APOSTLES, FOLLOWERS, MARTYRS
By Sheila Banks
Communication Specialist
The simplest definition of a disciple is a learner or follower, while an apostle is one who is sent out. In the Bible, an apostle begins as a disciple — in the Christian faith, learning from and following Jesus — before he is sent out as an apostle. Two of the most prominent apostles were Peter and Paul.
PETER
Peter was one of the first 12 disciples, or followers, of Jesus. In Matthew 4:18-20, we read of Jesus calling Simon Peter to follow Him, and we discover that he was a fisherman by trade. Scholars believe that Peter was most likely married.
Prior to Jesus’ death and resurrection, Peter recognized Jesus as Christ, the Son of God. When Jesus asked the disciples in Matthew 16:15-16, “‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’”
Matthew 14 records the story of Peter walking on water. Peter says to Jesus, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water” (v. 28). Later in Matthew 16, Jesus foretells of His upcoming arrest and death. Peter’s response is recorded in verse 22, “And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.’” Jesus responded by saying, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me” (v. 23a).
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter cut off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest. Then, after Jesus was arrested, Peter denied that he knew Him three times.
Despite Peter’s sometimes misplaced passions, Jesus had purpose for him. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says to Peter, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
In the book of Acts, Peter is one of the main leaders and speakers, establishing the Christian church and spreading the news of Jesus. He is credited with writing 1 and 2 Peter.
Tradition holds that he died as a martyr between 64 and 67 AD.
PAUL
Paul (formerly known as Saul), was a Jewish Roman citizen and a religious leader of his day, a Pharisee (Acts 13). Paul first appears in Scripture as a witness to the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Acts 7:58b says, “And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.” Acts 8:1a continues with, “And Saul approved of his execution.”
Paul sought to silence the disciples and persecuted the Christian church.
After he encountered Jesus on his way to Damascus, Paul’s trajectory changed.
We can read of his conversion in Acts 9, where Saul encounters a bright light and a voice asking, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (v. 4). He dialogues with Jesus, follows His instructions, and becomes a follower of Christ.
Paul was a missionary, traveling to share the Gospel with the Gentiles. He worked as a tentmaker throughout his travels, as he shared about Jesus.
Approximately half of the New Testament is either written about Paul or by Paul. Thirteen of the 27 books of the New Testament are credited to Paul, and nearly half of the book of Acts shares about his conversion, travels, and ministry.
Paul’s life was difficult.
In 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, Paul shares how he suffered. On multiple occasions, he received lashes, was beaten with rods, stoned, shipwrecked, and imprisoned. Yet, he continued to spread the Gospel and encourage young churches.