Have you ever wondered what happened to all 12 of Jesus’ disciples after his crucifixion and resurrection? Many of them went on to play important roles in the early Christian Church and their legacies continue to influence Christians today. Let’s take a closer look at what happened to each of them.
Simon Peter
Simon Peter was one of Jesus’ closest disciples and is often referred to as the “rock” upon which the Church is built. After Jesus’ death, Peter became a leader in the early Christian Church, preaching and performing miracles. He was eventually martyred for his faith in Rome, being crucified upside down at his own request.
Andrew
Andrew was Simon Peter’s brother and also one of the first disciples called by Jesus. After Jesus’ death, Andrew traveled and preached throughout modern-day Turkey and Greece. He was eventually martyred for his faith, being crucified on an X-shaped cross.
James
James was one of two disciples named James (the other being James son of Alphaeus). He was part of Jesus’ inner circle along with Peter and John. After Jesus’ death, James continued to preach in Jerusalem until he was martyred by King Herod Agrippa I.
John
John was another member of Jesus’ inner circle and is known as the “beloved disciple.” After Jesus’ death, John traveled and preached throughout modern-day Turkey before being exiled to the island of Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelation. He eventually died a natural death in Ephesus.
Philip
Philip was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. After Jesus’ death, Philip preached in modern-day Turkey before being martyred for his faith in Hierapolis.
Bartholomew
Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael) was a disciple who is not mentioned often in the Gospels. After Jesus’ death, Bartholomew preached in modern-day Turkey before being martyred in Armenia.
Thomas
Thomas is famously known as “doubting Thomas” for his initial disbelief in Jesus’ resurrection. After Jesus’ death, Thomas traveled and preached throughout modern-day India before being martyred there.
Matthew
Matthew (also known as Levi) was a tax collector before becoming a disciple of Jesus. After Jesus’ death, Matthew wrote the Gospel of Matthew and is said to have preached in modern-day Ethiopia before being martyred there.
James son of Alphaeus
James son of Alphaeus was another disciple named James. After Jesus’ death, James became the leader of the Church in Jerusalem before being martyred for his faith by stoning.
Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot infamously betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. After Jesus’ death, Judas committed suicide by hanging himself.
Simon the Zealot
Simon the Zealot was a political revolutionary before becoming a disciple of Jesus. After Jesus’ death, Simon preached in modern-day Syria and Persia before being martyred there.
Thaddaeus
Thaddaeus (also known as Judas son of James) was another disciple who is not mentioned often in the Gospels. After Jesus’ death, Thaddaeus preached throughout modern-day Turkey before being martyred there.
- In conclusion:
- All 12 disciples played important roles in spreading Christianity after Jesus’ death.
- Nearly all were eventually martyred for their faith.
- Their legacies continue to influence Christians today.
With their unwavering commitment to spreading the message of Jesus Christ, the disciples are a testament to the power of faith and belief. Their stories continue to inspire Christians around the world and their sacrifices serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, no matter the cost.