by Robert C. Veil, Jr.
There are many individuals referred to in the Bible, whose names are not provided.
Significantly, some of these people teach us important lessons. Although their names are not given,
we remember them for the lessons they continue to teach. Consider a few of these “unnamed Bible
teachers:”
Lot’s wife is referred to in Genesis 19. After the two angels visited that wicked and vile city,
and warned Lot to flee with his family, he was specifically instructed not to look back at the
doomed city of the plain. But in the narrative of his flight, we have these sad words: “But his wife
looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt,” (Genesis 19:28). This unnamed
woman stands as a terrifying reminder of the danger of falling back into a sinful way of life, after
having come out of it for salvation. Jesus would later use her as an example to His disciples,
warning them to “Remember Lot’s wife!” (Luke 17:32). There was no need to call her name, for
they all knew exactly what He meant, and they understood the sobering lesson she continues to
teach. It is a powerful lesson against backsliding, growing indifferent or unfaithful in the service
of the Lord.
The witch of Endor appears in 1 Samuel 28, and even though she is never named, she stands
as an example against witchcraft and sorcery. She herself was shocked and surprised to see Samuel
actually appear and bring a message of doom to King Saul.
Jesus’ sisters are referred to in Mark 6:3: “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and
brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us?” Although
their names are not provided, they teach us that Jesus was the eldest of several half-siblings,
including more than one half-sister.
Herodias’ daughter is referenced in Matthew 14:1-12. She was the dancing girl who
pleased Herod to the extent that he uttered a rash promise resulting in the beheading of John the
Baptist. Tradition says her name was Salome, but the Bible never identifies her.
Peter’s wife teaches us that Peter was not only married, but that his mother-in-law was
healed by our Lord. “And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother lying
sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she arose, and ministered unto
him,” (Matthew 8:14-15).
The Ethiopian Eunuch was taught and baptized by Philip in Acts 8. Although his name is
never given, the detailed account of his conversion provides a clear example of the steps of
salvation, including hearing the gospel, confession of Christ, and baptism for the remission of sins.
The woman at the well had a remarkable conversation with the Lord Himself, which is
recorded in John 4:1-26. From this conversation, including several specific questions addressed by
Jesus, we learn much about the nature of true worship.
The rich man in Hades is not named in the Bible. But the graphic account of his death and
tortured experiences thereafter teach us the reality of death itself, and the events which must
follow, (see Luke 16:19-31).
The thief on the cross at first mocked Jesus, but later came to recognize Him as the son of
God, (cf. Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19).
The soldier who pierced Jesus with a spear (John 19:34) teaches what a callous and
senseless act it is to divide the Lord’s physical body or his spiritual body, the church.
The four virgin daughters of Philip are unnamed, (Acts 21:9), but they encourage us
concerning the value of Bible prophecy, including the prophecy of Agabus in the same context,
which foretold the arrest of the apostle Paul.
None of these people are identified in the Bible by their proper names, yet they all stand as
teachers! Some of them, teachers by their words, others by examples. Some of these examples are
good ones, and others are bad. The Bible is full of valuable teaching, even from unnamed
individuals! Perhaps you can think of other examples of “unnamed Bible teachers.”
