The Apostles

In this issue we begin a new series on the 21^st-century application of the gospel, this time focusing on the biblical book of Acts.

Amid growing persecution, early followers of Christ fled to neighboring regions, spreading a message of hope and a way of life.

The book of Acts provides a history of the early church’s growth and development. This article explores the experiences of three key players.

What Paul and Barnabas taught Jews and gentiles as they traveled through Cyprus and Asia Minor is the subject of considerable debate and misunderstanding.

The apostle Paul sets out on a journey to the ancient cities of Asia Minor and Greece. Even today, his experiences offer valuable and instructive lessons.

The apostle Paul arrives in the ancient cities of Athens and Corinth. How he approaches his respective audiences is in itself enlightening.

The apostle Paul travels to the city of the goddess Artemis to live and teach for three years before making his way to Jerusalem one last time.

Paul’s final visit to Jerusalem resulted in riots, beatings, imprisonment, hearings before governors and a king, and finally an appeal to Caesar.

The prisoner Paul makes his way to Rome for a hearing before the famous Nero. But what might appear to be the end of the story is really just another beginning.

Though Paul is manacled to a Roman guard, he continues his ministry both in person and through letters to fellow believers in outlying provinces.

As the apostle Paul’s life draws to a close, he continues to demonstrate his sincere concern for those under his care and for those who will carry on his ministry.

What can we know about James, the first-century writer of one of the general epistles? And what value does his letter have in the 21^st century?

The apostle Peter figures prominently in the New Testament, but today he is often portrayed as being theologically at odds with his colleague Paul.

The apostle Peter’s life is a study in how much a person can change. His writings offer advice as applicable today as when he wrote them.

The apostle Peter wrote a second letter to the early Church just before his death. Like other New Testament writings, its message is timeless.

John, the last surviving apostle, lived a long and challenging life. David Hulme looks at some of John’s early experiences as a follower of Jesus Christ.

A closer look at the Gospel and letter written by the apostle John reveals some of the changes taking place in the late-first-century church.

As the last surviving apostle among the original twelve, John was eager to pass on key instruction and understanding to followers of “the Way.”

The last written work of the apostle John was his enigmatic Apocalypse, or the book of Revelation. Why is the book so puzzling, and what is its message for today?

The letters that the apostle John sent to seven churches in Asia Minor carried vital messages for survival. And they provide instruction even today.

The final installment of the series examines the biblical account of the apocalypse, as recorded by the apostle John in the book of Revelation.