Disciples were in training to become apostles.
Not just any teacher, but God’s own Son. He breathed on them His Holy Spirit. (John20:22) They were sent to preach the gospel of God’s kingdom to the rulers of this world. Needless to say, they had lots of opposition. They lived at a time when Satan ruled through Rome. Evil was blatant and hated God’s light, the gospel of His kingdom. They preached Christ crucified for the forgiveness of sins. Turning folks to Jesus instead of Caeser was dangerous (lions, swords, firry crosses and such). They had their instructions.
Their lives became a testimony
“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be as wary as serpents, and as innocent as doves. But be on guard against people, for they will hand you over to the courts and flog you in their synagogues; and you will even be brought before governors and kings on My account, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who are speaking, but it is the Spirit of your Father who is speaking in you.
Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.”(Matthew 10:16-23 NASB)
I cringe when I see the title “apostle” attached to someone’s name. Did Jesus send all of these new people? It seems like there are tens upon tens if not hundreds of men and women claiming that special position today. The church at Ephesus knew how to handle Wana bee apostles, they “put those who call themselves apostles to the test, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured on account of My name and have not become weary.” (Revelation 2:2-3 NASB)
Apostles persevered and Endured
As did those who repented and believed the gospel that was preached to them. Perseverance and endurance are qualities refined in the fires of persecution because of His name.
“For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3 NASB)
“The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7 NASB)
His Family Table 