Dive deep into the history of Early Christianity as we explore what the New Testament sources actually tell us about the Twelve Apostles. Based on the Canonical Gospels, the Book of Acts, and the writings of Paul, this episode separates historical facts from later traditions and speculation.

Chosen by Jesus from among His followers during His relatively short ministry (around 18 months of intensive training), these men were described as ordinary, unexceptional individuals, including fishermen and a tax collector. Despite being called to a unique and uncommon office, the biblical record provides surprisingly little biographical detail about most of them. This source notes that for many, their mention is limited primarily to the lists found in the Gospels and Acts.

Only the death of James, the son of Zebedee, is recorded in the New Testament. Later stories describing the gruesome deaths and martyrdoms of the other apostles were written decades or even centuries afterward and are considered by this source to be based on myths, legends, and traditions, lacking independent historical records. These accounts may have served to ”rehabilitate” their image after they denied, betrayed, and abandoned Jesus during his final days.

We also touch upon the debates surrounding their literacy and the authorship of New Testament writings often attributed to them.

Ultimately, this episode highlights that the biblical focus remains on the power of Christ and the Word, rather than extensive biographical details about these common men whom God used in an extraordinary manner.

Tune in to uncover the basic, biblically supported facts about the first followers of Jesus!

References

• ”Apostles in the New Testament.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, [Date of Access, e.g., 15 May 2024], en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostles_in_the_New_Testament.
• The Didache: The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. Saint Ignatius Orthodox Press / Legacy Icons, 2024. PDF edition.
• Grant, Matthew. ”Who Were the Twelve Disciples & What Happened to Them?” TheCollector, 5 July 2024.
• Henry, Matthew. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible. Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Logos Research Systems, Inc. Excerpts.
• Holland, Allyson. ”A Biblical Guide to the 12 Disciples of Jesus.” Crosswalk.com, Salem Media Group, 10 Oct. 2024.
• MacArthur, John. Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do With You. Thomas Nelson, 2002. Excerpts.
• McDowell, Sean. ”Did the Apostles Really Die as Martyrs for their Faith?” Biola Magazine, Biola University, 4 Nov. 2013.
• ”the twelve apostles”. History of Early Christianity Part Twelve: The Twelve Apostles: Facts vs. Myths. Lecture Notes, Spring 2019. PDF. Excerpts.
• ”What Happened to the 12 Apostles and How Did They Die?” Christianity.com, Salem Web Network, [Date of Access, e.g., 15 May 2024].
• ”What happened to the apostles after the crucifixion? Did they disappear from the historical record?” Discussion Thread. r/AcademicBiblical, Reddit, [Archived Post].