On this page we are examining what we know about the history of the apostles and the numerous disciples of Jesus following the biblical record.
What happened to them - based on the best information we can locate - as they served the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Who was martyred and if they were, how were they martyred? Where did they go to serve? Were they faithful? Did they bring people to a relationship with Jesus?
The Bible tells us a lot about the experience of Paul, some about Peter, James and a few others. But what about the rest? What about the 70 who went out when Jesus sent them? What do we know about their stories?
As we explore the journeys of the apostles and disciples, we uncover the profound impact they had on the early church and the world. Each of these faithful followers played a unique role in spreading the message of Christ, often facing trials and tribulations that tested their faith. Their stories are not just historical accounts; they serve as powerful reminders of perseverance, courage, and unwavering belief. Join us as we delve deeper into their legacies and discover how their teachings continue to inspire and guide us in our own faith journeys today.
Discipleship and the History of the Bible
Journal entry by John D. Meade, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Director of the Text &
Canon Institute at Phoenix Seminary, Phoenix, Arizona. The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology 24.3 (2020)
You can download the entry here.
The discussion is part of the Text and Canon Institute of Phoenix Seminary. You can see a series of videos by the institute on their YouTube channel.
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
The link below will open the first chapter of this book on how the apostle Peter gradually became one of the most famous figures of the ancient world. His almost undisputed reputation made the disciple an exquisite anchor by which new practices within and outside the Church could be established, including innovations in fields as diverse as architecture, art, cult, epigraphy, liturgy, poetry and politics. This interdisciplinary volume inquires the way in which the figure of Peter functioned as an anchor for various people from different periods and geographical areas.
First Chapter: Peter, Popes, Politics and More: the Apostle as Anchor (PDF)