Who Were the 3 Closest Disciples to Jesus?

The disciples of Jesus Christ played a vital role in spreading his teachings and promoting his message of love and salvation. Among the twelve disciples that Jesus chose to be his closest companions, there were three who were particularly close to him.

These three disciples played a significant role in the life of Jesus and their stories are an inspiration to many. In this article, we will take a closer look at who these three closest disciples were.

1. Peter

Peter was one of the first disciples that Jesus called. He was a fisherman by profession and lived in Capernaum, a small fishing village on the Sea of Galilee.

Peter’s original name was Simon, but Jesus gave him the name Peter which means “rock”. This name reflects Peter’s steadfast faith in Jesus.

Peter was known for his impulsive nature and often acted before thinking things through. He is best known for denying Jesus three times after Jesus’ arrest, but he later repented and became a great leader in the early Christian church.

Some Interesting Facts About Peter:

  • Peter was married
  • He was present at many of the most important events in Jesus’ ministry
  • He was the first disciple to recognize that Jesus was the Messiah

2. James

James was the son of Zebedee and brother of John. He, along with his brother John, were fishermen by profession when they were called by Jesus to become his disciples.

James is known for being part of Jesus’ inner circle along with Peter and John. He witnessed some of the most significant events in Jesus’ life, including the Transfiguration.

Some Interesting Facts About James:

  • He was one of the first martyrs among the apostles
  • He was called “James the Greater” to distinguish him from the other disciple named James
  • He is the patron saint of Spain and his shrine is in Santiago de Compostela

3. John

John was the youngest of the twelve disciples and was also a fisherman by profession. He was known for his deep love for Jesus and was often referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”.

John witnessed many important events in Jesus’ life, including the Last Supper and the crucifixion. After Jesus’ death, John became a leader in the early Christian church and wrote several books of the New Testament, including the Gospel of John.

Some Interesting Facts About John:

  • He lived to be very old, dying in Ephesus in his nineties
  • He is traditionally depicted holding a chalice with a serpent emerging from it, symbolizing his supposed ability to drink poison without harm
  • He is believed to be one of only two apostles who were not martyred (the other being Judas Iscariot)

In conclusion, Peter, James, and John were three of Jesus’ closest disciples who played a significant role in spreading his teachings and promoting his message of love and salvation. Each of these disciples had their unique personalities and strengths that made them valuable members of Jesus’ inner circle. Their stories inspire us to live our lives with faith and dedication to God’s will.