How many apostles did Jesus have

When discussing the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, one may wonder about the number of that accompanied him during his ministry. According to the New Testament, the collection of religious texts centered around Jesus, there were twelve s who played a significant role in spreading his teachings and establishing the early Christian Church. However, it is essential to explore the different perspectives and interpretations surrounding this topic.

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John provide various accounts of Jesus’ selection of disciples to become his apostles. In Matthew 10:2-4, the names of the twelve apostles are listed as Peter, Andrew, James (the son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (the son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot. These twelve men were chosen personally by Jesus to be his closest followers and to witness his miracles, teachings, and crucifixion.

However, the question of whether Judas Iscariot should be considered an apostle arises due to his betrayal of Jesus. Many argue that he should not be included in the count, as his actions departed from the meaning and purpose of an apostle. Consequently, some scholars consider Matthias, who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after his death, as the rightful twelfth apostle. This perspective is based on the events described in Acts chapters 1 and 2.

Additionally, there is a distinction between the term “apostle” used in the Bible and other followers, commonly referred to as disciples. While all apostles can be called disciples, not all disciples can be referred to as apostles. The term “disciple” encompasses a broader group of followers who believed in Jesus’ teachings and sought to learn from him. In contrast, apostles had a specific role of leadership and were directly chosen by Jesus to carry on his message.

Moreover, the New Testament mentions other individuals who were considered apostles but were not part of the original twelve. For example, the apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, became an essential figure in spreading Christianity after his conversion. He was not among the original twelve apostles but had a profound impact on the early Christian movement. Some argue that Paul should be considered the thirteenth apostle due to his significant contributions and role as a missionary.

Furthermore, beyond the twelve and Paul, there might have been other individuals who served as apostles or held positions similar to that of an apostle. These individuals could have been instrumental in the development and growth of early Christianity. However, due to limited historical records and the focus on the primary apostles, precise information regarding their identities and number might remain unclear.

In conclusion, the New Testament indicates that Jesus personally chose twelve apostles to accompany him during his ministry. These apostles played a vital role in spreading his teachings and establishing the early Christian Church. However, the inclusion of Judas Iscariot as an apostle is a matter of debate due to his betrayal. Some scholars argue that Matthias should be considered the twelfth apostle instead. Additionally, other individuals, like the apostle Paul, who was not among the original twelve, played significant roles in early Christianity. While the exact number of apostles or individuals holding similar positions remains uncertain, it is clear that they were instrumental in shaping the foundations of the Christian faith.