The 12 Disciples, also known as the 12 Apostles, were the primary followers of Jesus Christ and played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity after his death and resurrection. Each of the 12 Disciples was chosen by Jesus to be part of his inner circle, and they were tasked with spreading his teachings and message to the world. The list of the 12 Disciples is as follows:
The 12 Disciples of Jesus Christ

The 12 Disciples were a diverse group of individuals, each with their own unique background and personality. They were chosen by Jesus to be part of his inner circle, and they were tasked with spreading his teachings and message to the world. The list of the 12 Disciples is as follows:
1. Simon Peter
Simon Peter, also known as Peter, was one of Jesus’ most prominent disciples. He was a fisherman by trade and was known for his bold and impulsive nature. Peter is often referred to as the leader of the 12 Disciples and is considered one of the most important figures in the early Christian church.
2. Andrew
Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter and was also a fisherman by trade. He is often referred to as the first disciple to be called by Jesus and is said to have introduced his brother Peter to Jesus.
3. James (son of Zebedee)
James, the son of Zebedee, was another prominent disciple of Jesus. He was the brother of John and was known for his bold and courageous nature. James is often referred to as one of the “Sons of Thunder” due to his fiery personality.
4. John (son of Zebedee)
John, the son of Zebedee, was the brother of James and was also a disciple of Jesus. He is often referred to as the “beloved disciple” and is said to have been particularly close to Jesus. John is credited with writing the Gospel of John and is considered one of the most important figures in the early Christian church.
5. Philip
Philip was a disciple of Jesus from the city of Bethsaida, which was also the hometown of Andrew and Peter. He is said to have been present at the feeding of the 5,000 and is credited with introducing the Ethiopian eunuch to Jesus.
6. Bartholomew
Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, was a disciple of Jesus from the city of Cana in Galilee. He is said to have been introduced to Jesus by Philip and is credited with being present at the wedding in Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle.
7. Thomas
Thomas was a disciple of Jesus who was known for his skepticism and doubt. He is often referred to as “Doubting Thomas” due to his refusal to believe in Jesus’ resurrection without seeing him for himself.
8. Matthew
Matthew was a tax collector before becoming a disciple of Jesus. He is credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew and is said to have been present at the Last Supper.
9. James (son of Alphaeus)
James, the son of Alphaeus, was a disciple of Jesus who is often referred to as “James the Less.” He is said to have been the brother of Matthew and is credited with being present at the crucifixion of Jesus.
10. Simon the Zealot
Simon the Zealot was a disciple of Jesus who was part of the Zealot party, a group of Jews who were passionate about overthrowing Roman rule in Israel. He is said to have been present at the Last Supper and is credited with being a strong advocate for the poor and oppressed.
11. Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot was a disciple of Jesus who is infamous for betraying him to the Roman authorities. He is said to have been motivated by greed and is credited with being the one who handed Jesus over to the authorities in exchange for 30 pieces of silver.
12. Matthias
Matthias was a disciple of Jesus who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal. He is said to have been present at the crucifixion of Jesus and is credited with being a strong advocate for the early Christian church.
Key Points
- The 12 Disciples were chosen by Jesus to be part of his inner circle and to spread his teachings and message to the world.
- Each of the 12 Disciples had a unique background and personality, but they were all united in their commitment to Jesus and his teachings.
- The 12 Disciples played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity after the death and resurrection of Jesus.
- They were tasked with spreading Jesus' teachings and message to the world, and they traveled extensively throughout the Mediterranean region to do so.
- The 12 Disciples are considered some of the most important figures in the early Christian church, and their legacy continues to be felt today.
| Disciple | Background |
|---|---|
| Simon Peter | Fisherman |
| Andrew | Fisherman |
| James (son of Zebedee) | Fisherman |
| John (son of Zebedee) | Fisherman |
| Philip | From Bethsaida |
| Bartholomew | From Cana in Galilee |
| Thomas | Skeptic |
| Matthew | Tax collector |
| James (son of Alphaeus) | Brother of Matthew |
| Simon the Zealot | Zealot party member |
| Judas Iscariot | Betrayer of Jesus |
| Matthias | Chosen to replace Judas |

Who were the 12 Disciples of Jesus Christ?
+The 12 Disciples of Jesus Christ were a group of individuals who were chosen by Jesus to be part of his inner circle and to spread his teachings and message to the world. They were Simon Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John (son of Zebedee), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon the Zealot, Judas Iscariot, and Matthias.
What was the role of the 12 Disciples in the spread of Christianity?
+The 12 Disciples played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity after the death and resurrection of Jesus. They were tasked with spreading Jesus’ teachings and message to the world, and they traveled extensively throughout the Mediterranean region to do so.
What is the significance of the 12 Disciples in the early Christian church?
+The 12 Disciples are considered some of the most important figures in the early Christian church. They were the primary followers of Jesus and were tasked with spreading his teachings and message to the world. Their legacy continues to be felt today, and they are still revered as important figures in the Christian faith.