The Master's Men: Character Sketches of the Disciples

by William Barclay

`Everything which he has included is significant, and will help the teacher to obtain a clearer idea of the part which the Apostles played and of the inflance which their lives exert upon the Christian community today.' Teachers World 'in this splendid little book he makes the very most of information which is often extremely seamy, and shows a nice judgment in calling discreetly on the aid of legend, as at least an indication of the impression dman made on others, when history is silent. Preachers will find these chapters most useful, as indeed will all students of the New Testament.' Church Times'

Genres: Christian, Biography, Religion, New Testament, Nonfiction

127 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

WIlliam Barclay was a Scottish author, radio and television presenter, Church of Scotland minister, and Professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism at the University of Glasgow. He wrote a popular set of Bible commentaries on the New Testament that sold 1.5 million copies.

Reviews

[Ruben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. The only part where I think Barclay dropped the ball is at the end of chapter 7 where he says that we shouldn’t think Jesus picked a man to be is disciple whom he knew would commit such a mortal sin. Definitely has an Arminian lean there, but the real issue I took was where he tried to make a case for Judas’ suicide as being an attempt for him to be with Jesus to ask for forgiveness. That was way off, but other than that the rest showed good scholarship.

[Kathleen Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good short reference of each disciple.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barclay is good. I really appreciated this work. Sometimes it seemed that he gave more information than I wanted, or that he sort of rambled, but he does so in an intelligent way.

There is a lot of background information on the culture that Barclay provided or quoted from historical sources that was beneficial. Perhaps the best chapter was on Judas Iscariot.

Good, short read. Would recommend to other ministerial friends.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading the extra-biblically stories about these apostles and the development as more 3 dimensional characters. A good read. And a re-read. Good rabbit trails to early church writings. Interesting.

[Mr. D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting details on the disciples. Good read.