Gospel Figures

Ananias and Sapphira, a married couple, were part of the early Jerusalem church. After selling a piece of property, they claimed to have given all their proceeds to the apostles. In reality, however, they were untruthful, and had kept back a portion of the sale for themselves.

Apollos was a Jew, “a native of Alexandria” (Acts 18:24), and presumably grew up in that noted center of the Hellenistic world where Gentile and Jewish learning met and interacted. He possessed a keen mind and had received thorough educational training. He became an influential teacher and leader who advanced the gospel of Jesus in the early Christian church.

Priscilla and her husband Aquila met the apostle Paul when he came to Corinth in approximately 50 A.D. The three would prove to become steadfast friends, traveling companions, and ministry coworkers.

Barnabas was an early leader in the Christian church, evidenced by his financial gift to the apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 4:36), his selection as a representative of the Jerusalem church to confirm the work of God in Antioch (Acts 11:22), and the prominent position his name occupies in the list of leaders in the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1).

Caiaphas in the New Testament, was the Jewish high priest during the years of Jesus' ministry, according to Josephus. The Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John indicate he was an organizer of the plot to kill Jesus. As high priest, he presided over the Sanhedrin trial of Jesus, although it does not appear from scripture that the trial took place before the complete council.

The Apostle Peter was instructed by God to approach a Gentile soldier and share with him about God's plan for salvation. This event broke down barriers and had inestimable impact on the future of Christianity.

Gamaliel was a first-century Jewish rabbi and a leader in the Jewish Sanhedrin. He is mentioned in Scripture as a famous and well-respected teacher. Indirectly, Gamaliel had a profound effect on the early church by way of the advice he gave the council regarding the new sect.

Marcus Antonius Felix was the Roman Procurator (governor) of the Roman Province of Iudaea(Judea) from A.D. 52 to A.D. 59. He succeeded Ventidius Cumanus who was the Procurator from A.D. 48-52.

Porcius Festus was Procurator of Judea about 60-62 A.D., after Felix. Although he was more just than his predecessor, he could not allay the intense bitterness of feeling among the Jews.