How did jesus disciples die
Author: f | 2025-04-24
12disciples jesus bible 12apostles How Did the Apostles Die: The 12 Disciples of Jesus
How Did Jesus’ Disciples Die?
In this article, we will explore what happened after the book of Acts and see the answer how did the apostles die? So, put on your church history hat on, and let’s learn…During Jesus’ ministry, he often warned his disciples that they would have to endure hardship for his name’s sake. Jesus had many disciples, but twelve of them were particularly close to him.After Jesus’ ascension, all but one of them, Judas, the betrayer, became apostles, spreading the gospel and building the church. Many often wonder, though, how the apostles died. I know I certainly have wondered about it! The Bible only accounts for two deaths, one apostle and one disciple. However, many other historic writings confirm that most were martyred. The apostles traveled far and wide to preach the gospel to the scattered Jews and the Gentiles worldwide and endured great hardship.Since only two deaths were recorded in the Bible, other historical documents, including apocryphal books (sometimes of questionable origin) and church legends, must be used to determine the apostles’ ministry and deaths. Although some of these accounts appear reasonably accurate, some contradictory reports exist. So, we will do our best to look at all the info out there and see what church history has to say.How Did The Apostles Die: Deaths Recorded In The BibleThe Bible contains significantly more information about the apostles’ ministry than their deaths but still only features details of a handful of apostles’ ministries. The problem was that many of the apostles were active in the furthest corners of the known world at that time, and the accounts of their ministry and deaths are often more a case of church legend and tradition than fact.The death of only one apostle was recorded in the Bible, that of James, the brother of John. These two brothers, along with Peter and Andrew, were some of the first disciples called by Jesus. James was also part of what could be called Jesus’ “inner circle.” He witnessed Jesus raise Jairus’ daughter, witnessed his transfiguration on the mountain, and saw Jesus’ anguish in Gethsemane.The Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles. Russian, 14th century, Moscow Museum via Wikimedia CommonsJames was also present when the Holy Spirit was poured out on Pentecost, but little is known about his ministry. It can be derived that James was active in the new church, as King Herod arrested him with other believers and killed James 12disciples jesus bible 12apostles How Did the Apostles Die: The 12 Disciples of Jesus After Jesus had told Peter how he would die (John 21:18-19), Peter turned and looked at the Apostle John and said “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you” (John 21:21-23) so I find it interesting that the Apostle John outlives them all but he does die while living in Ephesus sometime after AD 98.ConclusionNearly every one of the apostles were martyred and I don’t believe it is any coincidence that nearly all of the apostles died with injuries similar to what Jesus experienced on the cross, but naturally not to the full extent of that measure. No one has suffered like He did (Isaiah 53) and for those who didn’t deserve it (Rom 5:8-10). Incidentally, none of these men are gone…God is the God of the living and not the dead, and they are more alive than ever, just like some of your loved ones who have passed from this world into the kingdom.Related reading: Where Were the 12 Disciples or Apostles of Jesus Christ?Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Tagged as: Apostles, Apostles martyred, MartyrsComments
In this article, we will explore what happened after the book of Acts and see the answer how did the apostles die? So, put on your church history hat on, and let’s learn…During Jesus’ ministry, he often warned his disciples that they would have to endure hardship for his name’s sake. Jesus had many disciples, but twelve of them were particularly close to him.After Jesus’ ascension, all but one of them, Judas, the betrayer, became apostles, spreading the gospel and building the church. Many often wonder, though, how the apostles died. I know I certainly have wondered about it! The Bible only accounts for two deaths, one apostle and one disciple. However, many other historic writings confirm that most were martyred. The apostles traveled far and wide to preach the gospel to the scattered Jews and the Gentiles worldwide and endured great hardship.Since only two deaths were recorded in the Bible, other historical documents, including apocryphal books (sometimes of questionable origin) and church legends, must be used to determine the apostles’ ministry and deaths. Although some of these accounts appear reasonably accurate, some contradictory reports exist. So, we will do our best to look at all the info out there and see what church history has to say.How Did The Apostles Die: Deaths Recorded In The BibleThe Bible contains significantly more information about the apostles’ ministry than their deaths but still only features details of a handful of apostles’ ministries. The problem was that many of the apostles were active in the furthest corners of the known world at that time, and the accounts of their ministry and deaths are often more a case of church legend and tradition than fact.The death of only one apostle was recorded in the Bible, that of James, the brother of John. These two brothers, along with Peter and Andrew, were some of the first disciples called by Jesus. James was also part of what could be called Jesus’ “inner circle.” He witnessed Jesus raise Jairus’ daughter, witnessed his transfiguration on the mountain, and saw Jesus’ anguish in Gethsemane.The Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles. Russian, 14th century, Moscow Museum via Wikimedia CommonsJames was also present when the Holy Spirit was poured out on Pentecost, but little is known about his ministry. It can be derived that James was active in the new church, as King Herod arrested him with other believers and killed James
2025-03-29After Jesus had told Peter how he would die (John 21:18-19), Peter turned and looked at the Apostle John and said “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you” (John 21:21-23) so I find it interesting that the Apostle John outlives them all but he does die while living in Ephesus sometime after AD 98.ConclusionNearly every one of the apostles were martyred and I don’t believe it is any coincidence that nearly all of the apostles died with injuries similar to what Jesus experienced on the cross, but naturally not to the full extent of that measure. No one has suffered like He did (Isaiah 53) and for those who didn’t deserve it (Rom 5:8-10). Incidentally, none of these men are gone…God is the God of the living and not the dead, and they are more alive than ever, just like some of your loved ones who have passed from this world into the kingdom.Related reading: Where Were the 12 Disciples or Apostles of Jesus Christ?Resource – Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Tagged as: Apostles, Apostles martyred, Martyrs
2025-04-14Of Jesus and his disciples?A: Several women who Jesus healed212. Name the demon Jesus cast out in the region of the Gerasenes?A: Legion213. True or False: While on Earth, Jesus had the power to raise dead people back to life?A: True – There are several examples.214. How many loaves of bread and fish did Jesus use to feed over 5,000 people?A: Five loaves of bread and two fish (He multiplied them)215. What were Peter and Andrew doing when Jesus called them to follow him?A: Fishing216. Name the two people from the Old Testament who appeared when Jesus was transfigured?A: Elijah and Moses217. True or False: Jesus asked children not to disturb him when he was teaching important things to grown-ups.A: False – Jesus welcomed children.218. What problem did Bartimaeus have that Jesus fixed?A: He was blind.219. Who did Jesus drive out of the temple?A: Merchants and money changers220. How many of the ten lepers who Jesus healed return to thank him?A: Just one221. What did Jesus do to his disciples at the Last Supper?A: Washed their feet222. True or False: Jesus said only big money offerings were important to God.False – The story of the poor widow’s offering proves that this is false.223. What did Mary Magdalene pour on Jesus’ feet at the home of Simon the Leper?A: Expensive perfume224. Name the disciple who betrayed Jesus.A: Judas Iscariot225. What garden did Jesus go to after the Last Supper?A: Garden of Gethsemane226. True or False: The Jewish leaders tried to set
2025-04-23Was one of the first disciples called by Jesus.ThomasStabbed with a spearMylapore, IndiaKnown as “Doubting Thomas” due to his initial disbelief in Jesus’ resurrection, he later evangelized in India.MatthewMartyrdom by halberdEthiopiaA former tax collector, Matthew authored the Gospel of Matthew and preached in Persia and Ethiopia.James the Less/James, son of AlphaeusMartyrdom by either crucifixion or fuller’s clubJerusalemThe son of Mary and Clopas, James the Less was the leader of the Jerusalem church after Peter.Jude/ThaddaeusCrucifixion or clubbedBeirutAlso known as Lebbaeus or Judas, he was one of the lesser-known apostles.Simon the ZealotMartyrdom by sawing or crusifiedPersiaA passionate follower of Jesus, Simon spread the gospel in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Persia.Judas IscariotSuicideJerusalemThe infamous disciple who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, later hanged himself out of remorse.This table offers an overview of the apostles’ lives, their methods of death, and the locations where they died. As disciples of Jesus Christ, these individuals played a significant role in the early development and spread of Christianity.Although only one apostle’s death was recorded in the Bible, it is possible to trace the ministry and deaths of the rest with some certainty. For some, however, there are rather conflicting reports. However, regardless of the way they died, it is clear that they were all persecuted for their faith, and all but John died violent deaths.I hope you have enjoyed learning about church history and that I was able to answer the question of how did the apostles die in a way that was easy to understand.Melissa is a passionate minister, speaker and an ongoing learner of the Bible. She has been involved in church and vocational ministry for over 18 years. And is the founder of Think About Such Things. She has the heart to equip the saints by helping them get into the Word of God and fall more in love with Jesus. She also enjoys family, cooking, and reading.She has spoken in churches in California, Oregon, Texas, and Mexico and has been featured in Guidepost Magazine and All Recipes Magazine. Read More…
2025-04-07Jesus free.A: False – They lobbied for his crucifixion227. Who put a crown made of thorns on Jesus’ head?A: The Roman soldiers228. Name the Roman Governor who presided over the trial of Jesus?A: Pontius Pilate229. What did Pilate do to “cleanse himself” of guilt after the trial?A: Washed his hands230. Which disciple cut off a soldier’s ear?A: Peter231. True or False: Jesus didn’t know that he would be arrested and killed in Jerusalem.A: False – He knew and told his disciples before it happened.231. Which disciple denied Jesus three times?A: Peter232. What happened to the temple curtain when Jesus was killed?A: It was ripped from top to bottom233. Who was the high priest of Jerusalem who put Jesus on trial?A. Joseph Caiaphas234. Who asked Pilate for Jesus’ body after he was crucified?A. Joseph of Arimathea235. What happened after Jesus was buried in the tomb?A: He rose again on the third day.236. What was rolled away from the entrance of the tomb?A: A large stone237. What day of the week did Jesus rise back to life?A: Sunday – the first day of the week238. After how many days did Jesus return to Heaven?A: 40 days239. How did Jesus leave Earth and go to Heaven?A: He rose into the clouds240. How many people saw Jesus after he rose from the dead?A: More than 500 (Cor 15: 3–8)Questions From The Acts Of The ApostlesThe apostles are the disciples of Jesus and new followers who spread the teachings of Christ far and wide after
2025-04-12It (Mark 8:31, 9:9-10,31-32; Matthew 16:21, 17:9,22-23, 20:17-19; Luke 9:22).Jesus heals a leper. There are no accounts in the gospels of Jesus healing anyone after his Resurrection, but he did heal lepers during his ministry (cf. Mark 1:40-45; Matthew 8:1-4, 11:5; Luke 7:22, 17:11-19). He also instructed his disciples to heal lepers and perform other miracles during his ministry (cf. Matthew 10:1-8).Jesus takes Peter aside and asks him, three times, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15-19)1:29:55 – 1:33:15 — Clavius speaks to Jesus on the rockJesus says to Clavius, “With your own eyes you’ve seen, yet still you doubt. Imagine the doubt of those who will never see — that’s what they [the disciples] face.” This is a slightly different version of Jesus’ words to Thomas (cf. John 20:29), and Clavius’s doubt is reminiscent of the doubt expressed by some of the disciples who saw Jesus in Galilee (cf. Matthew 28:17).1:33:15 – 1:35:26 — The AscensionJesus walks towards the horizon, occasionally turning around to address the disciples: “I go to prepare a place for you (John 14:2-3). Go, into all the world, and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15) to all nations (Matthew 28:19). You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). And know that I will be with you, always (Matthew 28:20).”Jesus ascends into heaven (Luke 24:51, Acts 1:9). In the Bible, the Ascension takes place a short walk from Jerusalem, in the vicinity of Bethany, and not in Galilee as it does in the film. Also, in the film the Ascension is obscured by the rising sun, whereas in Acts, Jesus seems to be visible until he disappears behind a cloud.1:35-26 – 1:37:55 — FarewellsJohn, addressing some people by the Sea of Galilee, pats his chest and says, “It’s not just about life eternal, it’s about how life is lived. It changes you, here.” He then says to one of his fellow disciples, “I may use that again.” At the moment I am not aware of any Johannine teaching that this might be based on.Peter tells Clavius to “join” the disciples and says, “This Spirit he promised, we’re called to receive it there [in Jerusalem].” Jesus told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem (Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-5), and the Spirit did in fact arrive ten days after the Ascension on the feast of Pentecost (Acts 2). However, the idea that Clavius could “join” the disciples at this point is somewhat implausible, as the early Christians were all Jewish at this point and didn’t even discuss whether to accept Gentile converts until the Roman centurion Cornelius was baptized several years later (Acts 10-11).Clavius says Peter is called “to fish”, and Peter says, “Aye, for men.” This echoes how Jesus told Peter and some of the other early disciples that he would make them “fishers of men” (Mark 1:17, Matthew 4:19, Luke 5:10).1:37:55 – 1:38:40 — CaesareaPilate stands near the dock, watching the Emperor’s ship approach, and he
2025-04-05