and
Christians.
Solomon
(INTJ)
One
of King David's sons through Bathsheba. After becoming king he asked the
Eternal to give him "an understanding heart" with which to rule. He
was given not only wisdom but riches and honor (1Kings 3:10-13). Built
Jerusalem's first temple. His 700 wives and 300 concubines turned his heart,
when he was old, away from serving the Creator (1Kings 11). He is the model patriarch for the wisdom
school in the Hebrew Scripture and is associated with Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, and most of
the book of Proverbs, as well as several books in the Apocrypha. In a dispute over the true mother of a baby,
he suggested to bring a sword and divide the baby. The true mom said, "Don't, give the
child to the other woman." And
Solomon discovered the true mom. Solomon
is known for having many wives and concubines (polygamy was a way to unified
loyalties in the kingdom). His marriages
to foreign women resulted him in tolerating their beliefs in their gods and
idols. His tolerance led him astray from
singular devotion to the God of Israel.
He is known for impressing the famed Queen of Sheba who visited from Africa
and extolled his wisdom.
Andrew
(ESFJ)
Fisherman
who was one of the first two disciples Jesus choose to follow him and become an
apostle. Brother of Simon Peter. He
introduced his brother to Jesus. Lived
in Bethsaida when Jesus called him. He
is patron saint of Scotland.
Apollos
A
Jew born in Alexandria who knew the Scriptures very well and was a good
speaker. He was a disciple of John the
Baptist and knew the baptism of John the Baptist. Aquila and Priscilla instructed him
regarding Jesus Christ (Acts 18:24-28). Met the apostle Paul in Corinth and was
with him when Paul wrote his epistle to the Ephesians.
Barnabas
(ENFJ)
Name
means "son of consolation." He was a Levite who lived on the island
of Cyprus. Sold land to give money to the early church. Brought Paul to the
apostles at a time when everyone was rejecting him. Traveled with Paul on his
first missionary journey. He was a cousin of of Mark, one of the 4 gospel
writers.
Dorcas
Also
called Tabitha. A Christian widow, living in Joppa, whom Peter brought back
from the dead (Acts 9).
Elizabeth
Wife
of Zachariah who was a cousin of Mary, Jesus' mother. She was healed of being
barren and gave birth to John the Baptist.
During her pregnancy, she visited Mary and baby John, jumped in her
womb. She congratulated Mary for having
favor: "Blessed are you among woman and blessed is the fruit of your
womb." Her words became a part of
the well known and used prayer: Ave Maria/Hail Mary.
James
(the Greater) (ENTJ)
This
James, brother of the apostle John, is also called 'James the Greater' to
distinguish him from the other disciple named James (who is the son of
Alpheus). He was a son of Zebedee and a fisherman. One of Jesus' original 12 disciples.
James
(the Less and son of Alpheus) (ISTJ)
This
James is also called 'James the Less' to distinguish him from the other
disciple named James (who is John's brother). One of Jesus' original 12
disciples.
John (INFJ)
Brother
of James (the Greater) and author of one of the 4 gospels. One of Jesus'
original 12 disciples. He was a
fisherman and son of Zebedee called by Jesus.
With his brother James, he was called one of the "sons of
thunder." He and his brother,
perhaps through their mother asked Jesus to set at his side in the kingdom of
Christ. Tradition associates him as
being the "beloved disciple" in the Gospel of John, and also its
author. He is associated with three
other New Testament books and the book of Revelation, though many scholars
believe that John of Patmos was another person.
The beloved disciple, asked Jesus, during the last Passover, who it was
who would betray him.
John
the Baptist (ENFP)
John,
a Nazarite from birth, was born 6 months before Jesus. He was related to Jesus
through his mother Elizabeth. He had a
marvelous birth to older parents. He was
an ascetic, possibly a nazarite who lived a Spartan life in the
wilderness. He was an apocalyptic
prophet, proclaiming the end and insisting that people get baptized for the
remission of their sins. He baptized
Jesus and gathered quite a large community, many of whom became followers of
Jesus. His ministry lasted from 26 to 29
A.D. His mission was to prepare the people for the ministry of Jesus. Was
beheaded by Herod Antipas after confronting him for "marrying" his
brother's wife.
Joseph (ISFP)
Husband
of Mary and foster-father of Jesus. Like his ancient namesake, he communicated
with God in dreams. He supported Mary
during her mysterious pregnancy. His
occupation was a carpenter in Nazareth.
Was a just man who died sometime after Jesus' 12th birthday.
Joseph
of Arimathea
A
rich member of the Sanhedrin who secretly believed in Jesus. After Jesus' death
got Pontius Pilate to give him the body. Both Joseph and Nicodemus wrap Jesus'
body in fine linen with a mixture of myrrh and aloes and bury him in a brand
new tomb Joseph made for himself. (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19).
Luke (ESFJ)
Tradition
indicated that he was the writer of Luke and the book of Acts. Traveled with
Paul on part of his second and third missionary journeys. Accompanies Paul from
Caesarea to Rome in 60 A.D. during what is called Paul's Fourth Missionary
Journey. Luke is again with Paul during his final imprisonment in Rome which
started in 67 A.D. Luke was a
physician. He addressed his writings to
Theophilus, which means "loving friend of God."
Lydia
A
Jewish proselyte who was a "seller of purple." She was the apostle
Paul's first convert to Christianity in Europe (Acts 16:13-15).
Mark (ESTP)
Was
also known as John Mark. He was a cousin of Barnabas. Traditions attribute one
of the four gospels. Abruptly left Paul and Barnabas during Paul's first
missionary journey but later he and Paul seem fully reconciled.
Mary
Magdalene (INFP)
Most
prominent of Jesus' female disciples. This Mary was the first person to see
Jesus alive after his resurrection. She
had seven demons exorcised from her. She
has unjustly been called a "former prostitute by many in church
history. She was the first apostle of
the resurrection. Legends say she was
very close with Jesus, and such legends inspired the Holy Grail and Knights
Templars myths as seen in the recent
novel of Dan Brown.
Matthew
(ISTP)
One
of Jesus' original 12 disciples. The gospel he wrote, in 35 A.D., was the very
first book written for the New Testament.
May also be the person known as Levi who was a tax collector called by
Jesus.
Nathanael (INTJ)
Also
called Bartholomew. One of Jesus' original 12 disciples. He is the one that Jesus saw under the fig
tree and was an initial skeptic about Jesus.
"Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" He said about Jesus. He went and met Jesus and was completely
impressed.
Nicodemus (ISTJ)
A
Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin who, like Joseph of Arimathea, believed in
Jesus. He first visits Jesus at night and tells him the Sanhedrin knows he is a
teacher from God (John 3). The long
discourse about being "born again" and about God loving the world in
giving his Son, was in conversation with Nicodemus. He later defends Jesus in a meeting of the
Sanhedrin (John 7:45-53). After Jesus' death on the cross he helps Joseph of
Arimathea wrap his body and bury him (John 19:38-42).
Paul (ENTJ)
Born
around 2 A.D. Originally named Saul. Although a Jew was considered a Roman
citizen. Taught by well-known Pharisaic Rabbi Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). Became a
zealous Pharisee who persecuted early Christian church (Acts 7-8). Was
converted on trip to Damascus and later renamed Paul (Acts 13:9). Worked as
tent maker during ministry (Acts 18:2-3). From 33 to 67 A.D. conducted 5
missionary journeys preaching the gospel. Spent a total of about 6 years in
prison. Wrote and inspired 14 New Testament books in letter or epistle
form. He is the theological architect of
the church and connected the Gentile followers of Christ with the Hebrew
Scripture tradition. His writings are
the earliest in the New Testament. His
poetic mysticism reveal the spiritual practice of the early church. Was martyred, at the age of 66, in Rome.
Peter (ENFP)
Originally
named Simon and renamed Peter by Jesus. A married fisherman from Bethsaida who
was third person Jesus called to be an apostle (John 1:40-42). He walked on
water with Jesus (Matthew 14) and also denied 3 times he knew him (Matthew 26).
Was a witness to Jesus' transfiguration (Matthew 17). Raised a widow from the
dead (Acts 9). Was rebuked by Apostle Paul for his hypocritical behavior
(Galatians 2). He is associated with two New Testament books, Epistles with his
name. . Died a martyr at the hands of Rome around 67 A.D.
Philip
One
of Jesus' twelve apostles. Resided in Bethsaida where also Andrew and Peter
lived. Also the name of one of the first 7 men specially chosen by the early
church to serve (Acts 6). Was also considered an evangelist. The apostle Paul
stayed at Philip's house on his way to Jerusalem (Acts 21:8-10).
Silas
Also
called Silvanus. Accompanied Paul and Barnabas from Jerusalem to Antioch with
church decision concerning circumcision and salvation (Acts 15). Traveled with
the apostle Paul on his second missionary journey. Delivered to elders in the
church the apostle Peter's first epistle (1Peter 5:12).
Stephen
(ESTJ)
One
of original 7 Jerusalem deacons. Was first Christian martyr in 32 A.D. A bold
witness to the Risen Christ. He was stoned by a group which include Saul who
later became the Apostle Paul. (Acts 6 -
7).
Thomas
(ISTJ)
Also
called Didymus. Was one of Jesus' 12 disciples. After Jesus' resurrection, when
the other disciples had seen him alive, Thomas refused to believe Jesus was
back from the dead until he literally saw and touched his wounds from the cross
(Matthew 28:9-10, Luke 24:36-48). Later, Jesus did appear to Thomas and removed
all doubts. The term "doubting Thomas" comes from Thomas' disbelief
in Jesus' literal resurrection.
Timothy
(ISFJ)
Lived
in Lystra. His mother was a Jew and father was a Greek. Traveled with Paul on
most of his second missionary journey, served Paul in Ephesus during third
missionary journey (Acts 19:22) and was with him during his imprisonment in
Rome (Philemon 1:1). Paul stated that Timothy was specially given the gift to
evangelize and defend the truth (1Timothy 4:14, 2Timothy 1:6). He considered
Timothy his closest friend and even treated him like a son (2Timothy 2:2-6).
Zacchaeus
A
chief tax collector of Jericho who was rich and short. Had to climb a tree to
see Jesus walk by. On seeing Zacchaeus Jesus stated he would stay at his house
for the night (Luke 19). He was so
impressed and converted by Jesus and agreed to restore money to all that he had
defrauded in his tax collecting.
Mary
of Bethany (INFP)
Mary
is known with her sister Martha and brother Nazareth. She was a close friend of Jesus and devoted
to the point of anointing his feet and wiping them with her hair. She went to the tomb of Lazarus to greet
Jesus and said to him, "If you had been here, my brother would not have
died." Mary is the contemplative of
the Mary and Martha sisters. She sat at
the feet of Jesus while her sister was huffy about getting some help in being a
good hostess. Jesus affirmed Mary as
choosing the better part. She is the
model for the contemplative order in monasticism.
Martha
of Bethany (ESTP)
She
is the active sister of Mary and Lazarus and a good friend of Jesus. Close enough to host Jesus as a guest in the
family home. She ran to greet Jesus when
he arrived too late to heal her brother after Lazarus had already been placed
in the tomb. To Martha, Jesus confessed,
"I am the Resurrection and the Life."
When hosting Jesus, she was the one who was serving the food and doing
the practical things of hosting and expressed her frustration with her sister
Mary who didn't help because she was enthralled with Jesus. Martha is the model for the active orders of
the monastic movement.
