Topical Bible: Apostles: Names of

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The term "apostle" is derived from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." In the New Testament, the apostles were chosen by Jesus Christ to be His closest followers and to spread His teachings. The original group of apostles, often referred to as "The Twelve," were foundational to the early Christian Church. Their names are recorded in several passages of the New Testament, with slight variations in the lists provided by the Gospel writers.

The Twelve Apostles:

1. Simon Peter: Often simply called Peter, he was a fisherman by trade and is frequently mentioned as the leader of the apostles. Jesus gave him the name "Cephas" (Aramaic for "rock"), which is translated as Peter. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it."

2. James the son of Zebedee: Also known as James the Greater, he was the brother of John and part of Jesus' inner circle. He is one of the first apostles to be martyred, as recorded in Acts 12:2.

3. John: The brother of James, John is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." He is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation.

4. Andrew: The brother of Peter, Andrew was also a fisherman. He is noted for bringing his brother Peter to Jesus (John 1:41-42).

5. Philip: Known for his evangelistic zeal, Philip is mentioned in several key interactions with Jesus, including the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:5-7).

6. Bartholomew: Often identified with Nathanael, Bartholomew is noted for his initial skepticism about Jesus, which turned to faith upon meeting Him (John 1:45-49).

7. Matthew: Also known as Levi, Matthew was a tax collector before following Jesus. He is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew.

8. Thomas: Often called "Doubting Thomas" due to his initial disbelief in Jesus' resurrection, Thomas later makes a profound declaration of faith, saying, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).

9. James the son of Alphaeus: Sometimes referred to as James the Less, little is known about him beyond his inclusion in the list of apostles.

10. Thaddaeus: Also known as Judas son of James, or Lebbaeus, he is mentioned in the lists of apostles but is not prominently featured in the New Testament narratives.

11. Simon the Zealot: Known for his zeal, Simon was likely part of a Jewish nationalist group before following Jesus.

12. Judas Iscariot: Infamously known for betraying Jesus, Judas Iscariot's actions led to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. He is later replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26).

Additional Apostles:

· Matthias: Chosen by the remaining eleven apostles to replace Judas Iscariot, Matthias is selected by casting lots, as recorded in Acts 1:23-26.

· Paul: Although not one of the original twelve, Paul is often referred to as an apostle due to his significant role in spreading the Gospel and establishing early Christian communities. He describes himself as "an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God" (2 Corinthians 1:1).

The apostles played a crucial role in the establishment and spread of the early Church, and their teachings and writings continue to be foundational to Christian doctrine and practice.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 10:2-4
Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
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Mark 3:16-19
And Simon he surnamed Peter;
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Luke 6:13-16
And when it was day, he called to him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
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Acts 1:13,26
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where stayed both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
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Library

The Obscure Apostles
... In that last vision of the great city which the seer beheld descending from God,
we read that in its 'foundations were the names of the twelve apostles of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the obscure apostles.htm

Our Present Sacred Writings were Soon Distinguished by Appropriate ...
... Our present Sacred Writings were soon distinguished by appropriate names and titles
of ... in the time of Polycarp, who had lived with the apostles, there were ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/section iv our present sacred.htm

After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles.
... apostles were from Galilee save Judas Iscariot]: ^a 2 Now the names of the twelve
apostles are these [4] [Mark and Luke give the names of the apostles at the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xli after prayer jesus selects.htm

The Apocryphal Acts of the Apostles.
... It is not to be wondered at, then, that round the names of Christ and His apostles,
who had brought about social changes greater than those effected by the ...
/.../unknown/apocrypha of the new testament/part ii the apocryphal acts of.htm

Of Some who are Mad Enough to Suppose that the Books were ...
... are Mad Enough to Suppose that the Books Were Inscribed with the Names of Peter ... have
written things of that nature under the name of Christ and the apostles. ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter x of some who are.htm

The Members of the Lord: their Names and Significance
... I. The Members of the Lord: Their Names and Significance. ... The precepts of the Lord
or of the Apostles are arrows; in the psalm: he has sent his arrows and has ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/i the members of the.htm

The Heresies Attacked by the Apostles.
... ungodly. For you are not to attend to the names of the apostles, but to
the nature of the things, and their settled opinions. For ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iii the heresies attacked by.htm

On the Various Names and Titles
... V. On the Various Names and Titles. ... Workmen are the apostles, or those who proclaim
the gospel; in the gospel: the harvest is great, but the workers are few. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/v on the various names.htm

The Acts of the Apostles
... Since Paul had several associates, different names have been suggested for the author
of this ... 24; and II:Tim.4:11, was also one of the apostles companions and ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the acts of the apostles.htm

The Scriptures were in Very Early Times Collected into a Distinct ...
... ii. p.516.) that these two names, "Gospel," and "Apostles," were the names by which
the writings of the New Testament, and the division of these writings, were ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/section iii the scriptures were.htm