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The Apostles: A Captivating Guide to the Twelve Disciples in Christianity, the Apostolic Age, and the Role of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Christian History
While the words and actions of the Twelve Apostles can be found scattered throughout the New Testament, putting together the pieces can be confusing, taxing, and just plain hard. Names are often repeated or changed. Previous jobs and possible destinations are mentioned, but even a map of the ancient world can be difficult to piece together. While some books of the Bible are written by the apostles, some are not, and others only give enticing hints as to who read them, where, and why. Commentaries abound, as do histories from men like Origen, Eusebius, and Jerome. So, where is one to begin?
In this book, all that work has finally been done for you. Told in an easy, interesting, and engaging style, you can finally peruse the stories that will broaden your knowledge and add to your religious conversations. Students of history and students of Christianity will find theories, traditions, and even long-forgotten stories from outside the Bible to ponder and ultimately come to one’s own decision. This book is not meant to convert the reader; it is meant to share facts.
At last, without spending countless hours and thousands of dollars on volume upon volume of textbooks, the reader has a jumping-off point for what will prove to be an exciting and thought-provoking journey.
Inside, you’ll find the answers to these questions:
By peeking behind the curtain and gathering the facts from two millennia of history, the stories of each apostle are finally at your fingertips.
In this book, all that work has finally been done for you. Told in an easy, interesting, and engaging style, you can finally peruse the stories that will broaden your knowledge and add to your religious conversations. Students of history and students of Christianity will find theories, traditions, and even long-forgotten stories from outside the Bible to ponder and ultimately come to one’s own decision. This book is not meant to convert the reader; it is meant to share facts.
At last, without spending countless hours and thousands of dollars on volume upon volume of textbooks, the reader has a jumping-off point for what will prove to be an exciting and thought-provoking journey.
Inside, you’ll find the answers to these questions:
By peeking behind the curtain and gathering the facts from two millennia of history, the stories of each apostle are finally at your fingertips.
96 pages, Paperback
Published October 11, 2022
633 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 21, 2023
2022 bk 373. I've mixed emotions on this title. After my class last year I was really curious about the apostles - other than Peter, James, and Paul. This book partially fulfilled what I was looking for. I liked the way he took each Apostle, gathered information from Biblical and non-canonical sources to provide a better picture of them. That said, he missed some crucial sources that would have added so much more to the book - Jenkin's early history of Christianity for one. My other disappointment was his source list - throughout the book he referred to both gnostic, writers of the ancient world, and other non-canonical sources. He did not list those in his citations and I would have liked a list of what he referred to in the narrative. He also used a book about Eusibius History of Christianity rather than the actual English translation that I had just picked up for 4.98 on Amazon. (i.e. he used commentary rather than the actual source). Otherwise this is a good beginning for those for whom a realization has dawned that Paul was great at writing, and really good at being able to set to the side the work of the other apostles throughout Africa, Asia Minor, Europe, and Asia.
July 23, 2024
Interesting Treatise on the Original Apostles
I applaud that the author often states that the purpose of the book is to entice readers to go about their own study of the men to find truths for themselves. With what we have currently that is a hard task. More so for some than others certainly, but still I have a feeling that it is not impossible. I am a little dismayed that the additional scriptures about these Apostles found in The Doctrine & Covenants were not mentioned at some point, but neither am I necessarily surprised. I think a study of these men takes more of a faith filled approach than most people realize or are especially ready for. Nonetheless, I feel this book is a pretty good attempt at trying to get a basic understanding of these men and likewise hope others will strive to learn more about them because of it.
I applaud that the author often states that the purpose of the book is to entice readers to go about their own study of the men to find truths for themselves. With what we have currently that is a hard task. More so for some than others certainly, but still I have a feeling that it is not impossible. I am a little dismayed that the additional scriptures about these Apostles found in The Doctrine & Covenants were not mentioned at some point, but neither am I necessarily surprised. I think a study of these men takes more of a faith filled approach than most people realize or are especially ready for. Nonetheless, I feel this book is a pretty good attempt at trying to get a basic understanding of these men and likewise hope others will strive to learn more about them because of it.
February 5, 2023
The Apostles
A great look at the historical lives of the Apostles of Jesus. Sound references to Biblical and historic volumes to inform readers for continued research, education and discussion. Balanced opinion that is interesting to devout Christians and others interested in one of the most fascinating topics of our world.
A great look at the historical lives of the Apostles of Jesus. Sound references to Biblical and historic volumes to inform readers for continued research, education and discussion. Balanced opinion that is interesting to devout Christians and others interested in one of the most fascinating topics of our world.
December 6, 2022
Every once in a while, Captivating History sends a story over the goalpost, and this book did that for me. While reading the Bible, the apostles seem to be adjacent characters to the main event. They didn't seem like real people, just a group of attending characters. This book teased out the personalities of the apostles in a way I haven't experienced before in my reading.
Nearly every page had something new (or a new perspective). I could not put the book down until I completed it. The discussion on how Bartholemew was probably Nathaniel was enlightening. Scholars have discerned the order of the gospels, and the differences between the writers were fascinating. Mark was intent on getting the facts down on paper, but John (a later writer) wrote a novel (he tended to give more context to the facts).
Although we have all seen art portraying each apostle, I wasn't aware of the symbolism used for most of them. For example, we all know that Peter carries keys (Keys to Heaven, leader of the Church, etc.). However, in reality, the figure of the apostle showed some aspects of how they died. For example, Andrew usually has an X nearby because of how he died. This book offered a piece of art of most apostles, explaining the symbolism.
The conversational writing style enhanced my reading because the author's attitude was one of "we can figure this out together."
Nearly every page had something new (or a new perspective). I could not put the book down until I completed it. The discussion on how Bartholemew was probably Nathaniel was enlightening. Scholars have discerned the order of the gospels, and the differences between the writers were fascinating. Mark was intent on getting the facts down on paper, but John (a later writer) wrote a novel (he tended to give more context to the facts).
Although we have all seen art portraying each apostle, I wasn't aware of the symbolism used for most of them. For example, we all know that Peter carries keys (Keys to Heaven, leader of the Church, etc.). However, in reality, the figure of the apostle showed some aspects of how they died. For example, Andrew usually has an X nearby because of how he died. This book offered a piece of art of most apostles, explaining the symbolism.
The conversational writing style enhanced my reading because the author's attitude was one of "we can figure this out together."
October 23, 2022
Please note: I was given a copy of this book and have voluntarily decided to give it this honest review.
Apostles were disciples that were personally picked by Jesus to be part of his “inner circle.” This group included Peter, Andrew, James (the Greater), John, James (the Lesser), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, Jude, Simon, Judas Iscariot, Matthias, and Paul (Saul). This book gives information about each: other names that they may have been known as, family relationships between different apostles (possible cousins), birthplace, occupations, distinctive traits, and their travels throughout the Mediterranean area and beyond. Symbols that are used to represent each apostle in art and sculpture are explained. An interesting book that shows how information from contemporary sources as well as different sources throughout centuries are used to give a picture of each apostle.
Apostles were disciples that were personally picked by Jesus to be part of his “inner circle.” This group included Peter, Andrew, James (the Greater), John, James (the Lesser), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, Jude, Simon, Judas Iscariot, Matthias, and Paul (Saul). This book gives information about each: other names that they may have been known as, family relationships between different apostles (possible cousins), birthplace, occupations, distinctive traits, and their travels throughout the Mediterranean area and beyond. Symbols that are used to represent each apostle in art and sculpture are explained. An interesting book that shows how information from contemporary sources as well as different sources throughout centuries are used to give a picture of each apostle.
November 7, 2022
For the most part, I enjoyed this guide to the Apostles. There are some interesting facts that were brought up. But I am not sure of all the facts. The biggest one that I found, was the one concerning the Apostle Thomas. This book states that Thomas died in India of old age. Almost everything that I have read prior to this states that Thomas was Martyred in India and that he was killed. Of course, I have read a couple different types of death, and by different people involved, so I am not sure who to believe. However, for a brief "Lives of the Apostles", this is a great book in researching the lives of the Apostles.
December 5, 2022
Good beginning for explanation
The author outlines the lives of all the apostles distinguishing the source materials between the biblical cannon and historical and apocryphal. The style is well written and highly readable. My only additional suggestion would have been to add a brief summary at the end of each article. Sort of a cliff note for the benefit of the bulk of his readers.
The author outlines the lives of all the apostles distinguishing the source materials between the biblical cannon and historical and apocryphal. The style is well written and highly readable. My only additional suggestion would have been to add a brief summary at the end of each article. Sort of a cliff note for the benefit of the bulk of his readers.
October 13, 2022
Truly excellent reading.
This book was so interesting I have never read anything really about the Apostles. I have never attended any church that has gone into any deal about these followers of Christ either. This book really brought the human aspect to these men. I enjoyed learning about these gentlemen this was an excellent book and resource.
This book was so interesting I have never read anything really about the Apostles. I have never attended any church that has gone into any deal about these followers of Christ either. This book really brought the human aspect to these men. I enjoyed learning about these gentlemen this was an excellent book and resource.
November 29, 2022
Easily understandable description of the Apostles
Nice historical background of each of the Apostles. It gives a framework with which one could use to get a more in-depth understanding of these men in a more realistic sense. It's not the end of such a study, but a good start to seeing their humanity.
Nice historical background of each of the Apostles. It gives a framework with which one could use to get a more in-depth understanding of these men in a more realistic sense. It's not the end of such a study, but a good start to seeing their humanity.
February 25, 2023
Despite the book being a little hard to follow at times, I am very happy to have read it.
The author summed it up nicely in his conclusion;
"In the library where I sit and write this, five full shelves are devoted solely to Paul; at the university down the street, that number is easily tripled. So, that leaves the lay reader with a bit of a problem should one wish to pursue any of the topics mentioned above. Where to begin?"
Some readers have complained on what was not included or different versions of the story they prefer to read or believe is true, in regard to the
Twelve Apostles + Paul +.
I ask myself what do they expect in less than 200 pages. In the context of what the authors opines on above, you could write volumes on just one Apostle.
Well worth my time, had to do a lot of side research which made it all the better. Learned a lot about the Apostles, I never knew or had forgotten.
Those were perilous times, sacrifice, the beginning of city states, empires, conquests and a young civilization as a whole
The author summed it up nicely in his conclusion;
"In the library where I sit and write this, five full shelves are devoted solely to Paul; at the university down the street, that number is easily tripled. So, that leaves the lay reader with a bit of a problem should one wish to pursue any of the topics mentioned above. Where to begin?"
Some readers have complained on what was not included or different versions of the story they prefer to read or believe is true, in regard to the
Twelve Apostles + Paul +.
I ask myself what do they expect in less than 200 pages. In the context of what the authors opines on above, you could write volumes on just one Apostle.
Well worth my time, had to do a lot of side research which made it all the better. Learned a lot about the Apostles, I never knew or had forgotten.
Those were perilous times, sacrifice, the beginning of city states, empires, conquests and a young civilization as a whole
July 21, 2024
This was good for adding information about the apostles from non-Bible sources like Josephus, etc, but honestly the narrator kind of distracted from the text with mispronounciations. The one that happened the earliest and most often was "apocryphal". I've always heard it aPochryphal and he said it apoChryphal every time. Then "schism" as shizm was too far for me. "Again" I figured was an accent, but SaddUcees wasn't. It's too bad because there was information in here I hadn't heard before- I knew Peter was married, but not James and the methods of their martyrdom- but the delivery made it hard to concentrate.
December 7, 2022
Inaccurate
Matt Clayton claims to be the founder. But no authors are ever listed in these books of Captivating History....same with the Hourly History series of books.
Apparently noone wants to claim authorship......these two series of books are very often filled with errors as this one about The Apostles......first page of first chapter had a major error.
Besides errors, most are very strongly opinionated.......there is NO place for opinions in history books.
Although I have read several in both series I'm finished with them. Need to look elsewhere for truth and accuracy.
Matt Clayton claims to be the founder. But no authors are ever listed in these books of Captivating History....same with the Hourly History series of books.
Apparently noone wants to claim authorship......these two series of books are very often filled with errors as this one about The Apostles......first page of first chapter had a major error.
Besides errors, most are very strongly opinionated.......there is NO place for opinions in history books.
Although I have read several in both series I'm finished with them. Need to look elsewhere for truth and accuracy.
September 30, 2023
Not just a list, but a group of brothers
This book can be seen as a list of a brotherhood. Not only did these men travel together, but they were called by Jesus to spread his word among the masses. Peter began the Church of which Christ said he would build upon the rock. When the holy spirit was laid upon the brothers, and one sister, they began speaking tongues of the many nationalities to spread the good news. We can be thankful for these chosen people, and later Paul, for the good news that moves us forward to our given home.
This book can be seen as a list of a brotherhood. Not only did these men travel together, but they were called by Jesus to spread his word among the masses. Peter began the Church of which Christ said he would build upon the rock. When the holy spirit was laid upon the brothers, and one sister, they began speaking tongues of the many nationalities to spread the good news. We can be thankful for these chosen people, and later Paul, for the good news that moves us forward to our given home.
December 9, 2023
I found it off putting the author constantly references “extrabiblical resources” but never cites a single one. The author also makes a statement that all books of the New Testament were written by people alive during Jesus’ time or in direct contact with Jesus. Neither statement is even remotely true. There are better books about the Apostles out there.
October 22, 2022
4.5 Stars Overall, 4 Stars because I wanted more.
Wonderful collection of mini bios of The Apostles that's truly interesting and something you don't come across every day. Fascinating book that motivates the reader to investigate further. I only wish it was longer!
Booksprout Review Copy
Wonderful collection of mini bios of The Apostles that's truly interesting and something you don't come across every day. Fascinating book that motivates the reader to investigate further. I only wish it was longer!
Booksprout Review Copy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I picked it up out of curiosity. It is a careful accounting of the apostles that is based on what facts were found.
November 7, 2022
This book was interesting. It wasn't a dry history of the Bible or the 12 Apostles. It was interesting and factual without being too technical.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2022
Great primer on the Apostles
I enjoyed the authors perspective, as well as his relaxed writing style. It's been over fifty years since I read about them, and I believe that this short piece was a wonderful way to catch up.
I enjoyed the authors perspective, as well as his relaxed writing style. It's been over fifty years since I read about them, and I believe that this short piece was a wonderful way to catch up.
December 20, 2022
Unique and refreshing review
This review of one of the most controversial historical events is a refreshing look at other alternative approaches to understand what we many times struggle to believe today. Difficult to follow at times but nonetheless an interesting read.
This review of one of the most controversial historical events is a refreshing look at other alternative approaches to understand what we many times struggle to believe today. Difficult to follow at times but nonetheless an interesting read.
January 29, 2023
Adds to confusion
In many ways, this short work adds more confusion than clarification. Ironically, the author keeps stating that very thing: the ideas he presents "muddies the water."
In many ways, this short work adds more confusion than clarification. Ironically, the author keeps stating that very thing: the ideas he presents "muddies the water."
August 2, 2023
A good look at the diversity of understanding in the early Christian church.
The thumbnail descriptions of the early Christian fathers and their differing understandings of the teachings of Jesus Christ. The author’s views on some of the early church fathers
The thumbnail descriptions of the early Christian fathers and their differing understandings of the teachings of Jesus Christ. The author’s views on some of the early church fathers
September 30, 2023
Getting your feet wet.
It is not just "door number one, two or three", but invites and alerts the reader that there are perhaps endless possibilities to explore this history of early Christianity. I enjoyed this different subject on my own sense of Faith.
It is not just "door number one, two or three", but invites and alerts the reader that there are perhaps endless possibilities to explore this history of early Christianity. I enjoyed this different subject on my own sense of Faith.
June 23, 2024
Rate the book a 14 out of 12
This book provides a good overview of the apostles with understandable conjecture on those we know so little. It’s a good place to launch in a foundational way to better understand the chosen of God.
This book provides a good overview of the apostles with understandable conjecture on those we know so little. It’s a good place to launch in a foundational way to better understand the chosen of God.
June 28, 2024
Confusing
I found this book to confusing. I understand that what we know about the apostles is limited, but I felt the author danced around the issues and gave contradictory statements.
I found this book to confusing. I understand that what we know about the apostles is limited, but I felt the author danced around the issues and gave contradictory statements.
August 1, 2024
The Apostles
What a wonderful book to delve into the Apostles and their roles. I would recommend this book for others to read regarding Christianity and the future of this world, praise Yau our God!
What a wonderful book to delve into the Apostles and their roles. I would recommend this book for others to read regarding Christianity and the future of this world, praise Yau our God!
October 6, 2025
I did love this book, the author does a great job of an incredibly difficult topic. Personally I often got confused, even with which, which Apostle was. But this is a complicated subject, which I throughly enjoyed.
December 16, 2022
O obscure explanation of the men that were chosen by Christ.
Interesting tales of the men who follower Jesus and upon his ascension, began to spread the message of Christ.
H
W
Interesting tales of the men who follower Jesus and upon his ascension, began to spread the message of Christ.
H
W
February 14, 2023
Great Overview
Enjoyed the read as not only was I a great overview, it also challenged my theology enough for me to double check the author author's thinking. Thanks.
Enjoyed the read as not only was I a great overview, it also challenged my theology enough for me to double check the author author's thinking. Thanks.
February 28, 2023
This is NOT a theological exegesis. It is historical/academic in nature. Having said that it is a brief but good book. It stands on its own or is a good starting point for more in depth study.
March 27, 2023
12 apostles
It is no wonder people get so confused by the characters in the Bible when the names are changed so much
It is no wonder people get so confused by the characters in the Bible when the names are changed so much
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews