What do people "hear" from your life of words? What is your Christian witness proclaiming to the world? (Some might say, "I'm not an apostle like Peter or John, you know. It's very hard for me even to carry on a conversation with my children, my parents or my friends.") Is there only one type of personality that God desires to use to accomplish His plan? Let us look at the twelve disciples that Jesus had chosen and see the significant testimony that each contributed to the future and furtherance of Christianity.

First of all, one sees the significant testimony of silence within the selected Twelve. A disciple is one who listens and learns from his leader. Isn't it interesting that Simon Zelotes (the Canaanite - Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:16), James of Alphaeus (the less - Mark 15:40) and Matthew (the tax collector – Matthew 9:9; 10:3; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27-29) never "say" a specific word in the writings of the Gospels, yet they are all represented in the actions, attitudes and answers of the entire twelve apostles. Their "quiet" strength increases the abilities of the Twelve to work as a unified team. Although Matthew never speaks audibly, he does "speak" with his pen. His written words become the introduction to the New Testament.

Secondly, the significant testimony of simplicity and sincerity is noticed in some of the Twelve. One must admit that Bartholomew (or Nathanael - John 1:45-51), Thaddaeus (or Judas – Luke 6:6; John 14:22; Acts 1:13) and James (Luke 9:54) and John (Luke 9:49, 54; John 13:25), the sons of Zebedee, express very little "vocally" in the Gospels, but what they do say is surely honest. With babes in Christ, as well as mature adults, God desires humility and honesty. Interestingly, James lived a very brief life of honesty; for he was the first apostle to be killed (Acts 12:1-2). John his brother lived a full life of honesty writing the most New Testament epistles of all the twelve apostles — letters that express instruction, insight and integrity.

Thirdly, two of the Twelve display a significant testimony of soul winning. Andrew and Philip were unique disciples. Every passage that records their names indicates their willingness to direct others to Jesus the Christ (Messiah). Andrew first shared his new found faith to his brother Peter (John 1:40-42). Philip immediately shared his testimony with Nathanael (John 1:43-46). Both searched for an answer to accommodate Jesus' command to feed the crowd (John 6:5-9). Together, they pointed the Greeks to the Promised One (John 12:20-22). These apostles were interested in the "souls" of people!

Next, the significant testimony of sight is seen in one of the Twelve. Thomas needed to envision his experiences before his eyes in order to believe. If his leader was determined to die, this disciple would also die (John 11:14-16). In his finite thoughts he could not fathom how to follow (John 14:4-6). If the face of his leader disappeared forever in death, his faith likewise would disintegrate without a future (John 20:24-25). Thomas needed tangible confirmation of the truth (John 20:26-29).

Finally, the significant testimony of sin seeps into the lives of the Twelve. All desired to be the greatest, yet none defended their leader in his darkest hour. Judas Iscariot participated in all of the exciting events with the other disciples, yet his deception was not perceived by anyone but Jesus (Matthew 26:47-50; Mark14:45; John 12:4-6). Simon Peter was very "vocal" within the group, and his denial of associating with the Anointed One becomes the most prominent of his actions (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66:72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-18, 25-27). The contrast between the "repentance" of Judas Iscariot and Peter indicates the importance of inward sorrow and submission to the Savior. Judas decides to "silence" himself because of his selfish sin (Matthew 27:3-5), yet Peter acknowledges his sin (Mark 14:72; Luke 22:61-62, accepts Christ's forgiveness and arises to the task of "spokesman" for the disciples in the book of Acts (John 21:15-17; Acts 1:15; 2:14; 4:8).

The testimonies of the Twelve truly show different types of personalities within the body of believers. The combination of each character complemented the voice of Christianity. This group of godly men continued the message that was given to them by the Master. Their personalities saturated their words and ways, proving to all who came in contact with them that these men possessed the substance of the Savior's teachings. They turned the world upside down with the truth! May we, whom Jesus has chosen before the foundation of the world, also contribute to the cause of Christ with our unique characters and "conversations!"

Rob Zapotoski,
SMS Acting Director