Whatever happened to the Apostles? Part 1

St. Matthew by Frans Hals

Have you ever wondered what happened to the Apostles after the book of Acts? For the next few weeks, we'll be looking at each of the apostles and what became of them.

*Note, I'm saying this as nicely as possible, but many of these great men died the death of a martyr, and is therefore violent content.

Matthew the Tax Collector

Matthew was born at Nazareth, the same village that Mary and Joseph were from, however his tax booth was located in Capernaum. Some say that he originally wrote his account of the Gospel in Hebrew and it was later translated into Greek by James the less. Matthew stayed in Judea for a time, sharing the good news of the Messiah, but later he traveled to Parthia and Ethiopia evangelizing and ministering to the people there. Around 60 AD in the Ethiopian city of Nadabah, Matthew was beheaded for his faith.

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Traditional Painting of St. Mark

Mark (the Disciple)

Mark was of the tribe of Levi. It is supposed that he was converted by Peter. Mark served as Peter's scribe and writing down the gospel in Greek from what Peter saw and experienced.  The Gospel of Mark is different from the others in that he portrays Christ more by what he does than by what He says. It has a vivid and direct style that leaves the impression of a familiarity with the original events.  In Alexandria around the year of 63 AD, the heathens of the city became enraged at the success of the spreading of the Gospel causing people to turn away from their pagan gods. The people attacked Mark and was "dragged to pieces...ending his life under their merciless hands."

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St. Luke by James Tissot

Luke the Physician

Luke the Evangelist traveled with Paul through various countries. Though Luke was not a firsthand witness of the life of Jesus, he had the opportunity to speak with many witnesses such as Mary (Jesus' earthly mother) and many others. Luke was a skilled writer. It is interesting to note that his account of the  Gospel  is considered to be the "highest literary quality" of all four Gospels. Luke also recorded the Acts of the Apostles from his own experience and firsthand testimonies. It is said that Luke was hanged on an olive tree by the idolatrous priests of Greece.

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Had you heard about these stories before?
Which of the Gospels is your favorite?
Leave me a comment and let me know! I'd love to hear your opinion.

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