In Bible times common names like James, John, and Joshua, were often distinguished by adding the name of their father, their character, or a prominent character trait.
- Joshua, the “Son of Nun”
- Barnabas, the “Son of Encouragement.” (Imagine what a great friend this guy would be!)
- James and John, the “Sons of Thunder” (Drama, anyone?)
- Judas, the “Son of Perdition.” (Damnation)
- Jesus, the Son of God. (A definite conversation-starter in first century Jerusalem.)
Matthew 13:38 mentions one I especially like: the “Sons of the Kingdom.” I can’t ever remember anyone being referred to as a “son of the Kingdom,” but I’d wear that moniker with great honor. Perhaps when people thought about me they’d pause and think, “Ah yes… the Kingdom! What a glorious thought, and a beautiful King! Glory!
Dispatches from the Shadowlands 