The Twelve Apostles - An Introduction

Introduction

Matthew 10:2–4 KJV 1900

2 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; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Body

The 12 apostles, or the 12 disciples, or simply “the twelve”, were chosen by Jesus and were His closest followers.

Each of them later became leaders in the Church during its infancy and were instrumental in spreading the Gospel throughout the world.

We are given a list of Jesus’ twelve disciples, later Apostles, in four different locations

Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:13-16, and Acts 1:13.

The names of the twelve disciples are as follows:

Peter (also known as Simon)

Andrew (Peter’s brother)

James (son of Zebedee)

John (James’ brother, also son of Zebedee)

Philip

Bartholomew

Thomas

Matthew (the tax collector)

James (son of Alphaeus)

Jude (also known as Thaddeus)

Simon (the Zealot)

Judas Iscariot

A Breakdown of Jesus’ Followers

The Multitudes

Followed Jesus around from place to place to hear Him teach and to see what He would do.