Battle Axe Series: Early Apostles (Part 3)

We are concluding the treatise on Yeshua’s early Apostles in this edition. The compilation focuses on the missionary activities of Simon the Zealot; Thaddaeus or Judas, son of James; James, son of Alphaeus and Mathias who replaced Judas Iscariot.

Simon the Zealot

According to church history, Simon received his call to the apostleship along with Andrew and Peter, sons of Zebedee, Thaddaeus and Judas Iscariot at the Sea of Tiberius. Following the persecution that broke out against believers in Jerusalem, mostof the apostles and disciples fled to other areas, preaching the gospel on the go. Simon in particular ministered in Africa, Britain, Egypt, Cyrene, Martania, Persia and Libya. He is said to have preached and wrought many miracles and after infinite troubles and difficulties which he underwent, suffered martyrdom for the faith of Christ. He was reportedly crucified by infidels in Persia and buried among them.   

Thaddaeus or Judas, son of James

Thaddaeus became known as Jude after early translators of the New Testament from Greek into English sought to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot. Tradition holds that he preached the Gospel in Judea, Samaria, Syria, Mesopootamia and Libya. He is also said to have visited Beirut and Edessa. Church history asserts that he suffered martyrdom in Beirut about 65 AD. The axe that he is often shown holding in pictures symbolizes the way in which he was killed.

James, son of Alphaeus

James was known as the ‘less’ or younger apparently to distinguish him from James, the brother of John. He was a native of Capernaum, a city on the northwestern shores of the Sea of Galilee. According to church history, he was stoned to death by the Jews while preaching the Gospel in Jerusalem.

Mathias

Mathias replaced Judas Iscariot after he betrayed Yeshua and later committed suicide. Church history records that Mathias preached the Gospel in Damascus, Judea and Jerusalem. He was eventually killed by the Jews in Jerusalem.

       What is intriguing about the lives of these great men of God is the fact that they were totally sold out to Him. They did not count their lives dear, nor were they willing to compromise their faith at any cost. Their resoluteness and commitment to the cause of Yeshua makes me wonder about the state of the church in our generation. Now, Christianity is being presented to the world as a means of reaching our goals in life. It is self-centred and ego boosting. The so-called men of God in our midst flaunt their ill-gotten wealth (ill-gotten because the make merchandise of men!). They woo people to their camps with the promise of helping them to prosper. They take Scriptures out of context to justify their false narratives.

       It is saddening to see how millions of people have accepted this false Gospel and are enabling it with their resources. Are you not perturbed that you are buying eternity in hell with your money? Stop patronising these charlatans and seek God for yourself. The Bible is written in simple English (or whatever other translations) for a reason. God does not want you to be deceived that is why He sent the Holy Spirit down to earth to be your teacher. Learn to trust in God’s providence to see you through everything that comes your way. Remember that the cloud of glory is cheering you on. Don’t make any man your God, including your pastor or ‘general overseer’.