The 12 disciples (later called apostles) were handpicked by Jesus to follow Him, learn from Him, and continue His mission. Their lives show us how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

Peter (Simon) – “Rock”
 

• Role: Leader of the apostles; preached boldly at Pentecost.
   
• Writings: 1 & 2 Peter. His life also influences Mark’s Gospel (based on Peter’s testimony).
   
• Significance: Shows how God transforms failure into faith.
   

Andrew – “Manly/Strong”
 

• Role: First called; introduced Peter to Jesus.
   
• Writings: None. Appears in all four Gospels and Acts 1.
   
• Significance: Quiet evangelist, bringing others to Christ.
   

James (son of Zebedee) – “Supplanter”
 

• Role: One of the “Sons of Thunder”; inner circle with Peter & John.
   
• Writings: None. Featured in Gospels and Acts 12 (first apostle martyred).
   
• Significance: Faithful unto death.
   

John (son of Zebedee) – “The Lord is gracious”
 

• Role: The “beloved disciple.”
   
• Writings: Gospel of John, 1–3 John, Revelation.
   
• Significance: Emphasized love and intimacy with Christ.
   

Philip – “Lover of horses”
 

• Role: Brought Nathanael to Jesus. Asked Jesus to show them the Father.
   
• Writings: None. Appears in John’s Gospel and Acts 1.
   
• Significance: Example of faith that grows through seeking.
   

Bartholomew (Nathanael) – “Gift of God”
 

• Role: Honest and skeptical, but quickly confessed Jesus as the Son of God.
   
• Writings: None. Appears in Gospels and Acts 1.
   
• Significance: God honors sincerity and truth.
   

Matthew (Levi) – “Gift of Yahweh”
 

• Role: Tax collector turned disciple.
   
• Writings: Gospel of Matthew.
   
• Significance: A testimony of God’s grace toward outcasts.
   

Thomas (Didymus) – “Twin”
 

• Role: Struggled with doubt; confessed “My Lord and my God” after seeing risen Christ.
   
• Writings: None. Appears in Gospels and Acts 1.
   
• Significance: Doubt transformed into strong faith.
   

James (son of Alphaeus) – “Supplanter”
 

• Role: Called “James the Less.”
   
• Writings: None. Mentioned in Gospels and Acts 1.
   
• Significance: Faithful in obscurity, reminding us not all servants are in the spotlight.
   

Thaddaeus (Judas son of James) – “Gift of God”
 

• Role: Asked how Jesus would reveal Himself to His disciples.
   
• Writings: None. Appears in Gospels and Acts 1.
   
• Significance: Represents intimacy with Jesus over public recognition.
   

Simon the Zealot – “Zealous one”
 

• Role: Former revolutionary, transformed into servant of Christ.
   
• Writings: None. Mentioned in Gospels and Acts 1.
   
• Significance: The gospel unites people from opposite backgrounds.
   

Judas Iscariot – “Man from Kerioth”
 

• Role: Treasurer of the group; betrayed Jesus.
   
• Writings: None. Appears throughout Gospels and Acts 1 (replacement chosen after his death).
   
• Significance: A sobering warning about greed and betrayal.
   

• 12 Tribes ↔ 12 Disciples: Just as the tribes were the foundation of Israel, the apostles became the foundation of the Church.
   
• Revelation 21:14: The apostles’ names are written on the 12 foundations of the New Jerusalem.
   
• Ordinary to Extraordinary: From fishermen to tax collectors to zealots, God equipped them to spread the Gospel worldwide.
   

The 12 disciples remind us that following Jesus is about surrender, not status. Some wrote Scripture, others served in obscurity, but all were called to faithfulness. Their lives challenge us to live as witnesses of Christ in our own generation.