People around Jesus

Who Were the Twelve Disciples?

The twelve disciples, also called the twelve apostles, were the inner circle of ordinary men Jesus chose to follow him closely, learn from him, and be sent out in his name. They included fishermen, a tax collector, and a political zealot: not scholars or priests, but common people. After Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus and died, the remaining eleven, joined by Matthias, carried the message of Jesus across the world.

Called and sent

Jesus did not recruit the powerful. He walked up to working people and said, follow me. He chose twelve to be with him and then to be sent out.

The twelve, by name

The Gospels list them together. Matthew names them like this:

So the Twelve were: Simon Peter, Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew (also called Nathanael), Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus (also called Judas son of James), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. After Judas fell away, the others chose Matthias to complete the Twelve (Acts 1:26), and Paul was later called as an apostle to the Gentiles.

Why this matters for you

The most striking thing about the Twelve is how unremarkable they were. They argued, misunderstood, and at the end mostly ran. Yet these same frightened men became bold witnesses who, most of them, gave their lives rather than deny what they had seen. Christians say the change is best explained by the resurrection, and that God still calls ordinary people, not the qualified, to follow him.

Frequently asked questions

Who were the twelve disciples of Jesus?

They were Simon Peter, Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew (Nathanael), Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. After Judas fell away, Matthias was chosen to replace him (Acts 1:26).

What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle?

A disciple is a follower and learner; Jesus had many. An apostle is one who is sent out with authority to represent him. The Twelve were both: disciples who followed Jesus, then apostles sent to preach. Paul was also called an apostle.

What happened to the twelve disciples?

According to early tradition, the apostles carried the gospel across the ancient world, and most were martyred for their witness. Their willingness to die for what they claimed to have seen is often cited by Christians as evidence for the resurrection.