The Bible, while it provides detailed accounts of the early Church and the lives of the apostles, does not provide comprehensive details about the deaths of all the apostles. The martyrdom of some apostles, however, is hinted at or directly mentioned within the New Testament:

• James, the brother of John (one of the sons of Zebedee), is the only apostle whose martyrdom is recorded in the Bible. Acts 12:2 states, “King Herod had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.”
• Peter’s crucifixion is alluded to in John 21:18-19, where Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” This has traditionally been interpreted as a reference to Peter’s crucifixion.
• Paul’s martyrdom is not described in the Bible, but his writings, especially in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, reflect a man ready for his death: “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.”

For details on the martyrdom of other apostles, such as Andrew, Thomas, Philip, and Bartholomew, among others, the accounts come from early Christian writings, church tradition, and historical documents outside of the Bible. These sources, while not considered Scripture, provide valuable insight into the tradition and history of the early Church and its leaders. These accounts have been preserved and passed down through generations, forming a significant part of Christian heritage and tradition.

While historical certainty about the exact circumstances of each apostle’s death may vary, the tradition of their martyrdoms underscores their unwavering faith and commitment to spreading the Gospel, often at great personal cost. Their examples inspire believers to hold fast to their faith amidst trials and persecution, echoing the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:13, “But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”