One of the twelve disciples of Christ. apostles

one of the twelve students. Christ

Gospel traitor

The name of Maccabee, who understood the rebellion against the Syrian Seleucid dynasty

Which of the closest disciples of Jesus Christ took on a great responsibility at a decisive moment

bible character

Synonym for traitor

According to the gospel, the disciple who betrayed Jesus

Seller of Christ

Apostle - traitor

Whose kiss became a symbol of betrayal

Maccabeus or Iscariot

One of the apostles

From this male name come the surnames Yudashkin and Yudenich

This name was borne by the eldest of the sons of Jacob, who, according to the Old Testament tradition, is considered the ancestor of all Jews.

In the Bible - the fourth son of Jacob and Leah, an apostle, a traitor, a traitor

What was the name of the person who was in charge of the general expenses of the community of the disciples of Jesus Christ, carrying with him a "cash box" for alms?

Which of the apostles at the Last Supper was marked by the so-called "communion of salt", that is, Jesus personally dipped a piece of bread in salt for him?

If Yeshua is from Gamal, then who is from Kiriath?

His kiss is depicted in a painting by Giotto

Oratorio by the German composer G. Handel "... Maccabeus"

The traitor famous for his kiss

Which apostle hanged himself on an aspen tree?

Iscariot

traitor savior

Male name

Apostle, traitor, traitor

A play by the French playwright Pagnol

A poem by the 19th-century Russian poet S. Nadson

The character of the novel by M. Bulgakov "The Master and Margarita"

Who sold his conscience for 30 pieces of silver?

Apostle who betrayed Christ for 30 pieces of silver

A fitting name for a traitor

Biblical traitor

The Disciple Who Betrayed Jesus

Apostle-Christ seller

The Disciple Who Betrayed Christ

Betrayer of Christ

Received 30 pieces of silver

Traitor

Betrayed Jesus Christ

Betrayed Jesus

Also an apostle

Kissed and betrayed

From his name, the surname Yudashkin

Betrayed Christ for thirty pieces of silver

Recipient of thirty pieces of silver

Apostle who sold his conscience

One of the twelve apostles

Apostle who betrayed Christ for 30 pieces of silver

1 of 12 apostles

His kiss in a painting by Giotto

Apostle who betrayed Christ

One of Christ's Disciples

Betrayed Christ for 30 pieces of silver

Biblical. brother of Pavlik Morozov

One of the twelve disciples of Christ

Sold for 30 pieces of silver

Bible Fellow of Pavlik Morozov

Finished life under the aspen

The sold-out apostle

Vile Apostle

Who betrayed Christ for thirty pieces of silver?

. "Laureate" of thirty pieces of silver

Sneaky Apostle

Worst of all apostles

Corrupt Apostle

The traitor famous for the kiss

From his name, the surname Yudenich

Apostle rhyming with dishes

Disciple of Christ

Selling Disciple of Christ

Traitor of the Apostles

Greedy Apostle

traitor, traitor

The same Iscariot

Cursed Apostle

He betrayed Jesus Christ

Symbol of the traitor

Traitor against Christ

Betrayed Christ

Apostle the traitor

Yeshua from Gamal, and who from Kiriath?

Apostle who betrayed Jesus Christ for 30 pieces of silver

In the Bible, one of the apostles of Christ

Traitor, traitor [on behalf of the Apostle Judas, who, according to the gospel myth, betrayed Jesus Christ]

The character of the novel by M. Bulgakov

. "Laureate" of thirty pieces of silver

Iscariot

If Yeshua is from Gamal, then who is from Kiriath

Yeshua from Gamal, and who from Kiriath

What was the name of the person who was in charge of the general expenses of the community of the disciples of Jesus Christ, carrying with him a "cash box" for alms

Which apostle hanged himself on an aspen

Which of the apostles at the Last Supper was marked by the so-called "communion of salt", that is, Jesus personally dipped a piece of bread in salt to him

Who betrayed Christ for thirty pieces of silver

Who sold his conscience for 30 pieces of silver

Turned into abusive: a traitor, a traitor. Judas kiss, sly, sly hello. Judas tree, aspen. You will pass the world through Judas, but you will strangle yourself. To believe in Judas, it does not matter to pay. Than to be a Judas, it is better not to be born into the world. Our Judas eats without food! here name is only for red warehouse

Oratorio by the German composer G. Handel "... Maccabeus"

The character of the novel by M. Bulgakov "The Master and Margarita"

Betrayer of the Savior

Traitor

Renegade Apostle

Traitor Apostle

Mix of words "Audi"

Recipient of 30 pieces of silver

Suitable name for christ seller

Mix of the word "Audi"

Anagram for "Audi"

One of the most famous facts about Jesus' life is that he had a group of twelve disciples called the "Twelve Apostles". This group was made up of people whom Jesus had personally chosen to accompany on his mission to establish the Kingdom of God and bear witness to his words, deeds, and resurrection.

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St. Mark (3:13-15) writes: “Then Jesus went up the mountain, called to himself those whom he wanted, and went to him. There were twelve of them to be with him and send them to preach with the power to cast out demons. Thus, the initiative of Jesus was emphasized, and such was the function of the Twelve: to be with him and go forth to preach with the same power as Jesus. St. Matthew (10:1) and St. Luke (6:12–13) are expressed in similar tones.

How many apostles did Jesus Christ have and who are they

The twelve people described in New Testament writings appear to be a stable and well-defined group. Their names:

Andrew (considered the patron saint of Russia). He was crucified on a cross that looked like an "X". St. Andrew's Flag is the official flag of the Russian Navy.

Bartholomew. They say that after the Ascension, Bartholomew went on a missionary trip to India, where he left a copy of the Gospel of Matthew.

John. He is believed to have written one of the four gospels of the New Testament. He also wrote the Book of Revelation. Tradition states that John was the last surviving apostle, and the only apostle who died of natural causes.

Jacob Alfeev. He appears only four times in the New Testament, each time in the list of the twelve disciples.

Jacob Zavedeev. Acts 12:1–2 testifies that King Herod executed Jacob. James was probably the first person to be martyred for believing in Christ.

Judas Iscariot. Judas is famous for betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. This is the biggest mystery of the New Testament. How could a man so close to Jesus betray him? His name is often used as a synonym for betrayal or betrayal.

Judas Fadey. The Armenian Apostolic Church honors Thaddeus as its patron. In the Roman Catholic Church, he is the patron saint of desperate deeds.

Matthew or Levi. It is noteworthy that before meeting with Jesus he was a tax collector Levi. But at the same time, Mark and Luke never equate this Levi with Matthew, named one of the twelve apostles. Another Mystery of the New Testament

Peter. There is a legend that says that Peter asked to be crucified upside down before his execution, because he felt unworthy to die like Jesus.

Philip. Philip is described as a disciple from the city of Bethsaida, and the evangelists connect him with Andrew and Peter, who were from the same city. He was also among those around John the Baptist when the latter first pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God.

Simon the Zealot. The most obscure figure among the disciples of Christ. Simon's name appears in all the Synoptic Gospels and the Book of Acts whenever there is a list of apostles, but without further details.

Thomas. He is informally called unbelieving Thomas because he doubted the resurrection of Jesus.

There are slight differences in the lists appearing in other gospels and in the Acts of the Apostles. Thomas, in Luke, is called Judas, but the variation is irrelevant.

In the stories of the evangelists, the Twelve disciples accompany Jesus, participate in his mission and receive their special teaching. This does not hide the fact that often they do not understand the words of the Lord, and some leave him during the test.

In Christian theology and ecclesiology, the Twelve Apostles (also called the Twelve Disciples) were the first historical disciples of Jesus, central figures in Christianity. During the life of Jesus in the 1st century AD, they were his closest followers and became the first bearers of the gospel message of Jesus.

The word "apostle" comes from the Greek word apostolos and originally meaning messenger, messenger.

Word student sometimes used interchangeably with apostle, for example the Gospel of John makes no distinction between the two terms. Different gospel writers give different names to the same person, and the apostles mentioned in one gospel are not mentioned in others. The commissioning of the Twelve Apostles during the ministry of Jesus is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels.

Biographical information about the 12 apostles or disciples of Jesus used the texts of the New Testament, as well as the most famous legends. No one is going to conclude that the traditions speak of a historical fact. However, they give at least some information about the life of these people who turned the world upside down.

The twelve disciples were ordinary people whom God has used extraordinarily. Among them were:

• fishermen;
• tax collector;
• Rebel.

Among the twelve apostles, Peter was the undisputed leader. He was in charge and stood out as the representative of all the other students.

The fate and death of the apostles after the crucifixion of Christ

After the resurrection, Jesus sent 11 apostles (Judas Iscariot had died by that time. The Gospel of Matthew 27:5 says that Judas Iscariot threw away his silver, which he received for betraying Jesus, and then went and hanged himself) with the Great Commission to spread his teaching to all nations . This event is usually called Dispersion of the Apostles.

The whole period of early Christianity during the life of the apostles is called the Apostolic Age. In the 1st century AD, the apostles established their churches throughout the Roman Empire in the Middle East, Africa, and India.

The gospels record the constant shortcomings and doubts of these twelve people who followed Jesus Christ. But after witnessing the resurrection and ascension of Jesus into heaven, it is believed that the Holy Spirit turned his disciples into powerful men of God who turned the world upside down.

Of the twelve apostles, it is believed that all but one were tortured, only the death of Jacob, the son of Zebedee, is described in the New Testament.

But the early Christians (second half of the second century and first half of the third century) claimed that only Peter, Paul, and James the son of Zebedee were martyred. The rest of the claims about the martyrdom of the apostles are not based on historical or biblical evidence.

The word "apostle" is borrowed from the Greek language and literally means "messenger". As the scripture says, Jesus Christ was also an apostle, only God's. But tradition associates this word primarily with the twelve chosen disciples of Jesus.

Icon of 12 apostles of Jesus Christ

List of 12 apostles of Christ

What were the names of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ?

Apostles of Christ

The disciples of Christ followed him all over the world, heeding his every word. They witnessed all the miracles he performed. And most importantly, the apostles sincerely believed that Jesus was the son of God himself.

twelve apostles

At the command of Christ, they abandoned everything: their homes, their occupations, their parents, children, and wives. They followed Jesus everywhere: in countries and cities. They endured with him all the hardships of nomadic life. And it wasn't an order. They followed their Master of their own free will. Remarkably, almost all of the apostles came from poor families.

Jesus commanded his disciples to carry the good news about himself. It was the apostles who began to preach the gospel throughout the world. As the scripture says, the Lord endowed his messengers with miraculous power. And now they are in heaven. Surround God, seated on twelve thrones.

For the sake of faith, the apostles laid down their lives on the altar. You could even say that they sacrificed their lives to faith. Andrei, Peter and Jacob Alfeev were crucified on the cross. Paul and James Zebedee were beheaded. Thomas was pierced with a spear. John Zebedee died a natural death, but during his lifetime he suffered a lot of suffering: he was kept in prison, they tried to boil him in boiling oil. Even though they died, the word of God lived on in other people. And their names are still alive in Scripture.

Life of the Apostles

Apostles are the closest followers of Jesus. It was they who were the first to spread the Good News of Death and Resurrection.

1

Peter is not the native name of the apostle. Before meeting Christ, he was called Simon. He was born in Bethsaida on the northern shore of the Lake of Galilee. His father is a simple poor man. He was engaged in fishing. Peter followed in his footsteps.

He left all his affairs and followed his Master after Jesus miraculously healed his mother-in-law. Peter became one of Christ's favorite disciples. The character of the apostle is lively and quick-tempered.

After the ascension of Christ, Peter began to preach the doctrine in different countries. The miracles that he performed attracted people. After contact with him, the dead came to life. The weak and the sick were healed and stood up.

Peter was crucified on an inverted cross. The latter he wished himself, believing that he could not die like Christ.

2

Andrew is Peter's brother. For the fact that he was the first to follow Christ, he was called the First-Called. He devoted his whole life to the ministry and even refused to marry.

Andrew always and in everything followed Christ. After the crucifixion of Jesus, he became a witness of the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ. According to the scripture, Andrew was devoted to Jesus until his death.

He ended his life being crucified on an oblique cross.

3 Apostle John Zebedee

Younger brother of Jacob. His occupation is fishing. John is the author of the fourth gospel and other books of the New Testament. Why was he called the Theologian? It was him that Christ asked to take care of the Mother of God. After the crucifixion of Christ, he took Mary to him. He died of natural causes despite many attempts to kill him. John was poisoned, but miraculously he survived. The second execution for him was a cauldron of boiling oil. But even such a terrible death did not befall him. After that, convinced that the apostle could not be harmed, he was sent into exile. It was there that he lived to the end of his days.

John's death has become a legend. Feeling the imminent end, he called seven students to the field with him. They dug a grave for John, in the form of a cross, in which he lay down, being alive. The disciples covered the apostle's face and covered it with earth. After some time, when others found out about it, the grave was dug up. But no bodies were found there.

4 Apostle James Zebedee

Just like his brother, Jacob fished. The character is described as explosive and impetuous. On the pages of Scripture, he appears only after the crucifixion and ascension of Christ. He participated in the organization of the first Christian communities. They called him "The Elder" because there were two Jacobs among the disciples. Among the apostles, he was the first to be executed - he died from the royal sword in 44.

5

Philip was born in Bethsaida. Christ called him third. Jesus often turned to the apostle for advice on how to distribute a small amount of food to a large number of people. As the scripture says, after Philip participated in the distribution, people were satisfied with a small amount of food. They crucified him upside down on a cross. The disciples themselves did not want to be executed like their Teacher, believing that they were not worthy of the same death.

6 Apostle Bartholomew

Bartholomew was born in Cana of Galilee. Perhaps he was a relative or close friend of the Apostle Philip. It was Philip who brought Bartholomew to Jesus. Christ spoke of him as a man in whom there is no guile and cunning. He is one of the first disciples that Jesus called. The Gospel mentions him as Nathanael. Bartholomew died in terrible agony in Armenia - when he was still alive, his skin was cut off with a knife.

7

He was called "Didim", which means "twin" in translation. He was very similar in appearance to Christ. A tenacious and determined person. He was called "The Unbeliever" because at first Thomas did not believe in the resurrection of Jesus until he saw his wounds. In Jerusalem, Thomas the Unbeliever was locked up in prison, where he was tortured for a long time. Then, pierced by five spears, he died.

8

Author of the first gospel. Followed Christ right in the course of his work - collecting taxes. That is, he profited from his compatriots. After Jesus came to his house, Matthew repented. He gave his property to the poor. He joined the apostles only after the death of Christ. Instead of the Apostle Judas, who betrayed Jesus. Almost nothing is known about his life. Accounts of his death differ. Some sources say that he was burned alive, others that he died in peace.

9

Relative of Christ, cousin by mother. Before meeting Christ, he was a tax collector. This occupation was not considered prestigious, such people were called "collectors". Among the disciples, he was called "the Younger", so that he could be distinguished from the second Jacob. Who was almost twice his age. According to legend, he was thrown from the roof and then stoned to death.

10

According to legend, it was he who was the bridegroom at the wedding at which Jesus performed his first miracle - turning water into wine. He was quite a zealous person in relation to faith. He faithfully followed Christ. The apostle was martyred - he was sawn alive with a saw in the Caucasus.

11

A native of the province of Judea. He was treasurer among the apostles. He gave Christ for 30 pieces of silver to the high priests. His betrayal is the subject of many works of art.

12 Apostle Judas Thaddeus

Brother of Jacob Alfeev. It was he who asked Jesus at the Last Supper the question of his coming resurrection. Unlike Judas Iscariot, Thaddeus was unconditionally devoted to Christ. The character was soft and docile. According to Scripture, the apostle died in Armenia, in the second half of the 1st century, a martyr's death.

Veneration and ecclesiastical significance

About the veneration of the messengers of God is written in the Holy Scriptures. “Remember your leaders who preached to you the word of God, and considering the end of their lives, imitate their faith” (Heb. 13:7)

In today's world, they are role models. People remember their exploits and devotion to Jesus. Imitate their deeds, glorify their holiness. Holidays are held in their honor.

In addition, reverence is in the nature of admiration. They turn to relics and faces if there is a problem. They pray to them, kiss the icons and light candles. Temples and chapels are erected in their honor.

The ecclesiastical significance of the apostles is enormous. The apostles are considered the main figures in Christianity. Spreading the Word of God around the world, it was they who laid the foundation for the birth of the church.

The first century after the death of Christ is called Apostolic - since it was at this time that the apostles write the Gospels and epistles, preach Christ and found the first Churches. The apostles in Christian calendars are given days of remembrance, separate for each.

All the messengers of Christ were self-sacrificing people, unconditionally devoted to him. They were not afraid to accept death, sometimes even the most cruel and painful, for the sake of faith in Christ and in the Word of God.

Let’s start the topic of ‘’the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ’’ with the fact that in the book of Revelation it is written:

‘I, John, saw the holy city of Jerusalem, new, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. The wall of the city has twelve foundations, and on them are the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb'' (Rev. 21:2,14).

Apostle - means "sent"; however, in this passage of Scripture we see that the role of these twelve chosen ones is special, the highest of people. And in this article, we will try to figure out what meaning the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ carry in themselves, and we will penetrate the secrets of the prophetic actions [signs] that happened to these followers of our Lord.

So let's start with the story:

''And God said to Moses: Thus say to the children of Israel: The Lord, the God of your fathers, God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob sent me to you. This is my name forever, and the remembrance of me from generation to generation” (Ex. 3:15).

1. Abraham, is the father of all believers and the prototype of the Heavenly Father (Rom. 4:3,10,11.).
2. Isaac, served a type of Christ sacrificed by the Father (Gen.22:15-18. John.3:16.).
3. But Jacob [from whom twelve sons were born - the patriarchs of Israel (Acts 7:8.)], prophetically represents the Holy Spirit.

The twelve apostles of spiritual Israel were born from the Holy Spirit.

The Lord told these followers:

‘Truly, I say to you that you who have followed Me are in everlasting life, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you will also sit on twelve thrones. judge the twelve tribes of Israel'' (Mat. 19:28).

However, which twelve tribes of Israel are referred to here?

• Christ made a promise: ‘’I also have other sheep that are not of this fold, and those I must bring: and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock and one Shepherd” (John 10:16).
• And starting with the calling of the Roman Cornelius in 36 AD. (Acts 10 ch.), it should be considered that the new spiritual Israel does not consist only of Jews. The apostle Paul wrote: “All of you who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. No more Jew or Gentile; there is no slave nor free; no male or female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus. But if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise” (Gal. 3:27-29. Eph. 2:11-13,19-22.).
• Thus, what the Lord warned the carnal Israelites was fulfilled: ‘’and they shall come from the east and the west, and the north and the south, and shall lie down in the kingdom of God. And behold, there are the last who will be the first, and there are the first who will be the last” (Luke 13:29,30).

From the history of Israel's journey through the wilderness, it is narrated:

‘’And they came to Elim; there was] twelve springs of water and seventy date trees and encamped there by the waters” (Ex. 15:27).

It was also a prophetic sign. For example:

1. Israel had twelve patriarchs and the heads of the tribes of Israel. Likewise, from the time of Moses it was elected seventy elders Israel [Sanhedrin] (Num. 11:16,17.).
2. Christ sent before Him twelve apostles(Luke 9:1.); then more seventy students(Luke 10:1.).
3. When the first miracle with the loaves was performed, it remained twelve baskets of loaves(Mark 8:19.); the second, seven (Mark 8:20,21.).

So what does the sign with twelve streams and seventy date trees mean?

The Psalm of David says:

‘Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly and does not stand in the way of sinners… And he will be like a TREE planted by the FLOWING WATER which bears its fruit in its season, and whose leaf does not wither; and in everything he does he will succeed” (Ps. 1:1,3).

• Trees are shepherds of spiritual Israel (1 Peter 5:1-4. Luke 12:42-44).
• But twelve streams are the apostles of Christ.

It was through the actions and ordination of the apostles that in the first century the Holy Spirit was given - “water” (John 4:12-14. John 7:37-39.). In this sense, they were the patriarchs of spiritual Israel among the sons of the Heavenly Kingdom (Galat. 4:22-26.).

So: a place from Rev. 21:14. [''The wall of the city has twelve foundations, and on them are the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb''], confirms the importance of such an arrangement, which we have discussed in this article. Next, we will discuss how important the activities of some of the apostles of Jesus Christ were; and let's try to understand the meaning and meaning of some of the prophetic actions that took place with these "streams" of the Holy Spirit, the patriarchs of Christianity.

Apostle Peter

Before his calling, this apostle was a fisherman, and his name was Simon (Luke 5:4-10.).

According to his will (Rom.9:11; 11:6.), Almighty Yahweh chose him as the leading apostle of the twelve first disciples of Christ. And the Lord said to Simon:

‘You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it; and I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Mat. 16:18,19).

It cannot be said that this apostle was the arbiter and judge of Christianity. The apostle Paul put it well:

‘’…God works in you both to will and to act according to [His] good pleasure’’ (Phil. 2:13).

Therefore, Peter, serving as an apostle, did not act according to his personal human discretion - but was guided exclusively by the Holy Spirit from the Most High.

And what “keys of the kingdom” can we note in this connection?

Our Master said: ‘’You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.(Acts 1:8)

.

1. ‘’in Jerusalem and in all Judea’’ ... Peter's sermon on the feast of Pentecost and the establishment of the church of Christ in Jerusalem (see Acts 2:1,14,36-42.).
2. ‘’in Samaria’’ ... the establishment of the church in Samaria, and the giving of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of the hands of the apostles: Peter [and John] (Acts 8:14,15,25.).
3. ‘’and even to the ends of the earth’’ ... the calling of the pagan Cornelius and his household (Acts 11:1-18.). *** Judging by the prophecy of Daniel that “one week will establish the covenant for MANY” (Dan. 9:27.), this happened a little more than three years after the death of Christ.

The Apostle Peter was by nature ardent and emotional. Sincerely loving his Lord [having only two swords], he was not afraid to fight with the clear majority in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:51.). However, he clearly overestimated his abilities and did not understand that “every man is a liar” (Rom. 3:4.). Claiming that he would never deny Christ, he denied it three times (Luke 22:54-61. 2 Cor.13:1.). Why did it happen?

Firstly, the understanding that it was necessary to pray was closed to them. Jesus warned: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38). This meant that they loved their Teacher - but their "flesh" remained weak, doomed to unfaithfulness. ‘‘And returning, he again found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy, and they did not know what to answer him’’ (Mark 14:40).

Secondly, there is a principle about which the apostle Paul wrote: ''And so that I would not be exalted by the extravagance of revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to afflict me, so that I would not be exalted'' (2 Corinthians 12:7. Similarly: Luke 22:31,32.).

Before making Peter 'herd the sheep' of the Lord (John 21:15-17.), it is he who needs the 'corrective rod', indicating that he was made ''the stone of the church'' not for his own works, but according to the choice of grace.

Apostle Paul

• Before his apostolic calling, his name was Saul [Saul] (Acts 9:1-15.).
• Higher spiritual education made it possible to move up the career ladder of the clergy (Acts 22:3,24-29.).
• Subsequently, a high knowledge of the Scriptures and understanding by the Holy Spirit, affected the style of presentation of his messages. Places such as: Romans 9:8-33. 1 Corinthians 10:1-11. Galatians 4:22-31. , also, the book of the epistle ‘‘Hebrews’’ opens up really deep thoughts of the prophetic images of the Old Testament time.

However, it should be noted that no less interesting is the history and significance of his vocation, as well as the ministry itself. The violent persecution of Christians, and subsequently the fact that he himself became a Christian, has a deep spiritual meaning - what?

The apostle Paul wrote about himself:

“I am the least of the Apostles, and I am not worthy to be called an Apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Corinthians 15:9).

‘’Me, who was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and an offender, but was pardoned because [thus] acted out of ignorance, in unbelief. But for this reason I received mercy, so that Jesus Christ in me first would show all longsuffering, as an example to those who will believe in Him unto eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:13,16).

“For whom I have been ordained a preacher and an apostle—I speak the truth in Christ, I lie not—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and in truth” (1 Timothy 2:7).

Firstly: [like the apostle Peter] before receiving the greatest ministry of the apostles, Paul was guilty - and pardoned. And this was for the same reason as with Peter's denial: "Lest I be lifted up by the extravagance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given me, an angel of Satan, to afflict me, so that I would not be lifted up" (2 Corinthians 12:7). If Peter was convicted of infidelity, then Paul is in anger.

Secondly: note that he was from the tribe of Benjamin (Rom. 11:1.), an apostle of the GENTIANS - what is the connection in this? [*** Benjamin is the son of Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob, or Israel. He was the second after Joseph - Joseph is a prophetic image of Christ. See: Gen. 41:39-46; 48:13,14,17-20. Jer.31:6,15-18,23-25.].

The history of how, after the death of Solomon, Israel was divided into two kingdoms, shows that the kingdom of Judah consisted of two tribes: Judah and Benjamin (1 Kings 11:29-35; 12:19,20.). Benjamin was the younger brother of Judah - how is this reflected prophetically in spiritual Israel, i.e. Christianity? The apostle Paul wrote:

‘’There is neither Jew nor Gentile … for you are all one in Christ Jesus. But if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise'' (Gal. 3:28,29).

‘’For it is not the Jew who [is] outwardly, nor the circumcision which is outwardly in the flesh. But [that] Jew who is inwardly [such], and [that] circumcision [which] is in the heart, according to the spirit… ‘’ (Rom. 2:28,29).

The prophecy of the Lord from John 10:16 shows that the Gentiles, having become one kingdom with Judah, will be figurative ‘‘Benjamites’’, the younger brothers of the Jews. This is clear from the words of Paul:

''Remember, then, that you who were once Gentiles according to the flesh, who were called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcised by the carnal [circumcision] performed by hands, that you were at that time without Christ, alienated from the society of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, had no hope, and were godless in the world. And now, in Christ Jesus, you who were once far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who made both one and destroyed the barrier that stood in the middle. ... you are no longer strangers and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God'' (Eph. 2:11-14,19).

So: the fact that the Apostle Paul from the tribe of Benjamin was an apostle of the spiritual ‘’Benjamites’’-pagans was not an accident.

‘’But for this reason I received mercy, so that Jesus Christ in me first showed all longsuffering, as an example to those who will believe in Him to eternal life’’(1 Tim. 1:16) - what does this mean?

We will find the key to the answer here: ‘

'you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy people, a people taken as an inheritance, in order to proclaim the perfections of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; once not a people, but now the people of God; [once] unpardoned, but now pardoned. ... and lead a virtuous life among the pagans, so that for what they revile you as villains, seeing your good deeds, glorify God on the day of visitation. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we might follow in His footsteps.(1 Peter 2:9,10,12,21).

Also, the prophet Isaiah, in the 19th chapter (Isaiah.19:1,2,16-25.) indicates that just like the apostle Paul himself [but ignorantly] - so the spiritual pagans [unbelievers] will persecute the followers of Christ . But those who acted this way out of their own misunderstanding, the Almighty will have mercy on them, and they will repent. We can also see this thought in the prophecy from the book of Revelation: ‘’…the rest were seized with fear and gave glory to the God of heaven’’(Rev. 11:3,7,8,13. Compare: Luke 23:47,48.).

But that's not all... The Lord said: ‘’First of all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute [you], delivering you into synagogues and prisons, and they will lead you before kings and rulers for my name’s sake; this will be for you as a witness.(Luke 21:12,13). Even though these words refer mostly to the sign of the coming of Christ and the end of the days of the ungodly world—typically [as a prophetic sign of the last days], it happened the same way with the apostle Paul.

During Paul's journey to Jerusalem, one of the prophets stated this: "He took Paul's belt and, having tied his hands and feet, said: thus saith the Holy Spirit: the man whose belt this is will be bound in Jerusalem by the Jews and delivered into the hands of the Gentiles. '' (Acts 21:11). To which the apostle replied: ‘’I not only want to be a prisoner, but I am ready to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus’’(Acts 21:13).

This was not the reckless heroism of the martyr; by the Holy Spirit he understood his destiny as a preacher of the Heavenly Kingdom (Acts 20:22-24.). Taking advantage of the fact that he was a Roman citizen (Acts 22:25-29.), Apostle Paul was able to testify first in Jerusalem (Acts 22:30; 23:1,11.), Then in Caesarea and Rome (Acts 25 :23; 26:1,21-23,32.).

It is also interesting to note that during a trip to Rome, the ship on which the apostle Paul sailed fell into a storm - and this also has a symbolic meaning.

We offer you some passages of Scripture on this topic for independent reflection: (Mark 4:23-25.). Luke 21:25. Acts 27:13-15,20. Dan.11:40,41,45. Psalm 123:1-8. Luke 8:22-25; 18:1-8.

Apostle John

The Apostle John, brother of James [of the sons of Zebedee], was probably the youngest of the apostles. They were also called ‘’Voanerges’’ - i.e. ‘’Sons of Thunder’’ (Mark. 3:17.); the reason for this most likely was impetuous temperament. Until Pentecost 33 AD they were closed understanding of the essence of the coming of Christ to earth. And when the Samaritans did not accept their Master, they turned to Him

: ''God! Would you like us to say that fire comes down from heaven and consumes them, as Elijah did?’’ (Luke 9:54).

Also, the mentality of the Israelis [as well as other peoples] encouraged to have a prominent position in society - so they were not alien to vanity.

‘’Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee and her sons approached him [Jesus], bowing down and asking something of him. He said to her: what do you want? She says to him: Tell these two my sons to sit with you, one on your right hand and the other on your left in your kingdom. When [the others] heard [this, the other] ten [disciples] were indignant with the two brothers” (Mat. 20:20-28).

Nevertheless, by the call of the Lord [like his brother, James], John was almost always present at the most important events. For example:

1) Resurrection of the daughter of Jairus - Mark 5:22,23,37.

2) Vision of the glory of Christ on the holy mountain - Luke 9:27-31. 2 Peter 1:16-18.

3) Evidence of suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane - Mark 14:32-34. 1 Peter 5:1. In addition to the fact that the apostle John was most likely the most beloved disciple of the Lord [and the guardian of His mother – John 19:26,27], he also had a special calling…

John himself narrates about it this way: ‘’…when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you, and lead you where you do not want to. He said this, making it clear by what death [Peter] would glorify God. And having said this, he said to him, Follow me. Peter, turning, sees the disciple, whom Jesus loved and who, at the supper, bowed to His breast, and said: Lord! who will betray you? Seeing him, Peter says to Jesus: Lord! what is he? Jesus says to him: If I want him to remain until I come, what is it to you? you follow me. And this word passed among the brethren, that the disciple would not die. But Jesus did not tell him that he would not die, but: if I want him to remain until I come, what is it to you?'' (John 21:18-23).

What is the meaning of the words, "If I want him [John] to remain until I come"?

If we read such scriptures about the sign of the coming of Christ, as: Luke 21:5-24. Matt.24:1-8,15-18. Mark 13:1-16. , we can notice that the Lord spoke of two periods of time. And the first part of the prophecies points to the destruction of Jerusalem as the main representation of the kingdom of Judah - Luke 23:28-30.

This ''coming'' in the first century was in absentia, conditional. It was a prophetic model showing how, at the end of the wicked world, Babylon the Great, an adulterous Christianity that had departed from its Lord, would be destroyed.

Why can it be understood in this way? The apostle Paul wrote:

“But about times and dates, there is no need to write to you, brethren, for you yourselves know for certain that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. For when they say, "Peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them, just as childbirth [comes upon] a woman with child, and they will not escape" (1 Thess. 5:1-3).

As a type, this situation occurred in the time of the prophet Jeremiah. It was written in his prophecies:

‘Now I am giving all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, My servant, and even the beasts of the field I am giving to his service. And if any people and kingdom do not want to serve him, Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, and do not bow their necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, I will punish this people with a sword, famine and pestilence, says the Lord, until I destroy them by his hand '' ( Jer. 27:6,8).

However, the Jews refused to surrender into the hands of this king. And the false prophets prophesied to Jerusalem: ‘’The Lord said: peace will be with you… trouble will not come upon you’(Jer. 23:17. Eze. 13:9-11.). As a result, almost all the inhabitants of Jerusalem during the time of King Zedekiah were destroyed (see the book Lamentations of Jeremiah).

The same situation happened to Jerusalem in the first century (see: Ps.2:1-12.). Greater Nebuchadnezzar - ‘‘Golden Head’’ (Dan. 2:37,38.), i.e. Jesus Christ said: ‘Do you think that those eighteen men on whom the tower of Siloam fell and killed them were more guilty than all those living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.(Luke 13:4,5) - what did that mean?

In the gospel we read: ‘’When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand; then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains; and whoever is in the city, get out of it; and whoever is in the vicinity, do not enter it, for these are the days of vengeance, may all that is written be fulfilled.(Luke 21:20-22). At that time, it was important to heed the preaching of Christ's followers about repentance and salvation. However, most of the inhabitants of Jerusalem in 70 AD. refused to leave the city or surrender. That year, more than a million Jews were exterminated in this city; the city itself was destroyed.

The same will happen with the harlot from the book of Revelation: ‘’… For she says in her heart: “I sit as a queen, I am not a widow and I will not see sorrow!” Therefore, in one day, executions, death, and weeping, and famine will come upon her, and she will be burned with fire, because the Lord God who judges her is mighty.(Rev. 18:7(b), 8). I.e. when she will speak ‘’peace and security’’– destruction will suddenly come upon her (1 Thessalonians 5:3).

So: what did the words from John 21:22,23 mean. about the coming of Christ?

The Apostle Peter told the Jewish people: ‘‘be saved from this perverted generation’’(Acts 2:40). However, he did not live to see the events that took place in the second half of the sixties, when it was necessary to flee from Jerusalem. He was probably executed by the Romans shortly before these events. But John was the only apostle who survived the time of this conditional coming - the last days of Judea. He was a typical representative of those Christians about whom the apostle Paul wrote:

‘I tell you a secret: we will not all die, but we will all change. Suddenly, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

The last ruler who will rule in the wicked world will reach extraordinary power - Dan.8:23-25. Due to the fact that the devil himself will give him such opportunities - with his cruelty and sophistication, he will bring many disasters to Christianity (Dan.7:25,26. Jer.30:7.). However, the true church of Christ on earth will not be completely destroyed, and some will remain alive.

Judas Iscariot. The essence of betrayal

Of the twelve chosen apostles (Mark 3:13-19.), most likely, Judas Iscariot was the only representative of the Jewish tribe - the rest were Galileans (Acts 2:7. Matt. 4:14-23.). The betrayal of the Jew - Judas, was a significant feature that reflected the attitude of the vast majority of Jews towards Christ: ‘’He came to his own, and his own did not receive him’’ (John 1:11. Matt. 23:33-38.).

‘He who puts his hand with Me in the dish, this one will betray Me; However, the Son of Man comes as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed: it would have been better for this man if he had not been born” (Mat. 26:23,24).

So where can we read that, ‘ 'as it is written about Him''? Let's go back to history...

After sinning [forefather of Christ], David, it was said:

‘’The sword will not depart from your house forever… Thus says the Lord: Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your house… ‘’ (2 Sam. 12:9-11.).

The sin was twofold: fornication and murder. And this was subsequently reflected in the actions of his sons: Amnon and Absalom, who committed the same sins. But the expression: ‘’the sword will not depart from your house FOREVER’’, indirectly shows that ‘’Son of David’’, Christ, will have to take upon Himself the atonement for the sins of the whole house [city] of David. The prophet Isaiah wrote about this:

• ‘How the faithful city, full of justice, has become a harlot! Truth dwelt in her, and now there are murderers' (Isaiah 1:21).
• ‘Listen, house of David! ... So the Lord Himself will give you a sign: behold, a virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they will call his name: Immanuel '' (Is. 7:13,14.
• Also, see: 2 Kings 7:12,14. Isaiah 53:4-6.).

In the time of David, the prototype of Judas Iscariot was Ahithophel, the closest adviser to the king (2 Kings 16:23; 17:1-4,23.). Later, about Ahithophel, David wrote:

‘’for it is not the enemy who reviles me, that I would endure; it is not my hater who magnifies himself over me - I would hide from him. But you, who were for me the same as I, my friend and my close one, with whom we shared sincere conversations and went together to the house of God '' (Ps.54:13-15).

However, this was only a prophetic image for the future, and in fact, indicated the betrayal of the ‘closest friend’, i.e. Judas Iscariot. And for a clear example, it is worth comparing these two Scriptures: Psalm 40:5,10-13. + John 13:18. From the fortieth Psalm we see that David, describing his suffering, points not only to his closest adviser, but it is also a prophecy pointing to the betrayal of the ''Son of David'' - Judas Iscariot [also, see: Acts 2:25 -31.].

What can we personally learn from the story of Judas?

The Apostle John tells:

‘Jesus answered: the one to whom I, having dipped a piece of bread, will give it. And, having dipped a piece, he gave it to Judas Simonov Iscariot. And after this piece, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to him, What you are doing, do it quickly” (John 13:26,27).

That the devil entered and forced Judas to betray his Master does not show that Iscariot was a puppet victim. Despite the fact that the Son of Man [walked] as it is written about Him, the reason for the betrayal of Judas was that he was a wicked and a thief (John 12:4-6. Psalm. 109:7,17.). The apostle Paul wrote:

‘’in a large house there are vessels not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and earthenware; and some in honorable, and others in low use. Therefore, whoever is clean from these things will be a vessel of honor, sanctified and acceptable to the Master, fit for every good work” (2 Tim. 2:20,21).

Judah was that unclean ''vessel'' that was used for ''low use''. In Hebrews, the apostle Paul explains:

‘’try to have peace with everyone and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Lest there be [between you] any fornicator, or wicked one, who, like Esau, for one meal would give up his birthright. For you know that after that, desiring to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; could not change [his father's] thoughts, although he asked for it with tears” (Heb. 12:14,16,17).

This was exactly the situation with Iscariot, ‘’who had no holiness’’. Having renounced his ‘’birthright’’ because of wicked gain – but later repenting of his betrayal, he already brought upon himself an inevitable curse, which David wrote about in the 108th Psalm.

But Judas was not only a collective image of the apostate Jews of the time of Christ - it is also a lesson for us, and an image for the time of a sign of the second coming of the Lord.

In the letter of the Apostle Peter, we read a warning:

‘There were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will introduce pernicious heresies and, denying the Lord who redeemed them, will bring swift destruction upon themselves. And many will follow their wickedness, and through them the way of truth will be reviled. And out of covetousness they will deceive you with flattering words; Judgment has long been ready for them, and their destruction does not sleep. ... They will receive retribution for iniquity, for they place pleasure in everyday luxury; shameful and defiling, they delight in their deceptions, feasting with you. Their eyes are filled with lust and incessant sin; they deceive unasserted souls; their heart is accustomed to covetousness: these are the sons of damnation. Leaving the straight path, they got lost, following in the footsteps of Balaam, the son of Bosorah, who loved the reward of the unrighteous” (2 Pet. 2:1-3, 13-15).

Upon careful and detailed study of this passage of Scripture, we see that it speaks of apostates from the holy covenant, false Christs and false prophets. These ‘‘sons of the evil one’’, at the end of the time of the wicked world, will betray their fellow Christians for their own gain. About that time, and retribution for these crimes, we can read in the book of the prophet Obadiah. Also, this is evidenced by these Scriptures: Dan.8:23-25. Dan.11:30-32.39. Matt.24:10-12,23,24. Rev. 13:11-13; 19:20. Matt.7:15,16,22,23,26,27.

We will not describe in detail the events of recent days, as you can find information about this in other articles. The essence of the theme of Judas, point out the importance of sincerity and purity; in the end, it will affect everyone living on earth.

''For we all must appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, so that each one may receive [according to what] what he did while living in the body, good or bad'' (2 Corinthians 5:10. / Rev. 20:7-9. 2 Thess. 2:10-12.).

And then [if someone did not keep himself in spiritual purity], as in the case of the Apostle Jude, all our secrets will someday be revealed.