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The Apostles' Martyrdom

The martyrdom of the apostles is a central tenet of Christian tradition, often cited as evidence of the truth of their testimony. However, the historical evidence for these martyrdoms varies widely, and scholars continue to debate their authenticity. This page examines the specific evidence available for each apostle's martyrdom.

Core Issue:

The evidence for the apostles' martyrdoms is largely based on late Christian traditions, and therefore is not strong evidence for the truth of Christianity.

Peter

Date of Death: c. 64-67 AD

Method: Crucifixion (possibly upside-down)

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Paul

Date of Death: c. 64-67 AD

Method: Beheading

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James (brother of Jesus)

Date of Death: c. 62 AD

Method: Stoning

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John

Date of Death: c. 100 AD (natural causes)

Method: N/A (survived persecution)

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James, son of Zebedee

Date of Death: c. 44 AD

Method: Beheading

Sources:

Andrew

Date of Death: Unknown (tradition: 60-70 AD)

Method: Crucifixion (tradition)

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Philip

Date of Death: Unknown

Method: Crucifixion (tradition)

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Bartholomew

Date of Death: Unknown

Method: Flaying and crucifixion (tradition)

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Thomas

Date of Death: Unknown

Method: Spear thrust (tradition)

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Matthew

Date of Death: Unknown

Method: Natural death or martyrdom (conflicting traditions)

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James, son of Alphaeus

Date of Death: Unknown

Method: Stoning and clubbing (tradition)

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Thaddeus/Jude

Date of Death: Unknown

Method: Unknown (martyrdom traditions vary)

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Simon the Zealot

Date of Death: Unknown

Method: Sawn in half (tradition)

Sources:

Conclusion

The historicity of the apostles' martyrdoms remains a subject of debate. While early Christian traditions and some historical context support the general idea of apostolic martyrdom, specific details often rely on later, potentially legendary sources. The strongest cases for historicity can be made for Peter, Paul, and James (brother of Jesus), while evidence for others is more tenuous.

In the final analysis, while we can be reasonably confident that some apostles were martyred, the specific details of most apostolic martyrdoms remain shrouded in the mists of history and legend.

Ehrman, Bart D. "Peter, Paul, and Mary Magdalene: The Followers of Jesus in History and Legend" (2006)