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Imitate Their Faith​—Bible Characters Brought to Life

This series brings to life the men and women in the Bible who showed outstanding faith. a These Bible characters and their examples of faith can help you to build your own faith and draw closer to God.

a To help you visualize the scenes and immerse yourself in these stories of faith, the articles in this series include some details that are not found in the Bible. These details are carefully researched to ensure that they are in harmony with the Bible account as well as historical records and archaeological findings.

Creation to the Flood

Abel—“Although He Died, Yet Speaks”

What can we learn about Abel and his faith when so little is said about him in the Bible?

Noah “Walked With the True God”

Noah and his wife faced what challenges in raising their children? How did they show faith in building the ark?

The Flood to the Exodus

Abraham—“The Father of All Those Having Faith”

How did Abraham show faith? In what ways would you like to imitate the faith of Abraham?

Job—“I Will Not Renounce My Integrity!”

How can the Bible story of Job help us to face hardship, misfortune, or other tests of our faith?

Job​—Jehovah Healed His Pain

Nothing would frustrate Satan more, or delight the loving heart of Jehovah more, than if we were to imitate the faith of Job!

Miriam​—“Sing to Jehovah”!

Miriam the prophetess was inspired to lead Israel’s women in a song of victory at the Red Sea. Her life is a lesson in courage, faith, and humility.

The Exodus to Israel’s First King

Ruth—“Where You Go I Shall Go”

Why was Ruth willing to leave her family and homeland? What qualities did she demonstrate that made her valuable to Jehovah?

Ruth—“An Excellent Woman”

Why is Ruth and Boaz’ marriage significant? What can we learn from Ruth and Naomi about family?

Hannah Opened Her Heart to God in Prayer

Hannah’s faith in Jehovah helped her to cope with what seemed like an impossible situation.

Samuel “Continued Growing Up With Jehovah”

What was unusual about Samuel’s childhood? What helped his faith to grow when he was at the tabernacle?

Samuel Endured Despite Disappointments

All of us face hardships and disappointments that challenge our faith. What can Samuel’s endurance teach us?

Israel’s First King to Jesus’ Birth

David and Jonathan​—“Bound Together in Close Friendship”

How did two people so different in background and age become such close friends? How can their experience help you form friendships today?

Abigail Acted With Discretion

What can we learn from Abigail’s difficult marital situation?

Elijah Stood Up for Pure Worship

How can we imitate Elijah when dealing with those who disagree with what the Bible teaches?

Elijah Watched and Waited

How did the prophet Elijah show a prayerful attitude while he waited for Jehovah to fulfill his promise?

Elijah Took Comfort in His God

What events led Elijah to become very low in spirits, so low that he even asked to die?

Jonah Learned From His Mistakes

Can you sympathize with Jonah’s fear of accepting an assignment? His story teaches us valuable lessons about Jehovah’s patience and mercy.

Jonah Learned a Lesson in Mercy

How can the account about Jonah help us to take an honest look at ourselves?

Esther Stood Up for God’s People

Showing self-sacrificing love like Esther takes faith and courage.

Esther Acted Wisely, Bravely, and Selflessly

How did Esther act unselfishly for Jehovah and for his people?

Jesus’ Birth to the Death of the Apostles

Mary—“Look! Jehovah’s Slave Girl!”

What does Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel reveal about her faith? What other valuable qualities did she display?

Mary Drew “Conclusions in Her Heart”

Mary’s experiences in Bethlehem strengthened her faith in Jehovah’s promises.

Joseph Protected, Provided, and Persevered

In what ways did Joseph protect his family? Why did he take Mary and Jesus to Egypt?

Martha—“I Have Believed”

How did Martha show remarkable faith even during a time of grief?

Mary Magdalene​—“I Have Seen the Lord!”

This faithful woman was entrusted with the privilege of sharing good news with others.

Peter Fought Against Fear and Doubt

Doubt can be a powerful, destructive force. But Peter overcame his fear and doubts about following Jesus.

Peter Was Loyal in the Face of Tests

How did Peter’s faith and loyalty help him to accept correction from Jesus?

Peter Learned Forgiveness From the Master

What did Jesus teach Peter about forgiveness? How did Jesus prove he had forgiven Peter?