The 12 Apostles

Peter: (Greek: Petros, meaning ‘rock’) Peter was one of the most prominent of the 12 disciples. He was a natural spokesperson and also the leader of the early Christian Church. Peter was a native of Bethsaida and was the brother of Andrew.  

John: (Meaning God is gracious) John was the brother of James and the son of Zebedee. He was one of the three disciples, closest to Jesus, the others being Peter and James.  

James: (Greek: Iakovos, the English word for Jacob meaning ‘Isreal’ or he who supplants his Brother) James was the son of Zebedee (Mark 4:21), the older brother of John. He was the first disciple to be martyred (Acts 12:2) after Jesus’ resurrection.  

Andrew: (Greek, Andreas, meaning ‘manly’ man) Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter, the son of Jonas. He brought Peter, his brother, to Jesus.  

Philip: (Greek Philippos, meaning ‘lover of horses’) Philip was a close friend of Andrew and Peter. Jesus called Philip near Bethany. He was the one who persuaded and brought Nathaniel to Jesus.  

Bartholomew: (Greek: Bartholomaios meaning ‘Son of Talmai’) Bartholomew is mentioned in all the four lists of the apostles in the New Testament. Nothing much is known about him.  

Thomas: (Greek: Thomas from Aramaic-te’oma meaning ‘twin’) Thomas is also called Didymus. When Jesus appeared to the apostles after His resurrection, Thomas was not present with them. Thomas would not believe until Jesus showed Himself a week later.  

Matthew: (Greek: Maththaios meaning ‘gift of Yahweh’) Matthew is also called ‘Levi’ (Mark 2:14, Luke 5:27). Jesus called him to be one of His disciples. He is ascribed to be the author of the Gospel according to Matthew.  

James: He was one of the apostles of Christ. He was the son of Alphaeus. Nothing much is known about him.  

Thaddaeus: He is mentioned in two of the four lists of Jesus’ disciples. He is also called Jude, Jude Thaddaeus, Judas Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus.  

Simon the Zealot: Simon was another disciple of Jesus. He was a member of a party later called as the ‘Zealots’ 

Judas Iscariot: Judas was the infamous disciple who betrayed Jesus. His last name ‘Isacariot’ is from the Hebrew word ‘Ish Kerioth’ meaning ‘a man from Kerioth’. He was a treasurer of the group. He is always mentioned last in the lists of the apostles.  

Matthias: The eleven disciples selected Matthias as the twelfth disciple. The disciples nominated two men and prayed, “Lord you know everyone’s heart. Show us who should take over this apostolic ministry. Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.