The 12 disciples of Jesus are some of the most well-known figures in Christianity. They were chosen by Jesus himself to be his closest followers and to spread his teachings throughout the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at who these disciples were and what their role was in Jesus’ ministry.
According to the book of Matthew, chapter 10, verses 1-4, the 12 disciples are:
1. Simon (who is called Peter)
Peter was one of Jesus’ closest followers and is often referred to as the “rock” upon which Jesus built his church.
2. Andrew (Peter’s brother)
Andrew was also a fisherman and became one of Jesus’ first disciples after hearing him preach.
3. James (son of Zebedee)
James was one of the “Sons of Thunder” along with his brother John and was present at several important moments in Jesus’ life.
4. John (James’ brother)
John was another one of the “Sons of Thunder” and is often referred to as the disciple whom Jesus loved.
5. Philip
Philip was a disciple from Bethsaida and is known for introducing Nathanael to Jesus.
6. Bartholomew (Nathanael)
Bartholomew or Nathanael was initially skeptical about whether or not Jesus was truly the Messiah but eventually became a believer.
7. Thomas (also called Didymus)
Thomas is perhaps best known for doubting that Jesus had risen from the dead until he saw him with his own eyes.
8. Matthew (the tax collector)
Matthew was a tax collector before becoming a disciple and is credited with writing one of the four gospels in the New Testament.
9. James (son of Alphaeus)
James is often referred to as “James the Less” to distinguish him from James, the brother of John.
10. Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James)
Thaddaeus is also called “Judas (not Iscariot)” to differentiate him from Judas Iscariot who later betrayed Jesus.
11. Simon (the Zealot)
Simon was a member of a Jewish political movement called the Zealots who were known for their opposition to Roman rule.
12. Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed Jesus)
Judas Iscariot is perhaps the most well-known of Jesus’ disciples due to his infamous betrayal that led to Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion.
- The 12 disciples were chosen by Jesus to be his closest followers and to spread his teachings throughout the world.
- They were present at many important moments in Jesus’ life including his baptism, transfiguration, and crucifixion.
- After Jesus’ death and resurrection, they continued to spread his message and establish churches throughout the world.
The Role of the Disciples
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 12 disciples played a crucial role in Jesus’ ministry and were instrumental in spreading his message throughout the world. Despite facing persecution and even death for their beliefs, they remained faithful to Jesus until the end. Their legacy continues to inspire Christians today and serves as a reminder of what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ.