The Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ
Introduction
The Twelve Apostles, also referred to as the Twelve Disciples, were the primary followers of Jesus Christ. The term "Apostle" originates from the Greek word meaning "to be sent out," highlighting their mission to propagate Jesus' teachings after His crucifixion and resurrection. These individuals, hailing from various ordinary backgrounds such as fishermen, a tax collector, and a zealot, were transformed into extraordinary leaders who played pivotal roles in the establishment and spread of Christianity.
The Twelve Apostles
1. Simon Peter
Calling Scripture: Matthew 4:18-20
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
Biography: A fisherman from Bethsaida who later resided in Capernaum. He was the brother of Andrew and became one of the most prominent Apostles.
Fate: Tradition holds that Peter was crucified upside down in Rome under Emperor Nero.
2. Andrew
Calling Scripture: as above - Matthew 4:18-20
Biography: Brother of Peter and originally a disciple of John the Baptist. He was also a fisherman before following Jesus.
Fate: Early church histories suggest Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross in Greece.
3. James, son of Zebedee
Calling Scripture: Matthew 4:21-22
And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.
Biography: Known as James the Greater, he was a fisherman and the brother of John. James was part of Jesus' inner circle.
Fate: According to Acts 12:1-2, he was executed by the sword on the orders of King Herod Agrippa I.
4. John, son of Zebedee
Calling Scripture: as above - Matthew 4:21-22
Biography: A fisherman, brother of James, and a member of Jesus' inner circle. Traditionally regarded as the author of the Gospel of John, though this is debated among scholars.
Fate: Tradition states he died of natural causes in Ephesus, making him unique among the Apostles.
5. Philip
Calling Scripture: John 1:43-44
The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
Biography: From Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter. Often confused with Philip the Evangelist from the Book of Acts.
Fate: Tradition suggests he was crucified in Hierapolis, Phrygia.
6. Bartholomew (Nathanael)
Calling Scripture: John 1:45-51
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Biography: Little is known about Bartholomew. He is traditionally believed to be the same person as Nathanael mentioned in the Gospel of John.
Fate: Tradition holds that he was flayed alive and then crucified in Armenia.
7. Matthew (Levi)
Calling Scripture: Matthew 9:9
And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
Biography: A tax collector from Capernaum before being called by Jesus.
Fate: Early church histories suggest he was martyred, but details vary.
8. Thomas (Didymus)
Calling Scripture: The Bible does not provide a specific account of when Jesus called Thomas to be a disciple.
Biography: Known as Doubting Thomas because he initially doubted Jesus' resurrection.
Fate: Tradition says he was martyred in India by being speared to death.
9. James, son of Alphaeus
Calling Scripture: Similar to Thomas, the Bible does not provide a specific account of when Jesus called James, the son of Alphaeus, to be a disciple.
Biography: Often referred to as James the Less to distinguish him from James, son of Zebedee.
Fate: Little is known about his fate, but some traditions suggest he was stoned to death in Jerusalem.
10. Thaddaeus (Lebbaeus or Judas son of James)
Calling Scripture: Matthew 10:3
Biography: Little is known about Thaddaeus. He is sometimes confused with Judas, the brother of Jesus or Thaddaeus mentioned in the Book of Acts.
Fate: Various traditions suggest he was martyred, possibly in Persia or Beirut.
11. Simon the Zealot
Calling Scripture: Like Thomas and James, son of Alphaeus, the Bible does not provide a specific account of when Jesus called Simon the Zealot to be a disciple.
Biography: Not much is known about Simon the Zealot. The title "Zealot" may imply he was a political activist or fervent observer of Jewish law.
Fate: According to tradition, he was martyred, possibly in Persia.
12. Judas Iscariot
Calling Scripture: Judas Iscariot, known for betraying Jesus, is listed among the twelve apostles in the Synoptic Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles, but the Bible does not provide a specific account of his calling by Jesus.
Biography: Infamous for betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. His surname Iscariot possibly indicates he was from the town of Kerioth.
Fate: According to Matthew 27:5, he hanged himself out of remorse for his betrayal of Jesus. Acts 1:18 mentions that he fell headlong, his body burst open, and all his intestines spilled out. After Judas Iscariot's betrayal and subsequent death, Matthias was chosen to replace him among the Twelve Apostles, as detailed in Acts 1:26.
Conclusion
The Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ were instrumental in the early spread of Christianity. Their diverse backgrounds and unique experiences provided a strong foundation for the dissemination of Jesus' teachings. Despite facing numerous trials and challenges, their unwavering faith and dedication to their mission ensured the endurance and growth of the Christian faith across the world.