The Power of Multiplication

By Doug Franklin July 18, 2012

Have you ever wondered what happened to the Twelve Apostles?  The Bible doesn’t record the fate of the Apostles, but there is a consensus among Bible scholars based on trustworthy sources.  These earliest leaders gave their lives to impact the Church.

Peter worked in Jerusalem for some time.  He then went to Rome serving as the first Bishop.  He died on a cross hanging upside down, not feeling worthy to die like Christ.

Andrew evangelized in Greece, Ukraine and Russia.  He preached for 2 days until his death while being crucified in Greece on an X-shaped cross.

James preached in Jerusalem and Judea.  King Herod beheaded him.

John took care of Mary as her adopted son.  Later he was the bishop of Ephesus.  He died of natural causes while living in exile on the Greek island of Patmos.

Philip ministered in Turkey where he was flogged, imprisoned and crucified.

Bartholomew (Nathanael) to Armenia, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. He was tortured and crucified in India.

Thomas labored in Iraq and Iran.  While working in India, he died by a sword.

Matthew preached in Jerusalem before going to Ethiopia, eventually killed by a sword.

James, son of Alphaeus, served as the first Bishop of Jerusalem.  At age 90 he was stoned and clubbed to death in Jerusalem.

Jude (Thaddeus) preached in Iraq and Iran.  He died on a cross in Turkey.

Simon the Zealot traveled widely in Africa.  He was crucified in what is today Britain.

Matthias replaced Judas as the twelfth Apostle.  His ministry was in Jerusalem where he was stoned and beheaded.

These 12 men spread the Gospel from what is now Israel to 3 continents: Africa, Asia and Europe.  Their leadership directly impacted the Church.  Wherever they went, some accepted Christ, formed churches and then passed on the Gospel to the next generation.  Their leadership has impacted every Christian who has ever lived.

They learned how to serve and lead by watching Jesus. What are your students learning from watching you?