*HOW DID THE APOSTLES DIE?*

Many wonder how the 12 apostles died, but The New Testament tells of the fate of only two of the apostles -- Judas Iscariot and James the son of Zebedee. Read how each of the apostles spread out to minister and evangelize and how many of the apostles died for their faith.

Reports and legends abound and they are not always reliable, but it is safe to say that the apostles went far and wide as heralds of the message of the risen Christ so all could hear about Jesus. They suffered greatly for their faith and in most cases met violent deaths on account of their bold witness.

*1.    James* the son of Zebedee. 

The Bible records that Herod executed this James by beheading about 44 AD (Acts 12:2). 

*2.    Peter*

Was martyred in Rome about 66 AD, during the persecution under Emperor Nero. He was crucified, upside down at his request, since he did not feel he was worthy to die in the same manner as his Lord.

*3.    Andrew*

Went to the "land of the man-eaters," in what is now the Soviet Union. Christians there claim him as the first to bring the gospel to their land. He also preached in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey, and in Greece, where he is said to have been tortured and crucified on an x-shaped cross.

*4.    Thomas*

Was probably most active in the area east of Syria. Tradition has him preaching as far east as India, where the ancient Marthoma Christians revere him as their founder. They claim that he died there when pierced through with the spears of four soldiers.

*5.    Philip*

Had a powerful ministry in Carthage in North Africa and then in Asia Minor, where he converted the wife of a Roman proconsul. In retaliation the proconsul had Philip arrested and cruelly put to death.

*6.    Matthew*

The tax collector and writer of a Gospel ministered in Persia and then Ethiopia, where tradition has it that he was stabbed to death.

*7.    Bartholomew*

Had widespread missionary travels attributed to him by tradition: to India with Thomas, back to Armenia, and also to Ethiopia and Southern Arabia. He was martyred in Armenia where he was flayed to death by a whip.

*8.    James* the son of Alpheus 

One of at least three James referred to in the New Testament. There is some confusion as to which is which, but this James is reckoned to have ministered in Syria. The Jewish historian Josephus reported that he was stoned and then clubbed to death.

*9.    Simon the Zealot*

Tradition has it that he ministered in Persia and was killed after refusing to sacrifice to the sun god.

*10.   Jude* 

Tradition has it that he martyred in Syria when he refused to deny his faith in Christ after a powerful deliverance ministry.

*11.    John*

The only one of the apostles generally thought to have died a natural death from old age. He was the leader of the church in the Ephesus area and is known to have taken care of Mary the mother of Jesus in his home. During Domitian's persecution in the middle '90s, he was exiled to the island of Patmos. There he is credited with writing the last book of the New Testament--the Revelation. An early Latin tradition has him escaping unhurt after being cast into boiling oil at Rome.

*12.    Matthais*

The apostle chosen to replace Judas who betrayed Jesus and then went out and hanged himself (Acts 1:16-26). According to tradition Matthias went on mission to Syria where he suffered martyrdom by burning. (Some tradition add that he was tortured and beheaded).

 *13.   Paul* 

Was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero at Rome in A.D. 67. 

Paul endured a lengthy imprisonment, which allowed him to write his many epistles to the churches he had formed throughout the Roman Empire. 

These letters, which taught many of the foundational Doctrines of Christianity, form a large portion of the New Testament. 

Perhaps this is a reminder to us that our sufferings here are indeed minor compared to the intense persecution and cold cruelty faced by the Apostles and Disciples during their times for the sake of the Faith. 

 

*_And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved._* (Matt 10:22)

*10 BAD HABITS CHRISTIANS MUST WATCH AND AVOID IN CHURCH FOR THEIR OWN GOOD*

1. â–  Constant lateness to church services and meetings. It proves that your love for God and the things of the Kingdom has grown cold. Wake up before it is too late.

2.â–  Refusing to sit where the ushers direct you to sit, it's a sign of pride. Stop it.

3. ■ Always running out to pick calls with your phone ringing out so loud. Switch off or mute your phone as soon you get to church.🏃🏿‍♀📞

2. ■ Receiving calls repeatedly during every church services. It shows where your heart, your values and priorities are. Stop it.📞

5. ■ Chewing gum or sleeping in church during sermon. Remember the church is neither a cinema hall nor a hotel. Please show reverence to your maker.🛌🏻🤦🏿‍♀

6. ■ Sitting down during prayer or praise/worship session without any medical or health reasons. This makes you look very odd and unspiritual. Stop it.🧘🏿‍♂

7. ■ Always looking at the church clock or your wrist watch during church hours insinuating that church should close. Please stop it.⌚🕰

8. ■ Chatting and playing games on your phone during church service. It shows you are not spiritual. Please stop it.🎲🎨🎮

9. ■ Always leaving the church before closure for no particular appointment, making others who choose to stay till the end of service feel they don't know what to do with their time. Stop it.🚶‍♀🚶🏿

10. ■ Gathering outside the church with other members to gossip or discuss football and politics whilst worship service is going on. Stop it.🤼‍♂

Wake up people of God. 

The King of Kings is coming soon. 

God bless you for sharing with others.

*WHICH ONE ARE YOU GUILTY OF*? 😊😊😊