Unsung Heroes of the Bible

Epaphras would be one for me:

“A faithful minister of Christ” to the Colossians, who at times hung with Paul. This saint is merely mentioned 3 times in the Bible, very positively. I would love to know more about his work and his ways of ministering, but as far as I know there is no more written about him. Although intriguing, to think about his being highly regarded by Paul we’re left with very little information about his heroics, or the outcome of his live, and not having one word of his mouth recorded we just know he was greatly loved. Every time I see his name I think “who is this guy” would love to know his story!

(Col 1:7) As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

(Col 1:8) Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

(Col 1:9) For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;



(Col 4:12) Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.


(Phm 1:23) There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;

 

-Barnabas: had he not encouraged...who knows if John Mark would have followed through. And the early believers might not have accepted Paul. It could be argued (and being this is the BB, I'm sure it will be!) that largely because of Barnabas' faithfulness, we have nearly half our New Testament. (Ya'll don't mis-interpret what I mean there.)

I think of Caleb. His faithfulness, and willingness to trust God, even in advanced years and despite the enemies of Israel's strength. What a hoss.

 

I think of the 120,000 people of Nineva who seriously turned their hearts to repentance from one prophet! Of course my father speculates that Jonah was a "family prophet," meaning he was trained to speak like a politician or actor; so he new how to grab and compell an audience! Still a great nation with all it's violent and whatever wicked indulgences - all of them removed it from their lives! The trouble with revivals my Papa says is that they're too emotional and not taken to heart, that's why we haven't had as dramatic change in this or any Nation towards Jesus...

 

Caleb & Joshua, For standing frim and taking God at His word.

 

Im not so sure about these guy's, if you read in Nahum it looks as if they have fallen back into there old ways.

 

Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego

 

The young lad who gave Jesus the 5 loaves and 2 fishes with which Jesus fed the 5,000 [men {Who knows how many women & children were also fed!}].

(PS--I'm told that this is the only miracle that's recorded in all 4 Gospels.)

 

All of the above are great!

I think of someone with little fanfare such as Onesiphorus.

 

They may have gotten off track, but was 150 years later! No different than Isreal's backtsliding, except Nineva didn't have to be overrun and sold into slavery to come to repentance that time.