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: Mary of Rome

    Mary of Rome is mentioned briefly by the apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans. Paul commends her for having “worked hard” for the believers, indicating she was an active and respected member of the early Christian community in Rome. Beyond this single short mention in Scripture, little else is known about her. Key…

  • Field Notes: Mary, mother of John Mark (yes, that Mark)

    This Mary was a member of the early Christian community in Jerusalem and the mother of John Mark (widely believed to be Mark, the author of the Gospel of Mark), who later traveled with Paul and Barnabas. Her home served as a gathering place for believers, and it was there that many Christians were praying…

  • Field Notes: Mary, wife of Clopas

    Mary, the wife of Clopas, is mentioned in the Gospel of John as one of the women standing near the cross during the crucifixion of Jesus. Some early Christian traditions suggest she may have been related to Jesus’ family, possibly Jesus’ mother’s sister, though Scripture itself does not confirm this. Her presence at the crucifixion…

  • Field Notes: Mary, mother of James and Joses (Joseph)

    This Mary is listed among the women who followed Jesus and remained present during the crucifixion. She is identified as the mother of James and Joses (or Joseph). She was also among the women who went to Jesus’ tomb after His burial and witnessed the empty tomb following the Resurrection. Key references: Matthew 27:56, Mark…

  • Field Notes: Mary of Bethany

    Mary of Bethany was the sister of Martha and Lazarus and lived in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem. She is know for sitting at Jesus’ feet to listen to His teaching, a posture normally associated with discipleship. Shortly before Jesus’ crucifixion, she anointed His feet with expensive perfume in an act of devotion that…

  • Field Notes: Mary Magdalene

    Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus from whom seven demons had been cast out. She traveled with Jesus and helped support His ministry. She remained near the cross during the crucifixion and is most widely known as the first person to see the risen Christ after the resurrection. Key references: Luke 8:2, John…