Persons of the Bible: Letter C

As we enter the letter C, we meet a wide range of people whose stories help us better understand God’s faithfulness throughout Scripture. Caleb stands out for his bold confidence in God’s promises. Cornelius shows how the gospel began to open to all nations. Caiaphas, though acting in opposition, becomes part of God’s larger plan that leads to the cross. Together with many lesser-known names, these lives remind us that God works through both the willing and the unwilling to move His story forward—always pointing us toward Jesus, the center of all Scripture.

Cabbon

Cabbon appears in genealogical listings connected to Judah’s descendants.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:20

Cabul

Cabul appears in certain translations as a personal name within regional and tribal contexts.
Scripture: 1 Kings 9:13 (contextual name usage)

Cain

Cain was the firstborn son of Adam and Eve and the first murderer recorded in Scripture. When his offering was rejected, he grew angry and killed his brother Abel, revealing the destructive power of sin as it spread from the fall. Though God judged Cain, He also marked him for protection, demonstrating both justice and mercy. Cain’s story sets the stage for the struggle between sin and righteousness that continues throughout the Bible.
Scripture: Genesis 4:1–16; Hebrews 11:4; 1 John 3:12; Jude 11

Cainan (son of Enosh)

Cainan was an early descendant of Adam whose life is recorded in the genealogies that trace God’s preservation of the human family.
Scripture: Genesis 5:9–14

Cainan (Luke’s genealogy)

Another Cainan appears in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke.
Scripture: Luke 3:36–37

Calcol

Calcol was noted for great wisdom, often compared to Solomon’s exceptional understanding.
Scripture: 1 Kings 4:31

Caleb

Caleb, from the tribe of Judah, was one of the twelve spies sent to explore the Promised Land. Unlike the others, he trusted God fully and urged Israel to believe that the Lord would give them the land. Because of his faith, Caleb was promised an inheritance and lived to see God’s faithfulness fulfilled. His courage and steadfast spirit make him a lasting example of wholehearted trust in God.
Scripture: Numbers 13–14; Joshua 14:6–15; Joshua 15:13–19

Calneh

Calneh appears in genealogical and historical contexts as a descendant connected to Nimrod’s line.
Scripture: Genesis 10:10 (contextual)

Camon

Camon appears in Israel’s genealogical records.
Scripture: Judges 10:5 (contextual)

Canaanitish woman

A Canaanite woman approached Jesus for healing for her daughter, and He commended her faith.
Scripture: Matthew 15:21–28

Candace

Candace was the royal title of the queen of the Ethiopians, whose treasurer encountered the apostle Philip.
Scripture: Acts 8:27

Carpus

Carpus was a Christian believer in Troas whom Paul trusted with his books and parchments.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:13

Cedron

Cedron appears in certain genealogical traditions.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 2:34–35 (variant contexts)

Celos

Celos is mentioned briefly in genealogical listings.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:30 (variant translation contexts)

Cephas (another name for Peter)

Caesar Augustus

Caesar Augustus was the Roman emperor at the time of Jesus’ birth. His decree for a census brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, fulfilling a prophecy about the Messiah's birthplace.
Scripture: Luke 2:1

Cesar Nero (Nero Caesar)

Nero was the Roman emperor during the latter years of Paul’s ministry, under whose government Paul appealed to Caesar.
Scripture: Acts 25:11–12; Acts 27:24

Chedorlaomer

Chedorlaomer was a king who fought against a coalition of rulers during the time of Abraham.
Scripture: Genesis 14:1–17

Chelal

Chelal was among those who had married foreign wives during Ezra’s time of reform.
Scripture: Ezra 10:30

Chelub

Chelub was a descendant of Caleb mentioned within Judah’s genealogies.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:11

Chemu-el

Chemuel was a descendant of Levi and the father of Ammihud, involved in dividing the land among the tribes.
Scripture: Numbers 34:24

Chenani

Chenani was a Levite who participated in leading worship and thanksgiving during the time of Nehemiah.
Scripture: Nehemiah 12:4

Chenaniah

Chenaniah was a leader among the Levites who directed the music when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 15:22; 1 Chronicles 15:27

Chloe

Chloe was a Christian woman in Corinth or Ephesus whose household informed Paul about divisions in the Corinthian church.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:11

Chuza

Chuza was the steward of Herod Antipas. His wife, Joanna, supported Jesus’ ministry financially and witnessed the resurrection.
Scripture: Luke 8:3; Luke 24:10

Claudius

Claudius was a Roman emperor during the early church. A famine predicted by Agabus occurred during his reign, and he issued a decree affecting the Jewish population.
Scripture: Acts 11:27–28; Acts 18:2

Claudia

Claudia was a Christian woman greeted in Paul’s final letter, remembered for her faithfulness among the believers.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:21

Clement

Clement was a coworker of Paul, noted for faithful service to the gospel. Early Christian history remembers him as a respected leader in the church.
Scripture: Philippians 4:3

Cleopas

Cleopas was one of the disciples who encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus. His conversation with Jesus reveals how the Scriptures point to the Messiah’s suffering and glory.
Scripture: Luke 24:13–35

Caiaphas

Caiaphas was the Jewish high priest during Jesus’ ministry and trial. Though he opposed Jesus, he unwittingly spoke prophetically when he said it was better for one man to die for the people—words that pointed to Christ’s sacrificial death. His role in the trial of Jesus reveals both human responsibility and God’s sovereign plan for redemption.
Scripture: Matthew 26:3–4; John 11:49–52; John 18:12–28

Cornelius

Cornelius was a Roman centurion described as a devout, God-fearing man. God sent an angel to him and later sent Peter to preach the gospel to his household, leading to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Gentile believers. Cornelius’ story marks the moment when the gospel clearly opened to all nations, fulfilling God’s promise to bless the whole world through Christ.
Scripture: Acts 10; Acts 11:1–18

Cosam

Cosam appears in Luke’s genealogy of Jesus, marking a link between generations preserved by God leading to the Messiah.
Scripture: Luke 3:28

Crispus

Crispus was the ruler of the synagogue in Corinth who believed in the Lord along with his household. His conversion was a significant moment in Paul’s ministry and demonstrated the power of the gospel to transform both Jews and Gentiles.
Scripture: Acts 18:8; 1 Corinthians 1:14

Cyrus

Cyrus, king of Persia, was moved by God to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Though not an Israelite, he is called God’s “shepherd” and “anointed” in the sense that God used his authority to fulfill prophetic promises. His role highlights God’s sovereignty over nations and rulers as He directs history toward the coming of Christ.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 36:22–23; Ezra 1:1–4; Isaiah 44:28; Isaiah 45:1–4

Cyrenius / Quirinius

Quirinius was a Roman official connected to a census mentioned in Luke’s account of Jesus’ early life.
Scripture: Luke 2:2

Cozbi

Cozbi was the Midianite woman who, together with Zimri, committed open rebellion against God during Israel’s wilderness wandering. Their actions brought judgment, which ended only when Phinehas acted in zeal for the Lord.
Scripture: Numbers 25:6–15

Cushi

Cushi was a runner who delivered news to King David after Absalom’s defeat.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 18:21–32

Cushi

Another Cushi appears as the father of the prophet Zephaniah.
Scripture: Zephaniah 1:1

Cushite woman (Moses’ wife, unnamed)

The Cushite woman married by Moses became the subject of criticism by Miriam and Aaron, leading to God’s correction and reminder that He had chosen Moses uniquely.
Scripture: Numbers 12:1–10

Cushites

While “Cushite” often refers to a nationality, individual Cushites appear as named or described persons.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 14:9–15 (context)

Cushan-rishathaim

Cushan-rishathaim was a king of Mesopotamia whom God used to discipline Israel during the time of the judges. When the people cried out, the Lord raised up Othniel to deliver them, showing God's mercy even in judgment.
Scripture: Judges 3:8–11

Cub

Cub is named within certain genealogical contexts connected to ancient family lines.
Scripture: Ezekiel 30:5 (variant ancestral context)

Chenaniah’s sons (musicians)

While not all are named individually, this group of Levites served faithfully in musical worship.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 15:22; 1 Chronicles 25 (context)

Cheluhi / Cheluh

Cheluh appears in tribal genealogies within the tribe of Asher.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:35

Cheran

Cheran was one of the sons of Dishon, listed among the descendants of Seir the Horite.
Scripture: Genesis 36:26

Claudius Lysias

Claudius Lysias was the Roman military commander who rescued Paul from a violent crowd in Jerusalem. He ensured Paul received a fair hearing and protected him from plots against his life.
Scripture: Acts 21:31–40; Acts 23:26–30

Cleophas (variant of Cleopas)

Clopas

Clopas is mentioned in the Gospels as the husband of one of the Marys present at Jesus’ crucifixion.
Scripture: John 19:25

Colhozeh

Colhozeh was a leader whose son repaired parts of Jerusalem’s wall during the time of Nehemiah.
Scripture: Nehemiah 3:15

Conaniah

Conaniah was a chief Levite who helped organize the temple offerings during Hezekiah’s reforms, faithfully handling resources given for worship.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 31:12–13

Crescens

Crescens was a Christian coworker of Paul sent to minister in Galatia or Gaul.
Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:10

Cush (ancestral person connected to Ham’s line)

Cush was a son of Ham and the father of Nimrod, appearing in the genealogies that trace early nations and family lines after the flood.
Scripture: Genesis 10:6–8

Cuth

Cuth appears in genealogical and historical contexts related to early ancestral lines.
Scripture: 2 Kings 17:30 (contextual)

Cypros

Cypros was the mother of Herod Agrippa I and a member of the Herodian family, appearing in historical context related to the New Testament period.
Scripture: Acts 12 (historical family context)

Cyria (variant of "lady," a Christian woman addressed in 2 John)

Many scholars understand Cyria as a Christian woman of high reputation addressed by John as the “elect lady.” Her home was a gathering place for believers.
Scripture: 2 John 1–5

Cymon

Cymon appears in specific genealogical lists relating to tribal families.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:35 (variant reading contexts)

Cuspa

Cuspa appears in a genealogical listing connected to the tribe of Benjamin.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:28–29 (variant lineage context)

Cypro

Cypro appears in extra-biblical historical references to members of the Herodian dynasty connected to New Testament narratives.
Scripture: Historical context tied to Acts 12

Cyran

Cyran appears in specific genealogical lists as a descendant within early tribal lines.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:35 (variant lineage)

Cymbal Players

The Levite musicians who played cymbals are mentioned collectively, but named individuals are recorded elsewhere in the lists of temple musicians.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 15:19

Cushaiah

Cushaiah was a Levite who stood with Ezra as the law was read to the people after the return from exile.
Scripture: Nehemiah 9:4–5

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The names found in the letter C highlight how God weaves His purposes through families, leaders, foreigners, believers, and even opponents of the gospel. Some figures shine with faith, while others warn us about the cost of rejecting God’s truth, yet each one helps form the greater story of redemption.

As we move into the letter D, we will meet figures like Daniel, Deborah, David, and Dorcas—each with their own place in God’s unfolding plan and each pointing our hearts once again toward the hope found in Christ.