What other biblical figures risked their lives for God's work?

Starting Point: Acts 15:26 and the Pattern It Reveals

“men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

All through Scripture we meet men and women who did exactly that—stake their very lives on God’s calling.

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Old Testament Lives Placed on the Line

• Moses before Pharaoh —Exodus 5–12

• Joshua and Caleb opposing the terrified multitude —Numbers 14:6-10

• Rahab hiding the spies —Joshua 2:4-13

• David standing before Goliath —1 Samuel 17:45-47

• Elijah on Mount Carmel —1 Kings 18:17-40

• Esther entering the king’s throne room —Esther 4:16

• Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego before the furnace —Daniel 3:17-18

• Daniel in the lions’ den —Daniel 6:10-23

• Nehemiah rebuilding amid threats —Nehemiah 4:14; 6:11

• Jeremiah preaching while imprisoned —Jeremiah 38:4-13

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Risk in the Era of Exile and Restoration

• Ezra journeying with no military escort—Ezra 8:21-23

• Haggai and Zechariah confronting governmental pressure—Ezra 5:1-2

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New Testament Voices Echoing the Same Courage

• John the Baptist rebuking Herod—Matthew 14:3-12

• Stephen before the Sanhedrin—Acts 7:54-60

• Peter and John defying orders—Acts 4:18-20; 5:29

• Paul and Barnabas (our Acts 15:26 heroes)—Acts 14:19-22

• Silas enduring Philippian chains—Acts 16:22-24

• Priscilla and Aquila “who risked their own necks” —Romans 16:3-4

• Epaphroditus who “nearly died for the work of Christ” —Philippians 2:29-30

• Tychicus, Aristarchus, and companions weathering riots and shipwrecks—Acts 19:28-31; 20:4

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What Ties Them Together

• A clear word from God

• A settled conviction that His word is true

• A willingness to act whatever the personal cost

Hebrews 11:34-38 gathers them: “others were tortured… destitute, persecuted, mistreated—the world was not worthy of them.” Their stories call us to the same bold obedience today, trusting the God who never fails His servants.