Jacob His name means: “He Grasps the Heel” (Figuratively, “He Deceives”) His work: As an indentured servant of his Uncle Laban for fourteen years, Jacob was a herdsman. His character: With a mother who encouraged it, Jacob learned the art of cunning and deception. In stealing the paternal blessing fromRead More …

Esau His name means: “Hairy” His work: An outdoorsman, Esau was an accomplished hunter. His character: The desire for instant gratification was one of Esau’s greatest failures. It cost him his birthright. His sorrow: When he realized that Jacob had secured his father’s blessing, Esau wept aloud. His triumph: YearsRead More …

Isaac His name means: “He Laughs” His work: Isaac was an accomplished farmer and herdsman. His character: The only son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac at a young age witnessed, through the faithfulness of his father, the meaning of obedience. He was gentle and hardworking. His sorrow: As an oldRead More …

Abraham His name means: “Father of a Multitude” His work: A tender of livestock. His character: Abraham was a man of faith who followed God even in the most challenging of circumstances. His sorrow: At times Abraham compromised God’s instructions. His triumph: Abraham obeyed God, and God blessed him withRead More …

Noah His name means: “To Rest” His work: We don’t know what Noah did for a living before he heard from God, but following that encounter, he became an accomplished carpenter. His character: Noah was a righteous man, obedient and faithful. His sorrow: In spite of his admonitions and warnings,Read More …

Cain and Abel Cain His work: As the first child of Adam and Eve, Cain chose farming as his profession. His character: He failed to be generous and was quick to be defensive and outright violent. His sorrow: Like his father, Adam, Cain discovered God’s severe punishment for his sin.Read More …

Adam His name means: “Of the Ground” His work: Until his sin, Adam was naked and was the happy caretaker of the Garden of Eden. After succumbing to temptation, he tailored his own clothes and became a farmer. His character: The first man, Adam, was initially God’s perfect human creation.Read More …

Paul His name means: “Little” His work: Paul was a Pharisee, possibly a member of the Sanhedrin, who was transformed by a visitation of Jesus on the road to Damascus to become a radical missionary for Christ. His character: His intensity about life was matched by his faith and loveRead More …

Stephen His name means: “Crown” His work: After Pentecost, Stephen was one of seven leaders chosen to be the first “deacons” to serve the needy. His character: He is a model of readiness and untold courage in the face of his adversaries. His sorrow: In addition to the rocks thatRead More …

Pontius Pilate His name means: “One Armed with a Javelin” His work: He was the Roman governor over the region of Judea. His character: Pilate had all the trappings of power and leadership but was unwilling to exercise that influence for good. His sorrow: He failed to stand for whatRead More …