The Delight of God

 

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. [30] And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. (Genesis 1:27–31 ESV).

 

Having come to the end of our exploration of the Apostles, I decided to look at the “good” of God. Our reading today is taken from the end of the Creation story as God surveys His handiwork and pronounces it as “very good” (v. 30). The Hebrew word is טוֹב (pronounced “tove”). It is used throughout the Old Testament and means beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, fair (word), (be in) favor, fine, glad, good, graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, loving, merry, most, pleasant, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well-favored), and delight. It could be translated that God saw His creation and was “delighted by its goodness.”

 

Knowing the rest of the story we might scoff at this reaction. There is very little “good” or delightful in the world we know in its now fallen state. Yet, we so often forget that is not what it first was; and we fail to understand that, even now, God is working His purpose and will through Jesus to finally return us to that creation (cf. Revelation 21:1-4).

 

Recently I listened to a podcast by John Piper that reminded me of this truth. I struck me as an important and often overlooked truth. In the podcast, John Piper said:

 

“Human beings are created for joy in God, for admiring God, for being amazed at God, for standing in awe of God, and wondering at God.”

 

I think we become so bent toward doing things that might somehow impress God, or at least satisfy God, that we fail to recognize that He needs nothing from us, but desires us to simply be “good”… delighted in Him.

 

Listen to the prophet Zephaniah: “The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 ESV).

 

Read that again and shout the word “he”… it is the Great God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth who stands in our midst. He is rejoicing over us with delight! He is quietening the storm that rages around us by His love! He is singing praise and exaltation over us with loud singing! All of this because of who He is, not what we do or don’t do. Ponder that and think of the incredible gift Jesus is in making us God’s children!

 

The Last Apostle, One as Untimely Born - Paul

 

For I [Paul] delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1 Corinthians 15:3–10 ESV).

 

The Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is widely regarded as the most influential figure in the history of Christianity after Jesus Christ. Born a devout Jew and a Roman citizen in Cilicia (modern-day Turkey), he initially worked as a zealous Pharisee who actively persecuted early followers of Jesus. His life took a radical turn during a dramatic encounter with the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus. Following this pivotal event, he transformed into the premier "Apostle to the Gentiles," dedicating the rest of his life to spreading the gospel across the Roman Empire.

 

It is worth noting the stages in his life. Born around 5 AD in Tarsus, he inherited prestigious Roman citizenship. He later moved to Jerusalem to study Jewish law under the highly respected rabbi Gamaliel. There he was a witness to the martyrdom of Stephen and ultimately became one of the most feared individuals in the early church. Armed with authority to arrest Christians, Saul was struck blind by a brilliant heavenly light while traveling to Damascus. Jesus spoke to him directly, a moment that completely redefined his purpose and identity. It was through that experiences that he launched three major missionary campaigns through Asia Minor, Greece, and Macedonia. He successfully established numerous local churches and argued that non-Jewish converts did not need to follow traditional Mosaic laws. He set the tone of inclusivity for the church. However, since his teachings caused civil unrest, Roman authorities arrested Paul in Jerusalem. He spent his final years under house arrest in Rome before being executed, traditionally by beheading under Emperor Nero around 64–67 AD.

 

Paul shaped Christian doctrine more than any other early church leader. Out of the 27 books in the New Testament, 13 epistles (letters) are traditionally attributed to him. These theological texts—including Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians—laid the groundwork for core Christian tenets such as salvation by faith through grace rather than by keeping strict religious laws. His writings represent some of the earliest surviving Christian literature ever recorded.

 

Of all the many things we may learn from Paul, it is that grace is never late, but always on time! His life serves as a testimony to what God can do in the life of anyone placing their faith in Him!

 

 

The Replacement of Judas Iscariot - Matthias

 

In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For it is written in the Book of Psalms, “‘May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “‘Let another take his office.’” So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:15–26 ESV).

 

When Jesus began his public ministry, he chose twelve disciples to follow him for three years (cf. Luke 6:12-16). However, when Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus and thereafter killed himself (cf. Matthew 27:1-10), the disciples needed to find a twelfth man to replace Judas. They’d narrowed down the candidates to two people: Joseph (also known as Justus) and a man named Matthias. Both of these men had followed Jesus during his public ministry – since John the Baptist baptized Jesus and witnessed his resurrection. They just didn’t have the title of the original twelve. After praying and doing a practice known as casting lots, the lots landed on Matthias. He was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. We can learn a very important principle from this disciple.

 

Our timetable doesn’t always match God’s timetable. Perhaps Matthias was disappointed when Jesus hadn’t chosen him as one of the original twelve, though there is no indication of that in the Scripture. He seems to have been both willing and happy to be paired off in the 72 followers who ministered to the Jews and stayed long after Jesus’ resurrection, even after several followers deserted Jesus throughout his time on earth.

 

He certainly fit all the qualifications. So, it is natural for us to ask why did it seem like Jesus had overlooked him? First, we simply must understand it was not his time. We may feel the same way. Maybe we were perfect for a role on our church’s worship team or someone else got a position we felt we deserved. After all, Judas Iscariot didn’t seem like a great candidate. At least, not a candidate as good as Matthias. Second, our path is not chosen based on what we believe; rather it is based on the will and purpose of God.

 

We must, like Matthias, defer to God’s timing. God may have a surprise in store for us in the future, but we must trust his decisions. That timing is always correct!

 

The Call of the Apostles - Judas Iscariot

 

And he [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13–19 ESV).

 

Today we come to the last of the Twelve Apostles, Judas Iscariot. Judas Iscariot is a name that many people know, even if they have never opened a Bible. The betrayal he represents is akin to men like Benedict Arnold, Brutus, and Aldrich Ames. As with many figures in the Bible, the early life of Judas Iscariot is not well known. Reviewing the Greek of his name, Ioudas Iskariōth, we can deduce a couple things about this infamous traitor. The first is that he held a common name used in first-century Judaism. Ioudas is the Greek form of Judah, which means “praised.” However, his last name, Iskariōth, is a little more complicated to place. The most common explanation is that it refers to his origins, identifying him as a man from Kerioth. When we look at sites with that name in the Bible, this could put him as being from a town in Moab or a location known as Kerioth-Hezron. Another possible explanation for his last name is that it could have been added later to describe his actions, as the Greek word for assassin or bandit is sikarios.

 

Though the origins of “Iscariot” may be disputed, Judas’ role as the disciple who betrayed Jesus is not. All four Gospels make clear that he is Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Christ (cf. Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16, and John 12:4). John goes on to highlight another of Judas’s evil characteristics:

 

“He [Judas] said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it.”  (John 12:6, ESV).

 

Judas’s greed played a part in the betrayal, as Judas would go on to hand Jesus over in exchange for silver. However, this verse also highlights Judas’s role as one of the disciples. He oversaw the group’s finances.

 

It is easy to wonder why Jesus would pick such a man to be one of the original Twelve Apostles. The simple answer is that this was what God had already determined. For the longest time, only Christ knew about that identification. Judas’s story ends tragically (cf. Matthew 27:3-10). Filled with the remorse of sending an innocent man to His death, Judas returns the money to the religious leaders and goes and hangs himself from a tree. We also see how the story concludes and what happens to him; putting together the Matthew account and the Luke account, it seems that his body decays as apparently no one ever removed him from the tree, and it falls, smashing onto rocks (cf. Acts 1:18).

 

There is a very sad thought that often runs through my mind when I think of the tragedy of Judas Iscariot. His sin was no different than that of Peter. Both denied and betrayed Jesus. However, the path after the betrayal was significantly different. One was remorse and the other was repentence. Most orthodox scholars maintain that Judas was not saved. This argument rests on several points. Jesus refers to Judas as the "Son of Perdition" (cf. John 17:12), and noted that he was "doomed to destruction" so that Scripture would be fulfilled. While Judas felt extreme guilt and returned the thirty pieces of silver (cf. Matthew 27:3-5), theologians argue he felt worldly remorse rather than true, godly repentance, ultimately leading him to despair and suicide rather than seeking God's grace.

 

What we can know is that God makes that determination unltimately and finally. Whatever grace we receive comes from Him. The most important note for us is that while we yet have breath there is opportunity to respond to His grace. He is a forgiving God who desires our repentence. Trust in Jesus today!

 

The Call of the Apostles - Simon the Zealot

 

And he [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13–19 ESV).

 

Today we come to the next to last apostle mentioned in the lists found in the gospels, Simon the Zealot. He is one of the most obscure and mysterious figures in the New Testament, mentioned strictly by name only in the biblical lists of the disciples (cf. Matthew 10:4, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, and Acts 1:13). There is no recorded dialogue or personal narratives. He was given this name by the Gospel writers to differentiate him from Simon Peter. The Greek word for “zealot” has sometimes been confused as a geographical reference to Canaan, which would make him a Canaanite (Matthew 10:4 and Mark 3:18 use Kananaios. This is, however, not a geographical reference to the land of Canaan or the town of Cana, but rather a transliteration of the Aramaic word qan'an, which also translates to "zealous one".

 

Scholars generally hold two main perspectives regarding his title. It may refer to a political affiliation: He may have belonged to the Zealots, a radical Jewish nationalist faction fiercely opposed to the Roman occupation. The movement sought the programmatic liberation of Judea, often by utilizing armed force or targeted assassinations. We will see that Judas Iscariot alos belonged to this sect. Alternatively, the title could simply describe his temperament before or after converting. It may signify that he was a man possessing exceptional, rigid zeal for the Mosaic Law and the honor of God. The latter seems more likely and favored by most scholars.

 

It is very encouraging that Simon's inclusion in the twelve highlights the unifying nature of Jesus’ ministry. He sat at the same table as Matthew the tax collector. Matthew worked under the employment of the occupying Roman government, representing the exact system that political Zealots dedicated their lives to actively overthrowing. Their shared allegiance to Christ required both men to transcend extreme political divides.

 

Because the Bible does not record Simon’s life after the day of Pentecost, his subsequent ministry relies entirely on Christian tradition. Various accounts track his evangelism through Egypt, Mauritania, North Africa, and potentially as far as Britain. Likely he was partnered with Jude. The Western church tradition frequently pairs him with the apostle Jude Thaddaeus, stating that they preached together throughout Mesopotamia and Persia. Accounts of his martyrdom vary wildly. Eastern traditions state that he passed away peacefully of old age in Edessa. Conversely, prominent Western accounts record that he was martyred in Persia by being cut in half with a saw—which is why he is traditionally depicted holding a saw in Christian iconography.

 

We can be encouraged that Jesus saw purpose and ministry in Simon. Our past does not determine our future. God holds that in His hands and directs us through the indwellin of the Holy Spirit!

 

The Call of the Apostles - Thaddeus

 

And he [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13–19 ESV).

 

Thaddeus is also known as Jude, Judas, not Iscariot, or Lebbaeus. He is best known for his single recorded question in the Gospel of John, asking Jesus why He would reveal Himself only to the disciples and not to the world. (cf. John 14:22). Because the name Judas was incredibly common in first-century Judea, early translators and Gospel writers used alternate names to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus. Both Matthew and Mark refer to him as Thaddeus (or Lebbaeus); while Luke lists him as "Judas son of James". John simply identifies him as "Judas (not Iscariot)".

 

As I wrote, Thaddeus appears in the Bible during the Last Supper in the Upper Room Discourse. After Jesus says that He will manifest Himself to those who love Him, Thaddeus asks: "Lord, why is it that You will disclose Yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus answers him by explaining that anyone who loves Him will keep His word, and the Father and Son will make their home with that person.

 

While scriptural mentions of Thaddeus are brief, early Christian tradition and historical writings expand significantly on his life. In fact, many scholars identify him as the author of the Epistle of Jude (often referred to as Jude Thaddeus), though I must say I differ in that opinion. I believe it was James, the Just, who was the brother of Jesus. Tradition holds that after Pentecost, Thaddeus evangelized across Mesopotamia, Libya, and Armenia alongside Simon the Zealot. Church accounts claim he was martyred for his faith in Persia or Armenia, often said to have been beaten to death with an axe or a club. In Catholic tradition, he is recognized as the patron saint of lost causes.

 

From the life of Thaddeus it is easy to see the value we gain when we learn that God values quiet faithfulness, honest curiosity, and a heart that cares for the world. Though he is rarely mentioned in the Gospels, Thaddeus’ single recorded question and life tradition offer profound spiritual lessons.

 

 

The Call of the Apostles - James, the son of Alphaeus

And he [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13–19 ESV).

 

James, the son of Alphaeus, was called to follow Jesus as one of the original twelve apostles at the same time as Matthew. He is almost exclusively mentioned in the Bible within the lists of the apostles, though he is traditionally identified as "James the Less" and is distinguished from the more prominent James, son of Zebedee. In fact, his name appears in all four of the lists of the Twelve Apostles (cf. Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, and Acts 1:13). It is in Mark’s Gospel that he is referred to as "James the Less", or "James the Younger" (cf. Mark 15:40).

 

Some scholars and early church traditions suggest that Alphaeus may be the same person as Clopas, making James the brother of the Apostle Matthew (also called Levi), whose father is also identified as Alphaeus (cf. Mark 2:14). However, the Bible does not explicitly confirm this. We do know that his mother was a woman named Mary (cf. Matthew 27:56), and is one of the women noted as one who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion. Historical tradition is sparse concerning his ministry. However, early Christian traditions and non-biblical writings suggest he may have preached in regions like Egypt or Persia, and was ultimately martyred for his faith.

 

Just like the story of Matthew, we see only glimpses of his ministry, but we can have confidence in the calling of Jesus. In the case of the two sons of Alphaeus, we see that Jesus called the unexpected, like Matthew, and the unknown, like James. Not all of Jesus’s disciples have miraculous or momentous testimonies, and not all have clear martyrdom traditions. Yet every person called by Christ, no matter their history or personality, can be used in the service of the Kingdom of God. Matthew was reviled by Jesus’s opponents because of his background and colleagues. James was forgotten or confused with others. Yet these same brothers, in Christ at least, were counted worthy to be sent out by Jesus, to see him resurrected, and to take the gospel into the world.

 

I hope that gives great encouragement to you to be the kind of disciple who simply does what Jesus calls them to do. Whatever, ministry you perform, whether in front of one, or one thousand, be the reflection of the grace and glory of Jesus!

  

The Call of the Apostles - Matthew

 

And he [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13–19 ESV).

 

The next Apostle we will look at is Matthew. According to most Christian scholars, he was also one of the four Evangelists as author of the Gospel of Matthew, and thus is also known as Matthew the Evangelist. A little backstory might be helpful in our devotioal today. Remember, the Jews had returned to Judea and Jerusalem after years of exile, yet they now lived under Roman Imperial control. The Romans oppressed and subjugated the Jews, treating many like slaves. Matthew worked as a tax collector for the Romans, taking money from his own people for those who oppressed them. Most would have seen him as a traitor. Further, tax collectors would often overcharge and keep extra money, developing a reputation for greed and theft. Jews viewed these “publicans” as traitors and robbers.

 

However, one day, while Matthew sat working at his tax booth, Jesus looked at him and said, “Follow me.” This would have been scandalous to the religious Jews of the day to even offer redemption. After hearing Jesus call him, Matthew immediatey obeyed. He left behind his position and wealth to embrace a new life as Jesus’ disciple for the Kingdom of God. The Pharisees critisized Jesus for associating with such a sinner. But Jesus told them, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32).

 

After Jesus's ascension, Matthew is believed to have spent years preaching in Judea before taking the Christian message to distant regions such as Persia, Ethiopia, and other parts of the East. Accounts of his death generally honor him as a martyr, though specific details vary. His traditional relics are famously kept and venerated in the Salerno Cathedral in Italy. His story is one of the most inspiring insights into the power of transformation from the Holy Spirit.

 

His story tells us no one is beyond redemption. Once an agent of oppression and getting rich from it, he transformed. God’s voice and call can change and redeem anyone, even the ones we may feel are the least likely. In truth, no one is worthy or able to be saved. We all need his grace and mercy, and just as God saved us, he can save anyone.

 

The Calling of the Apostles - Thomas

 

And he [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13–19 ESV).

 

Thomas the Apostle, also known as Didymus or "the twin," was one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. He is best known for his initial skepticism regarding Jesus' resurrection, which earned him the nickname "Doubting Thomas." His name comes from the Aramaic and Greek words meaning "twin”. In the Gospel of John, he bravely urges the disciples to travel to Judea with Jesus, saying, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."

 

He most know because after the resurrection, Thomas refused to believe until he physically saw and touched Jesus’ crucifixion wounds. Upon seeing Jesus, he made the famous declaration of faith: "My Lord and my God!" He is thought to be one of the twelve who that Thomas traveled outside the Roman Empire to evangelize, establishing seven churches along the Malabar Coast of southern India. The ancient St. Thomas Christians trace their lineage directly to his ministry. He likely was martyred around 72 AD near Chennai, India, where tradition states he was pierced with a spear.

 

We can learn several powerful lessons from Thomas the Apostle. It is always good to value honest doubt. Thomas demonstrates that questioning is a natural part of faith. It can lead to deeper certainty. He was not satisfied with secondhand accounts and sought a direct, personal experience with Jesus. And, once convinced, his doubt turned into total devotion. He went on to evangelize as far away as India.

 

It is also worth noting there is an non-canonical writing which some have attributed to Thomas, The Gospel According to Thomas. Whether the Gospel of Thomas is "legitimate" depends on if you mean historically authentic or religiously canonical. While it is a real, surviving historical document, the vast majority of scholars agree it was not written by the apostle Thomas and was rightly excluded from the Bible. It was likely written in the 2^nd or 3^rd Century A.D, which does make it very abcient. However, unlike the four canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) which tell a narrative story about Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, Thomas is solely a list of 114 secret sayings and parables attributed to Jesus. It is interesting to read, but should be regarded as primarily fiction.

 

This in no way should detract from the apostle’s legacy. He had an inquisitive mind that led him t understand as much of Jesus and the gospel as possible. That is always a good thing. Never fear the truth of Jesus! It stands the test always!

 

 

 

The Call of the Apostles - Batholomew

 

And he [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13–19 ESV).

Bartholomew was one of the original twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Scholars widely identify him as Nathanael, the disciple introduced to Jesus by Philip. Jesus famously described him as "an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile". While "Bartholomew" (meaning "son of Tolmai" in Aramaic) is his patronymic surname, he is believed to be the Nathanael mentioned in the Gospel of John. In the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), his name appears in the lists of the twelve apostles alongside Philip.

 

According to John, he was from Cana in Galilee. Like the other apostles, Bartholomew witnessed Jesus's ministry, death, and resurrection. Following Pentecost, he is said to have traveled extensively to spread the Gospel. Historical and church traditions suggest he performed missionary work in regions such as India, Mesopotamia, Persia, and Armenia. He is also credited by many traditions with helping to establish Christianity in Armenia alongside Jude.

 

All traditions agree that Bartholomew died a martyr for his faith. According to historical accounts, particularly in Armenia, he was brutally executed by being flayed (skinned) alive and then beheaded. As crazy as it may sound, because of his manner of death, he is recognized in in some Christian traditions as the patron saint of leatherworkers, tanners, butchers, and bookbinders. His feast day is celebrated on August 24th in the Western Roman Catholic tradition.

 

There are some things that stand out as principles we should seek to emulate in our lives from his life. First, there are times when honest skepticism can lead to true faith. When first told about Jesus, Bartholomew openly questioned, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" (John 1:46). He teaches us that it is okay to have doubts or questions. However, instead of remaining close-minded, he accepted the invitation to "come and see," allowing his skepticism to be transformed into a powerful confession of faith.

 

Second, there is great value in living a life without deceit or guile. Upon meeting him, Jesus praised Bartholomew, saying, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" (John 1:47). Bartholomew models purity of heart, sincerity, and absolute honesty. He lived without a hidden agenda, teaching us the importance of transparency and integrity in our own lives. He was also a faithful servant without seeking recognition or attention. In the Synoptic Gospels, Bartholomew is only mentioned in the lists of the Twelve Apostles, with no major personal storylines recorded. His legacy reminds us that you do not need to be in the spotlight to do extraordinary work. True fulfillment comes from quietly and faithfully fulfilling your mission.

 

These are traits we all could use more display of in our lives!

 

The Call of the Apostles - Philip

And he [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13–19 ESV).

 

There are four different men named Philip mentioned in the Bible. Phillip was the name of two of King Herod the Great’s sons by different wives (Luke 3:1 and Matthew 14:3). The other two Philips in the Bible were servants of Christ and instrumental in the early church: Philip the disciple and apostle of Christ, and Philip the evangelist.

 

The disciple named Philip was, along with Peter and Andrew, from Bethsaida in Galilee (John 1:44; 12:21). Jesus called Philip, and then Philip went and found Nathanael and told him about Jesus. Nathanael also became Jesus’ disciple. The Bible does not contain much biographical detail about Philip or any of the other disciples, but John records several times when Philip spoke to Jesus.

 

Philip’s first recorded act as a disciple of Jesus was to go and tell his friend Nathanael. Later, Philip was approached by some Gentiles, more specifically, Greeks from Bethsaida who asked Philip to introduce them to Jesus (cf. John 12:20–22). Philip was the disciple who calculated the amount of money it would take to feed the 5,000 (cf. John 6:7). After the Last Supper, Philip requested that Jesus show them the Father, leading to Jesus’ statement, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (cf. John 14:8–9). The last time the Bible mentions the disciple Philip is as one of those gathered in Jerusalem to pray after the Lord’s ascension (cf. Acts 1:13). Tradition states that Philip went to Phrygia (in modern-day Turkey) as a missionary and was martyred there in Hierapolis.

 

Perhaps the greatest testimony of Philip to us today is that discipleship starts with a faith proposition. Philip didn’t find Jesus; Jesus found him. He was searched for and invited directly from Jesus to follow Him.  Philip didn’t have the witness of John the Baptist or direct testimony of a trusted brother.  He had a basic faith proposition from an apparent stranger.  This is a great example of choosing to believe without seeing evidence beforehand. Do you believe only when you see? Begin to love your life by believing and then seeing the wonderful work of God!

  

The Call of the Apostles - John, the son of Zebedee

 

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:18–22 ESV).

 

John, James’ brother, was best known as the "disciple whom Jesus loved". He was also a key member of Jesus' inner circle, he was the only apostle to stand at the crucifixion and was entrusted with the care of Mary, the mother of Jesus. He is also credited with authoring five New Testament books. Beyond his close relationship with Jesus, John was known for several historical and biblical milestones. He was also nicknamed boanerges (Son of Thunder) due to his fiery temperaments and zealous nature. He was a prolific author. Tradition credits him with writing the Gospel of John, three New Testament Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. Following Jesus' ascension, John became a pillar of the Jerusalem church alongside Peter, and later ministered in Ephesus.

 

During the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, he was banished to the island of Patmos, where he received the visions documented in Revelation. He is distinguished as the only one of the original twelve apostles to survive into old age and die of natural causes, rather than facing martyrdom

 

There are some powerful lessons we can learn from John. First, we see the power of transformation. There is no doubt that his life shows us the way that experiencing Jesus' love changes a person. John's relationship with Christ softened his temper and transformed him into a model of friendship, charity, and devotion. He also shows us the power of unwavering loyalty. Remember, John was the only apostle present at the cross. He models steadfast, unwavering commitment even during times of intense suffering and the desertion of others. He also shows us the importance of humility in leadership. Despite being a member of Jesus' inner circle, John demonstrated deep humility. For example, when running to the empty tomb, he arrived first but waited for Peter (the designated leader of the apostles) to enter before him. He, like his brother, also teaches us the importance of balancing truth with grace. John wrote extensively about "truth" but always framed it in the context of "love". He taught that correct doctrine and standing for truth must be balanced with genuine compassion and care for others. His Gospel and epistles focus heavily on "abiding" in Christ and recognizing that God's very nature is love. That is a standard we can adopt in our lives for sure!

 

The Call of the Apostles - James, the son of Zebedee

 

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:18–22 ESV).

 

Today we come to another of the twelve apostles called by Jesus, James, son of Zebedee. James died early, in 44 AD, and was also known as James the Greater as he was older than the other James who was also a follower of Jesus. He was a Galilean fisherman who, alongside his brother John (who we will look at tomorrow), left his nets to become one of Jesus' first and closest disciples. In fact, as we shall see, he was one of the “inner circle” who often was a part of those experiences with Jesus like the transfiguration and the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was also the first apostle to be martyred, his life, character, and legacy are central to early Christian history.

 

He was from the family of Zebedee and Salome; and, of course, the older brother of John the Apostle. While their trade was made as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee, he immediately became a follower of Jesus once called. He and his brother were called “sons of thunder” undoubtedly to their fiery temperament (cf. Mark 3:17). He was executed by beheading under King Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem around 44 AD (cf. Acts 12:1-2).

 

James was uniquely selected to witness several of the most pivotal and intimate moments of Jesus' earthly ministry. However, because of his early death, much of what we know about him comes from the Spanish Church Traditions. According to strong historical tradition, James had traveled to preach the Gospel in Spain before his death. Following his martyrdom, his disciples are said to have miraculously transported his body to Galicia in northwestern Spain. His rediscovered tomb sparked the creation of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, which remains the destination for the world-famous Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) pilgrimage route.

 

There are three things we should learn from the life of James. First, often radical obedience replaces comfort. James was a successful fisherman working in a prosperous family business with his father, Zebedee. When Jesus called him, James immediately left his nets, his career, and his family to follow an unknown future (Matthew 4:21–22). True discipleship requires immediate responsiveness and a willingness to step away from worldly security when God calls. Second, misguided zeal must be tempered by grace. I often tell folks that their “truth-telling” must be balanced with “grace-giving.” Passion for God is a virtue, but it must be balanced with grace, mercy, and wisdom rather than descending into judgment and anger. And, third, true greatness is found in servant leadership. Both James and John learned this lesson when they let ambition get the better of them as they (alongside their mother) asked Jesus for the ultimate positions of power, to sit on His right and left hand in the coming kingdom (cf. Matthew 20:20–28). Jesus used this moment to turn their definition of success upside down, stating that "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant".

 

These lessons ought to be incorporated into our lives each day as we grow in Christ!

 

The Call of the Apostles - Andrew

 

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:18–22 ESV).

 

Andrew was also a fisherman from Bethsaida and originally a disciple of John the Baptist. After hearing John identify Jesus as the "Lamb of God," Andrew followed Jesus and spent the day with Him. Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, Andrew immediately brought his brother Simon Peter to meet Him. The calling of Andrew is described primarily in the Gospels of John, Matthew, and Mark. The narratives break down into two distinct moments. The initial encounter (cf. John 1:35-42) took place near the Jordan River. Andrew and another disciple (traditionally believed to be John the Apostle) heard John the Baptist speak, which prompted them to follow Jesus. Jesus turned and asked, "What do you want?" When they asked where He was staying, He replied, "Come and you will see." Andrew spent the day with Jesus and was so convinced of His identity that he found his brother Simon, declaring, "We have found the Messiah," and introduced him to Christ.

 

Sometime later, while Andrew and Peter were casting their nets into the Sea of Galilee, Jesus walked by and formally called them to a life of full-time ministry. Jesus said, "Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people." The brothers immediately left their nets and followed Him. Because Andrew was the first of the Apostles to be summoned into Christ's service, the Eastern Orthodox Church honors him with the name Protokletos, meaning "the First-Called".

 

Unlike his brother Peter, who is mentioned 156 times in the New Testament, Andrew’s name is only mentioned twelve times throughout scripture. Needless to say, Andrew’s role in establishing the Church was not as obviously impactful and as well-known as some of the other disciples. Regardless of how many times Andrew is mentioned in scripture, it is important to point out that what we do know about Andrew helps us identify character qualities that should be seen in the life of every disciple of Jesus Christ.

 

Perhaps most impactful and unique with Andrew was how he desired so greatly to spend time with men who were noticeably holy. Even before Jesus Christ had fully engaged in his ministry, we see in the Gospel of John that Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist (cf. John 1:40). Andrew followed him and desired to learn of what he was teaching. Which brings us to another important point about the character of Andrew – he was teachable. So much so, that when John the Baptist announced to his disciples, “Behold the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36), Andrew obediently began to follow Jesus Christ.

 

Those two characteristics would do us well in our journeys. We ought to seek wise men who understand the call to holiness; and, we should seek to be teachable throughout our lives. Let Andrew inspire you to those traits in your life!

The Call of the Apostles - Peter

 

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:18–22 ESV).

 

I hope you were encouraged and blessed through the little series through the Sermon on the Mount over the past few weeks. Today we start a new series that will look at the lives of each of the first twelve Apostles. We will take them in the order that Jesus chose them. The first two were brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew. We will look at Peter first and Andrew tomorrow. I must remind you that the order of the choice does not indicate prominence of position as much as it shows us simply how Jesus did it.

 

Simon Peter, also known as Cephas (cf. John 1:42), was one of the first followers of Jesus Christ. He was an outspoken and ardent disciple, one of Jesus’ closest friends, an apostle, and a “pillar” of the church (cf. Galatians 2:9). Peter was enthusiastic, strong-willed, impulsive, and, at times, brash. But for all his strengths, Peter had several failings in his life. Still, the Lord who chose him continued to mold him into exactly who He intended Peter to be.

 

It is interesting to note that Simon was originally from Bethsaida (cf. John 1:44) and lived in Capernaum (cf. Mark 1:29), both cities on the coast of the Sea of Galilee. He was married (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:5), and he and James and John were partners in a profitable fishing business (cf. Luke 5:10). Simon met Jesus through his brother Andrew, who had followed Jesus after hearing John the Baptist proclaim that Jesus was the Lamb of God (John 1:35-36). Andrew immediately went to find his brother to bring him to Jesus. Upon meeting Simon, Jesus gave him a new name: Cephas, which is the Aramaic, or Peter, which is the Greek and means “rock” (cf. John 1:40-42). Later, Jesus officially called Peter to follow Him, producing a miraculous catch of fish (cf. Luke 5:1-7). For the next three years, Peter lived as a disciple of the Lord Jesus. Being a natural-born leader, Peter became the de facto spokesman for the Twelve More significantly, it was Peter who first confessed Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” a truth which Jesus said was divinely revealed to Peter (cf. Matthew 16:16-17).

 

Peter was part of the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples, along with James and John. Only those three were present when Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus (Mark 5:37) and when Jesus was transfigured on the mountain (Matthew 17:1). Peter and John were given the special task of preparing the final Passover meal (Luke 22:8).

 

In several instances, Peter showed himself to be impetuous to the point of rashness. For example, it was Peter who left the boat to walk on the water to Jesus (Matthew 14:28-29)—and promptly took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink (verse 30). It was Peter who took Jesus aside to rebuke Him for speaking of His death (Matthew 16:22)—and was swiftly corrected by the Lord (verse 23). It was Peter who suggested erecting three tabernacles to honor Moses, Elijah, and Jesus (Matthew 17:4)—and fell to the ground in fearful silence at God’s glory (verses 5-6). It was Peter who drew his sword and attacked the servant of the high priest (John 18:10)—and was immediately told to sheath his weapon (verse 11). It was Peter who boasted that he would never forsake the Lord, even if everyone else did (Matthew 26:33)—and later denied three times that he even knew the Lord (verses 70-74).

 

Even as an apostle, Peter experienced some growing pains. At first, he had resisted taking the gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile. However, when he saw the Romans receive the Holy Spirit in the same manner he had, Peter concluded that “God does not show favoritism” (cf. Acts 10:34). After that, Peter strongly defended the Gentiles’ position as believers and was adamant that they did not need to conform to Jewish law (cf. Acts 15:7-11).

 

Another episode of growth in Peter’s life concerns his visit to Antioch, where he enjoyed the fellowship of Gentile believers. However, when some legalistic Jews arrived in Antioch, Peter, to appease them, withdrew from the Gentile Christians. The Apostle Paul saw this as hypocrisy and called it such to Peter’s face (Galatians 2:11-14). Later in life, Peter spent time with John Mark (cf. 1 Peter 5:13), who wrote the gospel of Mark based on Peter’s remembrances of his time with Jesus. Peter wrote two inspired epistles, 1 and 2 Peter, between A.D. 60 and 68. Jesus said that Peter would die a martyr’s death (John 21:18-19)—a prophecy fulfilled, presumably, during Nero’s reign. There are several things we can learn from the life of the great man of God.

 

First, Jesus always overcomes fear. Whether stepping out of a boat onto a tossing sea or stepping across the threshold of a Gentile home for the first time, Peter found courage in following Christ (cf. 1 John 4:18). Second, Jesus forgives unfaithfulness. After Peter had boasted of his fidelity, he fervently denied the Lord three times. It seemed that Peter had burned his bridges, but Jesus lovingly rebuilt them and restored Peter to service. Peter was a former failure, but, with Jesus, failure is not the end (cf. 2 Timothy 2:13). Third, Jesus patiently teaches. Peter repeatedly needed correction, and the Lord gave it with patience, firmness, and love. The Master Teacher looks for students willing to learn (cf. Psalm 32:8). Fourth, Jesus sees us as He intends us to be. The very first time they met, Jesus called Simon “Peter.” The rough and reckless fisherman was, in Jesus’ eyes, a firm and faithful rock (cf. Philippians 1:6).

 

Peter is wonderful example for all of us. When we trust in Jesus, He will produce our best in us. Trust Jesus’ call in your life!

The Reaction of the People on the Mount

 

And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. (Matthew 7:28–29 ESV).

 

Our reading today concludes the Sermon on the Mount. It is worth noting that Matthew recalls the crowds were astounded because Jesus spoke with His own divine authority. Unlike religious scribes who merely quoted previous rabbis and traditions, Jesus delivered absolute truths directly from God. These verses highlight a pivotal reaction to Jesus' teaching. The Greek word for "amazed" is ἐξεπλήσσοντο (exeplēssonto). According to Strong’s Lexicon it means to be astounded or thrown completely out of one's senses. The crowd was overwhelmed by the wisdom and radical nature of His message, properly, "strike out of one's senses" with the outcome of being utterly amazed (dumbfounded) or left "at a loss" from witnessing the incredible causing the viewer to gape in astonishment.

 

Jesus did not need to cite previous scholars or experts. Instead, He spoke the direct decrees of God, famously using phrases like, "You have heard that it was said..., but I say to you," establishing His identity as King. However, this cannot be the last of the experience.

 

The crowds were "amazed," but the Scripture shows us that many of these same people eventually walked away when Jesus’ teaching became too demanding. Being astonished by Jesus is easy; being transformed by him requires building your life on the rock of daily faith and obedience. Our reading today should challenge us to look beyond a superficial admiration of Jesus' moral teachings. If we truly recognize his voice as the supreme authority over our relationships, our finances, our hidden thoughts, and our future, we cannot remain unchanged. We must move past being casual fans in the crowd and become true builders on the rock.

 

It is wonderful to get excited when we are touched by the Spirit of God. However, I would caution all of us to heed the warning of the step-brother of our Lord, who wrote:

 

But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. [19] You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. (James 2:18–23 ESV).

 

A tingly feeling is not the goal of Jesus’ teaching. A change in life is!