The twelve apostles were handpicked by Jesus Christ to follow Him during His earthly ministry and to be the foundational witnesses of His resurrection. These men came from humble backgrounds—fishermen, tax collectors, and ordinary workers—yet were chosen to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Here’s a look at each of the twelve and what we know about them:
1. Simon Peter (Cephas)
- Background: A fisherman from Bethsaida, brother to Andrew.
- Personality: Bold, impulsive, and outspoken.
- Role: Often seen as the leader among the twelve; declared Jesus to be the Christ (Matt. 16:16).
- Later Life: According to tradition, Peter was crucified upside down in Rome under Emperor Nero.
2. Andrew
- Background: Brother of Peter, also a fisherman.
- Claim to Fame: First called to follow Jesus (John 1:40).
- Legacy: Brought others to Christ, including his brother.
- Tradition: Preached in Greece and was martyred on an X-shaped cross.
3. James the son of Zebedee
- Background: Brother of John, called one of the “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17).
- Notable Moment: Present at the Transfiguration and Gethsemane.
- Martyrdom: First apostle to be martyred, executed by Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:2).
4. John
- Background: Brother to James, also a “Son of Thunder.”
- Writings: Attributed with the Gospel of John, 1-3 John, and Revelation.
- Legacy: Known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”
- End of Life: Believed to have died of old age in Ephesus after exile to Patmos.
5. Philip
- Background: From Bethsaida like Peter and Andrew.
- Key Event: Led Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Jesus (John 1:45-46).
- Ministry: Preached in Asia Minor; some traditions say he was martyred at Hierapolis.
6. Bartholomew (Nathanael)
- Background: Believed to be the same as Nathanael, “an Israelite indeed” (John 1:47).
- Tradition: Preached in India and Armenia.
- Martyrdom: Allegedly flayed alive and then beheaded.
7. Matthew (Levi)
- Background: A tax collector turned disciple (Matt. 9:9).
- Writings: Credited with the Gospel of Matthew.
- Ministry: Preached in Ethiopia and Persia.
- Martyrdom: Various traditions suggest he was killed while spreading the Gospel.
8. Thomas (Didymus)
- Famous For: Doubting the resurrection until he saw Jesus’ wounds (John 20:24-29).
- Legacy: His doubt turned to deep faith, declaring, “My Lord and my God.”
- Tradition: Evangelized in India; martyred near Chennai (Madras).
9. James the son of Alphaeus
- Also Known As: James the Less.
- Details: Not much is known; possibly related to Matthew.
- Tradition: Preached in Egypt; some say he was crucified or beaten to death.
10. Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James)
- Also Called: Lebbaeus (Matt. 10:3).
- Scripture: Asked Jesus, “How is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not unto the world?” (John 14:22).
- Tradition: Preached in Syria and Persia; martyred with arrows or a club.
11. Simon the Zealot
- Background: Possibly part of the Zealot political movement.
- Tradition: Evangelized in Persia or Africa.
- Martyrdom: Said to have been sawn in half or crucified.
12. Judas Iscariot
- Role: Treasurer for the disciples; betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
- End: Overcome with guilt, he hanged himself (Matt. 27:5).
- Replacement: Later replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26).
The lives of the apostles remind us that God often chooses the unlikely to fulfill His purposes. Despite persecution and martyrdom, they laid the foundation of the Church and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. Their courage and faith continue to inspire believers to this day.