Q: #522. Who is called "faithful" in the Bible?
A: First, let’s define what “faithful” or “faithfulness” is. My “Illustrated Dictionary Of the Bible” by Herbert Lockyer uses this definition: “dependability, loyalty, and stability particularly as it describes God in His relationship to human believers. Webster’s Dictionary defines it as: “(1) full of faith, (2) steadfast in affection or allegiance, (3) firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty.”
As the definition says in my Bible dictionary, “God in His relationship to human believers” gives us the best picture of what “faithfulness” is in the Bible. In another study, I list 36 different verses in which God (as well as Jesus) is called “faithful,” and looking at these verses together gives us this good picture of God’s faithfulness.
However, in addition to God being called “faithful,” we see a number of other people in the Bible who are called “faithful.” Let’s look at a list of these people:
Moses (Num 12:7)(Heb 3:2,5)***
David (1 Sam 22:14)
Hanani and Hananiah (Neh 7:2)
Abraham (Neh 9:7-8)(Gal 3:9)
Shelemiah, Zadok, Pedaiah, Hanan (Neh 13:13)
Uriah and Zechariah (Isa 8:2)
Daniel (Dan 6:4)
Timothy (1 Cor 4:17)
The saints in Ephesus (Eph 1:1)
Tychicus (Eph 6:21)(Col 4:7)
The saints in Colosse (Col 1:2)
Epaphras (Col 1:7)
Onesimus (Col 4:9)
Paul (1 Tim 1:12)
Silvanus (Silas) (1 Pet 5:12)
Gaius (3 Jn 1:5)
Antipas (Rev 2:13)***
***Note: Moses and Antipas are the only people I could find that God (Moses) or Jesus (Antipas) called “faithful.”
When you read about these men listed above, you can see that being called “faithful” was a great compliment. Their “faithfulness” was greatly valued by those who called them “faithful.” In recent years, I have also come to see the value of those who are faithful. I am thankful for those who are faithful in their friendship, in their support, in their Bible study attendance, and more. When others have come and gone, they are still there; “steadfast in affection or allegiance” and in “dependability, loyalty, and stability.”
“Faithfulness” is listed as a “fruit of the spirit” (Gal 5:22-23). One day, God will reward those who were “faithful” to Him (Lk 19:17)(Mt 25:23).