1. Simon Peter: Peter, also known as Simon, was one of the first disciples called by Jesus. He was a fisherman by trade and later became a prominent leader in the early Christian church. Peter is often depicted as the rock upon which Jesus built his church.
2. Andrew: Andrew was the brother of Peter and was also a fisherman. He is known for introducing his brother to Jesus and was an active participant in Jesus’ ministry.
3. James: James, the son of Zebedee, was a fisherman as well. Alongside his brother John, he played a significant role in Jesus’ inner circle. James was the first apostle to be martyred for his faith.
4. John: Like James, John was a fisherman and the brother of James. He is often referred to as the beloved disciple and wrote the Gospel of John as well as several other New Testament books.
5. Matthew: Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before becoming one of Jesus’ disciples. He is credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew, which focuses on Jesus’ teachings and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
6. Bartholomew: Bartholomew’s full name is often listed as Nathanael Bartholomew. He is believed to have been a close friend of the Apostle Philip and had a reputation for being honest and straightforward.
7. Thomas: Thomas, often referred to as Doubting Thomas, gained notoriety for his initial skepticism regarding Jesus’ resurrection. However, he later became a fervent believer and preached in places such as India and Persia.
8. James (the Lesser): This James is sometimes referred to as James the Less or James the son of Alphaeus to differentiate from James, the son of Zebedee. Very little is known about him, but he is thought to have been one of the Apostles.
9. Thaddeus: Thaddeus, also known as Lebbaeus or Judas (not Iscariot), is another Apostle about whom little is known. Some scholars believe that he may have been the author of the Epistle of Jude.
10. Simon the Zealot: Simon the Zealot, or Simon the Canaanite, is another Apostle about whom not much is known. He is believed to have preached in various places, including Egypt and Britain.
11. Judas Iscariot: Judas Iscariot is infamous for betraying Jesus and is often seen as a cautionary tale against greed and betrayal. After his betrayal, he took his own life.
12. Matthias: Matthias replaced Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve Apostles. He was chosen through a process of casting lots and is mentioned in the book of Acts.
These twelve men played pivotal roles in establishing the early Christian church and spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. Though they came from diverse backgrounds, they all shared a common purpose and dedication to their faith. Their names have become foundational within Christianity, symbolizing the power of discipleship, faith, and the transformative message of Jesus Christ.