Whatever Happened to the 12 Apostles of Jesus?

Whatever Happened to the Twelve Apostles? 

by Elva Schroeder

Ever wondered what happened or what the twelve disciples did after the Ascension of Jesus Christ?

I've interchangeably used the words "disciples" and "apostles."  The word "disciple" refers to a learner or follower, and “apostle” means “one who is sent out.” While Jesus was on earth, his twelve followers were called disciples. They followed Jesus, learnt from and trained by him. After Christ's resurrection and ascension, Jesus sent the disciples out to be his witnesses (Matthew 28: 18-20 and Acts 1:18). Here on, they were referred to as the twelve apostles.

The Ascension of Jesus, professed in the Nicene Creed and in the Apostles' Creed, implies the humanity of being taken into heaven. The account of Jesus ascending bodily into the clouds is given in the Holy Bible, the Acts of the Apostles, but is also briefly described in the Gospel according to Luke, considered the same author of Acts (at 24: 50-53) and in the Gospel of Mark (at 16:19).



Certainly, these twelve chosen apostles must have done something exemplary to warrant honour.  Through her informative and well-researched book, Whatever Happened to the Twelve Disciples?, author Elva Schroeder engages us to the lives of these 12 apostles.

From early church writings we can paint a reasonably accurate picture of the lives of these twelve apostles as they tirelessly preached the teachings of Jesus, and in many cases their deaths, with the exception of John, died as martyrs for the Christian faith.

About Elva Schroeder:

Elva Schroeder is an Australian Christian author. Aside from Whatever Happened to the Twelve Disciples?, her other published books include Dr. Sahib: The Story of Doctor Cecil Mead, Outback Evangelist: The Story of Ernest Kramer, and Secret Cavern, a book for children aged 8-12 years. Along with husband Jim, Elva also writes for a print publication, Challenge.  Jim and Elva were missionaries in PNG. Email:  jimelva@ozemail.com.au

Image Credit:

Book cover photo of Whatever Happened to the Twelve Disciples? by Tel Asiado