Apostles

THE APOSTLES : M.M.NINAN
Russian Orthodox icon of the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, 18th century
(Iconostasis of Transfiguration Church, Kizhi Monastery, Karelia, Russia).
According to tradition, John and the other Apostles remained some 12 years in this first field of
labor, until the persecution of Herod Agrippa I which led to the scattering of the Apostles through
the various provinces of the Roman Empire. (ACt 12:1-17)
As the first Apostolic Council was held in AD 51 to determine the procedure for the validation of the
Gentile churches, Paul refers of Peter and James the brother of Jesus and John still in Jerusalem.
(Gal 2:9)
(Gal 2:9)
"and when they perceived the grace that was given unto me, James and Cephas and John, they
who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we
should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision"
Before Jesus ascended, he charged John with watching over the newly established Church. He
was then established as a pillar at the Church of Jerusalem.