Whatever Happened to the Twelve Apostles?
The apostles were not the type of people you would have anticipated Jesus to choose to accompany him on his journey to spread the gospel throughout the world. There was nothing particularly noteworthy or noteworthy about them. The twelve apostles were basically regular guys who went to work every day. However, Jesus transformed them into the foundation of the church and entrusted them with the most amazing mission imaginable: summoning the whole world, including the mightiest empire the world had ever known, to repentance and faith in the resurrected Christ.
Despite popular belief, only two apostles are mentioned in the New Testament: Judas, who betrayed Jesus before going outside and hanging himself, and James the son of Zebedee, who was murdered by Herod in 44 AD.
Take a look at how each of the apostles went out into the world to service and evangelize, and how many of them died as a result of their beliefs.
How Did the Apostles Die?
Even though there are numerous reports and tales, and even though they are not always credible, it is reasonable to conclude that the apostles traveled far and wide as messengers of the gospel of the resurrected Christ. According to an early version, they cast lots and divided the world in order to choose who would travel where so that everyone might learn of Jesus’s birth. They suffered immensely as a result of their religion, and in the majority of cases, they died violent deaths as a result of their courageous witness.
Peter and Paul
Both were martyred in Rome in the year 66 AD, during Emperor Nero’s persecution of Christians. Paul was executed by beheading. Peter requested that he be crucified upside down because he did not believe he was worthy of dying in the same manner as his Lord.
Andrew
Went to the “country of the man-eaters,” which is now in the Soviet Union, to collect information. Christians in that country believe he was the first to introduce the gospel to their country. As well as Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey, and Greece, where he is claimed to have been crucified, he preached across the world.
Thomas
Most of his activity was most likely concentrated in the region east of Syria. His preaching is said to have taken him as far east as India, where the ancient Marthoma Christians venerate him as their founder, according to tradition. They report that he died after being cut through by the spears of four warriors while on the battlefield.
Philip
He may have had a great ministry in Carthage, North Africa, before moving on to Asia Minor, where he converted the widow of a Roman proconsul, according to some accounts. Philip was arrested and ruthlessly executed as a result of the proconsul’s actions against him.
Matthew
The tax collector and author of a Gospel traveled to Persia and Ethiopia to minister to the people.
Some of the earliest records claim that he was not martyred, while others claim that he was stabbed to death in Ethiopia, according to the sources.
Bartholomew
He is credited with extensive missionary journeys, including trips to India with Thomas, back to Armenia, as well as Ethiopia and Southern Arabia, according to legend. As a martyr for the gospel, he met his end in a variety of ways, according to different versions.
James
He is credited with extensive missionary journeys, including trips to India with Thomas, back to Armenia, as well as Ethiopia and Southern Arabia, according to folklore and legend. As a martyr for the gospel, he met his end in a variety of ways, according to various sources.
Simon the Zealot
According to legend, he served as a minister in Persia and was assassinated after refusing to offer sacrifice to the sun god.
Matthias
The apostle who was picked to take Judas’ place. Tradition has it that he will accompany Andrew to Syria and be burned to death.
John
Generally considered to be the sole apostle to have died a natural death due to old age, Paul was the only one to do so. He was the spiritual head of the church in the Ephesus area, and it is stated that he took care of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in his own house when she was there. During Domitian’s persecution, which began in the middle of the twentieth century, he was exiled to the island of Patmos. He is attributed for authoring the last book of the New Testament, the Book of Revelation, in that location.
Influence of the Apostles Today
The names of Jesus’ apostles have risen to the top of the list of the most popular male given names in the Western world. I’m curious how many people you know who have names such as John or Pete or Tom or Andy or Jim, or Bart or Phil. At least four of the apostles were fishermen, according to tradition. Is it possible that this was one of the reasons why the fish was one of the oldest and most renowned Christian symbols? The Greek word for fish, ichthus, was used to create an acrostic, which is Iesous Christos Theou Uios Soter, which literally translates as “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior” in English.
Despite this, the faith grew like wildfire, despite the fact that Christianity had been branded an illegal religion by the government.
What Happened To The 12 Disciples? — Faith on Hill Church
Throughout the Western world, the names of Jesus’ apostles have risen to become the most popular male given names. I’m curious how many people you know who have names such as John or Pete or Tom or Andy or Jim or Bart or Phil. There were at least four fishermen among the twelve apostles. Do you think this may be a factor in the fish becoming one of the first and most prominent Christian symbols? It was the Greek word for fish, ichthus, that was used to create an acrostic, which is Iesous Christos Theou Uios Soter, which literally translates as “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.” It is difficult to find great missionary personalities of the stature of Paul once the apostles have died.
Although Christianity was labeled an unlawful religion, the faith grew like wildfire, despite the fact that it was proclaimed illegal. 15 Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know By Heart are available for you to download and share with friends and family HERE.
What Ever Happened to the Disciples?
| What Ever Happened to the Disciples? (listed alphabetically) |
| Andrew (Peter’s brother, also a fisherman) died on a cross at Patrae, in Achaia, a Grecian Colony. |
| James (the elder son of Zebedee, brother of John) was beheaded at Jerusalem. |
| James (one of Jesus’ brothers, also called James the Less) was thrown from a pinnacle of the Temple, and then beaten to death with a club. |
| John, the beloved disciple (elder son of Zebedee, brother of James, both James and John we also called “Sons of Thunder” or “Boanerges”), died of extreme old age in Ephesus. |
| Judas (also called Iscariot), after betraying his Lord, hanged himself. |
| Thaddeus (one of Jesus’ brothers, also called Jude) was shot to death with arrows. |
| Matthew (also called Levi, a tax collector) – Matthew was crucified in Alexandria. |
| Nathanael (also called Bartholomew) was flayed alive and beheaded in Albanapolis, Armenia. |
| Peter (also called Simon or Cephas, also called The Zealot) was crucified, head downward, on a cross in Persia (now Iran) during the persecution of Nero. |
| Philip was hanged against a pillar at Heropolis (Abyssinia). |
| Thomas (also called Didymous and the doubter) was run through the body with a lance at Coromandel, in the east Indies. |
| None of them recantedEven in the face of death, they still proclaimed Jesus the Messiah.Would they all have died like that to preserve a lie? They were all afraid when Jesus was crucified. They ran away and hid. After Jesus arose and came to them, they were different men. Changed. Not from without, but from within. They spread the Good News because they knew it was true.And what is the Good News? That the Lord came, not to condemn the world, but to save it. He is the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Him shall live even if he dies. |
According to the Apostolic Voice and the Christian novel “A Voice in the Wind,” written by Francine Rivers, this information comes from two sources (a very good read). Keep in mind that the majority of information is based on tradition (with the exception of Judas and James), as the origins cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TWELVE APOSTLES OF JESUS?
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What Happened to the Twelve Apostles of Jesus?
When it comes to wondering about the Apostles following Christ’s ascension, you are certainly not alone. Many people consider the apostles to be among of the most revered and “googled” human beings to have ever lived on the face of the world. The Apostles are beloved not just because they were hand-picked by God Himself, but also because they are relevant to people of all backgrounds. They were certainly not the type of people that many would have anticipated God to hand-pick as the first Apostles — the ones who would be responsible for the transmission of the teachings of Christ and the traditions of the Church — as they were in the Bible.
- They were unremarkable, unexceptional, and hardworking guys with little or no social standing.
- At least, not from the standpoint of the typical individual, at any rate.
- He was well aware of their potential from the outset.
- He sees our complete potential in its fullest now, just as He does in the past.
- A heavenly summons to faith and repentance in the rising Christ, the Messiah, and the forgiveness of sins.
- That is the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit at work!
- In the New Testament, only two of them are certain to die: Judas, who betrayed Jesus and afterwards hung himself, and Jamesthe son of Zebedee, who was murdered by Herod about 44 AD after he refused to repent of his actions (seeActs 12:2).
We also learn from the book of Acts that when each of the disciples went forth to preach and evangelize, many of them were eventually murdered for their beliefs.
What about the rest of them?
If you’ve ever wondered what happened to the Apostles following Christ’s ascension, you’re not alone in your curiosity. Many people consider the apostles to be among of the most revered and “googled” human beings who have ever walked the face of the world. The Apostles are beloved by many people not just because they were personally chosen by God, but also because they are relatable. Certainly, they were not the type of people that many would have anticipated God to hand-pick as the first Apostles — the ones who would be responsible for the initial transmission of Christ’s teachings and Church Traditions to the rest of humanity.
- Their social standing was low to non-existent, and they were hardworking, ordinary individuals.
- In any case, not from the standpoint of the typical individual.
- He saw their potential from the beginning to the conclusion.
- He sees our complete potential in its totality, just as He sees our full potential now.
- A heavenly summons to faith and repentance in the rising Christ, the Messiah, and the fulfillment of the law.
- However, it is precisely what occurred in this instance.
- In the end, what happened to them is still a mystery.
- It is also recorded in Acts that when each of the disciples went out to preach and evangelize, a large number of them were eventually murdered for their beliefs.
Peter and Paul
In roughly 66 AD, during the Christian persecution under Emperor Nero, both Peter and Paul were killed in Rome, where they were buried together. Paul was executed by beheading. Peter was nailed to a cross. The apostle Peter, who was called “the rock upon which Christ built His Church” (Matt. 16:18), begged to be hanged upside down on the cross because he did not believe he was worthy to die in the same manner as his Lord.
Andrew
Andrew traveled to the former Soviet Union, which is now known as Russia.
Christians in that country have claimed that he was the first to bring the Gospel message to their country, and they are right. He also preached in Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey, and in Greece, where he is claimed to have been crucified towards the end of his preaching career.
Thomas
Andrew traveled to the Soviet Union, which is now known as Russia. It has been claimed by Christians in that country that he was the first person who delivered the Gospel message to their country. Additionally, he preached in Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey, as well as in Greece, where he is claimed to have been crucified.
Philip
According to legend, Philip served as a prominent missionary at Carthage, North Africa, and subsequently in Asia Minor, where he was credited with converting the widow of a Roman proconsul. To exact retribution, the proconsul had Philip imprisoned and then mercilessly executed.
Matthew
Matthew, a tax collector who also happened to be the author of the Gospel of Matthew, served in Persia and Ethiopia. Certain of the earliest records claim that he was not martyred, while others claim that he was stabbed to death in Ethiopia, according to some sources.
Bartholomew
Several missionary journeys are credited to Bartholomew by legend, including trips to India with Thomas, back to Armenia, and also to Ethiopia and Southern Arabia. His death as a martyr for the Gospel of Christ is described in a variety of ways in various historical narratives.
James
At least three different ‘Jameses’ are mentioned in the New Testament, all of whom are descended from Alpheus and named James. There is considerable disagreement as to which James is which, but this James is thought to have served as a pastor in Syria, according to tradition. According to the Jewish historian Josephus, James was stoned and then clubbed to death as a result of his religious convictions.
Simon the Zealot
The legend surrounding Simon the Zealot is that he served as a minister in Persia before being assassinated for refusing to provide sacrifices to idol sun gods.
Matthais
Judas the betrayer was replaced with the apostle Matthais, who was elected by the apostles. According to tradition, Matthais accompanied Andrew to Syria, where he was put to death by burning.
John
John is the only apostle who is believed to have died of natural causes due to old age. He was the spiritual head of the Church in the Ephesus region, and it is stated that he took care of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in his own house during her visit. During Domitian’s persecution, which took place in the middle of the twentieth century, he was exiled to the island of Patmos. He is attributed for authoring the last book of the New Testament, the Book of Revelation, in that location. According to an early Latin story, he managed to escape unharmed after being thrown into boiling oil in Rome.
What about today?
To this day, the names of Jesus’ apostles are among the most well-known in the world. and for good reason, as well. In fact, the names of the apostles are among the most popular given names for boys and men in the Western world. Furthermore, many think that one of the first and most important Christian emblems is a fish since at least four of them were fishermen. Interesting tidbit: Jesus Christ, Son of God, and Savior is represented by the Greek word for fish,ichthus, which produced an acrostic:lesous Christos Theou Uiot Soter (which translates as “Jesus Christ, Son of God, and Savior”).
The Church, on the other hand, has continued to develop around the world.
That is, once again, the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit! In response, Jesus said, “‘the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.'” – Matthew 16:17–19, New International Version
What happened to the 12 disciples after the resurrection?
Following His resurrection, Jesus gave the Great Commission to eleven apostles (the twelfth, Judas Iscariot, having already died) who were tasked with spreading His teachings and the Gospel message to people all over the world. The “dispersion of the Apostles” is the name given to this historical occurrence. The Apostolic Age refers to the period of early Christianity that encompassed the lives of the apostles and their successors.
How did Jesus call His disciples?
Peter and his brother Andrew passed by Jesus while He was strolling along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus recognized them as siblings. They were fishing, so they were tossing a net into the lake to catch some fish. “Come, follow Me,” Jesus invited, promising to turn his followers into fishermen. They immediately abandoned their nets and followed Him.
Whatever happened to the Twelve Apostles?
Towards the close of Matthew’s Gospel, before describing Jesus’ ascension into Heaven, the evangelist portrays Jesus instructing his apostles to “go throughout all the world and make disciples of all people” (Cf. Matthew 28, 19-20). As evidenced by the book of Acts and several other Christian traditional texts (whether apocryphal or not), the apostles did not squander their time after receiving a divine mandate to traverse the world for the cause of the Gospel. All early apostolic literature portrays them as immediately putting their hand to the plough, devoting their time and energy to the onerous task of spreading seeds of faith wherever they traveled.
Did they actually “create disciples of all countries” as they claimed to have done?
Peter
Traditionally, it is considered that Peter was the one who initially arrived to Antioch and founded a community there. He did not remain at Antioch for long, yet he is often regarded as the city’s first bishop. Following that, he may have traveled to Corinth before continuing on to Rome. During his time in Rome, he assisted in the formation of the Christian community before being killed in the Circus of Nero in 64 AD. The Basilica of Saint Peter, located in the Vatican, was constructed on top of St.
Andrew
Andrew, Peter’s brother, is often referred to as the Apostle to the Greeks after Pentecost, according to numerous historical legends. A cross in the shape of an X is said to have been used at his execution in Patrason, where it is claimed that he preached to Greek communities. His relics were subsequently moved to the Duomo Cathedral in Amalfi, Italy, where they remain today.
James the Great
According to popular belief, James was the first apostle to be martyred. According to the Acts of the Apostles, “Herod the king put harsh hands on several who belonged to the church. ” “With the sword, he assassinated James, the brother of John” (Acts 12:1-2). He died in Jerusalem in 44 AD, although his grave is nowhere to be found in the vicinity of this place.
Following his death, his body was transported to Spain, where it is presently ensconced in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. His grave is the last endpoint of the centuries-old pilgrimage route known as El Camino, which is still in use today.
John
John, the author of the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation, was the only apostle who did not die as a martyr for his faith in Jesus Christ. As John writes from the island of Patmos in Greece, “I John, your brother,” who shares with you in Jesus the tribulation and the kingdom as well as the patient endurance, was on the island of Patmos because of God’s message and Jesus’ witness, according to the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:9). He died about the year 100 AD and was buried near the city of Ephesus.
Matthew having two names in the Bible?
Philip
Following Pentecost, Philip served as a preacher to Greek-speaking communities in the years that followed. Except for the fact that he was crucified in the year 80 AD, little is known about his exploits. His relics are housed at the Basilica Santi Apostoli, which is located in the heart of Rome.
Bartholomew
There is little information available about Bartholomew’s evangelizing activities. He is credited as preaching in a variety of locations according to various sources. According to popular belief, he was martyred, and his relics are today on display in the Basilica of St. Bartholomew on the Island, in Rome, Italy.
Thomas
His missionary efforts in India, as the “doubting” apostle, have made him well-known around the world. Another myth about one of his exploits is based on the conversion of a local “doubting” king, which has become rather popular in recent years. He died about the year 72 AD, and his tomb may be seen in the Indian city of Mylapore.
Matthew
Matthew, one of the four evangelists, is most known for his Gospel, which he wrote. Before his crucifixion in Ethiopia, he preached to a number of different communities around the Mediterranean. Its mausoleum may be found in the cathedral of the city of Salerno, Italy.
James the Less
Scholars think that Saint James the Less was the author of the “Epistle of St. James,” which may be found in the Bible. Several years after the apostles separated and departed Jerusalem, James remained and was appointed the first bishop of the city. Eventually, he was stoned to death by the Jewish authorities in the year 62, after having lived there for several decades. At Rome, some of his relics may be seen in the Basilica Santi Apostoli, which is dedicated to the Holy Apostles. It is also thought that his grave is placed within the walls of the St.
Continue reading:Why is St James referred to as “the Lesser”?
Judas Thaddeus
St. Jude was known as the “forgotten” apostle since his given name was the same as that of Judas Iscariot. He traveled over the world preaching the gospel. The Armenian Church regards him as the “Apostle to the Armenians,” and he is regarded as such. In the year 65 AD, he was martyred in Beirut, Lebanon, where he was born. His ashes are presently interred in the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome.
Simon the Zealot
Simonis is frequently pictured alongside Judas Thaddeus, and some scholars assume that the two of them preached as a team.
The fact that they were both slain in Beirut in the same year, according to folklore, is part of the reason for this. Some of his relics are claimed to be housed at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, however this has not been confirmed.
Matthias
After being named the “replacement apostle,” according to one version, Matthias established a church in Cappadocia and preached to Christians along the coastlines of the Caspian Sea, among other things. The numerous pagans at Colchis are said to have beheaded him with an axe, resulting in his death being considered a martyr’s death. Saint Helena is claimed to have carried some of his relics to Rome, where they now rest. Make sure to check out the slideshow below to see some of the most iconic pieces of art depicting the Road to Damascus, which was a watershed point in the life of Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles, and his conversion to Christianity.
Does the Bible record the death of the apostles? How did each of the apostles die?
QuestionAnswer James is the only apostle whose death is mentioned in the Bible (Acts 12:2). King Herod ordered James to be “put to death with the sword,” which was almost certainly a reference to beheading. The circumstances surrounding the deaths of the other apostles have been passed down through church tradition, so we shouldn’t place too much emphasis on any of the other tales of their deaths. The most widely accepted church tradition about the death of an apostle is that the apostle Peter was crucified upside-down in Rome in fulfillment of Jesus’ promise, according to the most widely accepted church tradition (John 21:18).
- Matthew was slain by a sword wound in Ethiopia, and he was considered a martyr.
- He was, on the other hand, unexpectedly rescued from death.
- On the island of Patmos, he penned the prophetic book of Revelation.
- He died when he was an elderly man, and he was the only apostle to pass away quietly.
- When he refused to renounce his faith in Christ, he was thrown from the southeast pinnacle of the temple (more than a hundred feet below ground level).
- Several scholars believe that this is the same peak from where Satan had snatched Jesus during the temptation.
- He observed events in modern-day Turkey and was executed for his preaching in Armenia, where he was flayed to death by a whip as a result of his actions.
They hung Andrew’s corpse to a cross with ropes after he had been severely beaten by seven soldiers in order to prolong his pain.
As a result of the body of Christ hanging on it, the cross has been hallowed.
During one of his missionary travels to India to help establish the church, the apostle Thomas was wounded with a spear and died as a result.
In the year AD 67, the cruel Emperor Nero tortured and ultimately executed the apostle Paul in the city of Rome.
The manner in which the apostles died is not very significant.
The disciples would have known if Jesus had not been resurrected if he had not been.
Incredibly, the fact that all of the apostles were prepared to endure awful deaths while refusing to abandon their faith in Christ is powerful evidence that they had genuinely experienced the resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to scholars.
Questions regarding the Church’s History can be found here. Is it true that the apostles died and were buried in the Bible? What manner in which each of the apostles died is unknown.
How Did Each of the Original Twelve Apostles Die?
QuestionAnswer In the Bible, James is the only apostle whose death is mentioned (Acts 12:2). Herod ordered James to be “slain with the sword,” a reference to beheading, which is most likely what happened. Church history has provided us with information on the circumstances of the deaths of the other apostles, so we shouldn’t place too much emphasis on any of the other reports. For the most part, church traditions about the death of an apostle are based on the belief that the apostle Peter was crucified upside-down in Rome in fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy, which is generally accepted (John 21:18).
- During a period of persecution in Rome, John was subjected to martyrdom when he was cooked in a big bowl of boiling oil.
- As a result of this, John was condemned to labor in the mines on the prison island of Patmos.
- A few years later, the apostle John was released and returned to what is now the country of Turkey.
- As the leader of the church in Jerusalem, James, Jesus’ brother (although he was not legally an apostle) played a key role.
- His adversaries beat James to death with a club after discovering that he had survived the fall.
- Known by his given name, Nathanael, Bartholomew was a missionary to the Asiatic continent.
- A cross with an x-shaped cross was used to execute Andrew in Greece.
He greeted the cross with the words “I have long longed and awaited this joyous hour,” according to his disciples, who witnessed him being taken to the crucifixion.
During one of his missionary travels to India to help build the church, the apostle Thomas was wounded with a spear.
In AD 67, the cruel Emperor Nero executed the apostle Paul by torturing and beheading him in Rome.
That the apostles died in their respective ways is not very significant.
The disciples would have known if Jesus had not been raised from the dead.
The fact that all of the apostles were prepared to face horrendous deaths in order to maintain their faith in Christ is compelling proof that they had genuinely experienced the resurrection of Jesus Christ, according to historians.
Questions regarding the Church’s History can be found at the following link. Is it true that the apostles died and were buried? The apostles each died in a unique way.
1. Simon Peter
Photograph by Theodoor Rombouts, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons If you’re familiar with any of the apostles’ deaths, it’s likely that you’re familiar with Peter’s. After many trials in Rome, he was sentenced to death by crucifixion. Peter, however, believing himself unworthy of being crucified in the same manner as his Savior, begged to be crucified upside down, on an inverted crucifixion, which he was granted.
2. Andrew (Peter’s brother)
Despite the fact that Andrew is referenced only a few times in the Bible, there is little information available concerning the circumstances of his death. However, the following is what National Geographic has to say about it: Andreas, the brother of Peter, traveled to Patras in western Greece in 69 AD, where he engaged in a religious argument with the Roman proconsul Aegeates, according to the religious historian Dorman Newman of the 15th century. Aegeates attempted to persuade Andrew to abandon his Christian faith so that he would not be forced to torture and execute him as a result of his actions.
Andrew was scourged and then chained to a cross, rather than being nailed to it, in order for him to suffer for a longer period of time before dying.
3. John the Revelator (also John the Beloved)
Despite the fact that Andrew is referenced only a few times in the Bible, there is little information available concerning the circumstances surrounding his death. According to National Geographic, however, the following is their take on the matter: Andrew, the brother of Peter, traveled to Patras in western Greece in 69 AD, where he argued religion with the Roman proconsul Aegeates, according to the religious historian Dorman Newman of the 15th century. Andrew was the brother of Peter. Attempting to persuade Andrew to abandon Christianity so that he would not be subjected to torture and execution, Aegeates failed miserably.
Rather of nailing him on a cross, Andrew was scourged and fastened to the stake instead, in order to prolong his agony before death.
4. James (John’s brother)
We really have some biblical literature to support this claim, which comes from Acts chapter 12 verses 1-2: Around that time, Herod the king extended his hands in an attempt to annoy particular members of the church. And with the sword, he assassinated Jamesthe brother of John. And that’s the end of it. Herod was a jerk and a jerk he was.
5. Bartholomew (also known as Nathaniel)
There is very little information available concerning Bartholomew’s death. Some stories merely state that he was martyred, while others claim that he was skinned alive and killed by a group of thugs. According to one story, he was “flayed with knives.” While the term “flayed” can refer to a simple peeling off of skin, it can also refer to skin being removed as a result of a violent beating or whipping.
Indeed, another idea says that Bartholomew’s skin was “ripped to bits” as a result of a harsh lashing. The common thread running across all of the different explanations is that, whatever the underlying reason, it was almost certainly unpleasant.
6. Philip
The facts of Philip’s death appear to be in dispute among those who know him. One version claims that he was hanged until he died, while another claims that he was crucified during his mission in Egypt. Back then, Christian missionaries were not particularly well-liked by the general public.
7. Thomas
courtesy of the Mormon Channel In every account of Thomas’s death that I have read, it appears that the priest was stabbed with a spear sometime during his ministry in India. Yikes.
8. Matthew (the tax collector)
It is claimed on one Christian website that Matthew “become a missionary and was jailed in Ethiopia.” It was at this location that he was staked or impaled to the ground with spears before being beheaded. Since Matthew lived in such a remote part of Africa, and travelled to an area where few historians or Christians had gone before, there isn’t much more information available.” A somewhat different story is provided by National Geographic, which states that, according to mythology, Matthew was “stabbed in the back by a swordsmansent by King Hertacus, after criticizing the king’s morality.”
9. James (not John’s brother)
James the Lesser, courtesy of a user on Wikimedia Commons: a disciple of Rembrandt Theory 1: James was martyred while serving as a missionary in Egypt (please note that Wikipedia is the source for this information). Take it with a grain of salt, as they say). James “killed as a martyr, and his corpse was sawed into pieces,” according to Theory 2. He was beaten and stoned until he died, and then he was killed with a club to the head, according to theory three. According to the fourth theory, as James was preaching on a wall, Jewish religious officials plotted to toss him off of it.
10. Jude (not to be confused with Judas Iscariot)
A disciple of Rembrandt, as shown by a user on Wikimedia Commons. Theory 1: During his mission in Egypt, James was crucified (please note that Wikipedia is the source for this information). So, you know, take it all with a grain of salt. ) James “died like a martyr, and his body was sawed into pieces,” according to the second hypothesis. He was tortured and stoned until he was finally killed by a club to the head when he was an old man. According to the fourth theory, as James was preaching on a wall, Jewish religious officials decided to toss him off of it.
11. Simon the Zealot (not Simon Peter)
He died “peacefully at Edessa,” which is currently located somewhere in modern-day Turkey, according to theory 1. Second, according to this Catholic source, Simon the Zealot died at Edessa but was crucified instead of being beheaded. Our second hypothesis predicts a less tranquil dying than our first hypothesis. ‘Theory 3’ states that he was a missionary who served in Africa and later England before being crucified about the year 74 AD.
12. Judas Iscariot
courtesy of the Mormon Channel This is another narrative in which the Bible provides us with guidance. According to Matthew 27:3-5. When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that he had been sentenced, he repented and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, confessing his fault and saying, “I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.” And they said, “What is it doing to us?” Take a look at it. After casting down the silver coins in the shrine, he exited, went, and took himself into his own arms.
Because he was a member of our group and had been granted a portion of this ministry.
As a result, it was well known among all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, inasmuch as that field is known in their own language as Aceldama, which translates as “the field of blood.” It’s possible that the hanging hypothesis is more common in the Latter-day Saint faith, but who knows.
Now you know
Even while it’s interesting to learn a little bit more about how these apostles died, it’s far more significant to look into what they accomplished and taught during their lives. It includes the Letters of Peter, the Gospels of Matthew and John, among other things. That’s where all of the excellent stuff is located. In case you haven’t had the opportunity to learn more about these individuals and the master they served, I would strongly advise you to do so now.
Apostles After the Death of Jesus
Photographs courtesy of.Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images The 12 apostles, also known as the 12 disciples, were the closest followers of Jesus Christ and made their influence on the history of Christianity. After betraying Jesus, one of the twelve apostles famously committed suicide by hanging himself. However, according to Christian tradition, the other apostles continued to spread the gospel after Christ’s death, albeit with a lack of the unity and strength that they had during Christ’s physical life.
1Andrew
Andrew, like the majority of the apostles, died as a martyr, according to a document written by the theologian Hippolytus of Rome. Around the year 70, this papyrus relates the story of Andrew being hung from an olive tree in Patrae, Achaia. Andrew is reported to have proclaimed the gospel of Christ to the Thracians and Scythians just before he was killed in battle. According to manuscripts collated by the Christian Classics Ethereal Library, some traditions describe his crucifixion as being performed in the spread-eagle posture.
2Bartholomew
After years of missionary activity in Armenia and India, Bartholomew – also known as Nathanael – is thought to have met his end by martyrdom in the year 70 A.D., following a similar path as Andrew. Despite the fact that nothing is known about Bartholomew’s death, Christians believe that he remained loyal to the very end, when he was crucified.
3James, Son of Alphaeus
According to Acts 12:2, the apostle James, son of Alphaeus, was killed by Herod Agrippa’s sword around 45 A.D., according to the Bible. According to the historian Eusebius’ “Church History,” James’ executioner was so moved by the apostle’s unshakable faith that he publicly declared his own belief in the resurrection of Christ and was executed with James.
4James, Son of Zebedee
After Christ’s death, James, the son of Zebedee, was appointed to lead the Christian church in Jerusalem. Christianity’s historians say James was assassinated in 63 A.D. by three men who demanded that he deny the legitimacy of Christ’s resurrection. In response to his defiance, he was hurled from the spire of his temple.
5John
Because of his beliefs, even though John the Baptist was the only apostle who did not suffer martyrdom, the Roman Emperor Domitian, or maybe Nero, banished him to the island of Patmos. Revelation is said to have been written by John between the years 95 and 100 before his death from natural causes, according to tradition.
6Matthew
In the years following Christ’s death and resurrection, Matthew the tax collector is most known for writing the Gospel According to Matthew, which is still in print today.
Christians believe Matthew was killed by beheading at Nad-Davar, Ethiopia, some ten years later, between 60 and 70 A.D., according to tradition. Even though it is a contentious issue, some academics believe that Matthew wrote the earliest Gospel of the New Testament. Others disagree.
7Paul
Galatians 1:13 depicts Paul as a nonbeliever, but the resurrection of Christ caused him to be persuaded to believe in Christ. With his reputation as the disciple who succeeded Judas Iscariot, Paul – who is credited with writing more than half of the books of the New Testament – finally earned his place as one of the most important apostles in Christian history. Paul was beaten throughout his life while he preached Christianity, and he was eventually killed by the Roman Emperor Nero in the year 67 A.D.
8Peter
According to the gospels, Christ came to Peter a few days after his crucifixion and death. This event appears to mark Peter’s transformation from a fiery follower to a powerful leader who, according to the Acts of the Apostles, displays miraculous signs and preaches with fervor. Non-biblical writings and traditions generally indicate that Jesus was crucified on an upside-down crucifixion in Rome between 64 and 67 A.D., according to the most recent evidence. When Constantine became the first Christian Emperor of Rome, he thought that Peter was buried on the Vatican Hill, and bones discovered in a 1939 archaeological dig may provide evidence to substantiate this view.
9Philip
The apostle Philip is credited with spreading the gospel throughout Phrygia, which is modern-day Turkey, following the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The apostle Philip labored as a committed missionary until he was tortured and executed by Phrygian Jews about the year 54 A.D.
10Simon
Christian historians think Simon was one of the apostles who traveled the most, proclaiming the gospel in places as diverse as Egypt, Libya, and Persia before dying at the hands of a Syrian ruler in 74 A.D., according to Christian tradition. Simon is said to have died as a martyr, along with his companions.
11Thaddaeus
Historically, Christian historians consider Simon to have been one of the apostles who had traveled the most extensively, teaching the gospel through lands as diverse as Egypt, Libya, and Persia before dying at the hands of a Syrian ruler in the year 74 A.D. Simon is considered to have died as a martyr, along with his colleagues.
12Thomas
In John 20:25, Thomas expresses his initial skepticism about Christ’s resurrection. As a result of his personal encounter with Jesus Christ, the apostle proceeded to preach the gospel and, according to tradition, penned the Acts of Thomas and the non-canonical Gospel of Thomas. It is also thought that he was martyred in the year 70 AD; other accounts describe his death as a result of horrific agony, including spears and hot plates. Dan Ketchum has been a professional writer since 2003, and his work has appeared in a variety of publications, both online and offline, including Word Riot, Bazooka Magazine, Anemone Sidecar, Trails, and other publications.
Did the Apostles Really Die as Martyrs for their Faith?
Sean McDowell writes, “Even though they were crucified, stoned, stabbed, dragged, skinned, and burnt, every solitary apostle of Jesus declared his resurrection until his dying breath, refusing to recant in the face of government coercion. ” So their testimony can be trusted, and the resurrection can be proven to be genuine.” Unless you’ve been paying attention to popular–level arguments for the resurrection (or if you’ve ever heard a sermon on the apostles), you’ve most certainly heard this line of reasoning.
- After all, why would the apostles of Jesus have given their lives in defense of their beliefs if it wasn’t genuine?
- In order to complete my PhD dissertation on this topic, I have been investigating it for the past couple of years.
- The martyrdoms of apostles like as Peter, Paul, and James the brother of John (as well as Thomas and Andrew) have more evidence to support them than the martyrdoms of many others, which is why we may put more trust in them (such as Matthias and James, son of Alphaeus).
- This may come as a disappointment to some, but it is not essential for the sake of the resurrection argument that we establish that all of them died as martyrs in order to win the case.
- According to historian Michael Licona, in his book The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach, he catches the most important point: A number of the disciples were martyred after Jesus’ crucifixion, as a result of the persecution they faced after his death.
- They were completely convinced.
- In order to find a suitable substitute for Judas, it was essential to look for someone who had witnessed the resurrection of the Lord (Acts 1:21–22).
These individuals’ convictions were not founded on secondhand evidence, but rather on the assumption that they had personally witnessed the risen Jesus Christ.
Second, early Christians were persecuted as a result of their religious beliefs.
Jesus was crucified on the cross.
Agrippa also assassinated James the brother of John (Acts 12:12), which prompted the remainder of the Twelve to flee Jerusalem with their belongings (Acts 12:13).
Despite the fact that persecution was irregular and local at the time, Christians may be jailed and murdered for simply professing the name of Jesus from this moment forward.
Third, the apostles were prepared to suffer as a result of their beliefs.
When Peter and John are threatened by religious leaders on behalf of the apostles, they respond with the words: “Because we cannot help but tell of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
While the evidence for martyrdom is significantly more compelling for certain apostles than for others, the case for Peter is extremely compelling.
In his book Peter, Paul, and Mary Magdalene: The Followers of Jesus in History and Legend, Bart Ehrman agrees that Peter is being warned that he would die as a martyr for the sake of Jesus.
Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Irenaeus, Tertullian and others, as well as early church fathers Peter died as a martyr, according to the early, consistent, and universal testimony of the witnesses.
However, it demonstrates the strength of the apostles’ convictions.
They firmly believed that Jesus had risen from the dead, and they were prepared to lay down their lives in order to prove it.
Sean McDowell (’98, M.A. ’03) is a well-known author and speaker, and he is the newest member of the Biola University faculty in the M.A. program in Christian apologetics. Sean McDowell’s website is seanmcdowell.org.
Sean McDowell
Sean McDowell (Ph.D.) is an associate professor in the Christian Apologetics department at Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology. He has a background in philosophy and theology. He is a brilliant communicator who has a passion for empowering the Church, and particularly young people, to make the case for the Christian faith in their communities. Sean is a motivational speaker that travels all around the United States and internationally to give talks at camps, churches, schools, colleges, and conferences.
Warner Wallace).
Currently, Sean and his wife, Stephanie, reside in San Juan Capistrano, California, with their three children.