Christian History: Who Were the 12 Apostles?

Christian Pure Team

·

Summary

  • The twelve apostles were ordinary men, like fishermen and a tax collector, chosen by Jesus to spread His message and build a new community of faith.
  • Jesus selected the apostles through prayer and personal invitations, emphasizing that anyone can be called regardless of their background or qualifications.
  • The apostles experienced transformation from disciples learning from Jesus to empowered witnesses after His resurrection, boldly sharing the Gospel.
  • Each apostle’s unique journey and eventual sacrifice highlight the enduring legacy of faith and the importance of sharing God’s love with others.

Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Calling: Discovering Jesus’ Twelve Apostles Welcome, to an amazing journey! It’s a chance for us to discover the incredible story of twelve ordinary men whose lives were touched by Jesus in the most extraordinary way. These weren’t religious scholars or powerful leaders by the world’s standards; they were fishermen, a tax collector, everyday people, just like you and me. Yet, God, in His infinite wisdom, saw something truly special in them—a spark of faith, a willingness in…

Continue reading with a subscription

Get unlimited access to all our premium content and exclusive features.

Subscribe Now

Enjoy unlimited access, cancel anytime.

Bibliography (Click to show)
  1. Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-19 – New International Version – Bible Gateway, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2010%3A2-4%2CMark%203%3A13-19%2CLuke%206%3A12-19&version=NIV
  2. Who were the twelve (12) disciples / apostles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.gotquestions.org/twelve-apostles-disciples-12.html
  3. Introducing and Ranking The Twelve Apostles | Edge Induced Cohesion, accessed May 13, 2025, https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011/01/30/introducing-and-ranking-the-twelve-apostles/
  4. Thaddeus in the Bible Is Judas the Apostle – Learn Religions, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.learnreligions.com/thaddeus-the-apostle-with-four-names-701072
  5. What Do We Know about Nathanael – the Disciple without Deceit? – Topical Studies, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-do-we-know-about-nathanael-the-disciple-without-deceit.html
  6. A Look into the Life of Simon Peter, Jesus' Apostle – AskAnAdventistFriend.com, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.askanadventistfriend.com/jesus/disciples/who-was-simon-peter-in-the-bible/
  7. 5 Things You Should Know About St. James the Apostle, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.nationalshrine.org/blog/5-things-you-should-know-about-st-james-the-apostle/
  8. www.quora.com, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-a-prophet-a-disciple-and-an-apostle-according-to-Christian-beliefs#:~:text=As%20far%20as%20the%20words,is%20one%20who%20is%20sent.
  9. Disciple vs Apostle – Living Church, accessed May 13, 2025, https://livingchurch.org.au/disciple-vs-apostle/
  10. The Twelve Apostles – St. Nicholas Church Ann Arbor, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.stnickaa.org/the-twelve-apostles.html
  11. The Role of An Apostle in Christianity: Understanding the Meaning – Anthony Hilder, accessed May 13, 2025, https://anthonyhilder.com/apostle-meaning/
  12. 7 Things Christians Today Can Learn from Andrew in the Bible | Crosswalk.com, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/things-christians-today-can-learn-from-andrew.html
  13. Andrew the Apostle – Wikipedia, accessed May 13, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_the_Apostle
  14. Saint John the Apostle | Biography, Facts, Feast Day, Writings, & Death | Britannica, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-John-the-Apostle
  15. Matthew the Apostle – Wikipedia, accessed May 13, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_the_Apostle
  16. Who was Matthew in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-in-the-Bible.html
  17. The Twelve: Simon and Matthew – Cornerstone Church Johannesburg, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.cornerstonechurch.co.za/the-twelve-simon-and-matthew/
  18. The Disciples – Simon, the Zealot – Immanuel Baptist Church, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.ibc.family/the-disciples-simon-the-zealot
  19. Who Was Philip the Apostle? The Beginner's Guide – OverviewBible, accessed May 13, 2025, https://overviewbible.com/philip-the-apostle/
  20. Who Was Philip the Disciple In the Bible? – AskAnAdventistFriend.com, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.askanadventistfriend.com/people-from-the-bible/who-was-philip-in-the-bible/
  21. Common Men, Uncommon Calling: Nathanael – Grace to You, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/42-78/common-men-uncommon-calling-nathanael
  22. Thomas Didymus – TruthBook, accessed May 13, 2025, https://truthbook.com/jesus/apostles/thomas-didymus/
  23. Thomas the Apostle – Wikipedia, accessed May 13, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle
  24. Who Was James Son of Alphaeus? The Beginner's Guide – OverviewBible, accessed May 13, 2025, https://overviewbible.com/james-son-of-alphaeus/
  25. Who Was Jesus' Disciple Named James, Son of Alphaeus? – AskAnAdventistFriend.com, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.askanadventistfriend.com/people-from-the-bible/james-son-of-alphaeus-in-the-bible/
  26. Judas Iscariot | Biography, Jesus, Betrayal, Apostle, Last Supper, & Facts | Britannica, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Judas-Iscariot
  27. The Story of Judas Iscariot (the disciple who betrayed Jesus) – Bible, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.bibliaon.com/en/the_story_of_judas_iscariot_the_disciple_who_betrayed_jesus/
  28. Who was Peter in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Peter.html
  29. Meet the Apostle James: First to Die for Jesus – Learn Religions, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.learnreligions.com/profile-of-apostle-james-701062
  30. Who was Matthias in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthias-in-the-Bible.html
  31. Our Patron, Saint Matthias, accessed May 13, 2025, https://saintmatthias.org/our-patron-saint-matthias
  32. Jesus' Disciples Names: List, Meaning and Occupation | Bible Study Lessons and Topics, accessed May 13, 2025, https://bibleseo.com/gospels/jesus-disciples-names-meaning-occupation/
  33. connection.newmanministry.com, accessed May 13, 2025, https://connection.newmanministry.com/saint/saint-matthias/
  34. What Did Each of the Apostles Do after the Ascension? – Bible Study Tools, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-did-each-of-the-apostles-do-after-the-ascension.html
  35. The apostles receive the Holy Spirit after Pentecost – Catholic Courier, accessed May 13, 2025, https://catholiccourier.com/articles/the-apostles-receive-the-holy-spirit-after-pentecost/
  36. Pentecost Changed Everything by Tony Cooke, accessed May 13, 2025, https://tonycooke.org/articles-by-tony-cooke/pentecost-changed-everything/
  37. Acts | EBSCO Research Starters, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/acts
  38. About the Apostle Peter: Timeline of Events and Passages – Local Catholic Churches, accessed May 13, 2025, https://localcatholicchurches.com/articles/about-the-apostle-peter/
  39. How did the apostle Peter die? | GotQuestions.org, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.gotquestions.org/apostle-Peter-die.html
  40. St. Andrew Biography – Saint Andrew the Apostle – Charleroi, Donora, Monongahela, PA, accessed May 13, 2025, https://saintandrewmidmon.org/st-andrew-biography
  41. Saint Andrew the Apostle – My Catholic Life!, accessed May 13, 2025, https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/november-30-st-andrew-apostle/
  42. St. Andrew, Apostle – EWTN, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/st-andrew-apostle-5180
  43. James the Great – Wikipedia, accessed May 13, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_the_Great
  44. St. James | Biography, Apostle, the Greater, Death, Feast Day, & Facts | Britannica, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-James-son-of-Zebedee
  45. Calling and Purpose 20—John the Apostle – God. Gifts. You., accessed May 13, 2025, https://godgiftsyou.com/blog/2019/6/5/calling-and-purpose-20john-the-apostle
  46. How Do We Know the Apostle John Ministered in Ephesus? – Dallas International University, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.diu.edu/diu-today/program-spotlights/how-do-we-know-the-apostle-john-ministered-in-ephesus/
  47. Remembering the Apostle John – Christian Heritage Fellowship, Inc., accessed May 13, 2025, https://christianheritagefellowship.com/remembering-the-life-and-ministry-of-st-john/
  48. Philip the Apostle – Wikipedia, accessed May 13, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_the_Apostle
  49. Sts. Philip and James – EWTN Faith Journey, accessed May 13, 2025, https://missions.ewtn.com/seasonsandfeastdays/stsphilipandjames/
  50. Bartholomew the Apostle – Wikipedia, accessed May 13, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartholomew_the_Apostle
  51. Bartholomew, the Saint with No Duplicity | The Word Among Us, accessed May 13, 2025, https://wau.org/resources/article/bartholomew_the_saint_with_no_duplicity/
  52. Biography: St. Thomas the Apostle, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.stapostle.org/st-thomas-church-parish-history/saint-thomas-biography/
  53. Was the Apostle Thomas the First to Bring the Gospel to India? – Radical.net, accessed May 13, 2025, https://radical.net/article/apostle-thomas-gospel-india/
  54. Did Thomas make it to India, and/or how long have Christians existed there? – Reddit, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/AcademicBiblical/comments/1ka08ih/did_thomas_make_it_to_india_andor_how_long_have/
  55. Saint Matthew | History, Facts, Feast Day, & Death | Britannica, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Matthew
  56. The Life and Death of Matthew the Tax Collector – Into Christianity, accessed May 13, 2025, https://learningfromchrist.com/the-life-and-death-of-matthew-the-apostle/
  57. James, son of Alphaeus – Wikipedia, accessed May 13, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James,_son_of_Alphaeus
  58. Anchor Bible Report 17: James the Less – Apocryphicity, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.apocryphicity.ca/2023/02/23/anchor-bible-report-17-james-the-less/
  59. Jude the Apostle – Wikipedia, accessed May 13, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jude_the_Apostle
  60. Thaddeus (Judas) of the 12 Disciples: Bio, Legacy, and Death | TheCollector, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.thecollector.com/thaddeus-judas-twelve-disciples-bio-death/
  61. 11th of 14—JUDE THADDEUS—Apostle – Magdalene Publishing, accessed May 13, 2025, http://www.magdalenepublishing.org/blog/jude-thaddeus-apostle/
  62. Simon the Zealot – Wikipedia, accessed May 13, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_the_Zealot
  63. Saint Matthias the Apostle – My Catholic Life!, accessed May 13, 2025, https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/may-14-saint-matthias-the-apostle/
  64. Did the Early Church Fathers Think That They Were Inspired Like the Apostles?, accessed May 13, 2025, https://michaeljkruger.com/did-the-early-church-fathers-think-that-they-were-inspired-like-the-apostles/
  65. Are there examples of early church fathers disagreeing with Paul? – Reddit, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/AcademicBiblical/comments/17yxfr0/are_there_examples_of_early_church_fathers/
  66. Against Heresies (Irenaeus) – Wikipedia, accessed May 13, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Against_Heresies_(Irenaeus)
  67. CHURCH FATHERS: Against Heresies, III.3 (St. Irenaeus) – New Advent, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103303.htm
  68. CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Fathers of the Church – New Advent, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06001a.htm
  69. The Prescription Against Heretics by Tertullian – Goodreads, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1345499.The_Prescription_Against_Heretics
  70. De praescriptione haereticorum – The Tertullian Project, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.tertullian.org/works/de_praescriptione_haereticorum.htm
  71. Eusebius on the Canon of Scripture – Bible Research, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.bible-researcher.com/eusebius.html
  72. Eusebius, EH, 3.24: The Writings of the Apostle John – Jeff Riddle, accessed May 13, 2025, http://www.jeffriddle.net/2019/07/eusebius-eh-324-writings-of-apostle-john.html
  73. Saint Augustine and Mark 16:18 – The Text of the Gospels, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.thetextofthegospels.com/2023/03/saint-augustine-and-mark-1618.html
  74. CHURCH FATHERS: Sermon 26 on the New Testament (Augustine), accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/160326.htm
  75. The Didache | Christian History Institute, accessed May 13, 2025, https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/didache
  76. Apostolic Fathers – Theopedia, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.theopedia.com/apostolic-fathers
  77. On the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, by St John Chrysostom, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.pappaspatristicinstitute.com/post/on-the-holy-apostles-peter-and-paul-by-st-john-chrysostom
  78. CHURCH FATHERS: Homily 1 on the Acts of the Apostles (Chrysostom) – New Advent, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/210101.htm
  79. 1. Church Fathers and Matthew's Gospel | Dr. Jim's Essential Bible Teaching, accessed May 13, 2025, https://drjimsebt.com/2023/04/28/1-church-fathers-and-matthews-gospel/
  80. Clement of Alexandria – Stromata – Book VI – Search Early Christian Writings, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.searchearlychristianwritings.online/read?volume=2&caption=6.4.6.6.0
  81. Origen – The Development of the Canon of the New Testament, accessed May 13, 2025, http://www.ntcanon.org/Origen.shtml
  82. Saint Jerome, Confessor, Doctor of the Church | EWTN, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/saint-jerome-confessor-doctor-of-the-church-5563
  83. The Lives of the Apostles: St Jerome, Curtin, D P – Amazon.com, accessed May 13, 2025, https://www.amazon.com/Lives-Apostles-St-Jerome/dp/1088267475

Discover more from Christian Pure

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

RedditWhatsApp
Share to...
CopyLinkedInMastodonPinterestPrintRedditSMSThreadsWhatsAppBlueskyVK