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What became of the Twelve Apostles? Have you ever wondered what became of the Apostles after the first century. All the Bible tells us of them is written in the New Testament. But no New Testament writings, that were considered canonical, were written after the first century. But Christian writers of the first, second and third centuries wrote numerous books about the apostles ministry and fate. Since these works are not inspired, like the New Testament is, there is some times no way of discerning fact from myth. But below is a brief summary of what most Christian historians believe was the continuing work of the apostles until their deaths, gleaned from the aforementioned texts. Please remember that what is written is not necessarily true, but it may well be. Most of the material presented here comes from the book by William Steuwart McBirnie, "The Search for the Twelve Apostles”, Tyndale House Publishers, 1986.   Peter , also known as Simon or Cephas wa...

The Jewish Sects during the time of Christ

The Jewish Sects during the time of Christ I.            Pharisees A.       The Early History of the Pharisees 1.      According to Josephus the Pharisees emerged as a recognizable sect about 160 BC during the time of Jonathan, the brother and successor of Judas Maccabees. 2.      The name means “separatists,” - those who carefully kept themselves from any legal contamination, distinguishing themselves by their care in such matters from the common people, who of course had fewer scruples. 3.      Their chief aim was to preserve the Jews and their heritage from the corrupting influences of the Greek’s and then the Romans. B.       Their Influence and Popularity 1.      They exercised a great influence over the people for almost three centuries and did more than any other party to determine ...