Legacy of the Saints – New Testament
Timothy – The two books in the New Testament, 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy, are known as the Pastoral Epistles. These were letters the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, more fondly referred to as his “son in the faith”. Though written from one man to another, they were divinely preserved by the Holy Spirit and so very applicable to ministry and discipleship. Timothy was from Lystra, Paul went there on one of his missionary journeys, and led Timothy to Christ. This was the start of a precious bond of ministers of the gospel. Timothy lived far beyond his mentor and faithfully served as Pastor at the church of Ephesus. In the end, he was martyred for his faith.
Simon of Cyrene – Many people, even unbelievers, have heard the story of a man that helped Jesus carry His cross. Sadly it’s chalked up to a random man that was chosen out of the crowd to help out, but there is nothing random about this event. Simon had brought his family to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, the journey was 783 miles long. As he just arrives to the city – he comes across this scene of men carrying crosses to their death. He had no idea who Jesus was and the moment he touched the cross (ordered by a Roman guard) he was unable to participate in the Passover, being deemed ceremonially unclean. But Simon and his family carried the cross of Christ far beyond Calvary.
The Centurion – At the time of Jesus, execution assignments would have been a normal “duty of the day” for Roman soldiers. However, never had they encountered the death of anyone like Jesus. The Roman Centurion witnessed the unjust trials that Jesus was subjected to, and heard the verdict of INNOCENT at least six times. Yet, he carried out the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ as instructed by his governor, Pontius Pilate. It was not until he saw Jesus take His last breath – that HE BELIEVED!
James – The New Testament tells us that James was the brother of Jesus. This same James, also wrote the epistle of James. He did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah – it wasn’t until the resurrection of the Lord that He appeared to James and sovereignly saved him. James rose to a prominent place in the early church of Jerusalem, as the Apostles scattered to spread the gospel, James cared for the church. He was ultimately martyred for his faith.
John the Baptist – had a specific role ordained by God as forerunner of Jesus. The importance of John in the divine scheme of things is summed up best in the testimony of Jesus himself. “Among them that are born of women there has not arisen a greater than John the Baptist.”
(John) Mark – Author of the Gospel of Mark, and a helper in ministry to both the Apostle Paul, and the Apostle Peter.
Luke – Author of two books in the New Testament; the Gospel of Luke and Acts. Luke was a loyal companion and helper to the Apostle Paul.
Nicodemus – was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin mentioned 3 times in the Gospel of John. Nicodemus went to speak with Jesus at night, and acknowledges that Jesus has to be sent from God to do the miraculous things He does. Jesus immediately confronts Nicodemus with the truth that he “must be born again”. This confuses the teacher of Israel and Christ further explained there was nothing anyone could to earn their salvation. It is a work of God. The story of Nicodemus is compelling. Ultimately, after the Jewish leaders have crucified the Lord, Nicodemus surrenders and is converted.
Saul of Tarsus