King's Men

Matthew 10:1-4

Kings Men!

Matthew 10:1-4, And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. 2 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; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. Matthew introduced to us Jesus is the promised King. He pointed the credentials of the King so far.

Now Matthew is showing us the kings’ men who will take on the role of the kings messenger job. Matthew 10 is the record of their initial sending to assist in warning men of the inevitable harvest of judgment.

From verse 5 until the end of this chapter we have the most marvellous instruction about discipleship. 1. Commencement,

3. Identity. Upon what is your faith in Jesus Christ based?

• His miracles?
• His teachings?
• His resurrection from the dead?

Our faith is based upon the words of the apostles of Jesus Christ. Apart from their gospels and letters, we know virtually nothing about Him. They are the ones who tell us about His life, miracles, and resurrection. Jesus acknowledged that our faith in Him would depend upon their word.

Jesus made this High Priestly prayer.

John 17:20, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;

The Lord expected us to believe in Him through their word.

Who are these men upon which our faith is based? What does the Bible and history tell us about them?

Are they credible witnesses that we should believe? What is their role in the church of our Lord? Here we find the names of the twelve apostles. Matthew lists their names as they were sent on "The Limited Commission" While Mark and Luke records their names when they were actually appointed as apostles.

Mark 3:13-19

Luke 6:13-16. I wish to focus our attention on "The Twelve Apostles", upon whom our faith is based, for whom we should be so grateful. Imaginary conversation between Jesus after His resurrection in heaven with Michael!

The Identity Four of them were fishermen. One of them was a tax collector. One of them was a money grubber who turned out to be a

traitor. We do not know the occupations of the rest of them, but they were commoners.

First Four

1. Simon, who is called Peter. Introduced to Jesus by his brother, Andrew.

John 1:40-41, One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). Given the name Cephas (Peter) by Jesus.

John 1:42, And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone). A fisherman, called to follow Jesus along with Andrew

Matthew 4:18-20, And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him. Known for being impulsive.

When Jesus walked on the sea.

Matthew 14:25-29, Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

When Jesus foretold His death and resurrection.

Matthew 16:21-23, From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”

When Jesus foretold of some who would stumble.

Matthew 26:31-35, Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be]made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to

stumble.”34 Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples.

When Jesus was arrested in the garden.

John 18:10-11, Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” Known for his failures. Doubting when walking to Jesus on the sea.

Matthew 14:30-31, But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Denying the Lord three times.

Matthew 26:69-75, Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” 71 And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of

Nazareth.” 72 But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” 73 And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” 74 Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.

Leading himself and others into hypocrisy.

Galatians 2:11-13, Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.

But eventually living up to meaning of his given name (a rock) Restored by Jesus after His resurrection.

John 21:15-19, So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to

Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.”

Directing the selection to replace Judas Iscariot.

Acts 1:15-26 Preaching the first gospel sermon on the day of Pentecost.

Acts 2:14-41, Instrumental in the church at Jerusalem during its early years. Acts 3-6,

Galatians 1:18,

Galatians 2:1-10,

The first to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles. Acts 10-11; 15:6-11

2. Andrew, brother of Simon. A disciple of John the Baptist, he was one of Jesus'first disciples. John 1:35-40, Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). 40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.

He led his brother Simon (Peter) to Jesus.

John 1:41-42, A fisherman, called to follow Jesus along with Simon.

Matthew 4:18-20, And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him He introduced some Greeks to Jesus.

John 12:20-22, Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. 3. James the son of Zebedee. Brother of John.

Matthew 10:2 A fisherman, called to follow Jesus along with John.

Matthew 4:21-22, Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. Perhaps because of fiery temperament

Luke 9:52-54, and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. 53 But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. 54 And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?”

he and his brother were called "Sons of Thunder"by Jesus.

Mark 3:17, James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”; While seeking glory, they were promised suffering.

Mark 10:35-40, Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” 36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37 They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” 39 They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 40 but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.” Indeed, James was the first of the apostles to be killed.

Acts 12:1-2, Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. 2 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 4. John, brother of James. Called along with his brother, James.

Matthew 4:21-22, Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, 22 and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him. Along with brother and father, they were partners with Peter.

Luke 5:10, and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men. Like his brother, he appeared quick to judge others.

Luke 9:49,54, 49 Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.” 54 And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?”

But he became "the beloved disciple whom Jesus loved". Who sat next to Jesus during the Last Supper.

John 13:23, Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. Who was given charge to care for Jesus'mother.

John 19:26-27, When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. Who was among the first to see the empty tomb.

John 20:2-8, Who recognized Jesus following the resurrection.

John 21:7, Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. Who made a veiled reference to himself as the author of the Gospel of John.

John 21:20-24, Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” 23 Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to

you?” 24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. Of these four, Peter, James and John became "the inner circle" of Jesus'disciples. These three were present when

• Jesus raised Jairus'daughter (Mark 5:37),
• witnessed the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1), and
• were summoned by Christ for support during His agony in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-37). 5. Philip.

Second Four Called by Jesus, the day after He met Peter and Andrew.

John 1:43, The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” From Bethsaida, home of Peter and Andrew.

John 1:44, Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. He led Nathaniel to Jesus.

John 1:45-46, Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also

the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” He with Andrew brought the inquiring Greeks to Jesus.

John 12:21-22, Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. He was the one who asked Jesus, "Show us the Father"

John 14:8-9, Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the

Father’? 6. Bartholomew He is traditionally considered to be Nathanael because he is connected to Philip in the lists of the apostles in the Gospels.

Matthew 10:2-4,

Mark 3:16-19,

Luke 6:14-16, If so, then he was introduced to Jesus by Philip.

John 1:45-46, Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come And was praised by Jesus as having no guile.

John 1:47-51, Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” He lived in Cana and saw Jesus after the resurrection.

John 21:1-14, 7. Thomas. He was also called The Twin (Didymus)

John 20:24, Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. At one point he was willing to die for Jesus.

John 11:16, Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” After the resurrection, he required empirical evidence before he would believe that Jesus was alive.

John 20:24-25, Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” A week later, such evidence was provided.

John 20:26-28, And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

8. Matthew the tax collector. Also known as Levi.

Matthew 9:9, As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.

Mark 2:14,

Luke 5:27, Called the son of Alphaeus, leading some to think he was related to James the son of Alphaeus.

Mark 2:14, As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.

Mark 10:3, Called to follow Jesus from his tax office, and later gave a feast at his home in honour of Jesus.

Matthew 9:9-13, Third Four 9. James the son of Alphaeus. He may be "James the Less", son of Mary (who witnessed Jesus'death, sought to prepare Him for burial, and found the tomb empty)

Mark 15:40, There were also women looking on from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joses, and Salome,

Mark 16:1, Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. Other than in the lists of apostles, he is not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture 10. Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus. Evidently the same as "Judas, not Iscariot"(John 14:22) and "Judas, brother of James"

Luke 6:16, Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor.

Acts 1:13, He is not mentioned elsewhere in Scripture

11. Simon the Cananite (Cananaean)

Also called "the Zealot"

Luke 6:15, Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot;

Acts 1:13, And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. As such he had been a member of a radical party seeking to destroy Roman rule.

12. Matthias, who replaced Judas Iscariot the

betrayer. Judas, of course, would later betray Jesus and hang himself.

Matthew 26:14-16,47-50; 27:3-10 In his place, Matthias was chosen.

Acts 1:15-26, And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, 16 “Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; He had evidently been with Jesus from His baptism until His ascension.

Acts 1:21-22, “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

What an amazing and diverse collection of men upon which to trust the continuation of His mission! Men with personal failings, from opposite ends of the political spectrum. Yet Jesus took this band of men, worked with them for three years, and through them turned the world upside down!

Impact

1. Witness to the Resurrection. Jesus had shown Himself alive through various proofs.

Acts 1:1-3, The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which [a]He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

Jesus commissioned them to testify concerning Him.

Acts 1:8, But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Peter explained that the apostles were to be witnesses for the resurrection.

Acts 1:21-22, “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” Thus they testified again and again.

Acts 2:32; 3:15; 4:33; 5:30-32; 10:39-41; 13:29-31

The apostles served the important role of providing historical and legal proof that Jesus arose from the dead, so that our faith in Him might rest on a solid basis! 2. Doctrine of the Apostles. Jesus did not reveal all during His earthly ministry.

John 16:12, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

The Holy Spirit would reveal all the truth, working through the apostles.

John 16:13-14, However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

John 14:25-26, “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Divine revelation.

Ephesians 3:5, which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His

holy apostles and prophets

Thus, the apostles'doctrine became the authority for the church, as commissioned by Jesus.

Matthew 28:20, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Acts 2:42, And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

This doctrine they preserved in their writings.

2 Peter 3:1-2, Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), 2 that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Saviour, Through His apostles, Jesus continues to instruct His church as we continue steadfastly in their teachings! 3. Foundation of the Church.

The church is built upon the foundation of the apostles, with Christ as the cornerstone.

Ephesians 2:19-22, Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in

whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Their eyewitness testimony is the basis of our faith. Their teaching is basis of our doctrine and practice. Their names are even depicted as written on the foundation for the New Jerusalem, which is the Lamb's bride (the church)

Revelation 21:9-10,14, [To such a small and simple group of men Jesus entrusted the future of His church! Was His trust well-founded? Well, consider what we know from Scripture and tradition concerning...] 4. Building the Church.

Ephesians 4:11-12, And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

Conclusion.

The Dedication of the Apostles. The Great Commission. They were commanded to make disciples of all the nations.

Matthew 28:19, Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

We read of the early work of the apostles in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria in the book of Acts. We can also read Peter's letters to those throughout Asia Minor (Turkey). Peter is thought to have travelled to Rome, and possibly Babylon.

1 Peter 5:13, She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son. Andrew is said to have preached in Bithynia, Scythia, Greece, and among the Parthians. James the brother of John is said to have preached in India and Spain before he was beheaded by Herod. John, brother of James, spent time in Patmos, later in Ephesus, and is thought by some to have established the churches of Smyrna, Pergamos, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, and Thyatira.

Philip ministered in Phrygia. Bartholomew is said to have taken the gospel of Matthew to India Thomas is also thought to have travelled to India. Matthew is said to have preached 15 years in Palestine, and then went to Ethiopia, Macedonia, Syria, Persia, Parthia, and Medea.

James the son of Alphaeus - little is known of any work outside Jerusalem. Thaddaeus is said to preached in Syria and Edessa. Simon the Zealot is said to have preached the gospel in Mauritania, Africa, and even in Britain Matthias is thought to have gone to Damascus Martin Luther and his praying friend story.

While much of the above is not known for sure, it does seem to coincide with Paul's statements concerning the spread of the gospel.

Romans 10:14-18, How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a

preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.”

Colossians 1:23, if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. Gave their life to the Lord.

The apostles suffered much for the Lord As He warned them - John 15:18-20 As Paul described in 1 Corinthians 4:9-13 But they did more than suffer discomfort, in most cases they gave their lives Peter - crucified upside down in Rome Andrew - imprisoned in Greece, then crucified on a cross, the two ends of which were fixed transversely in the ground (from which came the term, St. Andrew's Cross) James - beheaded by Herod - Acts 12:1-2

John - the only apostle thought to avoid a violent death Philip - scourged, thrown into prison, and afterwards crucified Bartholomew - said to have been placed into a sack and thrown into the sea, some say he was crucified.

Thomas - thrust through with a spear in India Matthew - said by some to have died a natural death, by others that he died in Ethiopia, being slain with a halberd (pike fitted with an axhead) in the city of Nadabah. James the son of Alphaeus - stoned by the Jews for preaching Christ Thaddaeus - unknown Simon the Zealot - suffered martyrdom under Trajan; some think crucified in Britain Matthias - said to have been stoned and then beheaded Do we appreciate the significance of the "supreme sacrifice"

these men made? Their willingness to suffer and die strengthens the credibility of their testimony!

What is that testimony? Jesus died for our sins and rose from the grave! They were not motivated by money or power.

They were compelled by events they could never deny having seen and heard! Through "The Twelve Apostles", we see the power of faith in Christ, transforming...

• Judgmental disciples into apostles of love (e.g., John)
• Political enemies into beloved brethren! (e.g., Matthew and Simon, the Zealot)
• Cowards who denied Jesus into confessors who died for Him (e.g., Peter) providing...

In "The Twelve Apostles", we have the basis for faith in Christ, The foundation of our faith in Christ through their testimony The foundation of our belief and practice through their writings May we who are "built on the foundation of the apostles"

(Ephesians 2:20). Never forget these 12 humble disciples who faithfully answered the call of their Lord. May their example inspire us to greater faithfulness in our service to Christ!