The 12 Disciples of Jesus were a group of individuals who were chosen by Jesus to spread his teachings and carry out his mission. Each disciple had their own unique background and skillset that contributed to the group’s success. In this article, we will explore who they were and what their jobs were.
Who Were the 12 Disciples?
The 12 Disciples were:
- Peter
- Andrew
- James
- John
- Philip
- Bartholomew
- Matthew
- Thomas
- James son of Alphaeus
- Thaddaeus (also known as Judas, not Iscariot)
- Simon the Zealot
- Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed Jesus)
Peter:
Peter was a fisherman from Bethsaida and was one of the closest disciples to Jesus. He was known for his impulsive nature and often spoke before thinking. However, he was also a strong leader and is considered the founder of the Christian Church.
Andrew:
Andrew was Peter’s brother and also a fisherman from Bethsaida. He was known for bringing people to Jesus, including his own brother.
James:
James was the son of Zebedee and brother of John. He, along with his brother, was a fisherman from Galilee. James was one of the first disciples to be martyred for his faith.
John:
John was James’ brother and another fisherman from Galilee. He was known as the “beloved disciple” and was the only disciple present at the crucifixion of Jesus.
Philip:
Philip was from Bethsaida and was known for his analytical mind. He is best known for his conversation with Jesus in which he asked to see the Father.
Bartholomew:
Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael) was from Cana in Galilee. He is often associated with Philip, as they were both introduced to Jesus by him.
Matthew:
Matthew (also known as Levi) was a tax collector before becoming a disciple. He was often disliked by his fellow Jews because of his profession.
Thomas:
Thomas (also known as “Doubting Thomas”) was skeptical of Jesus’ resurrection until he saw him in person and touched his wounds.
James son of Alphaeus:
James son of Alphaeus (also known as James the Less) is believed to have been a relative of Jesus. Little else is known about him.
Thaddaeus (Judas, not Iscariot):
Thaddaeus (also known as Judas, not Iscariot) is believed to have been a cousin of Jesus. He is often confused with Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.
Simon the Zealot:
Simon the Zealot was believed to be a member of a Jewish nationalist group called the Zealots. He later became a follower of Jesus.
Judas Iscariot:
Judas Iscariot was the disciple who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He later committed suicide out of guilt.
What Were Their Jobs?
As mentioned earlier, the disciples came from a variety of backgrounds and professions. Most were fishermen, which was a common occupation at the time. Matthew was a tax collector, which was also a common profession but one that was often looked down upon by Jews.
It’s important to note that while the disciples had their own jobs before following Jesus, their main job as disciples was to spread his teachings and carry out his mission. They were not just followers but active participants in spreading the Gospel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 12 Disciples of Jesus were a diverse group of individuals who came together to spread his teachings and carry out his mission. While they may have had different jobs before becoming disciples, their main job was always to serve Jesus and share his message with the world.