12 Disciples

Andrew the disciple

Andrew the disciple

Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter, and their original home was thought to be Bethsaida. He probably followed John the Baptist before becoming one of Jesus’ disciples. According to John’s Gospel, Andrew was the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Andrew brought his brother, Simon Peter, to meet Jesus. Andrew’s nature was thought […]

James (brother of John) the disciple

James (brother of John) the disciple

James’ family home may have been in Bethsaida. He was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee and a partner with John, Peter and Andrew. Like John, James was named one of the “sons of thunder” by Jesus. James was included in the inner circle of disciples who witnessed the raising of Jairus’ daughter, the […]

James (son of Alphaeus) the disciple

James (son of Alphaeus) the disciple

This disciple is not mentioned by name in any event recorded in the Gospels or Acts of the Apostles. It is possible that this James is to be identified as one of the sons of Mary, who is mentioned as being present at the crucifixion and the empty tomb.

John (brother of James) the disciple

John (brother of James) the disciple

Disciple, John, was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee with his brother as well as a partner of Peter and Andrew. He was from a well-to-do family who had “hired servants.” The family home originally may have been Bethsaida. His mother, Salome, was a follower of Jesus. According to Matthew’s version, she tried to […]

Judas Iscariot the disciple

Judas Iscariot the disciple

Judas Iscariot is the only Judaean of the 12 disciples. Iscariot: could mean “man from Kerioth” (though it is uncertain as to where this is located). Judas was the treasurer of the group (John 13:29). He betrayed Jesus to the chief priests for 30 pieces of silver. No one knows exactly why. Many speculations surround […]

Matthew the disciple

Matthew the disciple

Matthew was a tax collector in the service of Herod Antipas near Capernaum before he became a disciple. He worked in a profession that was much hated among the Jews. His Gospel mentions that he left the receipt of custom and followed Jesus (Matt. 9:9). Luke mentions that Levi (Matthew) entertained Jesus and other tax […]

Nathanael (Bartholomew) the disciple

Nathanael (Bartholomew) the disciple

This disciple was from Cana of Galilee. He was brought by Philip to Jesus. He showed skepticism when Philip described Jesus as the Messiah and from Nazareth. Nathanael asked, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). Jesus described Nathanael as an Israelite in whom there is no guile. He is mentioned […]

Philip the disciple

Philip the disciple

In the Gospel of John, Philip was one of the first to be called. His hometown was possibly Bethsaida. Philip tells Nathanael, “…We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth…” (John 1:45). His name is mentioned in connection with the feeding of the five thousand. […]

Simon Peter the disciple

Simon Peter the disciple

Also know as “Simon Peter,” Peter was a fisherman who could converse in Greek as well as Aramaic. He lived in Capernaum with his brother, Andrew. They were fishing partners of James and John. Peter’s original family home could be Bethsaida, but scholars are not certain. The Synoptic Gospels place Peter’s calling by Jesus near […]

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