The Disappearance and Legacy of Jesus' Disciples: A Question of Remains

For centuries, various religious sites have claimed to possess the remains of Jesus' apostles, raising questions about their actual location and preservation. This article explores the historical and theological implications surrounding the bones of these early followers of Christ and the reasons behind their seemingly mysterious disappearance from history.

Introduction to the Claimed Remains

Supposedly, the bones of Saint Peter lie under the high altar of the cathedral in Rome, which is dedicated to him. Many other holy places also lay claim to the fragments of their namesake within their walls. These claims, however, lack concrete historical evidence, leaving the authenticity of such claims open to debate.

Historical Context and Skepticism

As an academic and atheist, it is clear that there are no contemporary accounts of the characters or their followers. They virtually disappeared from history after the crucifixion and likely resumed their previous occupations or dispersed.
Church traditions exist regarding their lives, but actual historical evidence is sparse.

Known Remains and Relic Practices

In contrast to the lack of historical evidence, the bones of St. Peter were known and re-discovered during a twentieth-century dig. It is explicitly marked whose bones they belonged to. Similarly, the remains of other apostles have been historically significant: St. Thomas, the founder of the Syro-Malabar and Malankara churches; St. James, associated with Santiago de Compostella in Spain; and St. Andrew, whose remains were re-interred in Constantinople by Emperor Constantine. Some remains were kept secret to prevent relic hunters from desecrating them.

Theological Perspective on Relics

From a theological standpoint, the use of relics, including the bones of apostles, is not worshipped in the same way as idolatry. Jesus clearly stated:

ldquo;God is a Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.rdquo;
— John 4:24

The Bible also explicitly commands Christians to guard themselves from idols, as stated in Deuteronomy 5:6-10:

ldquo;You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.rdquo;

The Apostle John also warns, "Guard yourselves from idols." (1 John 5:21). While some argue that relics of faithful servants of God should be treated as a symbol of religious faith, these relics can become an idol to the person who venerates them. Therefore, anyone who seeks to please God should not show devotion or reverence to any object.

Conclusion and Reflection

The mystery surrounding the remains of Jesus' apostles continues to intrigue historians and believers alike. While there are documented accounts of some remains and their locations, the overall lack of concrete evidence raises questions about the true nature and fate of these early followers of Christ. It serves as a reminder of the importance of guarding our faith from idolatry and reflecting on what true worship really means in the eyes of God.