Why I Dug Up the Apostles’ Death Stories
Got curious after rereading Matthew 27 last week – that bit where Judas throws silver coins in the temple then hangs himself. Realized I knew squat about how the other eleven kicked the bucket. Figured if I’m gonna understand betrayal consequences, needed the full picture.
My Research Process Step-by-Step
Started with Bible cross-references. Acts mentions James getting sword-chopped by Herod, but zilch on others. Hit my seminary pal Dave for early church history books – got told most death accounts come from Eusebius and other 2nd-century writers.
Dove into dusty volumes at the theology library:
- Peter’s crucifixion – found conflicting accounts. One book said Nero ordered him upside-down, another claimed it was circus games execution.
- Andrew’s X-cross – three sources agreed he preached for two days while nailed up. Gruesome stuff.
- Thomas in India – got speared near Chennai according to local Christian lore, but zero Roman records back this up.
Biggest headache? Judas’ death contradictions. Matthew says he hanged himself, Acts claims he fell and burst open. Dave joked: “Maybe he hanged himself over a cliff and the rope snapped.” Made me snort coffee through my nose.
Putting It All Together
Compiled my notes into a spreadsheet. Color-coded martyrdom methods:
- Red for beheadings (James, Paul)
- Purple for crucifixions (Peter, Andrew, Philip)
- Yellow for stabbings (Bartholomew skinned alive then stabbed)
Realized only John supposedly died naturally after surviving boiling oil – though that account smells fishy to me. Prob just early church propaganda.
What Surprised Me
How much violence gets glossed over in Sunday school. These guys mostly died screaming in agony. James’ executioner reportedly converted mid-swing after seeing his courage. Also mind-blowing: multiple sources claim Matthew got axed while praying at Ethiopia’s altar.
The real kicker? Judas’ death actually parallels several others’ – betrayal guilt leading to suicide shows up in accounts of Pilate and Herod too. Might explore that psychological angle later.
Finished by organizing all my messy notes into a clean timeline poster. Hung it beside my desk – freaks out my Bible study group every Tuesday night. Job done.
