How Many of the 12 Apostles Were Married? Did They Leave Their Families?

Among the 12 apostles of Jesus, evidence suggests that only one, Peter, was married. This is based on both biblical references and historical interpretations. Let’s delve deeper into this topic by examining the known facts and historical context.

Did Peter Marry?

There is clear evidence that Peter was married:

The New Testament mentions Peter’s wife and mother-in-law in the Bible. In the story of the temple tax, Jesus instructs Peter to get money for tax for himself and his wife, indicating that the other apostles were not yet of age (traditionally assumed to be 20) and thus, could not pay the tax themselves.

Moreover, faithful Timothy, mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:17, is believed to be Peter’s son, reinforcing the idea that Peter was married.

Did Peter Leave His Family?

While Peter did travel and minister, it appears he maintained contact with his family. The Bible suggests that during the apostolic times, Peter occasionally visited his wife:

'Peter’s wife was a believer after Jesus ascended to Heaven. If she also believed while Jesus was on Earth, she likely approved of Peter’s absences.'

This indicates that while Peter was committed to his religious duties, he did not abandon his family but maintained a relationship with them.

Marriage in Early Christianity

Marriage was a crucial aspect of early Christian life, reflecting the broader societal norms of the time. Marriage was not only expected but also practical for several reasons:

It was a way to become an adult in the Jewish community. Producing children was seen as a primary obligation and a critical part of life. Without children, the role of the individual in the community diminished.

However, specific mentions of marriage among other apostles like Paul (Saul) are more indirect. Paul himself alludes to marriage as a preferable state, even though he lived in celibacy. He wrote to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 7:7 that it is better to marry than to be oppressed by passion.

The Case of Judas

When it comes to the apostle Judas, there is no indication that he was married. According to historical records, married women whose husbands went on single ventures often returned to their parents or became widows, especially if they did not bear children. The command to be fruitful and multiply underscored the importance of procreation in society.

The 12 Apostles and Marriage

Based on evidence and historical analysis, we can conclude that:

The 12 apostles, including Peter, were expected to marry to be included in the adult community and fulfill societal expectations. While the specific marital status of most apostles is not explicitly mentioned, Peter is distinctly noted as being married. Even though the apostles traveled extensively and dedicated their lives to spreading the gospel, they maintained familial relationships, indicating a balance between their religious commitments and personal lives.

Overall, the historical and biblical evidence provide a nuanced picture of the 12 apostles and their roles in early Christian life, highlighting the complexities and ambiguities surrounding their marital status and familial relationships.