There is only one mention of Lois and Eunice in the Bible. They were the grandmother and the mother of Paul’s young protégé Timothy. In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he mentions the faithfulness of these women in raising Timothy with such a devout and fervent faith. He writes, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5).
Eunice was a Jewish believer who had been married to a Greek man (Acts 16:1), which would explain the fact that, as an infant, Timothy was not circumcised as all Jewish boys were. It was the responsibility of Jewish fathers to oversee that rite, and, since Timothy’s father was Greek, circumcision would not have been his custom. Paul had Timothy circumcised before they began their missionary journeys together in order not to offend their Jewish audiences (verse 3).
Lois was either Eunice’s mother or her mother-in-law. The fact that she helped rear Timothy may indicate that Timothy’s father had died or that the family all lived together, which was not uncommon in those days. It is possible that the father had died while Timothy was young, since Paul takes on a fatherly role with Timothy and often refers to him as “my true son in the faith” (1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Timothy 1:2, 18).
Timothy’s godly upbringing is referenced again in 2 Timothy 3:14–15: “You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Paul’s mention of those “from whom you have learned” probably refers to Timothy’s godly mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois, who taught him the Jewish Scriptures from infancy. They, along with Timothy, received Paul’s teaching about the Messiah and continued to train young Timothy in the things of Christ.
Lois and Eunice are examples of the powerful influence a mother or grandmother can have on a young man’s life. Many personal testimonies include statements such as “My mom (or grandma) took me to church, taught me right, and prayed for me every day.” Paul recognized the life-changing contributions of these two women in a day when women were rarely mentioned by name. He honored their impact in preparing his young protégé, who later joined Paul in his travels (Romans 16:21) and eventually became the pastor of the church at Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3). Lois and Eunice should encourage all Christian mothers and grandmothers, reminding them that their godly influence has an eternal impact on the lives and futures of their children and grandchildren.
(Acts 4:36), whom the apostles called Barnabas. That nickname, translated “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36-37) or “Son of Exhortation” was probably given to him because of his inclination to serve others (Acts 4:36-37, 9:27) and his willingness to do whatever church leaders needed (Acts 11:25-30). He is referred to as a “good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.” Through his ministry, “a great number of people were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:24). Paul uses Barnabas as an example of one with a proper perspective on money and property. When he sold his land, he brought the proceeds to the apostles and laid it at their feet (Acts 4:36-37).
As the early church began to grow, in spite of Herod’s persecution, Barnabas was called by the Holy Spirit to go with Paul on a missionary journey. Barnabas’ cousin, John Mark, served him and Paul as their assistant (Acts 13:5). During that first missions trip, for an unspecified reason, John Mark left them and did not complete the journey (Acts 13:13). However, Barnabas continued with Paul and was with him when Paul’s ministry was redirected to reaching the Gentiles with the gospel (Acts 13:42-52). The only negative mention of Barnabas in Scripture is in reference to an incident in which Peter’s hypocrisy influenced other Jews (including Barnabas) to shun some Gentiles at dinner (Galatians 2:13).
After that first trip, Paul and Barnabas began planning their next journey. Barnabas wanted to take his cousin, but Paul refused, and a rift grew between them to the point that they parted company (Acts 15:36-41). Barnabas, true to his nickname, took John Mark and spent time discipling him. That ministry was so effective that, years later, Paul specifically asked for John Mark to come to him, as Mark had matured to the point of becoming helpful to Paul in his ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).
Like Barnabas, as Christians we are called to be encouragers, particularly of those who are weak in the faith or struggling. Acts 11:23 depicts Barnabas as a man who was delighted to see others exhibiting the grace of God in their lives, exhorting and encouraging them to remain faithful. In the same way, we should look for opportunities to praise those who bring glory and honor to God through lives that reflect their faith. In addition, Barnabas is an example of a generous spirit when it comes to giving sacrificially to the work of the Lord.
Chapter II.—The wonderful constancy of the martyrs.
Chapter III.—The constancy of Germanicus. The death of Polycarp is demanded.
Chapter IV.—Quintus the apostate.
Chapter V.—The departure and vision of Polycarp.
Chapter VI.—Polycarp is betrayed by a servant.
Chapter VII.—Polycarp is found by his pursuers.
Chapter VIII.—Polycarp is brought into the city.
Chapter IX.—Polycarp refuses to revile Christ.
Chapter X.—Polycarp confesses himself a Christian.
Chapter XI.—No threats have any effect on Polycarp.
Chapter XII.—Polycarp is sentenced to be burned.
Chapter XIII.—The funeral pile is erected.
Chapter XIV.—The prayer of Polycarp.
Chapter XV.—Polycarp is not injured by the fire.
Chapter XVI.—Polycarp is pierced by a dagger.
Chapter XVII.—The Christians are refused Polycarp’s body.
Chapter XVIII.—The body of Polycarp is burned.
Chapter XIX.—Praise of the martyr Polycarp.
Chapter XX.—This epistle is to be transmitted to the brethren.
Chapter XXI.—The date of the martyrdom.
Chapter XXII.—Salutation.
This fully approved saint to Saint Bishop by I AM served as the exemplar to "Stand and be the man (woman)" Christ Jesus - IESOUS CHRISTOS I AM - would have us be no matter what.
... Polycarp who served as the bishop in Ephesus. Two well-known historians of the early centuries, Ignatius and Irenaeus, said that Polycarp was taught by the John...
I wouldn't want to say "character" it makes it sound like a made up story or something. Maybe Bible "figure" would be a better word, sorry. I want to say Jesus, but if you are looking for someone who actually wrote books in the Bible then Paul would be my favorite. He was a no nonsense, heavy hitter for Jesus.
Jonah. I can relate to him in his disobedience and his calling to the Lord. I love how he relates Gods mercy on him and I think Jonah truly repented. The evidence of this is that he told the story and didn’t spare himself.
My very favorite New Testament saint to SAINT mentioned by name in the Bible is Saint Barnabas.
I nicknamed my husband’s childhood teddy bear “Barney" and hold it dearly.
Much worn and loved bear reminds me of this model of encouragement, Barnabas.
Read and Listen to:
Learning From Barnabas, The Son of Encouragement
https://lifehopeandtruth.com/relationships/communication/barnabas-son-of-encouragement/
Thank you David!
May I AM bless you and yours!
~Mabe
Church Real MAMAs and DADDYs Who were Lois and Eunice and Barnabas Yoseph
==============
[Real MAMAs!]
https://www.gotquestions.org/Lois-and-Eunice.html
Who were Lois and Eunice in the Bible?
There is only one mention of Lois and Eunice in the Bible. They were the grandmother and the mother of Paul’s young protégé Timothy. In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he mentions the faithfulness of these women in raising Timothy with such a devout and fervent faith. He writes, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5).
Eunice was a Jewish believer who had been married to a Greek man (Acts 16:1), which would explain the fact that, as an infant, Timothy was not circumcised as all Jewish boys were. It was the responsibility of Jewish fathers to oversee that rite, and, since Timothy’s father was Greek, circumcision would not have been his custom. Paul had Timothy circumcised before they began their missionary journeys together in order not to offend their Jewish audiences (verse 3).
Lois was either Eunice’s mother or her mother-in-law. The fact that she helped rear Timothy may indicate that Timothy’s father had died or that the family all lived together, which was not uncommon in those days. It is possible that the father had died while Timothy was young, since Paul takes on a fatherly role with Timothy and often refers to him as “my true son in the faith” (1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Timothy 1:2, 18).
Timothy’s godly upbringing is referenced again in 2 Timothy 3:14–15: “You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Paul’s mention of those “from whom you have learned” probably refers to Timothy’s godly mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois, who taught him the Jewish Scriptures from infancy. They, along with Timothy, received Paul’s teaching about the Messiah and continued to train young Timothy in the things of Christ.
Lois and Eunice are examples of the powerful influence a mother or grandmother can have on a young man’s life. Many personal testimonies include statements such as “My mom (or grandma) took me to church, taught me right, and prayed for me every day.” Paul recognized the life-changing contributions of these two women in a day when women were rarely mentioned by name. He honored their impact in preparing his young protégé, who later joined Paul in his travels (Romans 16:21) and eventually became the pastor of the church at Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3). Lois and Eunice should encourage all Christian mothers and grandmothers, reminding them that their godly influence has an eternal impact on the lives and futures of their children and grandchildren.
[A Real DADDY!]
[https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Barnabas.html]
Who was Barnabas in the Bible?
In the book of Acts, we find a Levite from Cyprus named Joses [a Yoseph]
[https://biblehub.com/hebrew/3130.htm]
(Acts 4:36), whom the apostles called Barnabas. That nickname, translated “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36-37) or “Son of Exhortation” was probably given to him because of his inclination to serve others (Acts 4:36-37, 9:27) and his willingness to do whatever church leaders needed (Acts 11:25-30). He is referred to as a “good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.” Through his ministry, “a great number of people were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:24). Paul uses Barnabas as an example of one with a proper perspective on money and property. When he sold his land, he brought the proceeds to the apostles and laid it at their feet (Acts 4:36-37).
As the early church began to grow, in spite of Herod’s persecution, Barnabas was called by the Holy Spirit to go with Paul on a missionary journey. Barnabas’ cousin, John Mark, served him and Paul as their assistant (Acts 13:5). During that first missions trip, for an unspecified reason, John Mark left them and did not complete the journey (Acts 13:13). However, Barnabas continued with Paul and was with him when Paul’s ministry was redirected to reaching the Gentiles with the gospel (Acts 13:42-52). The only negative mention of Barnabas in Scripture is in reference to an incident in which Peter’s hypocrisy influenced other Jews (including Barnabas) to shun some Gentiles at dinner (Galatians 2:13).
After that first trip, Paul and Barnabas began planning their next journey. Barnabas wanted to take his cousin, but Paul refused, and a rift grew between them to the point that they parted company (Acts 15:36-41). Barnabas, true to his nickname, took John Mark and spent time discipling him. That ministry was so effective that, years later, Paul specifically asked for John Mark to come to him, as Mark had matured to the point of becoming helpful to Paul in his ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).
Like Barnabas, as Christians we are called to be encouragers, particularly of those who are weak in the faith or struggling. Acts 11:23 depicts Barnabas as a man who was delighted to see others exhibiting the grace of God in their lives, exhorting and encouraging them to remain faithful. In the same way, we should look for opportunities to praise those who bring glory and honor to God through lives that reflect their faith. In addition, Barnabas is an example of a generous spirit when it comes to giving sacrificially to the work of the Lord.
Nice! Going for the more obscure people. I agree.
Love your thoughtful and brave substack.
Look into getting Lovett’s Lights. Great for lay understanding. Out of print now but can be found on eBay.
Very thought provoking everyone who answered. We have some real disciples of The Word here who are of The Way unafraid digging deeper and speaking up.
Jacob. God loved him despite his actions. It means that there’s hope for me.
Great choice. Other than Jesus, everyone in the Bible is shown to be a mixed bag, which give me a lot of hope, too.
Angel of Smyrna, Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna.
Last named saint to Saint mentioned in The Bible.
Disciple of Saint John The Divine who recorded Revelation.
Read the first martyrdom of the established True Church's remarkable story here:
https://www.crossroad.to/Persecution/Polycarp.html
[https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01.toc.html
Introductory Note to the Martyrdom of Polycarp
The Martyrdom of Polycarp
Chapter I.—Subject of which we write.
Chapter II.—The wonderful constancy of the martyrs.
Chapter III.—The constancy of Germanicus. The death of Polycarp is demanded.
Chapter IV.—Quintus the apostate.
Chapter V.—The departure and vision of Polycarp.
Chapter VI.—Polycarp is betrayed by a servant.
Chapter VII.—Polycarp is found by his pursuers.
Chapter VIII.—Polycarp is brought into the city.
Chapter IX.—Polycarp refuses to revile Christ.
Chapter X.—Polycarp confesses himself a Christian.
Chapter XI.—No threats have any effect on Polycarp.
Chapter XII.—Polycarp is sentenced to be burned.
Chapter XIII.—The funeral pile is erected.
Chapter XIV.—The prayer of Polycarp.
Chapter XV.—Polycarp is not injured by the fire.
Chapter XVI.—Polycarp is pierced by a dagger.
Chapter XVII.—The Christians are refused Polycarp’s body.
Chapter XVIII.—The body of Polycarp is burned.
Chapter XIX.—Praise of the martyr Polycarp.
Chapter XX.—This epistle is to be transmitted to the brethren.
Chapter XXI.—The date of the martyrdom.
Chapter XXII.—Salutation.
This fully approved saint to Saint Bishop by I AM served as the exemplar to "Stand and be the man (woman)" Christ Jesus - IESOUS CHRISTOS I AM - would have us be no matter what.
https://lifehopeandtruth.com/change/the-church/true-church
Church History: Polycarp and Polycrates
Smyrna
... Polycarp who served as the bishop in Ephesus. Two well-known historians of the early centuries, Ignatius and Irenaeus, said that Polycarp was taught by the John...
I would also choose David as my favorite.
Especially after watching House of David. Even though I know it isn’t biblically correct.
I wouldn't want to say "character" it makes it sound like a made up story or something. Maybe Bible "figure" would be a better word, sorry. I want to say Jesus, but if you are looking for someone who actually wrote books in the Bible then Paul would be my favorite. He was a no nonsense, heavy hitter for Jesus.
Shifra and Puah - The two midwives who defied Pharoah's order and let the baby boys live.
Elijah because I love his sarcasm with the people who believed in Baal the false god.
That’s a great scene.
Jonah. I can relate to him in his disobedience and his calling to the Lord. I love how he relates Gods mercy on him and I think Jonah truly repented. The evidence of this is that he told the story and didn’t spare himself.
Balaam's ass. God can use anything