Scriptures for Preaching on the Death of the Apostles

The deaths of the apostles, particularly their martyrdoms, are significant themes in Christian scripture and tradition, often presented as examples of faithfulness and sacrifice. The New Testament itself anticipates and records the suffering and deaths of early Christian leaders.

Jesus forewarned his disciples about the persecution they would face, stating, "Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city" ^[5]. This prophecy aligns with other passages where Jesus indicates that his followers would be hated and killed for his name's sake ^[1]. The concept of martyrdom, defined as death endured for the word of God and the testimony of Christ, is seen in Revelation 6:9 and 20:4 ^[1]. Believers are encouraged not to fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul ^[1].

The apostles themselves spoke of their impending deaths. The Second Epistle of Peter, for instance, appears to have been written shortly before the apostle Peter's death, as indicated in 2 Peter 1:14 ^{[2, 7]}. In this epistle, Peter refers to his "approaching death" and uses it as a basis for assuring believers of the truth of his testimony, including his eyewitness account of the transfiguration and the prophetic word ^[7].

The book of Acts, while titled "Acts of the Apostles," primarily focuses on Peter and Paul, with only brief mentions of other apostles. For example, it records the execution of James, the son of Zebedee, by Herod ^[6]. This highlights that the early church was aware of and recorded the violent deaths of its leaders.

The suffering and death of the apostles are often presented as an example for believers. Peter himself exhorted pastors to be examples to their flocks (1 Peter 5:3) ^[3]. The prophets of old are also cited as examples of suffering affliction (James 5:10) ^[3]. John Chrysostom, an early church father, noted that the persecution of the apostles mirrored the persecution of Christ and the prophets, citing 1 Kings 19:14 where Elijah laments, "Lord, they have killed Thy prophets, and digged down thine altars" ^[9]. Luke's Gospel also portrays Jesus as "The Suffering Prophet," connecting his experience to the killing of prophets throughout history ^[11].

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is a core element of the apostles' preaching and provides a foundation for the hope of believers, even in the face of death ^{[8, 12]}. Paul emphasized the resurrection as central to the Gospel he preached, stating that without it, faith and preaching would be in vain ^{[4, 10, 12]}. The resurrection of Christ is presented as necessary for the fulfillment of Scripture, the forgiveness of sins, justification, and hope ^[4]. This hope in resurrection provides context for understanding the apostles' willingness to face death.

The concept of martyrdom also carries the promise of reward. Revelation 2:10 and 6:11 speak of a reward for those who are faithful unto death ^[1]. The suffering of saints, including their martyrdom, is also depicted as something that will be avenged ^[1].

The deaths of the apostles, therefore, are not merely historical events but serve as powerful theological statements within Christian scripture. They underscore the cost of discipleship, the faithfulness required in the face of persecution, and the ultimate hope in the resurrection and divine justice.

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Martyrdom — Is death endured for the word of God, and testimony of Christ -- Re 6:9; 20:4. Saints Forewarned of. -- Mt 10:21; 24:9; Joh 16:2. Should not fear. -- Mt 10:28; Re 2:10. Should be prepared for. -- Mt 16:24,25; Ac 21:13. Should resist sin to. -- Heb 12:4. Reward of -- Re 2:10; 6:11. Inflicted at the instigation of the devil -- Re 2:10,13. The Apostasy guilty of inflicting -- Re 17:6; 18:24. Of saints, shall be avenged -- Lu 11:50,51; Re 18:20-24. Exemplified Abel. -- Ge 4:8; 1Jo 3:12. Ahimelech and his fellow priests. -- 1Sa 22:18,19. Prophets and Saints of”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Peter, Second Epistle of — The question of the authenticity of this epistle has been much discussed, but the weight of evidence is wholly in favour of its claim to be the production of the apostle whose name it bears. It appears to have been written shortly before the apostle's death (1:14). This epistle contains eleven references to the Old Testament. It also contains (3:15, 16) a remarkable reference to Paul's epistles. Some think this reference is to 1 Thess. 4:13-5:11. A few years ago, among other documents, a parchment fragment, called the "Gospel of Peter," was”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resurrection of Christ, The — Foretold by the prophets -- Ps 16:10; Ac 13:34,35; Isa 26:19. Foretold by Himself -- Mt 20:19; Mr 9:9; 14:28; Joh 2:19-22. Was necessary to The fulfilment of Scripture. -- Lu 24:45,46. Forgiveness of sins. -- 1Co 15:17. Justification. -- Ro 4:25; 8:34. Hope. -- 1Co 15:19. The efficacy of preaching. -- 1Co 15:14. The efficacy of faith. -- 1Co 15:14,17. A proof of his being the Son of God -- Ps 2:7; Ac 13:33; Ro 1:4. Effected by The power of God. -- Ac 2:24; 3:15; Ro 8:11; Eph 1:20; Col 2:12. His own power. -- Joh 2:19; 10:18. The power of”
Matthew “Therefore behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city; -- Matthew 23:34”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Acts of the Apostles — The title now given to the fifth and last of the historical books of the New Testament. The author styles it a "treatise" (1:1). It was early called "The Acts," "The Gospel of the Holy Ghost," and "The Gospel of the Resurrection." It contains properly no account of any of the apostles except Peter and Paul. John is noticed only three times; and all that is recorded of James, the son of Zebedee, is his execution by Herod. It is properly therefore not the history of the "Acts of the Apostles," a title which was given to the book at a later date, ”
Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Peter, Second Epistle Of — The following is a brief outline of the contents of this epistle: The customary opening salutation is followed by an enumeration of Christian blessings and exhortation to Christian duties. (2 Peter 1:1-13) Referring then to his approaching death, the apostle assigns as grounds of assurance for believers his own personal testimony as eye-witness of the transfiguration and the sure word of prophecy--that is the testimony of the Holy Ghost. vs. (2 Peter 1:14-21) The danger of being misled by false prophets is dwelt upon with great earnestness t”
1 Thessalonians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Thessalonians 1:10: 1:10 The resurrection of Jesus from the dead was the core of the apostles’ preaching (4:14; Acts 2:32; 3:15; 10:40; 13:29-30; 1 Cor 15:3-8) and the foundation for confidence in Jesus’ return (see 1 Thes 5:9; 2 Thes 1:6-10).”
CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: they did with Christ, and the Apostles, but their habitual practice. For to prevent their saying that it was as a deceiver we put Christ to death, and as impostors that we persecute the Apostles, he brings forward the text which says, “Lord, they have killed Thy prophets, and digged down thine altars.” ( 1 Kings xix. 14 .) Then in order not to make his discourse galling to them, he attaches another reason to the bringing forward of the text. For he quotes it not as if it was on purpose to accuse them, but as if intent upon showing some other things. ”
1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 15:3: For I delivered unto you first of all,.... Not only in the first place as to order; but among the chief and principal things, as the words will bear to be rendered, this was insisted on in his ministry; this was one he after relates, even a crucified Christ, or the doctrine of his dying for the sins of his people; and which he mentions to lead on to his resurrection; which he meant to improve, and does improve, in a very strong manner, in favour of the resurrection of the saints. This doctrine of a crucified Saviour, which he at first determined only to make kn”
Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 11:48: 11:48 They killed the prophets: See 1 Kgs 19:10, 14; Neh 9:26; Jer 2:30; 26:20-24. Luke portrays Jesus as “The Suffering Prophet” Luke 4:22-24.”
1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 15:1: The Gospel which I preached unto you - This Gospel is contained in Christ dying for our sins, being buried, and rising again the third day. See the following verses.”

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