Historical Database v2.0

Lives, Missions, and
Ultimate Martyrdom.

A comprehensive digital exhibition exploring the profound legacy of the Apostles. Validating biblical accounts through physical evidence, historical testimony, and global reach.

Explore the Roster Read the Introduction
Study and Calling

Account from Mark 3:16-19 NIV

The Calling

On a recent Sunday morning we read how Jesus called 12 young men out of his followers to preach the coming of the Kingdom of God. Their names were Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

After Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1). The 11 remaining disciples appointed a brother named Matthias to replace Judas, who had committed suicide after betraying our Lord.

The Directory

The Roster of the Twelve

A detailed breakdown of the key figures, their contributions, and their ultimate fates.

Peter

First leader of the early Church. Though Peter directly denied knowing Jesus, he embraced the grace and forgiveness of God. Paul was beheaded in Rome in 66 AD, possibly at the same time as Peter, who faced crucifixion at Rome.

John

Referred to as the disciple whom Jesus loved and author of the Book of Revelation. Every one of Jesus' followers died. 10 of them as martyrs. John died of old age.

Paul

Paul suffered for the Lord throughout his life. In addition to imprisonment and multiple threats to his life, Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11:25 that “Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea.” Paul was beheaded in Rome in 66 AD.

Bartholomew

Saint Bartholomew the Apostle is primarily remembered for his martyrdom. He was captured by pagan priests while traveling to spread the Word of Christ in distant lands and was flayed alive by them.

Matthias

Tradition says that Matthias traveled north, possibly as far as the Caspian Sea. He was martyred for his faith although the method of his death is unclear.

Thomas

The tomb of St. Thomas in Mylapore and the transfer of the mortal remains from there to Edessa confirm the tradition. It is historically correct to state that St. Thomas is the Apostle of India and Pakistan.

James

James son of Zebedee, also known as James the Greater, was one of the first apostles called by Jesus. He was the first apostle to be martyred, put to death by the sword by King Herod Agrippa.

Andrew

Brother to Peter, Andrew introduced Peter to Jesus. He preached in areas like Scythia (modern-day Russia/Ukraine) and was crucified in Patras, Greece, on an X-shaped cross, now known as St. Andrew's Cross.

Philip

Preached in Greece, Syria, and Phrygia. He was martyred in Hierapolis by being crucified upside down and stoned.

Matthew

Former tax collector and Gospel author. He spent years preaching in Judea before moving to other countries. The exact details of his martyrdom are disputed, but he likely died a martyr in Ethiopia or Parthia.

Global Reach

The Apostolic Missions

Following the command to "go and make disciples of all nations," the Apostles scattered across the known world, establishing communities from Spain to India.

The Roman Empire

Peter and Paul's journeys through Asia Minor, Greece, and ultimately Rome shaped the foundational theology of the western church.

The Eastern Front

Thomas journeyed as far as India, establishing the Saint Thomas Christian communities in Kerala that survive to this day.

North Africa & Beyond

Matthew and others pushed south into Ethiopia and Parthia, spreading the message into new cultural frontiers.

A Legacy Sealed in Blood

The willingness of the Apostles to endure torture and martyrdom rather than renounce their testimony remains one of the most compelling historical evidences for the truth of the resurrection. People may die for what they believe to be true, but they do not willingly die for what they know to be a lie.

Download Research Materials