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Jesus attracted many followers during his lifetime, but it wasn't until his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection, that the early church was born. Christianity spread thanks to a number of people, many of whom were followers of Jesus himself. The early years of the church were not easy, with Christians facing persecution and many being executed for their beliefs.

In this gallery, we explore the destinies of some of Jesus' most famous followers, including his apostles. Click on.

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Peter was one of Jesus’ apostles. He went from being a fisherman to a leader of the Christian church. He traveled to Rome to spread the gospel and established the roots of the Christian church in Western Europe. Peter was crucified in Rome around 64 to 67 CE. He was put on the cross upside down so as not to die in the same way as Jesus.

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After Jesus died, Peter’s brother traveled to Greece. He is said to have converted many in Achaia and Patras. Andrew was eventually arrested by Roman authorities and killed sometime between 60 and 70 CE, after he refused to renounce his faith.

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Mark the Evangelist became a respected church leader. He worked with Peter in Rome and went on to chronicle the life of Jesus. Mark died around 68 CE in Alexandria.

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After the death of Jesus, James traveled to Syria, where he established Christian communities. Like others who spread the gospel, his work raises suspicion amongst both religious and political leaders. James was murdered by an angry mob in Jerusalem around 62 CE.

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John the Apostle went on to write three epistles and the Book of Revelation. John’s contribution to Christianity was enormous. He spent his last years teaching Christian leaders throughout Asia Minor. John died in Ephesus circa 100 CE.

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Matthew the Apostle went from being a tax collector to preserving Jesus’ teachings as a writer of the gospel. Matthew went on to establish Christian communities in Ethiopia, until his death between 60 to 70 CE.

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Philip was also one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. After the passing of his leader, Philip spent a few years preaching in Jerusalem before travelling to Phrygia in Asia Minor. Philip is said to have converted many people, including the wife of a Roman proconsul. He died around 80 CE in Hierapolis.

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One of the twelve apostles, James is said to have dedicated the years after the death of Jesus to spreading the gospel across Jerusalem. King Herod Agrippa I considered him a threat to traditional Jewish customs, so he had him killed. James was the first apostle to die a martyr in 44 CE.

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Thaddeus travelled to Persian territory and introduced Zoroastrian communities to Christian ideas. According to both Babylonian and Armenian traditions, religious authorities executed Thaddeus around 65 CE because he refused to worship their gods.

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This apostle travelled to Persia to spread the gospel. Together with Thaddeus, he helped establish Christian communities in present-day Iran. Simon died around 74 CE.

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Mary Magdalene witnessed the resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion. “The apostle to the apostles” preached for many years in the Mediterranean region, where she established Christian communities. Mary Magdalene died in Ephesus or Gaul circa 60 to 70 CE.

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Thomas the Apostle headed east after the death of Jesus. He established several churches in India’s Malabar Coast. The Syrian Christian community also traces its lineage to Thomas’ work. Like other followers of Jesus, Thomas was killed. He died in 72 CE, near modern-day Chennai in India.

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Paul the Apostle is one of the most influential early Christians. A citizen of Rome, he went on to spread Christianity across the empire. Most notably, Paul established Christian communities across Asia Minor and Greece. Roman Emperor Nero ordered Paul’s death sometime between 64 and 67 CE.

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Timothy joined Paul in spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. He went on to become the first bishop of Ephesus. Timothy died circa 97 CE.

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Titus also helped build the early church. First by resolving disputes in Corinth and later by becoming Crete’s first bishop. Titus passed away sometime around 96 to 107 CE.

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Luke the Evangelist was a trained physician and a disciple of Paul. He too contributed to the documentation of the gospel and its spread. Luke died after refusing to renounce his faith around 74-84 CE.

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Barnabas joined Paul in his missionary work. He sold his land to set up the early church throughout Asia Minor. After years of spreading the gospel and facing persecution, Barnabas died as a martyr in Cyprus circa 61 CE.

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The missionary couple opened the door of their house for Christians to meet up. They traveled with Paul between Rome, Corinth, and Ephesus, building the foundations of the early church. They died circa 70 CE.

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The twelfth apostle, who replaced Judas, is believed to have traveled to Judea and Ethiopia. The nature of his death is uncertain but his remains were reportedly found in Jerusalem. The relics were then transferred to Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore.

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Cornelius the Centurion is often mentioned as the first Gentile to convert to Christianity. He went on to become the first Bishop of Caesarea Maritima and dedicated his life to missionary work.

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Lydia the merchant, also known as Lydia of Thyatira, is said to have led Philippi’s house church. Her position as a merchant helped spread Christianity throughout Macedonia’s trade networks.

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The brother of Jesus went on to become the first leader of the Jerusalem Church. He brought Jewish and Gentile believers together, until, like many other followers of Jesus, he was killed for becoming a threat to the status quo. James died in 62 CE.

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Stephen was the first appointed deacon of the early church. He spent the rest of his life preaching, until he was trialed before the Sanhedrin (Israeli assembly), where he passionately proclaimed and defended his faith. Stephen was then stoned to death around 34 to 36 CE.

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Joseph of Arimathea was the man in charge of Jesus' burial after his crucifixion. The former member of the Jewish council traveled to Britain, where he introduced Christian ideas and established communities. Joseph is said to have died around 70 CE in Glastonbury, England.

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Mary was not just the mother of Jesus, she was also one of his followers. After she witnessed her son’s resurrection, Mary went on to spend the rest of her life guiding new converts and keeping Christianity alive. She died in Ephesus around 50 CE.

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Bartholomew traveled to Armenia, where he converted several people, including the king’s brother. Both noble families and pagan priests found him to be a threat to the status quo. Bartholomew was eventually killed around 70 CE.

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According to Eastern Orthodox tradition, Martha and Mary fled to Cyprus to escape prosecution. In the west, the story is different. They are said to have traveled to southern France, near Marseille, where Mary supposedly lived as a hermit in a cave in the mountains.

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Lazarus was Martha and Mary of Bethany’s brother, who Jesus raised from the dead. He is said to have fled with his sisters. Similarly, some accounts place him in Cyprus, others in Marseille, France. He is said to have lived until around 60 to 70 CE.

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Nicodemus lost his spot at the Sanhedrin (a legislative and judicial assembly) because he supported Jesus. According to the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus, he was banished from Jerusalem and later baptized by Peter and John. In 1925, a tomb was discovered in Ramla. The inscription read “Nakdimon, son of Gorion.”

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Gamaliel intervened for the apostles in the Sanhedrin, saying they might actually be inspired by the divine. The Pharisee and teacher of the law mentored Paul at one point. Gamaliel likely remained a Jew, but some believe he secretly converted to Christianity. He died between 50 and 52 CE.

Sources: (History Collection)