🚹 The 13 Apostels of Jesus

During His earthly ministry, Jesus called and appointed twelve apostles to be with Him and to be sent out to preach. After His resurrection and ascension, and following the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot, the apostles selected Matthias by casting lots to restore the number to twelve. Subsequently, the risen Jesus dramatically called Saul of Tarsus (later known as Paul) to be an apostle, particularly to the Gentiles. Thus, there are thirteen men recognized as apostles of Jesus.

1. Simon Peter

Simon, also known as Peter or Cephas meaning “rock,” was a fisherman from Bethsaida and Capernaum. Jesus made him the leader among the apostles. He confessed that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Although he denied Jesus three times, He restored him. Peter preached the first sermon at Pentecost and played a pivotal role in the early church.

2. Andrew

Brother of Simon Peter, also a fisherman. He was one of the first to follow Jesus and brought his brother Peter to Him. Andrew is known for his evangelistic heart, introducing others to Jesus.

3. James son of Zebedee

Brother of John, one of the “Sons of Thunder.” Part of Jesus’ inner circle with Peter and John. He was the first apostle to be martyred, killed by King Herod.

4. John

Brother of James, also a “Son of Thunder.” Known as the disciple whom Jesus loved. He authored the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation. Jesus entrusted His mother Mary to him from the cross.

5. Philip

From Bethsaida, like Peter and Andrew. He brought Nathanael to Jesus. Practical and inquisitive, he questioned how to feed the 5000 and asked Jesus to show the Father.

6. Bartholomew (Nathanael)

Often identified as Nathanael. Jesus said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” He witnessed Jesus’ miracles and was present at the ascension.

7. Thomas (Didymus)

Known as “Doubting Thomas” for initially doubting the resurrection until he saw and touched Jesus’ wounds. He then declared, “My Lord and my God!” Tradition says he took the gospel to India.

8. Matthew (Levi)

A tax collector for the Romans, despised by many. Jesus called him from his booth, and he hosted a feast for Jesus. He wrote the Gospel of Matthew.

9. James son of Alphaeus

Also called James the Less or the Younger to distinguish him from James son of Zebedee. Little is known about him, but he faithfully followed Jesus.

10. Thaddaeus (Jude, Judas son of James)

Also known as Lebbaeus or Jude. He is remembered for asking Jesus why He would reveal Himself to the disciples but not to the world.

11. Simon the Zealot

Called the Zealot or Cananaean, likely a former member of the Jewish Zealot movement against Roman rule. His passion was redirected to serving Jesus.

12. Matthias

Chosen by the eleven apostles to replace Judas Iscariot. He had been with Jesus from the baptism of John until the ascension. They cast lots, and the lot fell to him, so he was added to the eleven apostles.

13. Saul (Paul)

Originally Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee and fervent persecutor of the church. The risen Jesus personally called and appointed him as an apostle on the road to Damascus. Paul became the apostle to the Gentiles, undertook three missionary journeys, and wrote many letters (epistles) that form a large part of the New Testament.

In all cases, these men were chosen and sent by Jesus Himself with His authority to spread the gospel. Paul emphasized that his apostleship came directly from Jesus Christ and God the Father.