shields of the apostles
Location: Fellowship Hall, above the Coffee Counter
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Peter
It is believed that Peter died a martyr in Rome by crucifixion on an inverted cross because he felt he was not worthy to die on a cross in the same position as his Lord. His shield shows an inverted cross and two keys saltire, or crossed - the “keys to the Kingdom.” The crossed keys also refer to Peter’s confession and the words of Jesus about the power to “bind” and “loose” on earth and in heaven. (Matthew 16:15-20). |
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Andrew
Andrew’s most common symbol is the cross Saltire, the shape of an X, on which he is believed to have been martyred. It is said that while Andrew was dying, he continued to preach to those around him. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland and Russia. |
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James
James (also called James the Greater), the son of Zebedee and brother of John, was the first to be martyred. King Herod had him beheaded around A.D. 44, the only apostle’s martyrdom recorded in scripture, in Acts 12:1-2. In ages past, scallop shells were worn by persons on a pilgrimage - a journey to a holy place. The symbol seen on the shield for James is the scallop shell, a sign of pilgrimage by sea, with a sword signifying the manner of his death. |
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John
John, a fisherman, brother of James the Greater, was known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” He was a close companion to Jesus from the beginning of His ministry. There were many attempts on John’s life, but none successful; he was the only apostle to die a natural death. His shield displays a serpent and a sword, recalling the reality of man’s sin and the power of the Sword of the Spirit over sin. |
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Philip
The cross on Philip’s shield may refer to the power of the cross over idols, or to Philip’s manner of death, traditionally thought to be crucifixion. His is the Budded Cross, the ends of which are in trefoil form symbolizing the Trinity. The loaves of bread signify his presence with Jesus at the feeding of the five thousand. |
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Bartholemew
Tradition holds that Bartholomew converted King Polymus of Armenia to Christianity, so angering the king’s brother that he had him flayed, crucified head down, and then beheaded. His shield displays three flaying knives. Some believe him to be the same person as Nathanael. |
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Matthew
Tradition teaches that Matthew, the tax collector who became a disciple, went to Ethiopia after preaching to the Jews in Palestine. He was martyred there, crucified and beheaded. His shield displays three money bags, a symbol of his job as tax collector. |
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Thomas
Tradition is that Thomas was selected to evangelize in India where he preached and was himself martyred by stoning. Thomas built churches by his own hands’ efforts, hence his shield displays a carpenter’s square. |
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James the Less
James the Less is also known as James the Just. Tradition says that he was thrown at age 96 from a pinnacle of a temple in Jerusalem, beaten or clubbed, and then stoned. Near death, he rose to ask forgiveness for his enemies, collapsed, and was ultimately sawn asunder. |
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Simon the Zealot
Simon, also called Simon the Zealot, was frequently the companion of Jude on missionary journeys. An early historian claims that Simon was martyred in Persia by being beheaded or sawn in pieces. His shield indicates that he was a fisher of men through preaching the Gospel. |
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Jude
Jude, referred to also as Thaddeus and as Judas, son of James, traveled with Simon the Zealot on missionary journeys. The manner of Jude’s death is unknown, but martyrdom is the accepted belief. His shield, suggesting his journeys, bears a sailboat. |
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Matthias
Matthias, chosen to replace Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15-26), was one of Jesus’ original disciples, having been with Him since the baptism by John the Baptist. He served as a missionary in Judea. He is thought to have been either stoned or beheaded for preaching the Gospel. His shield shows a sword on a Bible. |