Apostles who left their wives to follow Jesus.

Pete_ · #1 Aug 23, '08, 10:00 am

How do I respond to the argument that the married apostles did evil by abandoning their families in order to follow Jesus.

VociMike · #2 Aug 23, '08, 10:02 am

Which apostles?

Pete_ · #3 Aug 23, '08, 10:04 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by VociMike

Which apostles?

St Peter had a mother in-law and by extension had a wife.

ChrisWRIT · #4 Aug 23, '08, 10:15 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_

St Peter had a mother in-law and by extension had a wife.

While the bible does not specifically state the status of Peter's marriage, the common view is that St. Peter's wife had died before Jesus called him.

Given the fact that St. Peter was taking care of his mother in law, & there is no mention of his wife being present at any time, this makes more sense than the idea that Peter "left his wife" to follow Jesus.

After all, if Peter abandoned his wife, why would his wife's mother be living with him later?

God bless,

Chris

VociMike · #5 Aug 23, '08, 10:34 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_

St Peter had a mother in-law and by extension had a wife.

But his wife never makes an appearance during his apostleship. There's no evidence she was even still alive at that time.

Pete_ · #6 Aug 23, '08, 10:39 am

I guess that makes sense thanks.

Joe Kelley · #7 Aug 23, '08, 11:07 am

See Luke 18:28-29

Quote:

And Peter said, "Lo, we have left our homes and followed you." 29 And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there is no man who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive manifold more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life."

It would appear that some at least had left wives to follow Jesus with His approval.

Pete_ · #8 Aug 23, '08, 11:09 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Kelley

See Luke 18:28-29 It would appear that some at least had left wives to follow Jesus with His approval.

How does one justify this?

FCEGM · #9 Aug 23, '08, 11:10 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_

How do I respond to the argument that the married apostles did evil by abandoning their families in order to follow Jesus.

You might mention that there is a tradition that St. Peter's wife was martyred with him.

kage_ar · #10 Aug 23, '08, 11:13 am

First, find a scholar who can explain what the term "left" means here.

For instance, when a man goes to serve his country overseas in the armed forces, one might say he has left his wife and children and home for the sake of freedom and will be rewarded for that sacrifice. This statement does not mean that the husband as abandoned the family, it means he has sacrificed the pleasure of being at home for a greater good.

FickleFreckled · #11 Aug 23, '08, 11:22 am

Also, in that time, extended families lived together or close together and took care of each other. If Peter's wife were alive, he might have left - even perhaps with her blessing, and in the care of family members. Presumably he would have visited whenever possible, so it's not so much different than having a spouse today who travels for a living.

Pete_ · #12 Aug 23, '08, 11:31 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by FickleFreckled

Also, in that time, extended families lived together or close together and took care of each other. If Peter's wife were alive, he might have left - even perhaps with her blessing, and in the care of family members. Presumably he would have visited whenever possible, so it's not so much different than having a spouse today who travels for a living.

Great answer, thanks.

**puzzleannie** · #13 Aug 23, '08, 12:09 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_

How do I respond to the argument that the married apostles did evil by abandoning their families in order to follow Jesus.

you can demand proof that they were married, that their wives were still living and that their families were still dependent on them. You can also remind them that Jesus is God, and what he demands can never, under any circumstances, be sinful. Since we know from the gospels that many holy women also followed Jesus and the apostles, took care of their basice material needs, of food clothing etc. out of their own resources, you can also demand that your friend prove wives of the apostles (if there were any) were not among that number of holy women.

allhers · #14 Aug 23, '08, 12:16 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by puzzleannie

you can demand proof that they were married, that their wives were still living and that their families were still dependent on them. You can also remind them that Jesus is God, and what he demands can never, under any circumstances, be sinful. Since we know from the gospels that many holy women also followed Jesus and the apostles, took care of their basice material needs, of food clothing etc. out of their own resources, you can also demand that your friend prove wives of the apostles (if there were any) were not among that number of holy women.

Great answer, ask them to prove that their wives and families didn't go too.

Br. Rich SFO · #15 Aug 23, '08, 12:22 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_

How do I respond to the argument that the married apostles did evil by abandoning their families in order to follow Jesus.

There is no evidence that I recall that any Apostles had families when they left to follow Jesus. We do know Peter was at one time Married. The Scriptures speak of his mother-in law, but never about his wife? There is no evidence that he was at the time he followed Christ.