The Twelve Apostles of Jesus: Their Forgotten History

by Richard Orzeck

The Apostles of Jesus were twelve common Jewish men who literally walked the face of the earth with the Son of God and who then changed the course of human history.And we know almost nothing about them! . . . Until now.My name is Richard Orzeck and I am a practicing veterinarian living in upstate New York. For the last seven years, I (and my wife Theresa) have visited sixteen countries on three continents researching, photographing, and learning all that is humanly possible to know about the Twelve.Using scholarly sources, modern translations of the ancient texts and the often-ignored concept of local tradition, I follow each of the Twelve Apostles from their calling by the Lord, to the most likely geographical locations of their evangelical missions, and to the locations of their deaths by martyrdom. As well as it can be known, I go one step further and share with the reader the fascinating stories of the far-flung postmortem journeys of each apostle's earthly remains and informs them of where their tombs can be visited today.

Genres: History, Religion, Biography

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2021

Reviews

[Delicia Herrera]

Amazing!

[Tori]

3.5 stars...a good look into the lives of the Twelve. I appreciated the attention to their personal lives before becoming followers of Jesus, to the extent it is known. It is clear the author did painstaking research and was honest in the places where he was sharing his opinions based on wht he learned.

The disconnect for me was the emphasis put on their mortal remains. Not being raised in the Catholic religion, I don't have the appreciation for earthly remains as relics as the author does. That's not a criticism, just a fact. It simply didn't resonate with me.

Overall, I liked how each apostle's life and dedication to Jesus was recognized.

[Karen MCCALLUM]

Fascinating study of the lives of these twelve Apostles

This book is a study in easy to read history of the lives of the men closest to Jesus and where they went throughout the world to carry his mission. It is a journey with each of them with research into the place of each martyrdom and final resting place ( except in the case of John, son of Zebedee, whose two attempted murders failed and whose remains cannot be found). Special care and diligent investigation into local custom and historical documentation along the Apostles paths with photographs and art make it an enjoyable read. It is a moving Holy Spirit lead piece by Richard Orzeck.

[Ann Manning]

Divine enlightenment!

This was a very interesting book to read, the author's research was inspiring concerning the lives of the twelve apostles and their journeys to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. There is however much speculation about where the final remains of the twelve apostles rest. As a reader it's up to the individual to decide.

[Denise]

A well-written account of what the author could find about the lives of the twelve apostles. It includes Matthias, not Judas or Paul. I wanted to like this book, but it wasn't what I expected.

This book recounts what's known about each apostle mostly from the gospel accounts or from Acts. It adds some information about where the apostles went after the resurrection and Pentecost (Shavuot). I wanted to hear the stories about their lives and work, about how God kept working through them. But I guess that's not available. I wish oral traditions had been included, or more details. But this book didn't seem to add much to what's given in the scriptures for some of the apostles. It mostly maps their journeys and burial sites.

I also was disappointed that the author chose not to include references. A good bibliography allows me to verify information or find new websites and books to read, but that wasn't available in this book.

I liked McBirnie's The Search for the Twelve Apostles better. McBirnie more clearly explained why there's a paucity of information about the twelve apostles and other saints from their time. He also explained more clearly how following the bones and relics helped piece together the lives of the apostles.

[Bookworm]

Very fun and interesting read

While this author’s search involves the Bible, it is not s sermon about what common men can accomplish when inspired by God. No, it is research into myth, stories, and records into the lives, deaths, and location of the remains of the Disciples of Jesus. It is well organized and well written. Very enjoyable and very interesting.

[Frank D Edick]

Easy Read

Light easy read. I learned a great amount about these twelve Giants Saints. Facts, legends, and supposition were sown together to convey a sense of each Apostles life, ministry, and martyrdom.

[Carol]

Really interesting read. I really like where the author traveled to the various location to research and talk to locals. I felt like it leaned a bit toward Catholicism rather than Christianity but good book

[Walk By Faith Dave J]

Great book all around. Revealing the Apostles lives and how they affected their world with the gospel. After reading, you'll gain more of an understanding and appreciation for these great men of God

[Sean Archer]

Ok job on the history of the apostles.

[Suanne Muniz]

Knowledgeable

I asked one simple question and that is "when you study the Apostles are they all lumped together?" I got that answer and many more.

[Chris]

Easy read and a layman's history.

[Renel]

Exceptional. This is the biblical history that I have been seeking. The author gives clear discussion, time, and locations of the Apostles after the first Pentecost.