The Twelve Apostles of Jesus: Their Journeys and Final Fates

The twelve apostles, the chosen followers of Jesus Christ, went throughout the ancient world preaching, spreading Christianity far and wide.

Peter’s missionary work in Rome, Thomas’ voyage to India, James the Greater’s preaching throughout northern Spain, and so many more were crucial to the rapid spread of Christianity, and the impacts of the apostles’ actions could still be felt today. Their travels and martyrdom were unprecedented for the ancient world, making believers out of the thousands they preached to.

Where the Apostles went and how they died

The chosen twelve messengers of Christ went far and wide to spread his teachings. While Judas Iscariot’s betrayal and suicide dropped their numbers to eleven, the apostle Matthias was chosen by the original group to replace the infamous traitor.

Peter

Considered by the Catholic Church to be the first pope, Simon Peter cemented Christianity’s foundations in Rome. After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter helped establish the church in Jerusalem, leading the new followers, spreading the gospel to Jews, and was present for the Pentecost. Once the bedrock was firmly established in Jerusalem, he went to Samaria, Antioch, and Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).

Finally, Peter settled down in Rome, where he was responsible for spreading the word in the heart of the empire along with the apostle Paul. This is where he would be martyred as well during emperor Nero’s persecution of Christians throughout the empire for the fires of Rome.

Peter was arrested as part of Nero’s hunt, and out of humility, he asked to be crucified upside down because he felt he was not worthy to be crucified like Christ was. His crucifixion was believed to have happened on Vatican Hill, where St. Peter’s Basilica stands today.

Andrew

Simon Peter’s brother Andrew was one of Christ’s first followers and John the Baptist’s disciple. He is known as the first disciple to be called by Jesus and played a significant role in spreading the gospel in the East. He preached throughout modern-day Russia, Greece, and Asia Minor.

His work in Greece earned him the title of “Apostle to the Greeks” because of his missionary work in Hellenistic areas and his multiple miracles, which played a significant role in converting the region’s people. He would be martyred in Patras after being arrested by Roman governor Aegeas for refusing to stop his work and renounce his faith. He was crucified on an x-shaped cross as he too felt unworthy to be crucified like Jesus.

James the Greater

The first of the apostles to be martyred, James is known as the one who preached the gospel in Spain. Following the resurrection of Christ, he helped Peter and the others establish Christianity in Jerusalem. Following his work with his fellow Jews, James traveled to Spain where he would spread the teachings of Jesus to the people in the North. He would go through the regions of Galicia and Aragón on his mission.

James later returned to Jerusalem in 44 AD. He was arrested by Herod Agripas I for his outspoken faith and refusal to renounce it. The Book of Acts recorded that he was beheaded shortly thereafter. His martyrdom is the only one of the apostles documented in the New Testament. His remains were said to have been taken to what is now Santiago de Compostela, Spain, where a massive Cathedral stands above his burial site in his honor.

The pilgrimage to the Cathedral is now one of the most famous in the world, known as the Camino de Santiago, or St. James’ Way. Thousands travel from regions all over the world to reach the Cathedral.

John

John is known primarily for his contribution to the New Testament through his gospel, three epistles, and the prophetic book of Revelation. He was the younger brother of James the Greater and is known as the beloved for his close friendship with Jesus Christ. John started his work helping establish Christianity in Jerusalem alongside his older brother and Peter.

Then he lived in Asia Minor for a long time, becoming a leader of the newly born church in Ephesus. Unlike his fellow disciples, he was the only one to die of natural causes, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying. He was exiled to the Greek island of Patmos after the Romans allegedly attempted to boil him in oil.

John remained there from 81 to 96 AD during the reign of Emperor Domitian, where he had the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. Shortly after he returned to Ephesus, dying of old age there around 100 AD.

James the Lesser

James, son of Alphaus was one of the original twelve and is known for having gone to Egypt, Syria, and Palestine. His title of “Lesser” has nothing to do with his standing among the apostles, but it is rumored to have to do with his younger age. Also known as James the Just, his character could be seen in his epistle in the New Testament, where he talks about faith and morality.

According to tradition, James was martyred in Jerusalem around 62 AD. He was condemned by the high priest Ananus II, stoned, and clubbed to death. His death marks one of the first significant cases of martyrdom for the Christian faith.

Matthew

The author of the self-titled gospel in the New Testament, Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector who became a disciple. His missionary work spread the good news through Persia and Parthia (modern-day Iran), Judea and Palestine, and, according to Christian tradition, Ethiopia. He began preaching throughout Judea before heading to Persia and Parthia.

Not much is known of his death other than the fact he died a martyr. According to legend, he was martyred in Ethiopia after converting many to Christianity, including the royals, and performing miracles. In this version of events, he was stabbed or speared while celebrating the mass.

Phillip

Phillip was one of the first to be called by Jesus along with Andrew, and it is thought that he was a disciple of John the Baptist because he witnessed Jesus’ baptism. He was known for his inquisitive nature and for bringing Nathanael to Christ in the Gospel of John. Phillip preached throughout Samaria, Asia Minor, Greece, and Syria. He is particularly infamous for having performed many miracles and exorcisms.

Phillip met his end in Hierapolis in modern-day Turkey. After converting the wife of a prominent official, he was crucified upside down or hung with iron hooks, depending on which account one goes by. Archaeologists found his alleged tomb in Hierapolis, further connecting him to Turkey.

Bartholemew (Nathanael)

“Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” said Jesus according to the Gospel of John 1:47.

Bartholomew went to India, Armenia, Mesopotamia, Persia, and Arabia in his missionary voyage. In India, he was rumored to preach the Gospel of Matthew. He converted the royal family and thousands more in Armenia. His work led Armenia to be one of the first Christian nations in the world and planted the seed of the Christian faith in many nations. Nathanael was brutally martyred in Armenia, being flayed alive before being beheaded and crucified.

Thomas  

Infamously known as the disciple who doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he saw him appear and touched the wounds on his hands, Thomas would spread the gospel in India, Parthia, Persia, and, according to tradition, China. “Doubting Thomas” and his story are important to Christians, as he preached the faith further than most of his brothers despite his faith wavering.

He was ultimately martyred in Mylapore (modern-day Chennai) in India around 72 AD. He was speared while praying on a hill.

Thaddeus (Jude)

The apostle Thaddeus, also known as Jude or Judas (not Iscariot), is best known for having authored the epistle of Jude. He performed many miracles across Mesopotamia, Judea, Samaria, Armenia, and Persia in his missionary work following Jesus’ resurrection. His persistent preaching and miracles led to the conversion of many wherever he went.

There are mixed stories about his death, other than the fact that he died a martyr. He was killed around the year 65 AD in either Persia or Syria. According to traditions, he was either beaten to death with a club, crucified, or killed with arrows.

Simon the Zealot

Biblical accounts refer to him as Simon the Canaanean or Simon the Zealot to distinguish him from Simon Peter. He was rumored to have been part of the group known as the Zealots who sought to overthrow Rome. But his zeal was directed to preaching the good news after meeting Jesus.

Simon preached throughout Mesopotamia, Judea, Samaria, North Africa, Egypt, and, according to tradition, Britain. While not much is known about his martyrdom, rumor has it he was sawn in half in Persia.

Matthias

Judas Iscariot’s replacement was known for his great faith and commitment to spreading the gospel. He was a missionary in Judea, Pontus in Asia Minor, Ethiopia, and Armenia after being chosen due to witnessing Jesus’ life and teachings. There are few records attesting to the way he died. But tradition has it that he was stoned or crucified either in Judea or Cappadocia.