The Twelve

Matthew 10:2-4
“Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”

These twelve ordinary men were chosen, empowered, and sent by Jesus into the world with the simple message of salvation. As a result, their lives have transformed the world.

John Foxe records the plight of many of them:

Phillip labored in Asia and was scourged, thrown into prison, and crucified.
Matthew served the Lord in North Africa and was speared to death.

Andrew served in Asia and was crucified.

Peter’s ministry, to some degree, is recorded in the book of Acts. He is said to have been crucified upside down.

Bartholomew spread the Gospel through India, and was beaten and crucified.

Thomas preached in India and was speared to death.

Simon the zealot is thought to have taken the Gospel to Britain, where he was crucified.

John lived to be an aged man. He faced great persecution, but is thought to have died a natural death.

Their brief time on planet earth forever changed the course of human history. D.L. Moody said, “the world is yet to see what God can do through a life completely surrendered to Him.” Oh, that we would follow the example of the twelve, and live lives committed to Christ.

Pastor Jim

Questions for Chapter 10

Note that the word “disciple” means, “a learner and follower”
Before Jesus sends out the 12, what does He give them?
In vs. 7 they were to declare that the kingdom of God is at hand. What does the term “at hand” mean?
Why do you think they were sent with so little?
In verse 20, what promise is given to those who are facing persecution?
The promise of persecution is not one that we look forward to being fulfilled in our lives. According to Jesus, why do we face persecution?
What application can you make to your life from verse 32-33?
How do the words of Jesus in verse 39 effect you today?

Old Testament:
Genesis 19- You’re Kidding
Genesis 20- Turning Around