An apostle is, in a broad sense, one who is sent and it can also be used to refer to anyone who delivers a message. This article takes a close look at the 12 disciples of Jesus in the Bible, 12 disciples of jesus in order, jesus 12 disciples names and their jobs and their contribution to Christianity.
The 12 Apostles of Jesus are a group of men that he chose to be his disciples and help him spread the word of God. They were also known as the Disciples of Christ or simply the Twelve.
Jesus is said to have called these men personally, one at a time, and sent them out to preach and spread his teachings. There were two groups of apostles: the Twelve (including Judas Iscariot), who were more prominent in biblical accounts; and the Seventy Disciples, who had less prominence in scripture but still played important roles.
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12 Disciples Of Jesus In The Bible
List of 12 Disciples of Jesus in the Bible Verse
The list of the 12 disciples of Jesus can be found in several Bible verses. One of the most well-known references is in Matthew 10:2-4, which states:
These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Here, the Bible provides a clear list of the names of the 12 disciples, including their associations with other disciples and their specific roles.
12 Disciples of Jesus in Order
According to the accounts in the Gospels, Jesus chose his 12 disciples in a specific order. The order in which they were named in Matthew 10:2-4 provides an indication of this order. The list goes as follows:
- Simon Peter (also known as Peter)
- Andrew (brother of Simon Peter)
- James (son of Zebedee)
- John (brother of James)
- Philip
- Bartholomew
- Thomas
- Matthew (the tax collector)
- James (son of Alphaeus)
- Thaddaeus
- Simon the Zealot
- Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed Jesus)
This order is significant as it reflects the hierarchy and roles assigned to each disciple by Jesus.
12 Disciples Names List and Their Jobs
The 12 disciples of Jesus were individuals from various backgrounds who came to follow Jesus and spread his teachings. Here is a list of the 12 disciples and their respective occupations:
- Simon Peter (Peter) – Fisherman
- Andrew – Fisherman (brother of Simon Peter)
- James – Fisherman (son of Zebedee)
- John - Fisherman (brother of James)
- Philip - Unknown occupation
- Bartholomew – Unknown occupation
- Thomas - Unknown occupation
- Matthew – Tax collector
- James – Unknown occupation (son of Alphaeus)
- Thaddaeus – Unknown occupation
- Simon the Zealot – Unknown occupation
- Judas Iscariot – Unknown occupation (later betrayed Jesus)
These occupations give us insight into the diverse backgrounds and skills of the disciples, which collectively contributed to the spreading of Jesus’ message.
12 Disciples of Jesus KJV
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible also provides information about the 12 disciples of Jesus. In Matthew 10:2-4 (KJV), it states:
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
This version of the Bible provides the same list of names as previously mentioned, emphasizing the importance of these individuals in the ministry of Jesus.
Who are the 12 Apostles of Jesus?
The 12 apostles of Jesus were the chosen disciples who were given the authority to spread his teachings and establish the foundation of the early Christian church. They were Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. These individuals were handpicked by Jesus himself to be his closest followers and to carry on his mission after his resurrection.
Jesus Calls the 12 Disciples
The Bible recounts the moment when Jesus called the 12 disciples to join him in his ministry. In Mark 3:13-15, it states:
Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.
This passage highlights Jesus’ deliberate choice in selecting these specific individuals and his intention to equip them with the power to continue his work.
12 Apostles and Their Characteristics
Each of the 12 apostles had unique characteristics and played a vital role in the ministry of Jesus. Here are some notable characteristics of a few of them:
- Simon Peter: Known for his impulsive nature, he was the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 16:16) and was entrusted with the keys to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19).
- John: Referred to as the “beloved disciple,” he had a close relationship with Jesus and was present at significant events such as the Last Supper and the crucifixion.
- Matthew: A former tax collector, he left his lucrative profession to follow Jesus. He is often associated with the Gospel of Matthew, which he authored.
- Judas Iscariot: Infamous for betraying Jesus, his actions serve as a cautionary tale of the consequences of greed and betrayal.
These are just a few examples of the individual characteristics of the 12 apostles, demonstrating their diverse personalities and the roles they played in the unfolding of Jesus’ ministry.
In conclusion, the 12 disciples of Jesus were a diverse group of individuals chosen by him to carry out his mission. Their names and occupations are mentioned in several Bible verses, including Matthew 10:2-4 and the King James Version. Each disciple had unique characteristics that contributed to their roles as apostles. Through their teachings and actions, they played a crucial part in spreading the message of Jesus and establishing the foundation of Christianity.
12 Disciples Of Jesus In The Bible
The Bible is full of long-running stories, from Adam and Eve to Noah’s Ark to Jesus Christ himself. But some of the most fascinating parts of these stories are the characters who show up again and again—the disciples.
The 12 disciples (also called apostles) were the closest companions of Jesus during his time on Earth. They followed him around, heard his teachings, and learned from his example. When Jesus was crucified, they were all present at the event, and after his resurrection they continued to spread his message throughout the world.
The Bible tells us that Peter was one of these disciples; he became one of three leaders in the early church after Jesus’ death. But what about the other 11? Who were they? What did they do? And why are they important to us today?
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List Of 12 Disciples Of Jesus Bible Verse
Understanding Jesus’ 12 Disciples Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew/Nathanael, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas the Greater, and Judas Iscariot are names that have been closely associated with the Savior’s teaching since the earliest days of Christianity.
Simon Peter
- You are Simon Peter. Also known as the disciple that Jesus nicknamed “the rock” after he professed his faith in Christ, you were a strong and passionate follower of Jesus.
- After you denied Jesus three times, but before He was crucified, Jesus appeared to you and forgave you for denying Him.
- When Jesus called you to follow Him, He said that your ministry would be a “fisher of men.” You became one of the most accomplished Christian missionaries in history.
Andrew
According to the Gospels, Andrew was Simon Peter’s brother and was a fisherman. The first Gospel account of Andrew is in John 1 when he was called by Jesus to be a disciple. As an apostle, he is believed to have spread the message of Jesus throughout modern-day Turkey, Greece, and Russia. In Matthew 4:18-19 we read:
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
James
James, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, is the brother of John the Apostle and the son of Zebedee and Salome. James is also known as “James the Greater” to distinguish him from James, son of Alphaeus. The eldest apostolic son of Zebedee, James was called to be a disciple along with his younger brother John in about 28 AD (Matthew 4:21–22) by Jesus when he walked by their boat on Lake Galilee as they were mending nets from their fishing trade.
James was one of only three apostles whom Jesus chose to bear witness to his Transfiguration (Mark 9:2). James and John asked Jesus to grant them seats on his right and left in his glory. Jesus rebuked them for their ambition and told them that those positions would be reserved for those for whom they had been prepared by my Father (Luke 22:28-30). In response to this, the other ten apostles rejected callings of leadership over the early church; according to Eusebius, Peter made no claim nor request regarding places of honor or power (Ecclesiastical History II.1.6-8)
John
This disciple was also known as John the Apostle and John the Beloved. He was born in Bethsaida, a small town along the Sea of Galilee. He is believed to have been the youngest of Jesus’ disciples.
John is best remembered for being among the three disciples who witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration (an event in which Jesus became radiantly bright, with Moses and Elijah appearing) as well as his crucifixion (his death by way of being nailed to a large wooden cross). According to scripture, John stood at the foot of the cross with Mary and another woman. Upon seeing them in distress, Jesus asked him to take care of Mary and treat her as his own mother after he died.
Philip
Philip was a disciple of Jesus who was called by Jesus in John 1:43-51. Philip was the apostle of Greece, and he brought Nathanael to Jesus. Philip is mentioned in Acts 8:5-40. He preached the Gospel in cities that included Samaria, Caesarea, and Azotus.
Bartholomew
Having been introduced to Jesus by Philip, Bartholomew became one of the twelve Apostles. Nathaniel is mentioned in the Gospel of John as being introduced to Christ by Philip (who would also become an apostle), who said, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
John 1:45-46
And Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
John 1:47
Matthew
Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and one of the four Evangelists. According to the Bible, he was among the first followers of Jesus and a witness to his miracles and ministry. He is also traditionally considered to be one of the four authors/transcribers of the Gospels, though there is no direct proof for this theory.
Matthew’s story first appears in Matthew 9:9: “As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me,’ he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.” Little else is known about Matthew before his calling by Christ. It’s assumed that he hails from Galilee but this is not explicitly mentioned in scripture.
Later in life, after having been called by Christ as an apostle, Matthew wrote down his own account of Jesus’ life including his birth (the Miracle at Bethlehem), ministry (the Sermon on the Mount), death (the Crucifixion) and resurrection (Christ’s return). This account became known as The Gospel According to St. Matthew or simply The Gospel of Matthew as it was written down around 40-50 CE during or shortly after Christ’s lifetime.
Sometime after writing his gospel but before 70 CE—when Jerusalem fell to Rome—Matthew traveled to Persia where he ministered until being martyred for his faith by sword sometime between 60-100 CE in what is now modern-day Ethiopia or Iran.
Thomas
Thomas was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament. He is informally referred to as “Doubting Thomas” because he doubted Jesus’ resurrection when first told of it; later, he confessed his faith, “My Lord and my God,” on seeing Jesus’ resurrected body.
According to Eusebius of Caesarea in his Church History, Thomas traveled outside the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel, traveling as far as India. According to tradition, the Apostle reached Muziris (Cranganore) in AD 52 and baptized several people there who are today known as Saint Thomas Christians or Nasranis.
After his death, the reputed relics of Saint Thomas the Apostle were enshrined as far as Mesopotamia in the 3rd century. In 1258 some of the relics were brought to Abruzzo in Ortona, Italy where they have been held in the Church of Saint Thomas since 1369 (which had been built over a pre-existing temple). His relics have also been claimed by other Eastern Orthodox churches and Roman Catholic churches throughout Europe
James the son of Alphaeus
- James the son of Alphaeus was one of the twelve apostles who is also called James the Less, James the Younger, and possibly James the Little (or else Thaddeus). He is identified in Mark 3:18 and Matthew 10:3 as a brother or relative of Jesus. His name was added to his father’s name to distinguish him from other people named James.
It is thought that this disciple was among those present on Mount Tabor at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1), and he may have witnessed the raising of Jairus’ daughter as well (Mark 5:37).
James also referred to as “the other Judas” or “Judas not Iscariot” in John 14:22. He is also confusingly called Thaddaeus in Matthew 10:3; but in Mark 3:18 he is clearly distinguished from Thaddaeus, who must therefore have been another disciple. Still another disciple named Judas (not Iscariot) is mentioned by Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13. It seems likely that these three different disciples are meant to be one and the same person.
James wrote a book known as The Book of James, which some scholars believe was written before Paul’s Epistle to Galatians was written.
Thaddeus/Judas/Jude the son of James (brother of Jesus)
One of the things that makes the Bible so fascinating is how even the most obscure details can be relevant to modern life. Take, for instance, the disciples of Jesus; these 12 men were his closest confidants and were responsible for spreading his teachings after his death. In modern times, we might think of them as apostles or evangelists. Most people are familiar with Peter, James and John—but what about Thaddaeus? Or Judas Lebbaeus? Or Judas Iscariot?
Confusingly, almost all of the Twelve Disciples had at least one other name (and some had more than two!). It was common in ancient Israel for people to have two names: an official name given at birth that was often associated with a significant religious event or a family member, and a nickname that was used in day-to-day interactions.
The naming system in ancient Israel is similar to nicknaming systems around the world today: take North American sports fans cheering “Kobe!” when Kobe Bryant scores a 3-pointer or calling LeBron James “King James” in reference to both his athleticism and his status as a spiritual leader.
The difference between these modern nicknames and those found in the Bible is that while Kobe Bryant’s nickname comes from beef with an anime character and LeBron James’ comes from comparing him to royalty, ancient Israelites often chose names based on their father’s name—such as Simon Barjona (Simon son of Jonah), Levi Bartholomew (Levi son of Talmai) or Thaddeus/Judas/Jude son of James (brother of Jesus).
Simon Zelotes/Simon the Zealot/Simon Kananaios/Simon Cananeus (the Cananaean, the Zealous)
We know very little about Simon the Zealot, and many have speculated as to why he was called by that name.
Simon was a Pharisee who was converted at the preaching of John the Baptist. He became one of our Lord’s first disciples. He was a native of Cana in Galilee and from his former profession we are told he was probably a man of some standing in his own country. So great, however, must have been the influence of our Lord upon him that he counts himself unworthy to be even called His disciple (Luke 22:28).
Simon is also mentioned in Luke 5:10, Acts 1:13 and 10:5 as one of the twelve apostles. There is some speculation that Simon would have been one of those who preferred Jesus’s crucifixion; but others say even though he had been a revolutionary or patriot-like zealot, he still may not have wanted Christ crucified; this view is supported by what transpires after Jesus’ resurrection (John 21:15-17) when Peter denies Christ three times after Christ asks him if he loved Him three times.
Judas Iscariot (son of Simon Iscariot)
- Judas Iscariot was born in Kerioth.
- Judas was the only disciple who was born in Judea, a region south of Galilee where Jesus and his disciples lived.
- Judas Iscariot was the 12th disciple of Jesus and one of the original twelve apostles chosen by Jesus himself.
- He is most famous for betraying Jesus to the Jewish religious leaders, resulting in his arrest and crucifixion on Passover, according to Matthew 26:14-16.
- The account tells us that it was from then on Satan entered into him (John 13:27), but he soon realized what he had done and committed suicide shortly thereafter (Matthew 27:5).
12 Disciples of Jesus In Order
Each of the four gospels includes the calling of Jesus’ first disciples; the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) also provide lists of the Twelve, whereas John simply mentions them as a group (Matthew 4:18–22; 10:2–4; Mark 1:16–20; 3:16–19; Luke 5:4–11; 6:13–16; John 1:35–51). The order in which the disciples were called and the order in which their names are given in the lists vary by account.
In Matthew 4:18–22, the first disciples to be called are listed like this:
Simon Peter and Andrew
James and John
Mark 1:16–20, lists the first disciples in the same order:
Simon and Andrew
James and John
Luke 5:4–11 lists the first disciples as
Simon Peter
James and John
John 1:35–51 relates Jesus’ early encounters with these men:
Andrew and an unnamed man—almost certainly John, who never names himself in his own gospel
Simon Peter
Philip
Nathanael (also called Bartholomew)
The first six disciples, then, were Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, and Bartholomew. The differences between John’s account and the Synoptics’ account are easily explained. John relates the first, introductory meeting of Jesus with Andrew, John, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael. The Synoptics describe the actual calling of these men to follow Jesus. When Jesus told Peter in the fishing boat to “follow Me,” and Peter immediately left his nets and obeyed, Peter was not following a total stranger. He had met Jesus previously and had spent time with Him. The same is true for Andrew, James, and John.
Matthew (also called Levi) was called separately, sometime after the first six (Matthew 9:9–13; Mark 2:13–17; Luke 5:27–32).
The Bible does not describe the calling of the other five disciples. Jesus had many people following Him early on in His ministry. Luke 6:12–16 tells us that, after a night of solitary prayer, Jesus officially named His twelve disciples, whom He also called apostles:
- Simon Peter
- Andrew
- James
- John
- Philip
- Bartholomew (Nathanael)
- Matthew
- Thomas
- James son of Alphaeus
- Simon who was called the Zealot
- Judas son of James (elsewhere called Thaddaeus)
- Judas Iscariot
Jesus’ 12 Disciples Names And Their Jobs
The order in which the apostles were called is not the primary focus in the accounts of their calling. Rather, the emphasis is on the fact that they were called at all. None of them were worthy of Jesus’ calling. Few, if any, were of noble background, and none of them had religious clout. At least four of the disciples were fishermen. Simon was a Zealot, part of a political group that sought to overthrow the Roman government. Matthew worked for the Roman government as a tax collector and would have been viewed essentially as a traitor to the Israelites. Judas Iscariot eventually betrayed Jesus.
Despite the diversity of backgrounds and education levels among these men, they had an important calling as the original twelve disciples of Jesus. Theirs was an honorable work. They became eyewitnesses of Jesus’ works on earth as well as His resurrection. It was these men (excluding Judas Iscariot) who laid the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20). It was through their Spirit-empowered witness that the church began (Acts 2). Their work helped provide the New Testament writings we have today. The twelve foundations of the wall of the future New Jerusalem will have engraved on them the names of the twelve apostles (Revelation 21:14).