Family, Faith and the Lives of Jesus's Disciples

"Family, Faith and the Lives of Jesus's Disciples" brings the Twelve out of ancient texts and into the warmth of their own homes, revealing the parents, siblings, spouses and children who shaped their hearts before they ever met Jesus. Explore Simon Peter's Galilean fishing clan, Andrew's early devotion as John the Baptist's disciple, and Matthew's dual life as a Greek-speaking tax collector and Gospel penman. Meet James the Less, whose quiet strength held the early Church together; Thomas, whose questions became confessions of faith; and Jude, whose courageous compassion earned him the title "Advocate of Love."

Drawing on biblical narratives, apocryphal legends, archaeological finds and church traditions-from the children of Jude under Domitian to the apprentice-scribe beginnings of Matthias-this book paints vivid, human portraits of each apostle. Trace their vocations as farmers, fishermen, zealots and scribes; witness the moment that call transformed their families' rhythms; and follow their journeys to mission fields from Syria to India.