The twelve disciples were Simon (also known as Peter), Andrew, James (Andrew’s brother), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, Jude, Simon (Zealot), James of Alphaeus, and Judas (traitor) who was later replaced by the faithful Matthias. All of these men came from different backrounds. For example, Simon Peter was an average fisherman until Jesus came to him. “He (Jesus) called out to them, ‘Friends haven’t you any fish?’ ‘No,’ they answered. He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” ~John 21:5-6. Andrew and James were also fishermen; however they were not as old as Simon Peter. In fact, all the disciples except Simon Peter were under the age of 20 when Jesus called them to be his disciples.
 |
| http://thelastsupper.artgallery2000.com/The-Last-Supper.jpg |
All twelve disciples had to leave behind a lot in order to follow Jesus. Keep in mind that many of these disciples were teens, and had to leave behind families, work, and entire lifestyles. Thinking about it now, I don’t know if I could have left all that I know for a man claiming to be God. I’d have to have tons and tons of faith and probably see him do miracles with my own eyes. It’s hard to imagine life without my siblings, the comfort of my own bed, the general familiarity with what to expect on a day to day basis, and even if I’m going to wake up alive the next morning. With big change often comes big opposition, as the disciples soon found out.
After Jesus was killed, rose again, and returned back to heaven 40 days later, all of the disciples died a martyr’s death except Judas the traitor and John. Shortly after receiving his reward for betraying Jesus, Judas hung himself without ever spending the money. Simon Peter was hung on a cross upside down, Matthew was nailed to the ground with short spears and beheaded, John was boiled in a huge thing of boiling oil but survived to die a peaceful death, Bartholomew was flayed to death by a whip, Andrew was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Greece, Thomas was stabbed with a spear in India, Mattias was stoned and then beheaded, James was beheaded, Philip, Jude, and Simon were crucified, and James (son of Aphaeus) was either crucified or stoned to death. Although it’s very gruesome to think about, I think it’s necessary to know what kind of sacrifice these teenagers gave towards what they believed to be the one true way to heaven. These 11 guys endured horrible pain and suffering to bring the good news to the entire world. If people won’t listen to what they have to say, then I don’t know how else to get their attention.
