After the death of Jesus, the disciples were left to navigate a world without their teacher and leader. The events that followed were crucial in shaping early Christianity. Here’s a look at what the disciples did after the death of Jesus:
1. Gathered and Mourned
After the crucifixion, the disciples gathered together to mourn their loss. They likely felt confused and scared about what was going to happen next. The Gospel of John tells us that they locked themselves in a room, fearing persecution from the authorities.
2. Witnessed Jesus’ Resurrection
According to the Gospels, Jesus appeared to his disciples several times after his death and resurrection. These appearances helped to reassure them that he was indeed alive and had conquered death. The most famous of these appearances is known as “Doubting Thomas,” when Jesus appeared to Thomas and allowed him to touch his wounds.
3. Preached and Spread Christianity
After witnessing Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples were filled with a renewed sense of purpose. They began preaching about Jesus’ teachings and spreading Christianity throughout Jerusalem and beyond.
A) Peter’s Leadership
One of the most prominent figures in this early Christian movement was Peter, who became a leader among the disciples. He preached about Jesus’ message of love, forgiveness, and salvation.
B) Paul’s Conversion
Another key figure was Paul (formerly known as Saul), who initially persecuted Christians but later converted after experiencing a vision of Jesus on the road to Damascus. His conversion was instrumental in spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
4. Faced Persecution
As Christianity spread, its followers faced persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities who saw it as a threat to their power and beliefs. Many Christians were arrested or killed for their beliefs.
5. Wrote the New Testament
The disciples and other early Christians wrote letters and accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings, which eventually became the New Testament of the Bible. These texts continue to shape Christian beliefs and practices today.
- Matthew: Written by Matthew, a disciple of Jesus who was a tax collector before his conversion.
- Mark: Believed to have been written by John Mark, a companion of Peter who recorded his teachings.
- Luke: Written by Luke, a physician who was not one of the original disciples but was likely a companion of Paul.
- John: Written by John, one of Jesus’ disciples who was present at many of his key moments.
- Acts: Also written by Luke, this book tells the story of the early Christian church after Jesus’ death and resurrection.
- Letters: The New Testament also includes letters written by Paul and other early Christian leaders to various churches and individuals.
In Conclusion
The death of Jesus was a pivotal moment in history that had far-reaching consequences. The disciples were left to carry on his message and teachings, facing persecution but also spreading Christianity throughout the world. Their writings continue to inspire and guide Christians today.