Religious Study: The Apostolic Age

During this Lenten season I have made an effort to strengthen my faith thru fasting, praying, and reading scriptures. I have also recently watched several Biblical shows on Netflix including The Bible, The Son of God, and AD: The Bible Continues. The show that has most inspired me is that of AD, which pertains to the apostles right after Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. It takes place in the city of Jerusalem where there is growing tensions between the Romans, Jews, and rising Christian followers. This was a key point in history concerning the spread of Christianity and was guided by the apostles of Jesus Christ.

I have often been fascinated with the tremendously rapid spread of Christianity that occurred after the passion of Jesus. It was Peter and his disciples who began to spread the word and build a church to follow their messiah. Yet I also believe there was a greater power at work to influence this historic religious revolution that it was. I have written about it before, History of Christianity  Now I would like to further this study with a more in depth look at the apostles, their followers, and the miracles they performed.

Roman Occupied Jerusalem

I think it's best to capture the historical setting of this Apostolic Age which was first centered around the capital city of Jerusalem known as Judea at the time. It was ultimately a province of the Roman Empire, however a center of Jewish worship. It was in 37 BC when Herod the Great took control of the city and began a series of architectural projects, including a massive expansion of the Second Temple. Herod's other claim to fame was his reaction to the prophecy of Christ which lead to the Massacre of Innocents. In an effort to rid Jerusalem of this newborn king, who ordered the execution of all newborn infants within the Bethlehem region. As we know Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were able to escape to Egypt. Herod died shortly after and his kingdom was divided among his sons, yet also gave way to a stronger Roman presence in the city.

It was approximately around the year 26 AD, that Pontius Pilate became the 5th and most famous Roman prefect of the Judea Province. Pilate was at constant odds with the Jewish leadership of the city known as the Sanhedrin. At the time, the high priest of the Sanhedrin was Caiaphas, who had been appointed in 19 AD and would eventually organize the plot to kill Jesus. It was in 33 AD that the Jewish Sanhedrin brought the case of Christ to Pontius Pilate to be tried and executed as a false prophet. As is well known in the Gospels, Pontius did not want to crucify Christ, however he also did not want a Jewish uprising in the city. This was ultimately a Jewish matter, yet the Sanhedrin did not want to sentence Jesus, since it occurred during their holy feat of Passover. The decision therefore was put before Pontius Pilate, who under harsh Jewish manipulation had no choice but to order the crucifixion of Christ, whilst washing his hands clean of the trial.

As we know this was only the beginning of the political and religious turmoil that would unfold in Jerusalem in the years to come. It was the resurrection of Christ that would further complicate matters for the Romans and the Jews. Following this event, Pontius grew all the more bitter and harsh towards the Jewish people, which eventually lead to further insurgency. And in the midst of all this upheaval was the growing faith of Christianity lead by the Disciples. Through the power of Christ's teachings and the performance of miracles they were able to establish the largest religious following in human history.

The 12 Apostles

Though out his ministry, Jesus had many followers, however there were 12 that were considered his most devout and loyal followers, known as his apostles. After his Resurrection he appeared to the apostles and gave them instructions to spread his teachings to all nations of the world; an event referred to as the Great Commission. This began an era of religious revolution against the Jewish faith. In the midst of harsh persecutions the Christian faith grew like a wildfire throughout Jerusalem and into foreign lands. It was these disciples who were able to spread the word, heal the sick, and build a church that would establish the religion of Christianity.

Peter: He is considered the Prince of Apostles, Jesus' most loyal and famous of his followers. He was a fisherman known as Simon Peter, when Jesus approached him at the request to make him a fisher of men. Peter was put thru many trails of faith by Christ, such as walking on water or denying his three times. Yet each of these tests only made Peter's faith in Christ all the stronger.

After the death and resurrection, it was Peter who would lead the Great Commission that would build the rock of the church. He led missions all across the middle east, beyond Jerusalem, Simarra, and eventually to the city of Rome where he was martyred by emperor Nero for his faith. He was famously crucified in an upside position not to imitate Christ. To this day he remains one of the most central figures of Christianity and is buried at the rock of the Catholic Church at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

Andrew: He was the younger brother of Peter, also a fishermen by trade. His missions took him to the northeast along the Black Sea, and into the lands of Romania, Ukraine, and western Russia. He founded the See of Byzantium in the capital of Constantinople. It is believed that he was martyred and crucified in the city of Achaea, Greece, on an X-shaped cross not to imitate Christ. He is buried today at the St. Andrews Cathedral in Patras, Greece.

James, Son of Zebedee: He was the older brother of John the Apostle and is often considered James the Greater to distinguish him from the other apostle, James the Lesser and the martyr, James the Just. James the Greater was the first of the apostles to be martyred. His mission took him to the Iberia lands of Span, where he was visited in a vision by the Mother Mary to build a church there. He was later executed by sword on his return to Jerusalem. To this day he remains a patron saint of Spain, and is buried at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Galacia, Spain.

Philip: It is believed that Philip was first a follower of John the Baptist who later joined Jesus at the Mount of Olives. Following Jesus' ascension Philip went on a mission with his sister Mariamme and the apostle Bartholomew to preach in the lands of Syria, Phrygia, and Greece. In the ancient city of Heirapolis, Turkey he was martyred and crucified upside down. He is buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Rome.

Bartholomew: He was recruited by Philip to become an apostles of Christ. Following the ascension of Christ he traveled with Nathaniel on numerous missions into the eastern lands of India and Armenia. It is believed to be in Armenia that Bartholomew was martyred by being skinned, tortured, crucified, and beheaded. He is buried today at the Basilica of Bartholomew in Rome.

Thomas: He is referred to as the doubtful apostle, on the account of Jesus' resurrection. Jesus famously showed Thomas the holes in his hands and said to him "Because you have seen me, you believe; Blessed are those who have not seen and believe." From that point on Thomas went on to fulfill his faith in Christ through missionary work in Greece in India. It is believed that he was martyred with a spear, while teaching in India. He is buried in the Basilica of St. Thomas in Abruzzo, Italy.

Matthew: He is referred to as one of the four evangelists, who recorded the accounts of Jesus Christ in the Gospels. He was originally a tax collector before he was called to follow Christ. Some scholars believed he did most of his preaching and writing in the capital of Judea however there are other accounts that he did some traveling as well. It is believed that he was martyred in the land of Ethiopia, stabbed in the back for disagreeing with the king. He is buried in Salerno Cathedral in Salerno, Italy.

James, Son of Alphaeus: He is often identified as James the Lesser, to distinguish him from the other apostle James the Son of Zebedee. As his name suggests he is perhaps one of the least known of the disciples often confused with James the Greater and James the Just. It is believed that he did most of his missionary work in Jerusalem and later stoned to death at the age of 94 by King Herod Agrippa. He is buried in the Cathedral of St. James, in Jerusalem, Israel.

Simon the Zealot: He is another obscure apostle, often confused with Simon Peter. He was identified as a Zealot, a political movement throughout Judea against the occupation of Romans. However he aligned with the teachings of Christ and did missionary work across the Middle East and into Africa. It is believed that he was martyred and crucified along with the apostle Jude in Mauritania. He is buried at St. Peter's Basilica.

Jude Thaddeus: He was an apostle of Christ often associated as the Brother of Christ, who wrote the Epistle of Jude. He did missionary work across Judea, Mesopotamia, Libya, Beirut, and Edessa. It is believed that he was also a zealot and was martyred alongside Simon. Other traditions believe that he was crucified in the land of Edessa. He is buried at St. Peter's Basilica.

John: He was the youngest of the apostles, the brother of James the Greater. He is often referred as the one whom Jesus loved, the Beloved Disciple, and along with Peter is most frequently mentioned at Jesus' side. He stood at Jesus side during the last supper, during his crucifixion, and was among the first to discover Jesus' empty tomb with Mary Magdalene and Peter. After Jesus' ascension he along with Peter played a crucial role in the administration of spreading Christianity and is often considered a pillar of the church alongside Peter. He is one of the four evangelists who wrote the gospel of John, The Epistles, as well as the Book of Revelation. He is the only apostle that was not martyred yet died of natural causes. He is buried in the Basilica of St. John in Ephesus, Turkey.

Judas Iscariot: He is the most infamous of the apostles known for betraying Jesus Christ. He did this during Jesus' visit to Jerusalem by which Judas turned him over to the Sanhedrin for 30 silver coins. His act of betrayal was a kiss performed after the Last Supper which identified Jesus to the Jewish guards. I believe the Jewish Sanhedrin needed this act of betrayal to better present their case that Jesus was a false prophet. Once Judas realized his sin in betraying a righteous man, he committed suicide by hanging himself.

There are some scholars who believe that Judas' act of betrayal gave way to the resurrection and the spread of Christianity, thus making him a part of God's plan. However I found this perspective to be quite controversial for several reasons. First I think Jesus was destined for crucifixion regardless of Judas' betrayal. Either the Romans or the Sanhedrin could have arrested him without Judas. I believe the Sanhedrin needed Judas to demonstrate a weakness in Jesus' teachings. Therefore if any sympathy is to fall on Judas it might be that he was simply used as a ploy, manipulated by the Jews, to hand over Christ.

I believe Judas was ultimately a flawed person, subdued by the devil. Even after he realized his sin of betraying Christ he doubled-down on his selfishness thru the act of suicide. I believe he is one of the most complicated characters in the Bible. While he is synonymous with the devil he was also a follower and example of Christ. He doesn't deserve to sit at the throne of God in heaven, yet also doesn't deserve to burn in hell with the devil. Perhaps some other time I might dive deeper into this intriguing character.


Disciples and Followers of Christ

Paul of Tarsus: He is perhaps one of the most influential of the apostles, often considered the Apostle of the Gentiles, however was not one of the original 12. He is credited with the authorship of 14 of the 27 books in the New Testament, including the Acts of the Apostle, Romans, and the Corinthians, to name a few. Saul was a scholarly figure and a very passionate man of the Jewish faith. He was quick to oppose the sudden rise of Christianity and began to publicly challenge and persecute them. He was present at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr.

It was on the Road to Damascus where Saul experienced a vision of Jesus Christ, who asked Saul "Why do you Persecute me?". From that point on Saul went blind for three days,and without food or water as he prayed to God. Until finally he was received by the Christian follower, Ananias, who baptized Saul and told him to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Saul's conversion was then complete and from that point on he became an instrument of Christ, known as Paul the Apostle.

Paul eventually met Peter and the other apostles in Jerusalem who were all shocked at Paul's conversion yet eventually accepted him to their community. While Paul was in harmony with the teachings of apostles he did most of his ministry independent from them. Unlike the other apostles he claimed his belief came from the Revelation of Christ rather than the word of man. He and Peter often disagreed on certain matters, most notably at Antioch, over how to administer to Gentile Christians.

Paul however continued his passionate ministry beyond Jerusalem throughout Turkey, Greece, and into Spain, along with his companions Barnabas, John Mark, and Silas. Many times he was put in jail for his outspoken teachings of which he spent time writing about his accounts in Rome, Philippi, Corinth, Galatia, and Ephesus. It is believed that he performed numerous miracles and healings along his journeys thru his faith in Christ. He was later captured in Rome by the emperor Nero, and is believed to be have been beheaded around the same time as Peter.

Mary Magdalene: She is perhaps the most famous female follower associated to Jesus Christ, after Jesus' mother Mary. It is described in the Gospels that she was cleansed by Jesus of seven demons. This is of course open to interpretation either of physical or mental illness. Some have often associated her as an adulteress or even a prostitute yet that is simply lost in her general description as a sinner seeking salvation. During Christ's ministry she is often at his side along with his mother Mary. She plays an important role as witness to Christ's crucifixion, his burial, and the discovery of his empty tomb.

She is sometimes considered the Apostle to the Apostles, for she was commissioned by the risen Christ to inform the disciples of his resurrection. She was rich in faith and thru her strong belief in Christ's teachings she had many spiritual visions. She is sometimes depicted as extravagant and beautiful and some have even suggested that she was the beloved disciple of Jesus. Scholars often argue on what exactly her relationship was to Jesus, or whether she was an author of the Gospel of Mary. However it is certain that she was one of the most prominent women of early Christianity.


Stephen: He is highly regarded in Christian Catholic faith as the first of the martyrs, persecuted and killed for his belief in Christ. It is believed that he was originally a Hellenistic Jew from Greek influence and quickly took a liking to the new teachings of Christ. He became chosen by Peter as a deacon of the early church and began giving speeches and performing miracles thru his faith in Christ. He quickly gathered opposition from the Jewish synagogues who brought him before the Sanhedrin.

It is said that Stephen stood courageously like an angel before the Sanhedrin, defending his beliefs. He criticized the Jewish teachings and accused them of murdering the Righteous One. At this the Sanhedrin and it's followers grew enraged and quickly carried Stephen off to be stoned. During his stoning Stephen prayed for forgiveness of his killers and that God would receive his spirit. Saul of Tarsus was a witness to this stoning and at that time he approved of it, before his vision and conversion to Christianity. To this day St. Stephen's sacrifice is celebrated and remembered on the day after Christmas. He is my namesake and a true patron saint of mine.

Mary of Bethany: Mary is mentioned in several of the passages of the Gospels as a devout follower of Christ from the town of Bethany. She was the sister of Lazarus, who was raised from the dead by Christ. She is also the sister of Martha, who welcomed Jesus into her house, and got upset because she was doing all the work in the house while her sister, Mary, sat at his feet. One of Mary's most famous roles in the Gospels is when she anoints Christ by washing his feet with an expensive perfume and wiping it with her hair. Mary of Bethany is often confused with Mary Madeline, both were identified as sinful women who were longing for the words of Christ.

Matthias: He is often considered the apostle who replaced Judas Iscariot. Although he was not chosen by Jesus, he was still a loyal follower during his ministry. After the ascension of Christ the 11 apostles decided to cast lots on whom would replace Judas, and thus Matthias was chosen. He preached throughout Judea, the Caspian Sea, and into the region of Colchis, modern day Georgia. It was there that Matthias was stoned to death 

The Evangelists:

The New Testament of the Bible is essentially a new agreement between God and his followers, brought forth by his one begotten son, the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The New Testament are the written accounts of the disciples concerning the life of Christ, the spread of Christianity, and prophecies regarding the apocalypse.

The first 4 books of the New Testament are known as the Canonical Gospels, which recount the life of Jesus Christ; The Book of Matthew, Book of Mark, Book of Luke, and the Book of John. It is believed they were written by the four evangelists, a word used to describe those who spread the good news. These evangalists also happened to be apostles and followers of Christ who witnessed his teachings. While historians and scholars generally debate the authorship of these books, they each recount a similar experience of Christ's life.

There are many other gospels, known as the Non-Cannonical gospels or the Gnostic Gospels, such as the Book of Thomas or the Book of Mary, which present different perspectives on Christ's life. However since the credibility and the format is so different than the 4 Canonical gospels, they are not included in the Bible.

Mark the Evangelist: His gospel is believed to have been written first in approximately 66-70 AD. He was an early follower of Christ and recorded all the sermons and teachings of Peter. He would later establish the Church of Alexandria. Mark's gospel is considered to be the source of the Synoptic Gosels as it was written first. Mark is represented with the winged lion a symbol of courage and Christ the King.

Matthew the Apostle: (see above for more detail) The Book of Matthew's authorship is often disputed between an anoyonmous writer and the apostle Matthew. It is believed to have been written between 80 and 90 AD. His symbol is a winged man or an angel that represents the incarnation of Jesus.

Luke the Evangelist: It is believed he was a Greek physicist, a follower of Christ, who accompanied  Paul on his travels. He is credited with the authorship of the Gospel of Luke as well as the Acts of the Apostles around 85-90 AD. He is often represented with the symbol of a bull with wings to represent sacrifice, service, and strength.

John the Apostle: (see above for more detail) The Book of John as well as the Book of Revelation is believed to have been written by the beloved disciple of Christ, John. The book is structured slightly different the the other three Synoptic Gospels, yet still follows a consistent frame of the life of Christ. It is believed to have been written around 90-110 AD. His symbol is an eagle, a figure of the sky that flies towards the sun.     

The Seventy Disciples

Apart from the 12 Apostles, there is mentioned in the Book of Luke, a calling of 70 disciples to spread the word of Christ. They were called as missionaries, to go out in pairs, from city to city and nation to nation to feed those who hungered for Christ. While the names of these 70 are not specifically mentioned in the bible, they are often regarded as key contributors to the early spread and establishment of Christianity. Some of these names I have already mentioned here, while others I have not. Here is the list of 70 disciples according to the famed theologian, Hippolytus of Rome.

1. James the Just, the Lord's Brother: Bishop of Jerusalem; Martyr 62 AD
2. Cleopas: Bishop of Jeruslaem; encountered Jesus on the Road to Emmaus
3. Matthias: (See Above) Considered Judas' replacement as the 13th Apostle
4. Thaddeus of Edessa: Healed King Abgar of Edessa
5. Ananias: Bishop of Damascus who baptized Paul
6. Stephen: (see above) One of the 7 deacons; 1st Martyr of Christianity in 34 AD
7. Philip the Evangelist: One of the 7 deacons of Christianity; who healed the Eunuch
8. Prochorus: One of the 7 deacons; Bishop of Nicomedia
9. Nicanor: One of the 7 deacons; Martyred in 76 AD
10. Timon: One of the 7 deacons; Bishop of Bostra
11. Parmenas: One of the 7 deacons: Bishop of Soli
12. Nicolaus: One of the 7 deacons: Bishop of Samaria
13. Barnabas: Bishop of Milan and companion of Paul
14. Mark the Evangelist: (see above) Bishop of Alexandria; Ascribed author of the Book of Mark
15. Luke the Evangelist: (see above) Ascribed author of the Book of Luke and Acts of the Apostles
16. Silas: Bishop of Corinth; companion of Paul
17. Silvanus: Bishop of Thessalonica
18. Crisces (Crescens): Bishop of Carchedon in Gaul
    
19. Epanetus: Bishop of Carthage
20. Andronicus: Bishop of Pannonia
21. Ampilas: Bishop of Odyssus
22. Urban: Bishop of Macedonia
23. Stachys: Bishop of Byzantium
24. Barnabas: Bishop of Heraclea
25. Phygellus: Bishop of Ephesus
26. Hermagoras: Bishop of Aquileia
27. Demas: Companion of Paul and Luke 
28.  Apellas: Bishop of Smyrna
29. Aristobulus: Bishop of Britain
30. Narcissus: Bishop of Athens
31. Herodion: Bishop of Tarsus
32. Agabus: Follower of Christ, prophet
33. Rufus: Bishop of Thebes
34. Asyncitus: Bishop of Hyrcania
35. Phlegon: Bishop of Marathon
36. Hermes: Bishop of Dalmatia
    
37. Patrobulus: Bishop of Puteoli
38. Hermas: Bishop of Philippi
39. Linus: Bishop of Rome
40. Caius: Bishop of Ephesus
41. Philologus: Bishop of Sinope
42. Olympus: Martyr beheaded in Rome 65 AD
43. Rhodion: Bishop of Patras; Martyr, beheaded with Olympus in 65 AD
44. Lucius: Bishop of Laodicea in Syria
45. Jason: Bishop of Tarsus
46. Sosipater: Bishop of Iconium
47. Tertius: Bishop of Iconium
48. Erastus: Bishop of Panellas
49. Quartus: Bishop of Berytus
50. Apollos: Bishop of Caesarea
51. Cephas: Bishop of Iconium
52. Sosthenes: Bishop of Colophonia
53. Tychicus: Bishop of Colophonia
54. Epaphroditus: Bishop of Andriace
    
55. Caesar: Bishop of Dyrrachium
56. Mark: Bishop of Apollonia
57. Justus: Bishop of Eleutheropolis
58. Artemas: Bishop of Lystra
59. Clement: Bishop of Sardinia
60. Onesiphorus: Bishop of Corone
61. Tychicus: Bishop of Chalcedon
62. Carpus: Bishop of Berytus in Thrace
63. Evodus: Bishop of Antioch
64. Aristarchus: Bishop of Apamea
65. John Mark: Companion to Paul and Barnabas: Bishop of Byblos
66. Zenas: Bishop of Diospolis
67. Phillemon: Bishop of Gaza
68. Aristarchus: Companion of Paul, Martyr
69. Pudens: Martyred in 54-68 AD
70. Trophimus: Martyred along with Paul