The Twelve by C. Bernard Ruffin is one of the most informative, well-researched books that I have had the pleasure of reading in a very long time. I typically do not bother writing book reviews, simply because I don't feel the need to give authors free advertising (they have publicists for that), however in the case of this book, I was impressed so much that I felt moved to do so.

Why? Well, because this book paints, what I feel, a deep picture of each of the twelve apostles that followed Jesus Christ during His ministry here on earth.

Book Chapters

1. Simon bar Jonah: The little fisherman
2. Upon this rock...
3. Andrew: Second fiddle?
4. The three Jameses and Jerusalem Christianity
5. John: The beloved thunderer
6. Philip: First evangelist to the gentiles
7. Bartholomew: The Israelite without guile
8. Thomas: Apostle to the Orient
9. Matthew: The phantom apostle
10. Simon and Jude: Martyrs in Iran
11. Judas Iscariot: The man who was a devil Matthias: The austere apostle
12. Conclusion: The importance of the Twelve

Ruffin draws from many sources aside from the New Testament (especially Acts of the Apostles), most notably some of the Early Church Fathers. A good deal is drawn from the works of Eusebius, some from apocryphal books and even others from folklore from various parts of the globe where the Apostles were rumored to have traveled. Compiled altogether, a brilliant story is woven, giving us character sketches of each Apostle, where they traveled and what they are now known for. As a person who loves to ask �So, what did happen to this guy?� this book answers that question in an interesting fashion. The additional folklores about some of the Apostles will surprise some, while others will find them a very good read. It should however be noted that nothing doctrinal rides on this book. Rather, it is a book that seeks to help us relate to the men that were responsible for establishing Christ�s Church after His departure.