The Bible does not provide detailed accounts or specific references regarding the deaths of most of the apostles. Here’s what is known from biblical texts and some historical traditions:
1. **James (the son of Zebedee)**: The death of James is recorded in Acts 12:1-2, where King Herod Agrippa I executed him by sword:
– *”About that time King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death by the sword.”* (Acts 12:1-2, NIV)
2. **Judas Iscariot**: The suicide of Judas after betraying Jesus is recorded in Matthew 27:3-5 and Acts 1:16-20:
– *”When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. ‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood.’ ‘What is that to us?’ they replied. ‘That’s your responsibility!’ So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.”* (Matthew 27:3-5, NIV)
– *”For, said Peter, it is written in the book of Psalms, May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it, and, May another take his place of leadership.”* (Acts 1:20, NIV)
3. **Peter**: While the Bible does not directly record Peter’s death, Jesus foretold it in John 21:18-19:
– *”Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.”* (John 21:18-19, NIV)
4. **Traditions about the deaths of other apostles**: While the New Testament does not describe the deaths of most of the apostles, early Christian traditions and writings suggest the following:
– **Andrew**: Tradition holds that he was crucified on an X-shaped cross.
– **Thomas**: He is said to have been martyred in India.
– **Matthew**: Early accounts indicate he was killed in Ethiopia.
– **Bartholomew**: Traditionally believed to have been flayed alive and then beheaded.
– **Philip**: He is said to have been executed by crucifixion or stoning.
These traditions are not found in the biblical text but are recorded in various historical sources. The fate of the rest of the apostles is often less clear and relies on later church traditions rather than scriptural accounts.