Book Review > The Search for the Twelve
Apostles by William Steuart McBirnie
by
Rick Dack, Founder and Director of A.D. Communications.
...What ever happened to the Disciples that walked with Jesus? Does history record their whereabouts or must we contend with Church tradition alone? The book The Search for the Twelve Apostles relays the story of those that walked with Jesus and those that learned from his disciples (Paul, John Mark, Barnabas). The subject matter of the text is non-fiction based upon known Church documents, early historical and archaeological remains. The author, William Steuart McBirnie, is a well-traveled individual who desires to know the truth about Church tradition and the possible links between church relics, archaeology, legends and the Bible, though he does readily admit that much has been lost to history. The author's goal was to get at the truth and uncover the errors, but was the authors intended goal achieved? I believe it was in the sense that much has been lost to history and what is known, he covers thoroughly but with limitations imposed on him.
Interpretation of
the Book's Contents
...The
book chapters do relate to the authors intent in many ways, for example, in
the chapter cooncerning James (son of Alphaeus) he gave a brief introduction
to the biblical character, distinguished the two James' that walked with Jesus,
cited ancient Church writings (The Golden Legend: a 7 volume compilation by
the Archbishop of Genoa in 1275 A.D. that states that James and Jesus looked
very much alike which is the reason why it was necessary for Judas to kiss
Jesus so as to distinguish the two in the Garden of Gethsemane). He then discussed
the traditions concerning his death (James was more than likely stoned by
the Jews for preaching about Christ, died and was buried near the sanctuary
at Jerusalem). McBirnie, does the same thing for each chapter, though some
portions are listed as legend as opposed to Church tradition.
...
The author's advancement of his position is presented in a chronological fashion
for most of the chapters. A strong example would be the chapter about Peter
where the author goes from a brief biography to the presumed residence of
Peter found at Capernaum. McBirnie records ancient writings/legendary accounts
ending with the Popes pronunciation on June 26, 1968 that the remains of Peter
(St. Peters Basilica) had been found in Rome with the discovery of the inscription
that read "Peter is within." Another part of the authors desire was to drain
away some of the legend to get to the facts about the twelve and he did this
well. I will cite the example of James, son of Zebedee and his relationship
with the two magicians known as Hermogenes and Philetus. The Acts of James
in India tells of a spell that was cast upon Philetus, a convert of James,
by Hermogenes. James was contacted about this situation and sent his kerchief
to Philetus who was eventually released from the "devils." Another instance
involved James' death and the rock that became wax when his (James') body
was laid upon it which entombed him. Clearly these stories are fiction and
are not actual events from his life, not unlike some of the apocraphal writings
that contain elements of fiction. This "fiction" problem encourages the next
question in studying these documents. Did the author fail to make his points
or does the evidence presented work against him in his pursuit of the truth?
...
I guess the only problem with this book is not the fault of the author but
perhaps the fault of the Church Fathers who were unable to track the apostles
travels with some consistency in their writings. Where did the apostles go?
Were they in Greece, Britain or Russia? How were they martyred and where?
Here's some examples of this problem. "
As can be seen, there
are conflicting stories about the twelve and where they traveled. Unfortunately,
authors such as McBirnie seem to have their hands tied in having to rely on
Church tradition rather than concrete facts about these extraordinary men.
Criticism of the Book
...The author of The Search for the Twelve Apostles holds a B.D. from Bethel Theological Seminary, a doctorate from Baptist Southwest Theological Seminary, teaches at the California Graduate School of Theology and is the Pastor of United Community Church in Glendale, California. Concerning the issue of bias about the books subject, he is clearly a follower of Jesus Christ but I would also say that he desires to get at the truth in separating history from tradition. I also believe that he holds to a balanced view of his subject, not just in the use of church materials for his book but also his personal travels to the historical sites and his recounting of what he saw.
Does the author tell us anything new about the subject?
...The
author discusses the finds at Capernaum concerning the graffiti, axe and fish
hooks found in the house that is presumably Peters. This find may be significant
but it's inconclusive. The pages that contained unfamiliar information concerned
the many international locations where tradition placed the apostles: Iraq,
Greece, Italy, Turkey, India, Africa, Egypt, Syria, Russia, Iran, France and
Britain. Many of these countries include the same account at the same time
of the year so it's difficult to place some of the apostles at exact locations.
The book was easy to read because each chapter dealt with a specific apostle,
except for Peter and Paul, and it was not dry. The book may be confusing at
times for the new Christian because some early traditions and newer writings
about the apostles missionary journeys and their deaths contradict each other.
Bibliography
McBirnie,
William Steuart. The Search for the Twelve Apostles. Tyndale House Publishers
(June, 1972).
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Please give proper credit to A.D. Communications and contact the organization.
2007