Topical Encyclopedia The Twelve Apostles, also known as the Twelve Disciples, were chosen by Jesus Christ to be His closest followers and to carry forth His teachings. They played a foundational role in the establishment of the early Christian Church. The selection of the Twelve is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. Names and Identity The names of the Twelve Apostles are listed in several passages: Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:13-16, and Acts 1:13. The lists are consistent with minor variations in names due to different languages and traditions. The Twelve Apostles are: 1. Simon Peter: Often considered the leader of the apostles, Peter was a fisherman by trade. Jesus gave him the name "Cephas" (Aramaic for "rock"), signifying his foundational role in the Church (John 1:42). Peter is known for his boldness and his denial of Christ, followed by his restoration (Matthew 16:18, John 21:15-19). 2. James the son of Zebedee: Brother of John, James was part of Jesus' inner circle. He was the first apostle to be martyred, executed by Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:2). 3. John: The brother of James, John is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23). He authored the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation. 4. Andrew: The brother of Peter, Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist before following Jesus (John 1:40). He is known for bringing others to Christ, including his brother Peter (John 1:41). 5. Philip: From Bethsaida, the same town as Peter and Andrew, Philip is known for his practical nature and his role in the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:5-7). 6. Bartholomew (Nathanael): Identified as Nathanael in the Gospel of John, he is noted for his initial skepticism about Jesus, which turned to faith upon meeting Him (John 1:45-49). 7. Matthew (Levi): A former tax collector, Matthew authored the Gospel that bears his name. His calling is a testament to Jesus' outreach to sinners (Matthew 9:9-13). 8. Thomas (Didymus): Known for his doubt about Jesus' resurrection until he saw the risen Christ (John 20:24-29), Thomas is also noted for his courage and loyalty (John 11:16). 9. James the son of Alphaeus: Often referred to as "James the Less," little is known about him beyond his inclusion in the list of apostles. 10. Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James, also known as Lebbaeus): He is sometimes identified with Jude, the author of the Epistle of Jude. His question to Jesus in John 14:22 reflects his desire for understanding. 11. Simon the Zealot: Known for his zeal, Simon was likely part of a Jewish nationalist group before following Jesus. His transformation highlights the unifying power of Christ's message. 12. Judas Iscariot: The apostle who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). His betrayal led to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. Judas' subsequent remorse and death are recorded in Matthew 27:3-5 and Acts 1:18-19. Role and Mission The Twelve Apostles were commissioned by Jesus to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons (Matthew 10:1, Mark 3:14-15). They were witnesses to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and were tasked with spreading His teachings to all nations (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8). The apostles were instrumental in the early Church, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles, where they performed miracles, preached boldly, and established Christian communities. Legacy The legacy of the Twelve Apostles is profound, as they laid the groundwork for the spread of Christianity throughout the world. Their teachings, preserved in the New Testament, continue to guide and inspire believers. The apostles' lives exemplify faith, sacrifice, and dedication to the mission of Christ, serving as models for Christian discipleship. Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia The Twelve ApostlesThe word "Apostle" signifies "one sent", while the word "disciple" Means only "a learner." The twelve Apostles were sent into the world For a definite purpose, with explicit instructions from the Lord.
Greek 2581. Kananaios -- Cananaean, Aramaic for Zealot, surname of one ... ... Cananaean, Aramaic for Zealot, surname of one of the twelve apostles. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Kananaios Phonetic Spelling: (kan-an-ee ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2581.htm - 7k 918. Bartholomaios -- "son of Tolmai," Bartholomew, one of the ... 2381. Thomas -- "the twin," Thomas, one of the twelve apostles 406. Andreas -- "manly," Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of ... 4074. Petros -- "a stone" or "a boulder," Peter, one of the twelve ... 3102b. Maththaios -- Matthew, one of the twelve apostles 2280b. Thaddaios -- Thaddeus, one of the twelve apostles 1427. dodeka -- two and ten, ie twelve 2280. Thaddaios -- Thaddaeus. 5376. Philippos -- "horse-loving," Philip, two sons of Herod the ... Library The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles Hippolytus on the Twelve Apostles: The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache The Twelve Apostles were not a Type of the ??ons. After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles. On the Feast of the Twelve Apostles Introductory Notice to the Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles Christ and his Table-Companions "And when the Hour was Come, He ... Concerning Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets. Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |