What Happened to the 12 Apostles? Their Missions, Martyrdoms, and Legacies

After the resurrection of Jesus, the 12 Apostles went on to become the pillars of the early Christian Church. They spread the message of Christ across continents, enduring hardships and martyrdoms along the way. Here's a deep dive into their individual journeys, based on historical tradition, scripture, and legend.

1. Peter (Simon Peter)

Known as the leader of the apostles, Peter preached extensively in Jerusalem and later in Rome. He authored two epistles and was crucified upside down under Emperor Nero, feeling unworthy to die as Jesus did.

Peter famously denied Jesus three times before the crucifixion but was later restored by Jesus with the words, "Feed my sheep."

Discovery of His Bones: In the 1940s and 1950s, excavations beneath St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City uncovered a first-century necropolis. A tomb marked with Greek graffiti—"Peter is here"—was found, along with bones of a man in his 60s or 70s, wrapped in purple cloth with gold thread. In 1968, Pope Paul VI declared the remains were convincingly identified as those of St. Peter. Today, they rest in a shrine beneath the Basilica's main altar.

2. James the Greater (Son of Zebedee)

The first apostle to be martyred, James was beheaded in Jerusalem around 44 AD by Herod Agrippa I. Some traditions claim he preached in Spain.

According to legend, his remains were miraculously transported to Santiago de Compostela, now a famous pilgrimage site.

3. John (Son of Zebedee)

John is the only apostle believed to have died a natural death, around 100 AD in Ephesus. He authored the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation. Legend says he survived being boiled in oil.

At the crucifixion, Jesus entrusted his mother Mary to John's care, showing his deep trust in him.

4. Andrew (Brother of Peter)

Andrew spread Christianity in Greece and Asia Minor. He was crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras, Greece. He's the patron saint of several countries, including Scotland.

Before dying, Andrew is said to have preached from the cross for two days, converting onlookers.

5. Philip

Philip preached in Asia Minor and was martyred in Hierapolis, possibly by crucifixion or stoning. His tomb has been discovered in modern-day Turkey.

In the Gospel of John, Philip plays a key role by introducing Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Jesus.

6. Bartholomew (Possibly Nathanael)

Bartholomew is believed to have preached in India and Armenia. He was reportedly flayed alive and then beheaded—a gruesome martyrdom.

He is often depicted holding his own skin in art, referencing the method of his martyrdom.

7. Matthew (The Tax Collector)

Author of the Gospel of Matthew, he evangelized in regions including Ethiopia and Persia. Traditions differ on his death, but many say he was stabbed to death.

As a former tax collector, his inclusion among the apostles shows Jesus’ outreach to society’s outcasts.

8. Thomas (Doubting Thomas)

Famous for doubting Jesus' resurrection until he saw Him, Thomas later preached in India. He was martyred by being speared near Chennai. The Mar Thoma Church in India traces its roots to him.

His exclamation, "My Lord and my God!" is one of the clearest declarations of Jesus' divinity in the Gospels.

9. James the Less (Son of Alphaeus)

Little is known about him, but he is believed to have led the Jerusalem church. He was martyred—possibly stoned or beaten to death.

He is sometimes identified with "James the Just," known for his devout lifestyle and leadership in early Christianity.

10. Thaddeus (Jude, Brother of James)

Author of the Epistle of Jude, Thaddeus evangelized in Mesopotamia and Persia. He was reportedly clubbed or axed to death.

In art, he is often shown with a medallion of Jesus’ face, referencing the legend of him bringing Jesus’ image to King Abgar.

11. Simon the Zealot

Simon, once part of a radical Jewish sect, spread the Gospel in Persia or possibly Britain. His martyrdom is unclear—crucifixion or being sawed in half are among the traditions.

His title "Zealot" may refer to his passionate faith or previous revolutionary background before following Jesus.

12. Judas Iscariot

Judas betrayed Jesus and later died by suicide. His role was replaced by Matthias.

He infamously betrayed Jesus with a kiss, a symbol now forever linked with betrayal.

13. Matthias (Judas’ Replacement)

Chosen to complete the group of twelve, Matthias preached in Cappadocia and the Caspian region. He was reportedly stoned and beheaded.

He was selected by casting lots, a method used by the apostles to discern God's will.

Each apostle walked a path filled with faith, courage, and often, sacrifice. Their legacy lives on in the global Church and in the lands they reached, from India to Spain. Whether through scripture, tradition, or martyrdom, they each left a mark that history has never erased.