The twelve disciples, also known as the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, were His closest followers during His earthly ministry. Jesus personally chose these twelve men to walk closely with Him, be trained by Him, preach the gospel, and lay the foundation of the early church after He ascended to heaven. Here is an overview of the twelve disciples/apostles of Jesus Christ:
Simon Peter
Simon Peter, also known as Cephas, was one of the first disciples called by Jesus (Matthew 4:18-20). He was a fisherman by trade along with his brother Andrew. Peter was part of Jesus’ inner circle and was present at pivotal moments during Christ’s ministry, including the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8) and the agony in the garden (Matthew 26:36-46). After initially sinking when trying to walk on water (Matthew 14:22-33), Peter went on to boldly preach the gospel after receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41). Jesus changed his name from Simon to Peter, meaning “rock”, as a prophecy that Peter would become the rock on which Christ would build his church (Matthew 16:18). Peter spent his later years spreading the gospel and wrote two New Testament letters. He was martyred in Rome by being crucified upside down.
Andrew
Andrew was one of the very first disciples called by Jesus in Galilee along with his brother Simon Peter (Matthew 4:18-20). Andrew had previously been a disciple of John the Baptist. Andrew brought Peter to Jesus, saying “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). Andrew was present at the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:8-9), and pointed out the boy with the loaves and fish. After the resurrection and ascension of Christ, Andrew went on missionary travels preaching the gospel in parts of Asia Minor and Greece. According to tradition, Andrew died by crucifixion at Patras in Achaia.
James
James, son of Zebedee and brother of John, was nicknamed one of the “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus (Mark 3:17). James was part of the inner circle of disciples along with Peter and John, and was present at the transfiguration and raising of Jairus’ daughter. James likely wrote the New Testament letter bearing his name. Acts 12:2 records that James was killed with a sword under Herod Agrippa I, becoming the first of the Twelve to be martyred.
John
John was the younger brother of James and, along with him, was nicknamed one of the “Sons of Thunder.” John was part of Jesus’ inner circle and, along with Peter and James, witnessed the transfiguration and was present in the garden of Gethsemane. John referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23) and reclined next to Jesus at the Last Supper. Along with Peter, John helped lead the early church after Jesus’ resurrection. John wrote a gospel, three epistles, and the book of Revelation. He died of old age while in exile on the island of Patmos.
Philip
Philip was called to follow Jesus the day after Peter and Andrew (John 1:43). Philip was from Bethsaida, the same hometown as Andrew and Peter. Philip brought Nathanael to Jesus, saying “we have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote” (John 1:45). Very little else is recorded about Philip’s time with Jesus or his work after the ascension. According to tradition, Philip preached the gospel in Asia Minor and was martyred by crucifixion at Hierapolis.
Nathanael Bartholomew
Nathanael, believed to be the disciple Bartholomew, was introduced to Jesus by Philip (John 1:45-49). Jesus praised Nathanael as “an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” (John 1:47) when they first met. Nathanael was skeptical at first, but after Jesus revealed His omniscience, Nathanael declared Jesus to be the Son of God. According to tradition, Bartholomew preached in India, Armenia, and Arabia before being flayed and crucified upside down in Armenia.
Matthew
Matthew, also called Levi, was a tax collector before responding to Jesus’ call to follow Him (Matthew 9:9). Matthew later hosted a banquet for Jesus and invited many tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10). Matthew wrote the gospel that bears his name, focusing on Jesus’ ministry and death/resurrection. After the resurrection, Matthew likely preached in Persia and Ethiopia before being stabbed to death in Ethiopia.
Thomas
Thomas is famously remembered as “Doubting Thomas” because he refused to believe Jesus had risen from the dead until he saw and touched Christ’s wounds himself (John 20:24-29). Still, Thomas had courageously encouraged the other disciples to go with Jesus to Bethany when Jesus wanted to see a deceased Lazarus (John 11:16). After seeing the risen Christ, Thomas declared “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). According to tradition, Thomas later preached the gospel in Parthia and India. He was martyred by being stabbed with spears.
James the Less
James the Less, also called James the son of Alphaeus, is named as one of the twelve disciples in all four gospel accounts. He is called “the Less” to differentiate him from James the son of Zebedee. Not much is known about James the Less’ time with Jesus, though church tradition holds that he preached and was crucified in Egypt.
Thaddaeus
Thaddaeus, also known as Jude and Judas the son of James, is listed among the twelve disciples in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. He is possibly the author of the book of Jude. The name Thaddaeus means “courageous heart.” Tradition holds that Thaddaeus evangelized in Judea, Samaria, Idumaea, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Libya, before being martyred by crucifixion or clubbing.
Simon the Zealot
Simon the Zealot is listed among the disciples in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The designation Zealot likely refers to his political leanings prior to following Jesus. The Zealots advocated for Jewish independence from the Roman Empire. According to tradition, Simon preached in Egypt and then joined the apostle Jude in Persia where they were both martyred by being sawn in half.
Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot is infamous for betraying Jesus and handing Him over to the Jewish authorities for 30 pieces of silver. Prior to his betrayal, Judas had been sent out with the other disciples to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Luke 9:1-6). Judas was the treasurer for the disciples and used to steal from their money bag (John 12:6). At the Last Supper, Jesus dismissed Judas to carry out his betrayal (John 13:21-30). Overcome with remorse, Judas later hanged himself (Matthew 27:3-5).
Matthias
After Judas betrayed Jesus and committed suicide, the eleven remaining disciples sought to replace him so their number could be restored to twelve. Two men were nominated: Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias. After praying, the disciples cast lots and the lot fell to Matthias, so he was added as the twelfth apostle (Acts 1:15-26). According to tradition, Matthias preached the gospel in Judea and then Ethiopia where he was later stoned and beheaded.
In summary, the twelve disciples/apostles of Jesus Christ were:
1. Simon Peter
2. Andrew
3. James son of Zebedee
4. John
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew
7. Matthew
8. Thomas
9. James son of Alphaeus
10. Thaddaeus
11. Simon the Zealot
12. Matthias
This group of ordinary men were transformed by Jesus during His earthly ministry to lay the foundation of the early church after His ascension. These twelve disciples/apostles were eyewitnesses of Jesus Christ and His resurrection, and boldly preached the gospel despite persecution and martyrdom. Their faithful witness continues to inspire Christians today.