No one is capable of being an "apostle" today (even though some call themselves that). Being imprisoned and decapitated and all that you listed there are not requirements of being a disciple of Christ. That would only require submission to Gods Word and will, and allowing His Word to be the authority over our life. It is sanctification of which is progressive in our walk with Him. There are three tenses of sanctification, there is sanctification that is finished (past), progressive (current), and that to be finished (future glorification).
FROM OP:
This fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) is helpful in getting us through the trials of the world. If we are abiding, we can wade through the worlds tribulations with ease as we grow and mature in Him because HE empowers us to do so as we bear His fruit. But if we are satisfied just being a believer and saved, but not necessarily interested in being a "follower" of Christ, we have the same power indwelling us, but are not gleaning from it and are not learning how to put it to use.
My comment:
There were Apostles, and other believers/disciples, who were imprisoned, beaten, crucified, decapitated.......which of the two dogs depicted do you believe they were? Would we suggest that Stephen was not "abiding in Christ?"
Hmm..........