The Life and Legacy of the Gospel Writers

The authors of the Gospels, often referred to as the apostles, played a crucial role in the early days of the Christian faith. Understanding what happened to them after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ provides insights into the resilience and dedication of these early Christian leaders.

Key Events Shaping the Apostles' Lives After the Resurrection

Four critical events significantly impacted the apostles and gospel writers after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ:

Command to Make Disciples

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave the apostles the command to make disciples of all nations, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The apostles cherished the final words of Jesus, which promised them divine authority and support to fulfill this task.

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

On the Day of Pentecost, the apostles and many followers of Jesus experienced a life-changing event as the Holy Spirit came upon them, empowering them to be witnesses of Jesus Christ, as foretold in Acts 1:8:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

With the power of the Holy Spirit, the apostles could boldly proclaim the gospel and spread the message of Jesus Christ worldwide.

Religious and Civil Persecution

The apostles faced persecution and opposition from Jewish leaders for preaching that Jesus was the Son of God and the Messiah. The first recorded instance of such opposition is found in Acts 4:13-22:

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. ‘What are we going to do with these men? Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them not to speak any longer in this name.’ After further threats they let them go. … But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.’”

The apostles faced severe persecution, which led them to spread the gospel to various regions, including Samaria and Rome.

The Collapse of the Temple and the Nation

In 70 CE, the Roman General Titus captured Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple. This event marked a significant turning point, which may have compelled many apostles to flee Jerusalem, as noted in Acts 12:1-44:

“King Herod Agrippa I had killed James, the brother of John, with the sword. When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. (This was during the Festival of Unleavened Bread.) Then when he had arrested him, he put him in prison and handed him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. But Peter was kept in prison, but the church was fervently praying to God for him…”

Following the death of King Herod Agrippa, the apostles likely dispersed to various regions to continue spreading the message of Jesus Christ.

Impact on the Apostles' Lives

The key point is not how or where the apostles died but how they lived their lives on earth. The apostles gave their lives for what they believed, as seen in the accounts of their willingness to face persecution and even death:

Peter, a prominent apostle, is believed to have been crucified in Rome. James, the brother of John, was executed by King Herod Agrippa. John, who was exiled to the island of Patmos, continued his ministry from that location.

The apostles did not retire in comfort and ease, using their knowledge of Jesus to line their own pockets. Instead, they remained committed to spreading the gospel and making disciples for Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

How a Christian lives their life on earth is more significant than how they die. The apostles exemplified this principle through their dedication to spreading the message of Jesus Christ, even in the face of severe opposition and persecution.