the apostles

Who were the apostles?

At the moment we are learning about the apostles, who they were and how God helped them to do what they did. According to the Book of Acts they were:

Simon. More generally known as Peter. The brother of Andrew. A fisherman from the Sea of Galilee. Considered to be the most impulsive of the group, always ready to speak up, and swing a sword on occasion (e.g. the cutting off of a man's ear at the time of Jesus' arrest). Some traditions hold that he was eventually crucified, upside down, by the Romans.

Andrew. He was active in bringing people to Jesus, including his brother Peter.

James. James was the older brother of John. He was the first of The Twelve to be martyred.

John. Eventually exiled to the Island of Patmos and wrote the Book of Revelation. 

Philip. From Bethsaida, as were Andrew and Peter. Eventually martyred, possibly at Hierapolis.

Bartholomew. He was one of the disciples to whom Jesus appeared at the Sea of Tiberias after His resurrection. He was also a witness of the Ascension.

Thomas. He was also called Didymus which is the Greek version of his name. Not easily convinced, he has the nickname "Doubting Thomas" because he wanted to actually see and touch Jesus after His Resurrection. Certainly a good witness for us today, because he wanted indisputable proof of what he was expected to report about, and he got it.

Matthew. Formerly a tax-collector at Capernaum, he became one of the more prominent apostles.

James. Known as James the Younger, or James the Less, he wrote the epistle which bears his name.

Thaddaeus. Also known as "Judas the brother of James;" while John probably referring to the same person, speaks of "Judas, not Iscariot."

Simon the Zealot. The Zealots were a nationalistic sect with very strong political views. There seemed to be a wide variety of personalities among the apostles.

Matthias. To bring the number back up to twelve after Judas fell away, Matthias was chosen by the remaining eleven apostles.

 

So what do you think about the apostles?

  • Would the modern Church now regard them as a bit of a motley selection from all walks of life, including a terrorist!?
  • Why did God choose those specific people?
  • What exactly did He ask them to do? (Read Acts chapter 1)
  • Who did God send to help them?
  • What is God asking you to do for Him?

 

HAVE YOUR SAY!

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Last updated on Saturday, April 07, 2007 by A :0)