The Apostles, a group of twelve men chosen by Jesus Christ, hold a foundational role in the establishment and spread of early Christianity. Their selection from humble and often obscure backgrounds underscores the divine principle that God often chooses the lowly and unassuming to fulfill His purposes, as echoed in 1 Corinthians 1:27 : "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."

Background and Selection

The Apostles were chosen by Jesus during His earthly ministry, as recorded in the Synoptic Gospels. In Luke 6:12-13 , it is noted, "In those days, Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles." This selection was not based on social status, education, or religious standing, but rather on divine calling and purpose.

Profiles of the Apostles

1. Peter (Simon): A fisherman by trade, Peter was called to be a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). Known for his impulsive nature and strong leadership, he became a central figure in the early Church.

2. Andrew: Brother of Peter and also a fisherman, Andrew was among the first to follow Jesus. His role often involved bringing others to Christ, as seen in John 1:41-42 .

3. James (son of Zebedee): Another fisherman, James was part of Jesus' inner circle. He was the first apostle to be martyred, as recorded in Acts 12:2 .

4. John: Brother of James, John was known as the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23). He authored several New Testament books, including the Gospel of John and Revelation.

5. Philip: From Bethsaida, the same town as Peter and Andrew, Philip played a role in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles, as seen in Acts 8:5-6 .

6. Bartholomew (Nathanael): Known for his initial skepticism, Bartholomew's faith was affirmed by Jesus' knowledge of his character (John 1:47-49).

7. Matthew (Levi): A tax collector, Matthew's calling demonstrates Jesus' outreach to those marginalized by society. He authored the Gospel of Matthew.

8. Thomas (Didymus): Often remembered for his doubt, Thomas' eventual confession of faith, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28), highlights his transformation.

9. James (son of Alphaeus): Sometimes referred to as James the Less, little is known about his life, reflecting the humble and often hidden nature of apostolic service.

10. Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James): Also known as Jude, he is credited with writing the Epistle of Jude, emphasizing the need to contend for the faith.

11. Simon the Zealot: A former member of a radical Jewish sect, Simon's inclusion illustrates the diverse backgrounds unified in Christ's mission.

12. Judas Iscariot: Known for betraying Jesus, Judas' tragic end serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unrepentant sin (Matthew 27:3-5).

Significance and Legacy

The Apostles' backgrounds, ranging from fishermen to tax collectors, highlight the transformative power of Christ's call. Their lives and ministries, chronicled in the New Testament, laid the groundwork for the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the Church. Despite their initial obscurity, the Apostles became pivotal figures in God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that divine calling transcends human limitations and societal expectations.Matthew 4:18
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts VIII
... They selected Stephen as the first victim, because he had ... that it was ever used by
the apostles or others to ... him to understand what was before obscure, but by ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts viii.htm

Culture and Christianity: their Relation and Necessity.
... worthy of your consideration to-day, I have selected. ... better express my appreciation
of obscure greatness, which ... under which the prophets and apostles of God ...
/.../i culture and christianity their relation.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... the common English Version in some obscure places, with a ... be done; and hence the
apostles, after stating ... means, and therefore preachers were selected who might ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm

What are false apostles? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the twelve (12) disciples / apostles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Apostles' Creed? | GotQuestions.org

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