Jesus' Disciples - What Happened to Them?

The enigmatic disappearance of Jesus' Twelve (12) Disciples [from the New Testament] has been an ongoing mystery for many centuries and only a variety of ancient traditions is left for mankind to ponder upon. Little can be gleaned from the New Testament, but a few sources [such as Hippolytus and Eusebius of Rome] offer a peek into the fates of the 12 Apostles.

The New Testament only mentions the death of two disciples: Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:1-5) and James [son of Zebedee] (Acts 12:1-2). The details of what happened to the other ten disciples are based upon the writings of the early Christian historians.

The Apostolic Lists of the Twelve Disciples:

Matthew 10:2-4

"Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The 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 publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him." 

Mark 3:14-19

"And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: And Simon he surnamed Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: "

Luke 6:13-16

"And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas [Thaddeaus] the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor."

Acts 1:12-13

"Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [Thaddeaus] the brother of James." (Note: Judas Iscariot was dead and therefore not numbered among the Disciples in Luke's writing of the Acts.)

The Fates of the Disciples:

Andrew – Tradition teaches that Andrew was martyred in Greece. One account says he led the wife of a Roman governor to believe in Jesus. As a result, Andrew was killed. Some think he was crucified and continued to share the message of Jesus until the very end. For more information, visit Andrew and John, Disciples of John the Baptist

Bartholomew - also known as Nathanael, was flayed (skinned) alive and then beheaded according to the ancients. He spread the gospel of Jesus in India and Armenia (present day Armenia, eastern Turkey, northern Iraq, north western Iran). Some believe that present day Baku on the Caspian Sea may have been the location of his martyrdom. For more information, visit Bartholomew the Apostle

James, son of Alphaeus - also known as James the Lesser, was supposedly stoned to death and buried beside the temple in Jerusalem. Traditional legend claims that James was thrown down by the Pharisees, stoned and his brains dashed out with a fuller's club. For more information, visit James the Lesser

James, son of Zebedee - also known as James the Greater and the brother of John, was executed by Herod Agippa I shortly before the Passover around c/44 AD. (Acts 12:1-2) James' ministry was taught throughout Jerusalem and Judea. Some legends attribute his evangelistic endeavours led him to Spain, as well. For more information, visit James the Greater

John - was the brother of James and the son of Zebedee and one of the only disciples to experience a natural death around a conjectured date of c/100 AD. His teachings of Jesus took him throughout Jerusalem, Ephesus (present day Turkey) and most of Asia Minor. John was banished to the Isle of Patmos (a present day Greek island in the Aegean Sea) by either Emperor Nero [of Rome] or Domitian [of Patmos] and it was there that the Book of Revelation was revealed to him. For more information, visit John of Patmos

Judas Iscariot - According to Matthew 27:3-10 and Acts 1:18-19 [briefly described by Luke], Judas Iscariot killed himself not long after the betrayal of Jesus [to the Jewish authorities]. Some stories claim he hung himself and other tales state that he fell down a precipice in the valley of Hinnom, near Jerusalem and was dashed into pieces. The thirty pieces of silver (used in the betrayal) that was given to Judas was used to purchase a Potter's Field (burial ground) for foreigners and it was named the "Field of Blood" (even unto the present day). for more information, visit Judias Iscariot

Matthew - also known as Levi, preached the gospel in Judea and possibly Ethiopia and Persia. While not alot of information is available concerning Matthew, according to Eusebius he referenced Bishop Papias of Hierapolis (c/110 AD) as bearing witness to Matthew's authorship of his gospel. Hippolytus places his missionary work as being in Persia, Parthia and the general location of the Medes and was martyred at Parthia [near present day Tehran]. For more information, visit Matthew the Tax Collector

Philip - was instrumental in spreading the gospel of Jesus in Phrygia (located in present day Turkey). It is unclear how he actually died, but some sources say it was by stoning and others claim he was crucified [with his head down]. Either way his martyrdom took place at Heliopolis. For more information, visit Tomb of the Apostle Philip is found in Hierapolis.

Simon - who was later known as Peter, had a ministry that endured for over 30 years (according to tradition). Legend has it that he was martyred at Rome between 64-67 AD by crucifixion. All accounts of his death are agreed upon that Simon Peter [at his own request] was crucified with his head downward as he did not feel worthy to be put to death in the same manner as Jesus. Later traditions claim that St. Peter's in Rome was built over his grave. For more information, visit Simon Peter the Apostle

Simon the Zealot - also known as Simon the Canaanite, supposedly took his ministry north and preached in the British Isles (although this has not been proven). Not much is known about him other than he became the second Bishop of Jerusalem. Most believe that he was martyred too. For more information, visit Simon the Zealot

Thaddaeus - also known as Jude/Judas [who is also called Lebbaeus] preached to the people throughout Mesopotamia. Later he ministered in Assyria (present day eastern Iraq) and Persia (present day Iran) and his ministry joined forces with Simon the Zealot. It is believed that both disciples were killed at Berytus (present day Kara Kalisa in Iran) and buried there. For more information, visit Jude the Apostle

Thomas - Hippolytus records that Thomas [Didymus] was an active missionary and he met his fate in India by being speared to death. According to some, his gospel was spread throughout Parthia (present day Iraq and Iran) while other traditions link him with southern India as well. All traditions agree that he was killed by a lance or spear. For more information, visit The Doubting Thomas



Map - Traditional Locations Where the Disciples Preached and Died

Many readers of the New Testament find themselves wondering what happened to Jesus' Twelve Disciples, yet it remains a mystery unto this day. Speculation about the outcome and demise of these men may throw some light on the subject, but does not prove the ancient traditions of probability.

Such traditions also apply to the Apostle Paul [Saul of Taurus] who was converted to Christianity (after Jesus' resurrection) and preached the gospel [as far as Italy and Spain] for over 35 years during the time of Roman Emperor Nero and was said to have been beheaded in Rome and buried there. Matthias, who replaced Judas Iscariot, was later numbered along with the eleven remaining disciples. He was said to have preached in Jerusalem and was buried there. It is unknown how Matthias died.

Following the ascension of Jesus into heaven, His disciples went out and had tremendous impact on the world! They took the gospel of Jesus to far-off places and also left us the legacy of the New Testament. They used the training Jesus gave them to impact and encourage Christians in their faith. Yet, the question remains ... What really happened to them?   

Ramadan: Holiest of Islamic Months

Origin of Ramadan

Many believe the word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word "ramad", which means scorching. During pre-Islamic times, Ramadan was observed in Arabia as a month when the various tribes observed a truce from any existing hostilities. However, it wasn't until after the prophethood of Muhammad that Ramadan became associated with religious monotheism and perhaps is a reference to the idea that fasting will "scorch" away human sins. Such a belief has been observed [and practiced] ever since. Ramadan, as the name of the month, is of Islamic origin. Prior to Islam and the exclusion of intercalary days from the Islamic calendar, the name of the month was Natiq, which fell during the warm season.   This pre-Islamic period became commonly referred to as the Period of Ignorance.

However, when the Creator fulfilled His Covenant with Abraham to make Prophets of his lineage by choosing Muhammad, -- who was of the lineage of Ishmael (brother of Isaac) -- the period of Arabia's ignorance of the monotheism of the Children of Israel came to an end. Futhermore, Allah (God) proclaimed to Muhammad that fasting for His Sake was not a new innovation in monotheism, but rather an obligation practiced by those truly devoted to The Oneness of God. One such example of those whom observed fasting before Islam were the Jews who had migrated to Medinah awaiting the foretold Unlettered Prophet. This may or may not be referring to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur. It is possible that the obligation to fast during Ramadan comes from early injunction to fast on Ashura, the 10th day of the month of Muharram, which may have once been identical with the Jewish observance of the Day of Atonement. Whether or not fasting on that day was obligatory, today it's still not uncommon for Muslims to fast that day voluntarily.

In the Quran

2:185 - "Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed. Guidance for humanity, and clear portents of guidance, and the Criterion. Whoever of you witnesses the month, shall fast it. But whoever is sick, or on a journey, then a number of other days. Allah desires ease for you, and does not desire hardship for you, that you may complete the number, and celebrate Allah for having guided you, so that you may be thankful."

Thus, via the Quran, Muslims are informed that Muhammad first received revelations in the lunar month of Ramadan. Therefore, the month of Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred month of the lunar Islamic calendar, the recording of which began with the Hijra.

Beginning of Ramadan

Hilāl (the crescent) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan. However, to many Muslims, this is not in accordance with authenticated Hadiths stating that visual confirmation per region is recommended. The consistent variations of a day have existed since the time of Muhammad.

A crescent moon seen over palm trees at sunset marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Ramadan in Bahrain.

Fasting During Ramadan

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual intercourse among spouses is allowed after one has ended the daily fast. During fasting, intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, and resistance of all temptations is encouraged. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul and free it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity. While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood, many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Fasting is not necessary for women going through menstrual bleeding. Also, those traveling are exempt, but must make up the days they miss. Each day before dawn, a pre-fast meal called Suhoor is eaten. This meal is mentioned by the Sunnah, a sacred Muslim text. The meal typically consists of breakfast fare such as eggs and salads; little or no salt is used in preparation to avoid thirst during the upcoming fast.

End of Ramadan

The Muslim holiday of Eid ul-Fitr ("festivity of breaking the fast") marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month called Shawwal in Arabic. This first day of the following month is declared after another crescent new moon has been sighted or the completion of 30 days of fasting if no visual sighting is possible due to weather conditions. This first day of Shawwal is called Eid ul-Fitr. Eid Ul-Fitr may also be a reference towards the festive nature of having endured the month of fasting successfully and returning to the more natural disposition (fitra) of being able to eat, drink and resume intimacy with spouses during the day. For the manner in which the Eid is celebrated, see Eid ul-Fitr and Salat al Eid.

Ramadan in the Old City of Jerusalem

Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar,  lasts 29 or 30 days according to the visual sightings of the crescent moon according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in hadiths and basically is observed as one of the most holy of holidays in the Islamic religion.

Happy Independence Day, America!

On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation.  Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83).



In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the  Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence , a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. The Constitution provides the legal and governmental framework for the United States, however, the Declaration, with its eloquent assertion "all Men are created equal," is equally beloved by the American people. Philadelphians marked the first anniversary of American independence with a spontaneous celebration, which is described in a letter by John Adams to Abigail Adams. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

For more information, please visit the following website:

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/jul04.html



WISHING ALL A GREAT AND BLESSED 4TH OF JULY

Ten Lost Tribes of Israel

The Ten Lost Tribes of Israel refers to the ancient Israelites that formed the Kingdom of Israel and eventually 'disappeared' from Biblical and Talmudic history after the kingdom was destroyed by ancient Assyria around 720 BC. In order to better understand the story of the Lost Tribes, one must start at the beginning.

The Beginning

In approximately 1550 BC, Moses led an exodus of the Hebrews (later to become known as Israelites) from the land of Egypt and their oppressed captivity of 400 years (Genesis 15:13; Acts 7:6).  The Hebrews were descendants of Jacob's sons (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Joseph and Benjamin). Towards the end of the Exodus, Moses sent twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan (Numbers 13:1-16), including Joshua who was Moses' faithful apprentice.  

  Moses and the Messengers from Canaan, by Giovanni Lanfranco

After the death of Moses, Joshua led the Israelite tribes in the conquest of Canaan and thusly allocated the land to the tribes. The 12 tribes consisted of Reuben, Simeon, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Benjamin and the two sons of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh). The tribe of Levi became the Priesthood and intermingled with all tribes. The 12 tribes of Israel remained one united kingdom until sometime during the late Bronze Age (c/930 BC). 

The Dispersion

When the Northern tribes rejected Solomon's son, Rehoboam, as their king in the United Monarchy after the death of King Solomon, they separated themselves from the Southern tribes and made Jeroboam their king and kept the title "Kingdom of Israel". The Southern tribes became known as the "Kingdom of Judah". The ten Northern tribes consisted of Reuben, possibly Simeon (a small portion given), Issachar, Zebulun, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Ephraim and Manasseh. The Southern tribes remained loyal to Rehoboam and consisted of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. In addition, some of the members of the tribe of Levi, who had no land allocation, stayed in the Northern kingdom; however, the members of the Priesthood [of Levi's tribe] remained in the Southern kingdom, thusly continuing Levi's heritage of intermingling with both kingdoms. Some scholars believe that the tribe of Simeon was alotted a small portion of land in the Kingdom of Judah, as well, and did not receive their own land due to their deceit and cruelty at Shechem (Genesis 49:5-7; Joshua 13:33).



The Lost Tribes

As soon as Jeroboam became king of Israel (Northern Kingdom), he introduced idol-worship to the nation and rejected the holy days commanded by God. Pagan living became common with the former House of David. This wicked practice continued for many generations in spite of God pleading with the kingdom through his prophets [such as Isaiah and Ezekiel].  Dynasties changed rapidly, instability reigned in the land and entire families of previous rulers were murdered so that no royal line remained. This became the norm for the kingdom of Israel. When the Israelites refused to succumb to the warning of their Creator, a promise to "root up Israel out of this good land and be scattered over the face of the Earth" was made. (1 Kings 14:15). The warning was ignored. In c/732 BC the Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser III, invaded Damascus and Israel and annexed the territory of the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh in Gilead; he also captured the territory of Naphtali and the city of Janoah in Ephraim.  This resulted in their captivity. Israel continued to exist within a reduced territory as an independent kingdom subject to Assyria until about 720 BC when the remaining settlements were invaded and the remainder of the tribes were deported into captivity. The promise of the Israelite God was kept and the population of Israel (Northern Kingdom) was exiled as prophesied by Isaiah.    

The Conclusion

There are many theories revolving around the mysterious disappearance of the Ten Lost Tribes. Some traditions claim the ancient kingdom of Israel continues their hidden existence in our modern society and will one day make a public return.

Ezekiel 37:22 states - "And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more."

Other sources believe the tribes lost their identity [for eternity], but did not wholly disappear. This theory is based upon the deported communities being mentioned as still existing at the time of the composition of the books of Kings and Chronicles in the Tanakh/Old Testament.   

Mishnah in Sanhedrin (110b) states: "The Ten Tribes will not return as it says (Nitzovim 29:8) And he threw them to a different land like this day." According to the words of Rabbi Akivah, "Just as a day passes and will never return, they too will be exiled never to return."

 

While there is a vast amount of literature on the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel - a subject based upon written religious tradition and partially upon speculation - there is no specific source that can be relied upon for a complete answer.