James the Son of Zebedee
Denounces the Pharisees, leads disciples to Mount Hermon, speaks of his spiritual kingdom, rebukes Judas, and withdraws to be alone.
Anna the Mother of Mary
The newborn and later child, described as beautiful, aloof, generous, and beloved by all in Nazareth.
Asaph, Called the Orator of Tyre
Asaph describes Jesus' speech as powerful and unlike any other orator, speaking to the heart with divine authority.
Mary Magdalene
The object of Mary's initial hatred and later devotion, whose unique walk and profound words reveal his divine nature and love for her unseen self.
Philemon, a Greek Apothecary
Described as the Master Physician, healing the sick and even raising the dead, but also noted for His focus on religion and politics.
Simon Who Was Called Peter
Calls Peter and Andrew to follow him, visits their home, shares a meal, and speaks of spiritual peace and the second birth.
Caiaphas the High Priest
Referenced by Caiaphas as a defiler and corrupter who poisoned the minds of the people and opposed both Jewish law and Roman authority.
Joanna the Wife of Herod’s Steward
Jesus befriends women and children, and He refuses to judge Joanna, instead reproaching her accusers.
Rafca the Bride of Cana
Stops at Rafca's garden, drinks water, promises to attend her wedding, and later performs a miracle by providing wine.
A Persian Philosopher in Damascus
Referenced as 'this man Jesus, this Nazarene' whose teachings about a forgiving God are discussed.
David, One of His Followers
Referenced through His sayings and the impact of His words on David.
Luke
Expresses wrath toward hypocrites, forgives sinners, and explains the distinction in the Garden of Pomegranates.
Matthew
Delivers the Sermon on the Mount, teaching the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer.
John the Son of Zebedee
Referred to as Jesus the Nazarene, the Man of Nazareth, and the Son of Man; the host and mouthpiece of the Christ.
A Young Priest of Capernaum
Accused by the young priest of being a magician and deceiver, manipulating women and the marginalized.
A Rich Levite in the Neighbourhood of Nazareth
Remembered as a skilled carpenter whose work surpassed that of other builders, hinting at His divine nature.
A Shepherd in South Lebanon
Jesus asks about Elijah's grave and later finds the shepherd's lost sheep, showing compassion.
John the Baptist, to One of His Disciples
Referenced as the one whose voice is heard on the battlefield, the coming conqueror, and the object of John's devotion.
Joseph of Arimathea
Central figure whose teachings and actions are recounted by Joseph, including His words about the neighbor, freedom, and His impending passion.
Nathaniel
Portrayed as a powerful and authoritative figure, not meek or humble.
Saba of Antioch
Saba contrasts Jesus's teachings of freedom and joy with Paul's legalistic approach.
Salome, to a Woman Friend
Object of Salome's secret admiration, described as beautiful and forgiving.
Rachael, a Woman Disciple
Rachael reflects on Jesus' humanity and divinity, His joy and sorrow, and His profound impact on her life.
Cleopas of Bethroune
Cleopas recalls Jesus' speech, which was directed to the sea, the mountain, and the angels, and his authoritative declarations 'But I say unto you.'
Naaman of the Gadarenes
Referred to as the Master who gave His disciples the legacy of pain and joy; His death is central to the chapter.
Thomas
Called Thomas; made Himself manifest to Thomas after His resurrection.
Elmadam the Logician
Described by Elmadam as a disorderly mendicant and drunkard who defied state and empire, ultimately brought to earth by hunters.
One of the Marys
Portrayed with a high head and the flame of God in His eyes, often sad but with a tenderness that comforts the afflicted.
Rumanous, a Greek Poet
Described as a poet who loves all things of loveliness, from blades of grass to almond blossoms, and whose songs are for other ears beyond this world.
Levi, a Disciple
Calls Levi to follow him, dines at his house, and answers the publicans' questions with teachings on compassion and judgment.
A Widow in Galilee
Referenced as the Nazarene, blamed by the widow for taking her son away.
Judas the Cousin of Jesus
Receives news of John's death, grieves for John and Herod, and reassures John's disciples.
The Man from the Desert
Clears the temple with a rope, overturning tables and freeing doves, then tenderly touches the returning doves.
Peter
Leads the disciples and teaches about the hardships of the path.
Melachi of Babylon, an Astronomer
Referred to as the Wayfarer and the Man Anointed; the subject of Melachi's reflections on miracles and spiritual transformation.
A Philosopher
Portrayed as having ever-fresh senses and a wonder-filled perception of the world, unlike ordinary humans.
Uriah, an Old Man of Nazareth
Uriah recounts Jesus' childhood, youth, and ministry with hostility, accusing Him of arrogance and speaking evil of the people.
Nicodemus the Poet, the Youngest of the Elders in the Sanhedrin
Referred to as the 'Poet of Galilee' and the source of Nicodemus's spiritual awakening.
Joseph of Arimathea
Referred to as the Nazarene; engages in a long conversation with Joseph, answering his questions.
Georgus of Beirut
Speaks to Georgus and his disciples about the kingdom having no strangers and the interconnectedness of all people.
Mary Magdalene
Described through Mary's eyes as gentle, powerful, and both human and divine.
Jotham of Nazareth, to a Roman
Described as a simple man who came without armies or ships to establish a kingdom in the heart.
Ephraim of Jericho
Jesus is invited to a wedding but declines, speaking of himself as the Bridegroom and hinting at a deeper spiritual condition for his presence.
Barca, a Merchant of Tyre
Portrayed as a sage with deep understanding of merchants and human nature, not a god.
Phumiah, the High Priestess of Sidon
Referred to as the dauntless Man, the lofty Oak, the fearless Hunter, the valiant Youth; the subject of Phumiah's song.
Benjamin the Scribe
Portrayed as a spiritual figure above state and race, who wept and smiled for humanity, and founded a new kingdom of the spirit.
Zacchaeus
Central figure whose death and sacrifice are discussed.
Jonathan
Referred to as the Poet in Nazareth, whose presence is felt as they row.
Hannah of Bethsaida
Passes by Hannah and her aunt, greeted with reverence; later seen on a hilltop speaking to followers.
Manasseh, a Lawyer in Jerusalem
Manasseh recalls hearing Jesus speak, admiring His voice and gestures but not the substance of His speech.
Jephtha of Caesarea
Jephtha criticizes Jesus, calling Him a shadow and a gleaner of past traditions.
John the Beloved Disciple
Subject of John's reflections, described as the first Word of God made flesh.
Mannus the Pompeiian, to a Greek
Referred to as a philosopher who revealed God as a being of joy, yet was tortured and put to death; His laughter is not heeded by His followers.
Pontius Pilatus
Brought before Pilate, remains silent and speaks of truth and the Spirit.
Bartholomew in Ephesus
Defended by Bartholomew as a man above men, noble and free, not aligned with any social class.
Matthew
Jesus pauses at the prison wall, speaks words of comfort and solidarity to the prisoners, and foreshadows his own imprisonment.
Andrew
Central figure in Andrew's memories, teaching about God's care, forgiveness, and the parable of the prodigal son and the merchant.
A Rich Man
Jesus advises the rich man to give his possessions to the poor and follow him.
John at Patmos
Central figure of John's memories; his calling, miracles, and selfless act of giving apples.
Peter
Teaches about the nature of a neighbor and responds to Peter's question with a parable about a sparrow.
A Cobbler in Jerusalem
The cobbler listens to Jesus, captivated by the sound of his voice rather than the meaning of his words.
Susannah of Nazareth, a Neighbour of Mary
Crucified, he speaks to Mary and John from the cross, and is remembered by Mary as a 'seafarer'.
Joseph Surnamed Justus
Despised and considered mad, yet His words and song are eternal.
Philip
Philip recalls Jesus's crucifixion and His words of forgiveness from the cross.
Birbàrah of Yammouni
Portrayed as both patient and impatient, forbearing with the weak but stern with hypocrites and those who seek external signs.
Pilate’s Wife, to a Roman Lady
Seen teaching His followers; His presence and words profoundly affect Pilate's wife.
A Man Outside of Jerusalem
Referenced as the one betrayed and crucified; his kingdom and forgiveness are central to Judas's confession.
Sarkis, an Old Greek Shepherd, Called the Madman
Appears in a dream, conversing with Pan and playing a flute, symbolizing harmony between nature and the divine.
Annas the High Priest
Referred to by Annas as a brigand and blasphemer from Galilee, whose crucifixion Annas justifies.
A Woman, One of Mary’s Neighbours
Mourned as the 'Spring' and 'Flower' of the land; his death is the occasion for the threnody.
Ahaz the Portly
The central figure of the memory, who dines at Ahaz's inn and gives a parting blessing.
Barabbas
Crucified in Barabbas's place, speaks words of forgiveness and compassion from the cross.
Claudius, a Roman Centurion
Held in custody, mocked with a crown of thorns, and looked at Claudius with compassion.
James the Brother of the Lord
Washes the disciples' feet, shares the Last Supper, prays in Gethsemane, and is betrayed by Judas.
Simon of Cyrene
Carrying His cross, He speaks to Simon and places His hand on his shoulder, leaving a lasting impression.
Cyborea the Mother of Judas
Referred to as Jesus of Nazareth, whom Judas followed, and whom Cyborea believes Judas did not betray.
The Woman of Byblos
Referenced as the deceased beloved, whose death is mourned.
Mary Magdalene
Central figure, risen and walking in solitude, the object of love and hatred.
A Man from Lebanon
The central figure, addressed as 'Master' and 'Poet,' whose life and teachings are reflected upon across centuries.
