The primary leaders of Jesus disciples were Peter, James, and John. We have seen their role in forming the N.T. church. After today’s post, we will look briefly at Paul’s impact after he was called by Jesus. As we know, Judas the betrayer, hanged himself but the rest of the disciples are not mentioned in scripture.
All that we have to go on for these 8 disciples is what history and tradition have recorded. It is interesting that they (Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas (the doubter), Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot) by traditions were all martyred. They died for what they believed and were taught by Jesus. It seems that they were scattered to different areas of the Mideast and Roman Empire to spread the Gospel.
The N.T. church was formed with its center in Antioch and the apostles traveled to major cities and population centers to spread the Gospel. Paul’s letters along with those of Peter, James, and John trace the spread and growth of the N.T. church. We must keep in mind that Jesus disciples and what they taught changed the known world and brought new ideas and principles to many pagan peoples. What they started is still having an impact upon our world today.
