Why So Many Names?

On Sunday we began our study of the 12 disciples and I briefly mentioned that Bartholomew is called Nathanael in John 1.  Many of the 12 disciples have multiple names in the New Testament.  Sometimes they are given both names in the same passage.  Other times they are given different names in different books.  We have Matthew/Levi, Simon/Peter, Thomas/Didymus, Judas/Thaddeus/Lebbaeus, and Bartholomew/Nathaniel!  We could even throw in Saul/Paul to be part of the discussion.

So why do so many of these guys go by different names?

Generally speaking, people in antiquity didn't have surnames (family names) unless they were nobles or otherwise were important. That practice wasn’t widespread until the 1500’s.  That means you had loads of people with the exact same name.  For example, there are six different ladies named Mary in the New Testament!  If we just look at the 12 disciples we find two guys named Simon, two guys named Judas and two guys named James. Six out of twelve disciples have common names!

So several different techniques were used to make it possible to actually distinguish people from each other.

1.      Adding the name of the father (James the son of Alphaeuss).

2.     Adding the person’s place of origin (Jesus of Nazareth).

3.     Adding the person’s profession (John the Baptist).

4.     Adding an adjective (Herod the Great).

In some cases, however, the person ended up going by a different name altogether. 

1.      Some used their name but in a different language (Saul is a Hebrew Name.  Paul is a Roman name).

2.     Others used a nickname (Thomas and Didymus both mean “twin”).

It was also common in the New Testament for people to take on new names as a result of coming to trust in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Jesus famously changed Simon’s name to Peter, for example.

As a result of all of these different names being used there can be some confusion as to who exactly is being talked about in a given passage in the New Testament (and in the Old Testament as well).  Skeptics and critics of the Bible will often cite the different names being used as examples of the Bible contradicting itself.  They will also brush aside any explanation as unreasonable and declare that it’s unrealistic to have so many people in the Bible go by the same name.

In response we can first point to the truth that diligent Bible Study clears up the confusion.  As we journey through this series I’ll address the different name “challenges” that come up with The Twelve.  Secondly we can point to the truth that people going by different names (or multiple people in a group having the same name) happens all the time!  For example, my brother’s given name is Ryan Wesley.  Almost everyone calls him “Wes,” including my kids.  He’s their Uncle Wes.  But a few folks in our family (myself included) still call him Ryan.

And just look at our church family!  Out of the 100 or so folks who are regularly connected at the Bridge we have 3 Marks, 3 Marys, 2 Trents, 2 Scotts, 2 Amandas, 2 Brians, 2 men named Chris, 2 Larrys, 2 men named Dennis 2 Elizabeths, 2 Gabes, 2 Graces and 2 Annas!  And I’m probably forgetting one or two more as I write this.  It’s really not that hard to have multiple people with the same name within a group.

We can always rest assured that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant and authoritative Word of God!

Here's what’s happening:

1.                6/25 – The Missions Trip team is hosting a Chicken BBQ fundraiser at the church.  Details and an order sheet are on the bulletin board near the church entrance.  They will need some help on the day of the BBQ preparing the meals.  Please see Thomas if you are able to help.

2.               If you would like to give directly to the missions trip, please do so over the next few weeks so the team can start finalizing the numbers.  You can use the special giving envelopes by the offering box.  Gifts are tax-deductible.

3.               We will be taking our annual “summer break” from Sunday School in July and August and have a coffee fellowship time from 9:30 until 10 each Sunday morning. There is a sign-up sheet to provide the snack on the bulletin board is in the lobby.

4.               VBS is quickly approaching, on July 7-11 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm each night. This is an “all-hands on deck” ministry at the church.  A sign up sheet is in the lobby if you would like to help.

5.               Baptism Sunday is set for 8/24.  Please let me know if you would like to be baptized.

6.               The Oaks Ministry has what they hope will be the final zoning hearing this evening for the purchase of the Parkesburg Arms Hotel.  Pray that they are allowed to move forward!

My family will be on vacation in Watkins Glen, NY from this Saturday (22nd) through next Saturday (28th). Thomas has the pulpit this week.  He will be giving a message from Galatians 3:15-29.

Have a great weekend…enjoy the hazy, hot and humid weather!

Scott