I’ve been teaching high school theology for the past sixteen years, and my primary subject has been Biblical studies. There is a stereotype that the Bible is just a boring list of rules, but – with the exception of Leviticus 22 – nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, the Bible is a vast array of compelling characters and stories, so many that Cecil B. DeMille could create an exceptional movie out of “any two pages.” Here are my personal favorite characters in the “greatest story ever told.”
1. Sts. Tobias and Sarah
Reference: Tobit
Every cinephile has a hidden guilty pleasure, and mine is romantic comedies. The crazy roller coaster “how I met your mother” narrative of Tobias and Sarah is my favorite book of the Bible. These two overcome supernatural odds to be together and composed one of my favorite prayers.
2. St. Luke the Apostle
Reference: Philemon, 2nd Timothy, Colossians
Luke was the first Renaissance man of the Catholic Church. Not only was he the author of a gospel and its sequel, but he was a doctor, a historian, and the first iconographer. I also love that he was a Greek pagan who became Christian and wrote so eloquently about Jesus though never meeting Him. He was my Confirmation saint.
3. St. Jude Thaddeus the Apostle
Reference: The Gospels, Jude
Jude was one of the lesser-known disciples who wrote a spectacular, otherworldly epistle. As the patron of impossible cause, I’ve always had a great devotion to him. He fell out of favor in the Middle Ages due to his false association with Judas Iscariot but fortunately his reputation improved, and his prayers do so much good work today.
4. St. Raphel the Archangel
Reference: Tobit
Raphel was the angel who told Tobias how to defeat Asmodeus and free his fiancée Sarah. He is the patron saint of young men looking for a wife, and I owe him my marriage.
5. St. Nathan the Prophet
Reference: 2nd Samuel, 1st Kings, 1st and 2nd Chronicles
Nathan was the chief prophet to King David and had a role in his son Solomon’s rise to power. He is most famous for the parable of condemnation to David after he killed Uriah and married his wife. It took a lot oof courage to face down the king, but he did it with grace and irony. My 2nd son is named for him.
6. The Nephilim
Reference: Genesis 6, Numbers 13
The Nephilim are bizarre angel/human hybrids who are “the heroes of old” in Genesis. They are strange and mysterious, and proof that God’s Universe is more wonderous than we can imagine.
7. St. Joshua the General
Reference: Joshua (and others)
Joshua was one of the few Old Testament heroes who was totally faithful to God even when against terrible odds. He understood that one’s might comes not from one’s own strength or talent but from the Lord. He led one of the most successful military campaigns in the ancient world to win back the Promised Land for the descendants of Abraham.
8. The Prodigal Family
Reference: Luke 15
The parable of the Prodigal Son is easily my favorite parable. Yes, it is wonderful that the Father welcomes his repentant son back, demonstrating God’s mercy. Yet, I am even more moved by the honest reaction of the older brother, who feels he is treated unfairly. Throughout my life, I have been like both the younger and older brother, and I am grateful God is patient with both.
9. St. Thomas the Apostle
Reference: The Gospels, Acts
Thomas has the unfortunate moniker as a “doubter,” but he spent the rest of his life spreading the gospel, going further than any other apostle all the way to southern India. His story also represents that Jesus invites our own rational examination of faith.
10. Sts. Adam and Eve
Reference: Genesis (and others)
Our original parents set us on the path of sin, but this felix culpa also brought Jesus into our world. Their story in Genesis 2 is really beautiful, and the first time humans speak, it is a love poem between a husband and wife. Traditionally, Jesus freed them from adobe of the dead during the Harrowing of Hell, and they are now in Heaven in restored glory.
11. St. Joseph the Carpenter
Reference: The Gospels
Joseph is the probably the most important male role model in the Bible. He is kind, generous, merciful, brave, and righteous. He never says a word but does exactly as needed. He taught the young Jesus how to work hard and be in a family.
12. St. John the Apostle
Reference: The Gospels, Acts, The Epistles of John, Revelation
Besides Jesus and Mary, there is probably no person more frequently mentioned and portrayed than John, Jesus’s best friend. Not only did he write five books of the New Testament, including a poetic and profound gospel, but he was the only disciple faithful to Jesus on the cross.
13. Pope St. Peter
References: The Gospels, Acts, The Epistles of Peter, Galatians 2
God loves unlikely candidates for His purpose, and Peter certainly fit the bill. He was the leader of the twelve disciples, and the first Pope, but he also denied Jesus three times when his Lord was arrested. He was headstrong but guided the early church with faith and vigor.
14. Sts. Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi
References: Ruth
The courtship of Ruth and Boaz is one of the most beautiful stories in the Bible. Ruth, despite being a non-Israelite, was incredibly faithful to her mother-in-law. Her kindness and generosity made her a model wife and mother, cementing her forever as an ancestor of our Lord.
15. St. David the King
References: 1st and 2nd Samuel, 1st Kings (and others)
David was the greatest Israelite king who had a “heart for God.” Even when he greatly sinned, he always admitted his guilt, repented, and took his punishment. He is a reminder that even our greatest heroes have faults; what matters is accepting God’s mercy.
16. St. Israel the Patriarch
References: Genesis (and others)
Isreal started as wimpy, effeminate boy under the thumb of his overbearing older brother and gradually become the patriarch of a nation with twelve sons. His story is crazy, including sibling rivalry, tricking his blind father, marrying a pair of sisters, and wrestling with God. In the end, he found peace by accepting his important role in God’s plan.
17. St. Paul the Apostle
References: Acts, The Epistles of Paul, 2nd Peter 3
Paul was the first great Christian convert after the Ascension of Jesus. He was a Roman citizen and well-educated Pharisee who hated Christians so much he oversaw the death of St. Stephen, the first martyr. After witnessing a vision of Jesus, he was baptized and immediately started preaching, becoming the dominant protagonist of the 2nd half of Acts and writing the majority of the New Testament.
18. St. Moses the Prophet
References: Exodus (and others)
Moses was the most important prophet in the Old Testament who guided the Israelites out of Egypt into freedom. He also received the Law from God, which guided ancient Jewish society.
19. St. Solomon the King
Refences: 1st Kings (and others)
Solomon was the greatest and the worst. He was a man of profound humility but nonetheless possessed extraordinary wisdom and wealth. He built the original temple of the Lord. Yet, he was done in by his weakness for sex and desire to please men rather than God.
20. St. Enoch the Patriarch
References: Genesis 5, Hebrews 11
Enoch is only mentioned by name twice in the Bible but is one of four (possibly five) people who already have their glorified bodies in Heaven. He is a very mysterious figure who got to walk directly with God.
21. Balaam the Pagan Sorcerer
References: Numbers 22-24 (and others)
Balaam was an evil sorcerer hired by the Moabite king Balak to curse Israel, but all he could do was bless Israel. He also had a really interesting encounter with a talking donkey, raising some perplexing ethics surrounding animals and their spiritual life.
22. St. Jonah the Prophet
References: Jonah, 2nd Kings 14
Everyone knows that Jonah was swallowed by a whale, but his story is a fascinating mediation on forgiveness, mercy, and envy.
23. The Beast from the Earth
References: Revelation 13
Rivers of ink have been spilled through the centuries trying to discover the hidden meaning behind this terrifying critter. Is it Hitler? The Pope? Ronald Reagan? Perhaps he is one specific person in the past or future, but he certainly is any domestic power that seeks to control and manipulate the people.
24. St. Ezekiel the Prophet
References: Ezekiel (and others)
I love his crazy awesome visions, especially the Merkabah.
25. St. Samuel the Prophet
References: 1st Samuel (and others)
I love Samuel’s story of being called (audibly) by God at a young age. He was a priest, prophet, and the last judge. Even death itself couldn’t keep him from doing God’s will.
26. The Gerasene Demoniac
References: Luke 8
The story of the poor Gerasene Demoniac is one of the most compelling in the New Testament. It lays out lots of important information about exorcism (naming, supernatural abilities, multiple demons, etc). Yet, I am most moved by the man’s freedom and his desire to spread the gospel despite resistance after he was freed.
27. St. Photina of Samaria (the Woman at the Well)
References: John 4
The woman at the well has had a hard life full of lust, shame, and depression. She goes to the well in the day to avoid the crowds, but she meets Jesus. He turns her life, and ours, upside down.
28. Sts. Leah and Rachel the Matriarchs
References: Genesis (and others)
I feel empathy to both these women for different reasons. Leah is unfavorable and looked down upon by her husband but provides him with six healthy sons including Reuben (the oldest), Levi, and Judah. Rachel was Israel’s favorite but had to wait to have children, having only two and dying soon afterwards.
29. The Holy Maccabees
References: 1st and 2nd Maccabees
The Maccabees are the feisty rebels of the Old Testament who overthrew the villainous Greeks, restored the temple, and especially a fun holiday.
30. St. Elijah the Prophet
References: 1st and 2nd Kings (and others)
Elijah was the main prophet sent to confront Israel’s worst king Ahab. From a face off against four hundred pagan prophets of Baal to speaking with God in a whisper to rapturing into the Heavens rather than dying, his life was a rollercoaster of awesome.
31. St. Aaron the High Priest
References: Exodus (and others)
While everybody knows Moses, few remember his older brother who actually spoke with Pharaoh and the people on his behalf. He became the first High Priest of Judaism and was fundamental in the institution of the Mitzvot.
32. King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel
References: 1st Kings (and others)
Ahab and Jezebel are the great villains of the Kingdom of Israel, the worst king and queen by far. Ahab is a sad, wimpy man who delights in pleasing himself and his wife while neglecting God. Jezebel is a shrewd, murderous, temptress from Tyre who sees her marriage as an avenue for power and worship of her god Baal.
33. St. Celidonius (The Man Born Blind)
References: John 9
Celidonius story is beautiful in its complexity, profoundness, humor, and pacing. He wasn’t just healed of the blindness of an accident or old age; he was born blind, so the miracle involves a whole host of miraculous circumstances. Yet, more than his physical healing is that he sees Jesus is the Messiah and God, even being persecuted by his own family for his devotion.
34. St. Daniel the Prophet
References: Daniel (and others)
Daniel was a prophet in exile who heroically practiced his faith in the midst of persecution. He not only survived the lions, but he had amazing visions of God’s plan for the world.
35. Sts. Philemon and Onesimus
References: Philemon
The story of Philemon and Onesimus is an extremely compelling story of labor ethics, dignity, forgiveness, prudence, and friendship that seems that has become extraordinarily important in the 21st century. On the one hand, it is a good primer against slavery, on the other it stresses the importance of kindness and humility over revenge and anger in the face of past wrongs. Both slave and slave owner died as martyrs for the faith, and they are both friends in Heaven.
36. Esau, Son of Isaac
References: Genesis
Esau is the Gaston of the Old Testament, a giant, burly hunk of a man is brought low by his small but smarter brother. However, I can’t help but feel sympathy for a man who just wanted something to eat after a hard day.
37. St. Jeremiah the Prophet
References: 2nd Kings, Jeremiah, Lamentations (and others)
Jeremiah is the “broken hearted” prophet who saw his beloved country destroyed. Yet, he also trusted in God’s mercy and prophesized that Israel would be restored.
38. St. Joseph of Arimathea
References: The Gospels
Joseph was a kind man who, despite his elated station, gave his own tomb to Jesus. This was a sign he considered him family. He also may have been the first owner of the shroud of Turin.
39. Joab, Son of Suri
References: 2nd Samuel, 1st Kings, 1st Chronicles
Joab was the chief general under King David. He has a talented military mind but was also Machiavellian and bloodthirsty. He participated in David’s plot to kill Uriah, murdered Absolom against David’s orders, and was assassinated himself by Solomon.
40. King Cyrus the Great, King of Persia
References: Ezra, Nehemiah, 2nd Chronicles
Cyrus conquered the Babylonian Empire in 539 BC and allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Judea, even giving them money to rebuild the temple. He is a classic example of God working through the events of history to help his people.
41. St. Noah the Patriarch
References: Genesis (and others)
Everybody knows the guy who saved his family and all the animals from the flood. Yet, he was also a man of great faith who had flaws, including getting drunk on his first day outside the ark.
42. St. Judith the Spy
References: Judith
Judith was a double agent who used her cunning and feminine wiles to save her people from the destruction of the Assyrians.
43. St. James the Greater
References: The Gospels, Acts, James, (and others)
James was the first great pastor of the Church. While the other 12 went out to preach, he stayed behind to “keep the lights on.” His epistle is filled with wonderful, practical wisdom for living the Christian life.
44. Goliath the Phillistine
References: 1st Samuel
Goliath was the great Phillistine champion whom David defeated to jumpstart his career. There’s some intriguing medical evidence that Goliath may have suffered from Gigantism, adding credibility to the historical sources.
45. St. Judah the Patriarch
References: Genesis (and others)
Judah was not the firstborn of Israel (Reuben) or the favorite (Joseph) but became noteworthy after offering his life in place of his brother Benjamin. He was the originator of the most important tribe of Israel which would outlast the assaults of empires and eventually produce King David and the Savior.
46. St. Deborah the Judge
References: Judges 4 and 5
Deborah is the only Judge in that crazy book who follow the plan exactly. She is called by God, completes His mission efficiently, and returns to her vocation as wife, mother, and poet. She’s a beautiful example of a holy and humble life.
47. Sts. Abraham and Sarah
References: Genesis
They are the original Patriarch and Matriarch of the Hebrew people. Abraham is the first one who will start the journey of humanity back to the garden of Eden.
48. St. Dismas (The Repentant Thief)
References: The Gospels
Dismas is the only person in history who is promised to be Heaven by Jesus himself (and within a few hours no less). Even at the moment of death, we can repent and be redeemed.
49. St. Josiah the King
References: 2nd Kings, 2nd Chronicles (and others)
Josiah was the last great reformer of the ancient monarchy of Judah. He cleaned up the Temple and instituted a new set laws to better align the people with part of the Mitzvot that had been lost.
50. St. Hosea the Prophet and Gomer
References: Hosea
I always felt bad for Hosea. He had to marry a disreputable woman so that God could prove a point.
Fun Trivia about the List:
1. There are thirty-four Old Testament figures (68%) and sixteen New Testament ones (32%).
2. There are forty-four men on the list and twelve women.
3. Five of the twelve disciples appear on the list.
4. There are five monarchs on the list, including one outside Israel.
5. All of the major Old Testament prophets except Isaiah are on the list.
6. Fifteen members of Jesus’ direct genealogy are represented on the list.
7. Eleven entries (22%) are not single individuals (couples, groups, etc)
8. Adam the Patriarch is the earliest entry (pre-history). St. John the Apostle is the latest (died around 100 AD).
9. Forty entries (80%) are saints in the Catholic Church.
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