Consider how the disciples were few in number and had no helper or supporter, yet how heavenly blessings descended - one seed became a harvest and one drop became an ocean.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, to Hishmatullah (London and Bombay) -- AB01118)
The apostles: ordinary lives and an enduring influence
apostles; early disciples of Christ
Editorial introduction
One seed became a harvest and one drop an ocean: that is how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sums up what happened to a handful of fishermen and dyers with no name, no helper and no schooling. The apostles matter because they were ordinary, and because something made them otherwise. Peter and John, He says, were simple workmen until the Holy Spirit illumined them; men absorbed in their own advantage became just, self-sacrificing, alive while learned Herod and educated Pilate were dead. The onlookers in Acts, startled by the boldness of two unlettered men, could only conclude that they had been with Jesus [1]. After the crucifixion comes the part easiest to forget: shaken disciples consulting together, a pact to go out in different directions, provision made for families, Mary Magdalene steadying the others, and then homeless years on roads and in strange towns. Fidelity, not visible success, is the measure, and it asks what a faithful response could make possible in a life that looks unremarkable from outside. The way leads back to Christ and the beginnings of Christianity, and into the stories and anecdotes through which such examples travel.
Selected passages
Although outwardly they were but fishermen and dyers, through the blessing and sanctity of the divine Cause they perfumed the nostrils of the people of the world with the sweet fragrances of God and quickened the hearts of the people of fidelity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1900 or <, to Mirza Abu'l-Fadl Gulpaygani -- AB00348)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Oct-31 in Paris -- ABU0773)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1911-Nov-01 in Paris -- ABU0706)
The apostles of Christ were fishermen - they had neither name nor trace, neither fame nor renown. As explicitly stated in the Gospel, they were of no account whatsoever, but rather were considered lowly. Now observe how great and indeed how they became the monarchs of the Kingdom.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Jan-08, to Agnes S Parsons -- AB01064)
In the time of Christ, outwardly the acceptance of the disciples had no importance - people mocked them, saying "What station or worth do fishermen have?"
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Feb-28 in Paris -- ABU1544)
Observe what blessed souls were raised up under the shadow of Christ - poor people and fishermen reached such stations!
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-May-02 at Baltimore Hotel in Paris -- ABU2471)
Likewise, the disciples were the weakest souls, but through the Breath of the Holy Spirit and the assistance of the Kingdom of God, they became the strongest ones.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Ida Finch and Fanny and Alma Knobloch, spoken on 1908-Nov-11 -- ABU1511)
The disciples of Christ, though they were lacking in culture, were alive. But Herod was a learned man; nevertheless he was dead. Pilate was a highly educated man, but he was as dead.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mr and Mrs Hannen, spoken on 1909-Feb-25 -- ABU1517)
On the other hand, consider the Apostles of Christ! Although outwardly they were fishermen, yet because they renounced this world, opened their eyes to the Divine Universe, forgot entirely their personal selves, dedicated their lives to the Light of the world and became self-sacrificing in the path of His Holiness Christ - may my life be a ransom to Him! - these fishermen today are shining and gleaming with the light of God from the horizon of Eternity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Jul-28, to Albert B Vail -- AB01504)
Nevertheless, when the unimportant fishermen were awakened and became mindful, like unto the stars they shone forth from the horizon of the Everlasting Glory.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Jul ca., to B Alfred Hills -- AB03720)
The focus of the rays of the Sun of Reality was Christ; and from this glorious focus the bounty of God was reflected upon the other mirrors which were the reality of the apostles...
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1910-Jan-01 -- ABU3098)
But Peter, Andrew, John and Mary Magdalene attained and became believing and assured. And this crown of eternal glory was placed upon their heads.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB03101)
Like unto the apostles of Christ and Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jacob. Although those souls were not teachers yet they were illumined by the Light of the Love of God. They consequently have become the cause of guidance of all the teachers.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1914-Aug-11, to Shaffer, Mr et al -- AB03418)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Address to the Baha'is at Rauscher's Hall in Washington, 1912-Nov-09 -- ABU0260)
Look at His disciples! They were poor and uncultured men. Out of the rough fisherman He made the great Peter, and out of the poor village girl of Magdala He made one who is a power in all the world today. … It was she whose love strengthened the disciples when their faith was failing.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken in Sep. 1911 in London -- ABU2200)
After the Lord Christ suffered, the disciples wept, and gave way to their grief. They thought that their hopes were shattered, and that the Cause was utterly lost, till Mary Magdalene came to them and strengthened them saying: 'Do you mourn the body of Our Lord or His Spirit?
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken in Sep. 1911 in London -- ABU2288)
Although after the crucifixion of His Holiness Christ, the apostles were shaken, yet soon they were awakened to the realization of their responsibilities and made aware of the character of their positions. They became as firm and steadfast as the rock. Then they arose to illuminate the lamp of the lost Cause and straighten the path of the Kingdom. They forgot everything and were filled with Christ.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Mar-07 -- ABU0278)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Chapter 24, Pentecost, 1904 ca. -- AB03529)
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at Plaza Hotel in Chicago, 1912-May-02 -- ABU0540)
After the departure of His Holiness to the Supreme Paradise, the disciples who had followed His teachings met together in consultation upon the summit of a mountain near Jaffa.
… Then they took an oath and covenant among themselves, embraced each other and descended from the mountain, some going to the Eastward, some to the West, North and South.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken at 309 W 78th St in New York, 1912-Jun-11 -- ABU0436)
"See what eleven disciples accomplished and how they sacrificed themselves. I tell you to walk in their footsteps. When a person is detached, they can transform a world. Christ's disciples gathered on a mountain and made a covenant with each other to endure every hardship, to consider every calamity a blessing and every difficulty easy. Whoever had a family should leave them in comfort; whoever did not should remain single and sacrifice their comfort. Thus when they came down from the mountain, each went in a different direction and never returned. This is how they left such lasting effects. After Christ, the disciples truly sacrificed themselves, not just in words.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Mr Maxwell, spoken on 1912-Aug-31 -- ABU1166)
They [the apostles] gathered on top of a mountain, and made a pact whereby they would consent to bear tribulations, renounce their comfort, and spread guidance. When they came down from the mountain, each of them went in a different direction and never returned.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-May-13 in Paris -- ABU3730)
All that hath since been effected along the line of diffusing the holy fragrances of Christ, uplifting the Word of God, spreading the Gospel, training souls and guiding the people, hath been wholly from the result of the effects produced by that assemblage of the disciples. Those effects are continual even in the present time.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Sarah Farmer, Jun. 1906 -- ABU0821)
They did not forget Christ, did not forget those favors, did not erase those teachings from view, did not forget His counsels and bounties. Night and day they strove that perhaps they might succeed. In truth, they showed the utmost faithfulness to Christ.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to pilgrims, spoken on 1913-Nov-14 -- ABU0230)
The apostles of His Holiness Christ were very religious, very faithful, very spiritual and severed from aught else save God. They were inspired by the breaths of the Holy-Spirit and endeavored with heart and soul in the diffusion of the lights of the Kingdom of the Father. They strove in the process of the souls and their characterization with the qualities of loyalty and faithfulness and whole-hearted sincerity. They were fishing by day and by night. They had no rest nor did they sought after any comfort.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Ahmad Sohrab, spoken on 1914-Dec-19 -- ABU0995)
They forsake the joys and delights of the physical life and attached themselves to the Cause of their Master. They became the embodiments of spirituality and the manifestors of mercifulness.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to some friends, spoken on 1915-Apr-22 -- ABU2093)
If a person is confirmed in the accomplishment of the services of the Kingdom, his worldly conditions are of secondary importance. So far this supreme desire of mine has not been realized. The greatest Bestowal that is possible for a soul to attain in this world is this:- that he may spend his life, his forces, his possession, his body, his heart and his spirit in the Path of the service of the Blessed Perfection and then toward the last days of his life he may drink the cup of martyrdom. This is indeed the most blessed state, the loftiest pinnacle of perfection!
Is there a greater and more harrowing regret in this world than to spend one's physical energies in the awful road of lust, sinful passions, inordinate desires and the frivolities of the age! No! I declare by God. Oh! How pitiful to watch the last flicker of a hope dying out of such a life! Because when the last curtain falls on such a dissipated life he finds to his utter remorse his nerves racked, his resources drained, his fortune wrecked, his hopes vanished, his opportunities lost, his visions vanished, his energies wasted and the light of his spirit extinguished! What were the results of these deeds? What were the sum-total of these thoughts? What was the outcome of this sowing of wild oats? Where is the man with his youthful ambitions? In what heap of mud and water did he throw the brilliant gems of his ideals? What has he done with his god-given intelligence? He has indeed lived a fruitless life, surrounding himself with the suggestions of passions and the gratification of selfish appetites. His life is brought to a tragic close enveloped with regrets, remorse! Verily this is the most evident loss!
But on the other hand how glorious is the life of a person when toward the last days of his earthly existence he is enabled to contemplate that praise be to God, through the assistance and Favor of the Almighty, he has been fortunate to spend his belongings, his life, his spirit, his body and all his faculties in the Path of the Love of God, accepting all manner of persecutions, reviling and afflictions with the serenity of consciousness and standing firm in the Cause till the very last breath...
Indeed, the most enduring and imperishable work was performed by the disciples of Christ. Were they not faithful to him till the very last hour of their lives? After his crucifixion they sought no rest for even one moment and they longed for no tranquility and composure. Their days and nights were spent in the promotion of the Cause of God. With no thought for their own personal comfort they summoned the people to the Kingdom of God and girded up the lain of endeavor in the enkindlement of the souls. Homeless and shelterless they traveled over mountains and deserts, now spending a few days in this city and then a few months in that town. Alone and unaided they invited mankind to the banquet of the Lord and raised their voices to the height of heaven. Everywhere they were persecuted, reviled, laughed to scorn and derided, but these things did not lessen their faith and determination. They left behind their homes, and their kith and kin and went away, and the rest of their lives were spent in spreading the glad-tidings of the kingdom. At last they were martyred in the Path of His Holiness Christ -- may my life be a ransom to Him -- Ah! All though their lives they did not forget Him for one moment! They did not cast into the corner of oblivion His heavenly Teachings. They remembered His advices and exhortations and strove day and night to carry the light of the Gospel to the most distant and unknown parts of the world...
Then he spoke about two Baha'i martyrs in Persia and contrasting the thousands of martyrs in this revelation with the limited number of the apostles of Christ. "The disciples of Christ" he said "were only eleven. And at the hour of crucifixion all the disciples forsook him, and fled' and Peter who was the chief of the disciples' followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants to see the end.' According to the Gospel he denied his Master three times.' Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou wast also with Jesus of Galilee. But he denied before them all, saying I know not what thou sayest. And when he was gone out of the porch, another maid saw him and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath, 'I do not know the man.' And after awhile came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee. Then began he to curse and swear, saying, 'I know not the man.' From this graphic description of the Gospel one comprehends the degree of the faith of the disciples, while during the lifetime of the Blessed Perfection thousands of men and women and children cried out under the sword of the executioner 'Ya Baha El Abha.'
However the apostles became firm and steadfast after the crucifixion of Jesus the Christ. The cause of their firmness was Mary Magdalene who gathered them and addressed them with eloquence and fervor: 'Why are ye agitated? Why are troubled? What is the cause of your retirement? Jesus always foretold about his death that a day is coming when I shall quaff from that cup. Now nothing has happened to throw you into such a consternation. Only this earthly, elemental body of Jesus is taken away from our midst but the Spirit of Christ is the Sun of Reality which is ever shining upon all the inhabitants of the world. This is not subject to change or destruction. Why are ye disturbed? His Holiness Christ ascended to the same heaven from which he came down. And no man hath ascended to heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the son of man which is in heaven! Why are ye so perturbed? What is the cause of your disconcert? This is not the day of retreat! This is not the time of your seclusion! Be up! Arise! This is the day of service! This is the day of teaching the Cause of God! This is the day of the declaration of the Gospel! This is the day of guiding the souls to the Kingdom! This is the day of sacrifice! This is the day of work! This is the day of faithfulness! The Lord hath commanded you 'Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.' Christ is with you wherever you go and he will assist you under all circumstances.' In such manner Mary Magdalene filled the hearts of the dispirited apostles with new hope and fairy earnestness.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Feb-20 -- ABU0248)
For example, with what self-sacrifice did the apostles of Christ arise to serve - they truly proved faithful to Christ. One went toward Iran and was completely lost. Another went toward India and he too was lost.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Oct-23 in Bahji -- ABU2146)
Remember the hardships of the disciples, and what Mary, the Virgin; Mary, the Magdalene; and Mary, the mother of Jesus, bore in the path of God; especially Barbara, until she was martyred in the love of Christ; and she being attracted unto the Kingdom of God, her spirit soared unto the summits of holiness in the paradise of eternal life, in the place of Meeting.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1902 ca., to Addie Dealy -- AB05894)
The state of Christ's apostles is known - when teachers live in utmost difficulty, it has a profound effect on seeking souls.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1909-Jul-28, to Ibn-i-Abhar -- AB11655)
Consider ye that after His Holiness the Spirit (Christ), the disciples did not stop for a moment nor did they choose rest for themselves. They strove night and day. Then it is evident how much we must show self-sacrifice, service and steadfastness to the Most Holy Threshold! If the disciples had not been firm, after the departure of His Holiness the Christ, his Cause would have been utterly effaced and made non-existent.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Jun-08 in Tiberias -- ABU1865)
Should the sea of tests become almost overwhelming, it must not have any effect upon them. Consider ye that after His Holiness the Spirit (Christ), the disciples did not stop for a moment nor did they choose rest for themselves. They strove night and day. Then it is evident how much we must show self-sacrifice, service and steadfastness to the Most Holy Threshold! If the disciples had not been firm, after the departure of His Holiness the Christ, his Cause would have been utterly effaced and made non-existent.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1914-Jun-06 in Tiberias -- ABU2643)
After His Holiness Christ His apostles did not rest for one moment and devoted all their energies to the promotion of the Gospel of Salvation. With what greater enthusiasm and sincerity should we serve at the Threshold of Baha'u'llah. If the Apostles did not manifest that Superhuman steadfastness the Cause of Christ would have been disappeared entirely from the face of the earth in its beginning.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to departing pilgrims, spoken on 1914-Jun-09 -- ABU2040)
Consider what the Disciples of His Holiness Christ did by throwing away comfort and rest and devoting all their times to the promotion of the Cause.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Ibn-i-Asdaq, spoken on 1913-Nov-27 -- ABU2936)
The apostles of Christ would always travel and proclaim the Kingdom of God. You too should do likewise.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Oct-20, to Mary H Ford -- AB06176)
Arise ye in service to the Cause of God as the Apostles arose after the departure of Christ.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- ABU2539)
Likewise, in the cycle of Christ (peace be upon him) the number of luminous, spiritual ones - the blessed disciples - was twelve.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá -- AB02020)
Thus Christ spread the table of his spiritual food and called a great number of people in order to take their portions. Out of these only eleven came and attended the table.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken ca. 1900 -- ABU2476)
The results of these persecutions were eleven disciples who were truly blessed souls. They became luminous and heavenly; they became the cause of the enlightenment of the people of the world.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Baha'is, spoken on 1912-Nov-16 -- ABU1377)
After the departure of His Holiness Christ there were only eleven disciples whose faith was shaken and outwardly they were of the low class, deprived of any social distinctions! Now behold the results of their work.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1913-Jul-07 in Port Said -- ABU2039)
In the days of Christ, eleven souls were attracted through the power of the Holy Spirit, but in nine days blessed souls in Budapest entered the Abha Kingdom.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Apr-23, to William Moore -- AB03937)
It was the same in the days of Christ. All the Pharisees, all the great men, all the kings, all the ministers, and all the rich people and men of importance were deprived. Peter, Paul, Mark, John, Mary Magdalen and Mary, the Mother of Jesus, such were the ones who attained to the Kingdom. Now one can realize how dear those souls were to God, that He chose them to enter and serve in His kingdom.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Ida Finch and Fanny and Alma Knobloch, spoken on 1908-Nov-10 -- ABU1769)
In any case, the apostles of Christ encountered a difficulty. As they traveled to different regions and eloquently praised Christ, Moses, the Gospel and Torah among other nations, the Jews devised a plan.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913-Feb-08, to Edward Granville Browne -- AB00879)
The disciples of Jesus, passing along the road and seeing a dead dog, remarked how offensive and disgusting a spectacle it was. Then Christ turning to them said, 'Yes, but see how white and beautiful are his teeth'----thus teaching that there is some good in everything.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to Julia Grundy spoken around Jan. 1905 -- ABU3335)
This is an ideal Christ invented by the apostles. Moreover the Evangelists in writing the Gospels stole away the utterances of the ancient sages and attributed them to this ideal Christ.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words to the Master's entourage, spoken at Rue St. Didier 30 on 1913-Mar-14 -- ABU2485)
[The people] would prostrate themselves before the stones upon which the apostles had sat, and this is due to their connection with God and from the power of the persistence of their reality, such that even their sitting upon a stone has this effect.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words spoken on 1915-Jul-21 in Haifa -- ABU3310)
Consider ye! In the day of His Highness Christ, the grandeur and majesty of their Holiness the Apostles, was not known. After three-hundred years the loftiness of the station and the exaltation of their attainment became manifest.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1906-Oct-17, to Spiritual Assembly of Montreal -- AB00764)
How few were Christ's apostles, and they were in utmost abasement and lowliness in Jerusalem. Then observe what glory and greatness they attained, such that to this day they shine like stars from the horizon of sanctity.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1919-Sep-15, to William Hoar -- AB12130)
Thou observest how the apostles and followers of Christ ultimately achieved victory and triumph, illumining East and West through the Holy Spirit.
(‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 1908-Mar-29, to Elizabeth Ingraham -- AB09524)
Continue exploring
For thought and discussion
Questions to carry forward
- What changes of character make the apostles’ transformation significant in these passages?
- How does the comparison with Acts 4:13 challenge familiar assumptions about who can contribute?
- What roles do consultation, encouragement, and Mary Magdalene’s example play after a community experiences loss?
- How can careful attention to the setting of a reported story prevent a quotation from being misunderstood?
- What distinguishes fidelity and sustained service from a wish for immediate recognition or visible success?
- Which aspect of these ordinary lives could illuminate a responsibility you or your community now face?