John, son of Zebedee
Identity and Calling
- Son of Zebedee
• Brother of James
• Fisherman
• Member of Jesus’ inner circle
• Known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”
After the Resurrection
- Preached in Jerusalem alongside Peter
• Later ministered in Asia Minor, especially Ephesus
• Exiled to Patmos during persecution (Revelation 1:9)
• Returned to Ephesus and continued pastoral oversight
• Lived to old age
Death
- Early sources (Irenaeus, Polycrates, Eusebius) agree he died naturally
• Tertullian’s account of attempted execution by boiling oil is likely legendary
• No reliable evidence of martyrdom
• McDowell emphasizes persecution without execution
Apologetic Significance
- Eyewitness from beginning to end of the apostolic era
• Lived long enough to combat false teaching
• Demonstrates that not all apostles were killed, weakening claims of invented martyrdom legends
Writings
- Traditionally author of the Gospel of John, 1–3 John, and Revelation
Philip
Identity and Calling
- From Bethsaida
• Personally called by Jesus (John 1:43)
• Known for honest and thoughtful questions
After the Resurrection
- Remained with the apostles
• Later ministered in Phrygia, especially Hierapolis
Death and Martyrdom
- Martyred in Hierapolis
• Crucified (some traditions say upside down)
• Early sources include Eusebius and Polycrates
• Archaeological discoveries support early Christian presence
• McDowell rates the martyrdom as plausible to probable
Apologetic Significance
- Faithful service outside the spotlight
• Willing to die for his testimony
Bartholomew (Nathanael)
Identity and Calling
- Also known as Nathanael
• From Cana
• Introduced to Jesus by Philip (John 1:45–51)
After the Resurrection
- Missionary activity in Armenia, Persia, possibly India
Death and Martyrdom
- Tradition reports he was flayed alive and beheaded
• Sources are late and inconsistent
• McDowell rates martyrdom as less certain
• Missionary activity considered plausible
Apologetic Significance
- Endured hardship in hostile regions for the Gospel
https://orthodoxwiki.org/Apostle_John
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle
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