The Sins of Jesus' Disciples: A Biblical Perspective

Every single person is a sinner, as the Bible clearly states in Romans 3:23. Throughout the New Testament, we do not find specific mentions of individual sins for each of Jesus' disciples. However, the sanctifying blood of Jesus washes away all sins, making them whole after they receive salvation. This truth is a profound comfort in our ongoing journey toward holiness.

Occasional Selfish Pride and Lack of Faith

Beyond Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus, the rest of the disciples occasionally exhibited selfish pride and a lack of faith due to their incomplete understanding of Jesus' mission. For instance, Peter, one of Jesus' closest followers, denied knowing Him three times, leading to deep shame and self-reflection. Thomas, upon encountering the risen Jesus, initially doubted whether Jesus was truly resurrected.

Transformation at Pentecost

On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were baptized in the Holy Spirit, leading to a transformative experience that largely eliminated their past sins. This event marked a significant turning point, but the struggle with sin is not only past but also present in our lives. According to 1 Corinthians 15:50, we are all still subject to sin as long as we live in our earthly forms.

Common Sins among the Disciples

Venial Sins: All disciples, including Judas, had venial sins. These are minor sins that do not necessarily separate a person from God but still require repentance and forgiveness. For instance, Chris Hedges, in his Laurel and Hardy: A Guide to Biblical Foundations for Personal Integrity, discusses the ethical challenges faced by prominent figures in the Bible, like the apostles. Betrayal: Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver led directly to the events that resulted in Jesus' crucifixion, one of the most grievous sins. This betrayal not only harmed Jesus but also the disciples who had committed themselves to His mission. Doubt and Denial: Doubts about the identity of the resurrected Jesus, such as Thomas, and denial of Jesus' identity, like Peter, represent sins that everyone has faced. These moments were crucial in shaping their faith and understanding of Jesus.

A Universal Truth: Struggle Against Sin

When Paul experienced what he called a ‘thorn in the flesh’ (2 Corinthians 12:7), he was confronted with the reality of his own sinfulness. As Ecclesiastes 7:20 states, ‘There is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.’ In the same way, even the apostles, whom we might regard as exemplary followers of Christ, still grappled with sin.

Galatians 5:17 provides insight into the struggle against sin: ‘The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so that you are not free to carry out your good intentions.’ This battle between the flesh and the Spirit is a universal experience for all those who follow Jesus.

Final Assurance of Perfection

Though the apostles struggled with sin, the Bible assures us that God will fulfill His promise to complete the good work He has begun in each of us. As Jude 24-25 affirms, 'Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with rejoicing, to the only God our Saviour be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forevermore. Amen.'

May this understanding bring us comfort and encourage us in our journey of faith, knowing that through Jesus Christ, we have the power to overcome sin and embrace the fullness of life in Him.