Were Jesus' apostles heroes or failures?

Answer 1

The apostles preached the gospel and made converts against tremendous opposition and persecution. They went out as sheep among wolves, most of the apostles as well as many of their followers became martyrs. Despite all that, Christianity spread over the Roman Empire like a wild fire. It seems that the apostles were indeed the outstanding heroes of faith, and definitely not failures, for their accomplishments are unparalleled anywhere in history.

But, some will ask, how could these be same men as the feeble minded, flawed, cowardly men that are portrayed in the Gospels? Read on through the book of Acts and you will see the beginning of their transformation. Paul in 1Corinthians 1:25-29 gives a good explanation of the principles of this paradox.