All About the Disciples

The twelve disciples of Jesus were Peter (called Cephas, see John 1: 42), Andrew (brother of Peter), James (son of Zebedee), John (son of Zebedee, brother of James), Philip, Bartholomew (also called Nathanael), Thomas (doubting Thomas), Matthew (tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, (also called Jude), Simon (the Zealot) and Judas Iscariot. The disciples were also called Apostles. Pertinent scriptures are Matthew 10: 1-4, Mark 3: 14-19, Luke 6: 12-16, and John 1: 35-51. In Revelation 21:14, we are told that the twelve foundations of the wall of the futuristic New Jerusalem will be inscribed with the names of the twelve disciples.

Five of the 12 disciples wrote books in the New Testament: James wrote one epistle, Jude wrote an epistle, Peter wrote two, and John wrote three epistles. Both John and Matthew wrote gospels. John also wrote Revelation.

Andrew and John were fishermen from Bethsaida–they likely came to know John the Baptist (forerunner of Jesus) through their work transporting fish from Jerusalem to Galilee. After hearing John the Baptist speak, Andrew and John (son of Zebedee) became devoted followers of John the Baptist and began living with him in the wilderness. It was through Andrew and John that Christ found Peter.

Tradition revealed that most disciples died horrible deaths. John is the only disciple who did not die for his faith in the risen Christ. Peter was crucified upside down. Andrew felt unworthy to be crucified on the same-shaped cross as his Master, so he chose an X-shaped cross. James, son of Zebedee, was beheaded under the orders of Herod Agrippa (Acts 12: 1-2). Philip was crucified. Bartholomew (Nathanael) was flayed alive, then crucified upside down. Thomas suffered a lance being run through his body. Matthew was slain. James, son of Alphaeus, was stoned, then beaten to death with a club. Thaddaeus (Jude) was killed by arrows. Simon was crucified. James, son of Alpheus, was sawn into pieces

Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and afterwards hanged himself (Matthew 26:14-16). He was the treasurer of the disciples, using his position to pilfer from the common purse. There is no certain reason as to why Judas betrayed his master; but it was not his betrayal that put Jesus on the cross; it was our sins.

Matthias was selected to replace Judas (Acts 1:15-26). The other apostle considered was Joseph (called Barsabas). Lots were cast (Proverbs 16: 33) and Matthias was chosen. Acts 1: 21-22 states that Matthias accompanied Jesus from the time of His baptism until the day Jesus was taken up into heaven.

A question for you: When Jesus was sent to the cross, most disciples fled. After He died and was buried in Joseph’s tomb, the disciples hid from authorities behind closed doors in Jerusalem. What changed the disciples from cringing cowards to roaring lions of the faith who fearlessly preached Jesus’ resurrection? A prime example is Peter’s sermon at Pentecost in which 3,000 were saved.

HHJ News