December 22

Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; — Matt 10:3 BSB

It’s interesting how little we know about most of the apostles. We know quite a bit about Peter, James, and John. Matthew is known for writing a Gospel. Thomas is remembered for his doubts. James, the son of Alphaeus, wrote a letter. Another Judas, not Iscariot, wrote a short epistle. But for the rest, we only know their names.

Part of the reason we don’t know more about the apostles is because the Bible focuses on one name above all: Jesus. The Gospels were written to show Christ to the world. We don’t need to be concerned about the lack of recognition for great men. Earth may forget its benefactors, but in heaven, every small act of kindness done in the name of Christ is remembered. The stories of the lesser-known apostles and the good lives lived for God may have been forgotten by the world, but they are written forever in God’s book. Their legacy lives on in the lives they touched, and one day, every impact will be revealed.