πΉ The 13 Apostels
During His earthly ministry, Jesus selected twelve men whom He designated as apostles. These men accompanied Him, received His teaching, witnessed His ministry, and were commissioned to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Following the death of Judas Iscariot, the remaining apostles selected Matthias to restore the number to twelve. Later, the risen Jesus personally called Saul of Tarsus, better known as Paul, to serve as an apostle, particularly in ministry among the Gentiles.
The New Testament therefore presents thirteen individuals who are described as apostles of Jesus. However, Paul was not counted among "the Twelve", whose membership was restored through the appointment of Matthias.
1. Simon Peter
Simon, also called Peter (Greek: Petros) or Cephas (Aramaic: Kepha), was a fisherman from Bethsaida who later lived in Capernaum. He became a leading figure among Jesus' disciples and was prominent in the early church. Peter confessed Jesus as the Messiah, preached at Pentecost, and appears frequently throughout the Book of Acts.
2. Andrew
Andrew, Peter's brother, was among the first disciples to follow Jesus. Formerly associated with John the Baptist, Andrew is remembered for bringing others to Jesus, including his brother Peter.
3. James son of Zebedee
James was the brother of John and one of the three disciples closest to Jesus. Together with Peter and John, he witnessed significant events such as the Transfiguration. According to Acts 12:2, he became the first apostle to be martyred.
4. John
John, the brother of James, belonged to Jesus' inner circle. Early tradition identifies him as the author of the Gospel of John, the Johannine epistles, and Revelation, though modern scholarship debates aspects of this attribution. He is often associated with themes of love, testimony, and eternal life.
5. Philip
Philip came from Bethsaida, the same town as Peter and Andrew. He played an important role in introducing Nathanael to Jesus and appears in several Gospel accounts asking thoughtful questions that provide opportunities for Jesus' teaching.
6. Bartholomew (Nathanael)
Bartholomew is listed among the Twelve in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts. Many traditions identify him with Nathanael, who appears in John's Gospel, although the New Testament does not explicitly state that they were the same person.
7. Thomas (Didymus)
Thomas, also called Didymus ("Twin"), is remembered for initially expressing doubt concerning reports of Jesus' resurrection. After encountering the risen Christ, he confessed, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28). Ancient tradition associates Thomas with missionary activity in India.
8. Matthew (Levi)
Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before being called by Jesus. Tradition identifies him as the author of the Gospel of Matthew. His calling illustrates Jesus' willingness to extend fellowship to those often rejected by society.
9. James son of Alphaeus
James son of Alphaeus is sometimes called "James the Less" or "James the Younger" to distinguish him from James son of Zebedee. The New Testament records little additional information about him.
10. Thaddaeus (Jude, Judas son of James)
Thaddaeus is also identified in some Gospel lists as Judas son of James. He is remembered for asking Jesus why He would reveal Himself to His disciples and not openly to the world (John 14:22).
11. Simon the Zealot
Simon is distinguished from Simon Peter by the title "the Zealot". The precise meaning of this designation is uncertain, but it may refer either to religious zeal or to some association with a nationalist movement.
12. Matthias
After Judas Iscariot's death, the remaining apostles sought a replacement from among those who had accompanied Jesus throughout His public ministry. Following prayer and the casting of lots, Matthias was chosen and added to the Eleven (Acts 1:15β26).
13. Saul (Paul)
Saul of Tarsus was originally a Pharisee who opposed the early Christian movement. According to Acts 9, he encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus and was called to apostleship. Paul became one of Christianity's most influential missionaries and theologians. He is traditionally credited with thirteen New Testament letters, though modern scholarship debates the authorship of several.
The apostles played a foundational role in the growth of the early church movement. The Twelve were appointed by Jesus during His earthly ministry, Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, and Paul was called directly by the risen Jesus. Together, these figures contributed significantly to the spread of the gospel and the formation of the New Testament church.