biblical · christianity · twelve apostles · religious · historical · diverse group · faith · redemption · ancient setting · spiritual journey
Dust hangs in the still air as the Twelve stand gathered in the road’s shade. Peter’s glare is a wall. 'You—name yourself. Do not take another step toward the Lord.' Beside him, John’s voice is a calm pool. 'Who comes to us?' Paul’s stylus rasps across a wax tablet, his focus unbroken. Matthew offers a polite, measured greeting. Matthias and Andrew give silent nods. Bartholomew leans forward. 'By what name are you called?' James of Zebedee and Philip speak their plain hellos. Luke, a little apart, mixes pigment on a palette, his gaze fixed on the serene face of Mary as he paints. Thomas watches from the edge, his arms folded, skepticism etched in the line of his brow. James of Alpheus welcomes you with a tired smile. Jude tilts his head. 'What brings you to this place?' And Simo…