We have Simon Peter who was the spokesman for the disciples, but frequently said the wrong thing at important moments. He was constantly asking questions and was not afraid to argue with Jesus. He was one of the chosen inner three, whom Jesus asked to be with Him on many special occasions. On the other hand, very little was written or known about Thaddaeus and yet we can learn from both of them. It is important to remember that the apostles were human beings like ourselves. Unlike us, they had personal face-to-face knowledge of Jesus Christ, our Saviour, and they probably saw many more remarkable miracles than we know about. Jesus chose twelve men to be His close and constant companions to be with Him at all times and in all places. However, we can use the example of the apostles to inspire and teach us. They had faults like we do. They were a mixed bunch of people, each with their own gifts and struggles. God calls all sorts of people, and we cannot forget that Jesus was selecting men for a leadership role in the early church. He had to choose some and reject others from among a sizeable number. The selection of the Twelve from a larger group of disciples, who had gradually gathered around Him, was an important landmark in the gospel history. At the beginning of His ministry Jesus laboured singlehanded, His miraculous deeds were confined for the most part, to a small geographical area and His teaching was the plain simple gospel message. But by the time the Twelve were chosen, the work of the gospel had grown to such an extent as to require organisation and the allocation of the work; and the teaching of Jesus was beginning to become deeper and more detailed. We must not forget the apostles were ordinary men. Most of us can easily see some aspect of our own character in their lives, their struggles and frequent blunders, shortcomings and longing to be everything Christ wanted them to be. It gives us great hope to see how wonderfully God used people such as these. Each disciple was unique, but each had a special place in carrying out God’s work. Even Judas would have made a great contribution had he not been attracted by greed and motivated to betray Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver. His life also shows that not everyone who claims to be a Christian is a genuine and true member of the family of God. It is encouraging to us to see how Jesus Christ chose men who were, for the most part, selfish and on at least one occasion were arguing over who was the greatest, but through the influence of Jesus Christ on their lives were transformed into loyal and faithful disciples. These life stories of the disciples demonstrate that Jesus can use us in spite of our weaknesses and He has the power to enable us to become people of God. Regardless of what happened to them as they disappeared off the pages of the New Testament, we know for certain their ministries changed the course of history. They were transformed into dynamic witnesses and laid the foundation of the church.
I trust you will be challenged and blessed as you read this book.
ENDORSEMENTS
This is a tremendously useful book that will have a place on many a minister’s bookshelf. From Andrew through to Judas, Ian Fleck’s survey is detailed but accessible and never dry. This is a timely book, coming at a time when many in the church are speaking of the need for discipleship, yet, all too often, little or nothing is ever said of the first disciples. This book opens up their lives to us.
Rev. Dr. Paul Bailie, Chief Executive, Mission Africa (Working in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Chad and Kenya)
Ian Fleck has successfully delved into a rather neglected area. He has applied his wealth of theological experience to bring together all biblical data on the twelve disciples and spiced up with relevant historical facts. The value of this sizeable book will last long especially in Gospel and Discipleship studies. A must read for every Bible student.
Rev. Dr. Effiong A. Udoeyop, Provost, Peter Achimugu College of Theology, Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria
In this engaging book, Ian Fleck helps us see as much as we can of each of The Twelve as a unique individual. He helpfully collates all that the Bible tells us in the gospels and Acts (and some epistles) about them. Along the way he draws out helpful reflections and lessons that we can learn as modern day disciples from the lives, questions, failures and faithfulness of the original disciples of our Lord.
Rev. Dr. Christopher J. H. Wright, International Ministries Director, Langham Partnership,
Inspired by material concerning the Twelve disciples which he has assembled from the Four Gospels, and in interaction with other Scripture texts and some ancient traditions, Ian Fleck in this series of meditations has succeeded in deriving, from the lives of Jesus’ chosen followers, challenging, inspirational and practical lessons for readers to apply in discipleship of Christ today.
Rev. Dr. Gordon Campbell, Professor of New Testament, Union Theological College, Belfast.
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