The Names of Jesus' Apostles: Who are They

• Peter (Simon): Peter was one of the first disciples chosen by Jesus. He is often considered the most prominent apostle and played a crucial role in leading the early church. His original name was Simon, but Jesus gave him the name Peter, which means “rock.” Peter’s boldness and faith were key factors in the development of Christian doctrine.
• Andrew: Andrew was Peter’s brother and the first disciple called by Jesus. Despite being less well-known than some of the other apostles, Andrew played an essential role in bringing others to Jesus, including his brother. He was known for his faithful and selfless nature.
• James (son of Zebedee): James, along with his brother John, were known as the “Sons of Thunder.” Jesus referred to them with this name due to their impulsive and fiery nature. James was the first apostle to be martyred for his faith, which ultimately strengthened the early Christian movement.
• John (son of Zebedee): John was the brother of James and the apostle often referred to as the “beloved disciple.” He played a significant role in documenting the life and ministry of Jesus through the Gospel of John. His deep spiritual insights and love for Jesus distinguished him among his fellow apostles.
• Philip: Philip was one of the earliest apostles called by Jesus. He is best known for his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch and his question to Jesus about showing the Father. Philip had a heart for sharing the gospel with those outside of Jewish heritage.
• Bartholomew: Also known as Nathanael, Bartholomew accompanied Philip in spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. Although less mentioned in the Scriptures, Bartholomew played an important part in the early Christian community.
• Thomas: Thomas is often remembered as the doubting apostle due to his initial skepticism regarding Jesus’ resurrection. However, when he saw Jesus and witnessed His wounds, Thomas became one of the most vocal advocates of Jesus’ divinity.
• Matthew (Levi): Prior to becoming an apostle, Matthew worked as a tax collector. Jesus called him out of his profession and transformed him into a disciple who later penned the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew’s unique perspective as a former tax collector adds depth to his account of Jesus’ life.
• James (son of Alphaeus): Often referred to as James the Less, this apostle played a crucial yet relatively low-profile role among the twelve. His humility and dedication to Christ made him an integral part of the early Christian community.
• Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James): Thaddaeus is also known as Lebbaeus or Judas, not to be confused with Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. Thaddaeus was recognized for his loyal and sincere commitment to Jesus and was entrusted with spreading the Gospel.
• Simon the Zealot: Simon was called “the Zealot” due to his involvement in the political Zealot movement against Roman rule. Jesus’ selection of Simon, alongside Matthew the tax collector, demonstrated His power to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds in the mission of the Kingdom of God.
• Judas Iscariot: Judas is infamously known as the apostle who betrayed Jesus. Despite initially holding a prominent position among the twelve, Judas succumbed to greed and handed Jesus over to the religious authorities. His actions resulted in Jesus’ crucifixion, ultimately leading to his own tragic end.

The twelve apostles of Jesus exemplify diverse personalities, backgrounds, and roles within the early Christian community. Each played a pivotal role in spreading the teachings of Jesus and establishing the foundation of Christianity. Together, they are testament to Jesus’ ability to transform and empower individuals from all walks of life.