Apostles

A fisherman from Bethsaida, Simon received the name Peter (Greek Πέτρος, Petros, 'rock') from Christ. His leadership among the apostles, his great confession, his threefold denial, and his restoration mark him as emblematic of both human weakness and divine grace.

Peter's brother, Andrew first followed John the Baptist before becoming Christ's disciple. His consistent pattern of bringing others to Jesus—his brother Peter, the lad with loaves and fishes, certain Greeks seeking the Lord—characterizes his ministry.

Brother of John, James belonged to the inner circle with Peter and John, witnessing the Transfiguration, Gethsemane's agony, and other pivotal moments. His martyrdom by Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:2) made him the first apostolic martyr.

The son of Zebedee, John reclined on Christ's breast at the Last Supper, stood at the cross, received Mary into his care, and outlived all other apostles. His Gospel, epistles, and the Revelation present Christ's deity, emphasize love, and unveil prophetic mysteries.

From Bethsaida, Philip immediately brought Nathanael to Christ. His practical, calculating nature appears in his questions about feeding the multitude and showing the Father. Despite his slowness to grasp spiritual truths, his earnest seeking characterized his discipleship.

Generally identified with Nathanael, Bartholomew received Christ's commendation as 'an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.' His initial skepticism ('Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?') gave way to profound confession: 'Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.'

A publican (tax collector) called from the receipt of custom, Matthew left all to follow Christ. His occupation, despised by fellow Jews as collaboration with Rome, made his calling a demonstration of grace. His Gospel presents Christ as King of Israel.

Thomas, called Didymus (twin), demanded empirical proof of Christ's resurrection yet made the highest christological confession when convinced: 'My Lord and my God.' His willingness to die with Christ (John 11:16) showed devotion; his doubt demonstrated humanity.

Distinguished from James the son of Zebedee by the designation 'the Less' (possibly meaning younger or smaller in stature), this apostle receives little individual mention in Scripture. His faithful service despite obscurity exemplifies humble discipleship.

Also called Judas (not Iscariot) and Lebbaeus, Thaddaeus asked at the Last Supper why Christ would manifest Himself to the disciples but not to the world. This question elicited Christ's teaching on love and obedience as prerequisites for divine manifestation.

Designated 'the Zealot' (or 'Canaanite,' from Aramaic qanana, meaning zealous), Simon possibly belonged to the Zealot party—Jewish nationalists opposing Roman rule. His transformation from political revolutionary to spiritual ambassador demonstrates grace's power.

The treasurer who became a thief, Judas betrayed Christ for thirty pieces of silver—the price of a slave. His suicide in despair contrasts with Peter's repentance. Scripture calls him 'son of perdition,' the only one of the Twelve ultimately lost.