Author’s Note: Who were these men who joined Jesus? Discovering the life and character of the
Apostles took both research and detective work. Although there are many
passages in the New Testament that give us a description of the Apostles and
their activity, a better understanding of these men can be inferred from first
century historical, cultural and political information. We need to understand
them within the context of life in first century Israel.
Positive and constructive contributions that help to
improve this essay are welcome.
………..
There were, apparently, over 100 people who thought of
themselves as Disciples of Christ. Less than 20 were Apostles. These men were
“sent forth” to teach, preach and administer the affairs of the movement
(eventually) called Christianity. They were selected by Jesus or other Apostles,
to go forth on a definite mission, with the full authority to act on behalf of
the sender, and were held accountable by the sender for their work. They
counseled and managed the growing number of congregations, resolved questions of
doctrine, and allocated collected funds to missionary work.
But who were the disciples who became the first Apostles?
Jesus appointed 12 men to help him with his ministry. Although the New
Testament tells us little about their relationship with Jesus before he called
them, it became clear to me that most of these men must have known Jesus as a
friend or relative before he called them to be Apostles. They had already
developed a profound respect for the intelligent, compassionate and charismatic
man whom they obviously admired.
The Apostles were tasked to support his work and to
protect him from harm. When they traveled, two or more apostles would often go
into a village or town before Jesus arrived to establish where they would eat,
sleep, and bathe. They also would determine where he would conduct his mission
and tell the people of his coming. After the death of Jesus, several of his
Apostles became missionaries, teaching his message to people in Judea, India,
North Africa, Asia Minor, Rome, and elsewhere.
Here is a brief description of the men who were called to
serve.
Andrew was Peter’s brother, a fisherman, and a disciple
of John the Baptist before he met Jesus. A gentle man, Andrew at once
recognized Jesus was the Messiah when John the Baptist introduced them. He was
so impressed by Jesus, he moved from Bethsaida to Capernaum to be with him. Andrew
in turn introduced Jesus to his brother, Peter. After the crucifixion of Jesus,
Andrew apparently evangelized in Scythia, Epirus, Achaia and Hellas. (See Note
1 about the meaning of Messiah)
Simon Peter (Cephas), known as The Rock, was Andrew’s
brother, and also a fisherman in the Sea of Galilee. He also moved from
Bethsaida to Capernaum to be with Jesus. Like his brother, Simon was a follower
of John the Baptist before being called by Jesus. Emotional, impulsive, bold
and charismatic, Peter was one of the greatest leaders of the early church. He
spread the gospel in Rome until he was crucified. The Catholic Church
recognizes Peter as the First Roman Pope.
James (the elder) Boanerges; brave, intense, severe of
temperament, likely a nationalist, a strong defender of the Jewish nation, and
usually carried a sword for protection. He was a fisherman who lived in
Bethsaida and moved to Capernaum to be with Jesus. After the death of Jesus,
James ministered in Jerusalem with evangelical zeal until martyred by Herod
Agrippa I in 44 A.D.
John Boanerges: brother of James, also full of
nationalist zeal. He was, however, softer of temperament than his brother. He
was a fisherman who lived in Bethsaida until he moved to Capernaum to be with
Jesus. He and James were initially disciples of John the Baptist. Jesus called
James and John the Sons of Thunder because their father, Zebedee, was an
outspoken critic of the Romans. Like the other Apostles, John was deeply
influenced by Jesus and he became known as the Beloved Disciple. He was an
Apostle and evangelist in Asia Minor.
James (the younger) was Jesus’s brother. Short in
stature, he became (affectionately) known as James the Less and later on as
James the Just. He lived in Nazareth, moved to Bethsaida to be a fisherman, and
then to Capernaum to be with Jesus.. James was present at the crucifixion,
became the first Bishop of Jerusalem, and authored of the first Catholic
Epistle.
Jude (Thaddeus) was Jesus’s brother. He also moved from
Nazareth to be a fisherman in Bethsaida, and then to Capernaum to be with
Jesus. He was present at the crucifixion. Jude became known as the patron saint
of lost causes, and was the author of the epistle of Jude.
Judas Iscariot, son of Simon Iscariot, was from Judah.
Judas was a Jewish nationalist, young, impressionable, educated, and
intelligent. Judas frequently saw things as amusing and could be sarcastic or
deferential. Although Judas frequently challenged Jesus, he became a very close
friend. His role in the crucifixion is debated. The idea that he betrayed Jesus
is totally illogical.
Matthew (Levi) was a tax collector who lived in
Capernaum. He was educated, wealthy, and literate in both Aramaic (the language
of Jesus and his Apostles) as well as Greek (the language of commerce). He went
on to preach the Gospel to the Jewish community in Judea and elsewhere.
Philip is described as a tall, thin fisherman who lived
in Bethsaida. He recognized Jesus as the savior and subsequently brought his
friend Bartholomew and many others to meet him. Philip was probably an Apostle
in Greece, Phrygia, and Syria.
Bartholomew (Nathaniel) lived in Cana. He may have come
from royal blood, being the son of Tolmay. Bartholomew was a friend of Philip,
recognized Jesus as "the Son of God" and believed Jesus was "the
King of Israel". Known for his honesty and integrity, he is alleged to
have been an Apostle in Armenia and India.
Simon Zealotes a cynical, suspicious man who lived in
Cana, near Galilee, (also known as a Canaanite). He may have been a fanatical
Jewish Nationalist or simply very zealous in his support for Jesus. Inspired by
Jesus, Simon Zealotes traveled to N. Africa as an Apostle.
Thomas Didymus a carpenter, stone mason and fisherman who
lived in Tarichea by the Sea of Galilee. Sometimes referred to as “the twin” or
“doubting Thomas”, he apparently had a sharp intellect and an analytical mind.
Thomas traveled as far as India to spread the message of Jesus Christ.
………….
Jesus apparently had an easygoing relationship with his
Apostles. There is a minimum of grumbling. Although he treated them all like
brothers, he was definitely their leader.
Given what he accomplished in 32 months, and the circumstances of his
ministry, Jesus also proved himself to be a good manager and teacher. I tried
to capture the essence of this relationship in my novel about the life of Jesus
Christ “Am I Your Son?”
Ron
Notes:
About the term “Messiah”.
By tradition, and Biblical reference, Jesus inspired his Apostles
with his character and message. They recognized Jesus was very close to God. By
inference, it could also be argued that at least some of them also believed (at
first) Jesus would lead a successful rebellion against the Romans. Hence they
called him “Messiah” (savior or liberator). Under his political leadership,
they hoped the Jewish nation would be able to sweep away the oppressors and
establish the Kingdom of God here on earth. But Jesus gave them a very
different interpretation of what he meant by the term “The Kingdom of God,” and
the term Messiah eventually took on a new meaning: Christ... the Son of God.
Both his disciples and his Apostles were aware of Jewish
Nationalists. The desire to be free of oppressive Roman rule was universal
among most Jews. The term “zeal” usually meant one was passionate about
religion and politics. The term “The
Kingdom of God” was a metaphoric reference to establishing Jewish rule over
Israel (only God through the Jews had the right to rule Israel). Since Jesus
frequently spoke about the Kingdom of God, it was taken by many Jews as a reference
that here at last was their savior and a military leader who could fulfill
their dreams of independence. We must remember: in Jewish folklore the Messiah
would be both a religious savior and a political leader. Since popular gossip
had already confirmed Jesus was very close to God, it was but a short step to
imagine he was also a political leader. This explains why the peasants were so
excited to welcome Jesus to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. It also tells us why the
mob turned against Jesus by Wednesday, when it became obvious he had no
intention of being their political savior and liberator.
Occupations.
Although many of his followers are described as
fishermen, it should be noted the Jesus and his disciples were also part time
farmers. Crops were a source of fresh vegetables and grains were a very
important component of their diet. In addition, it is likely some of them had
fruit or olive trees.
Arms.
It is likely that whenever they traveled away from
Capernaum, Bartholomew, Simon Peter, Simon Zealotes, James and John Boanerges,
and Judas (and possibly the other Apostles) were armed with swords. Because of
bandits and errant Roman mercenaries, travel could be dangerous. All twelve Apostles
were also responsible for protecting Jesus from overzealous Pharisees,
Sadducees and priests.
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