Field Notes are quick sketches from the Biblical world – the people, places, rulers, etc. that show up in Scripture and shape the story around them.
Sometimes that still means looking at the armor Paul describes in Ephesians. If that’s what you’re after, you can find each piece of the armor in the sidebar links at right.

  • Field Notes: Nile River

    The Nile River was the lifeline of ancient Egypt, providing water, food, and transportation.

    It is where Moses was placed in a basket and found by Pharoah’s daughter (Exodus 2).

    It is where the first plague occurred, when the water was turned to blood (Exodus 7).

    The Nile played a central role in Egypt’s power and daily life during the time of the Exodus.

    The pyramids were already ancient by the time of Moses, so he likely saw them. Jesus was brought here as a baby, so it is not likely He saw them…though, to be fair, He probably knew they were there.

    Nile River and delta from orbit, via NASA (public domain)

  • Field Notes: Nathan

    Sometimes telling the truth can make things worse. You know it might start an argument. You know it might upset someone. It would be easier to stay quiet and let things slide. But sometimes it has to get worse before it gets better, and sometimes people need to hear the truth. The prophet Nathan faced…

  • Field Notes: Salome

    Salome was one of the women who followed Jesus and witnessed the crucifixion. She is mentioned in the Gospels among the women who remained near the cross and later brought spices to Jesus’ tomb after the Sabbath. She is often identified as the mother of James and John, though the Bible does not state this…

  • Field Notes: James, brother of Jesus

    James, the brother of Jesus, became one of the most important leaders of the early Christian church in Jerusalem. Although Jesus’ brothers did not initially believe in Him, James later became a prominent figure among the apostles and elders. He played a key role in the Jerusalem Council and is traditionally understood to be the…

  • Field Notes: James, son of Alphaeus

    James, the son of Alphaeus, was one of the Twelve apostles. This is not the same James who was the brother of John. Different James. Very little is recorded about him in Scripture compared with some of the other apostles. He is sometimes associated with “James the Less,” mentioned among the women at the crucifixion…

  • Field Notes: Transfiguration

    The Transfiguration is when Jesus’ appearance was temporarily changed to reveal His divine glory. On a mountain, Jesus’ face and clothing became radiant, and Moses and Elijah appeared with Him. Three disciples witnessed it: Peter, James, and John. A voice from Heaven said:“This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased’ listen to…

  • Field Notes: James, son of Zebedee, brother of John

    James, the son of Zebedee, was one of the Twelve apostles and the brother of John; together, Jesus nicknamed them the Sons of Thunder. Jesus called the two brothers while they were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. James was part of Jesus’ inner circle along with Peter and John and was present at key…