The twelve disciples of Jesus, also known as the twelve apostles, were His closest followers whom He personally chose to learn from Him and later to spread His teachings. Their names, as recorded in the New Testament, are:
- Peter (also called Simon)
- Andrew (Peter's brother)
- James (son of Zebedee)
- John (James's brother)
- Philip
- Bartholomew (also identified as Nathanael)
- Thomas
- Matthew (the tax collector)
- James (son of Alphaeus)
- Thaddaeus (also called Judas son of James or Lebbaeus)
- Simon the Zealot (also called Simon the Canaanite)
- Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed Jesus and was replaced by Matthias after his death)
These men came from various backgrounds, including fishermen, a tax collector, and a zealot. They were ordinary men whom Jesus transformed into key figures in early Christianity. After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, they were sent out as apostles to preach and establish the Christian church
. Tradition and scripture also provide some information about their later lives:
- Peter was martyred in Rome.
- James (son of Zebedee) was executed by King Herod Agrippa I.
- John is believed to have died a natural death and was entrusted by Jesus to care for His mother Mary.
- Thomas is traditionally said to have preached in India and was martyred there.
- Andrew was martyred by crucifixion.
- Bartholomew is believed to have been martyred, possibly by beheading or being flayed alive.
- Matthew was martyred, though details vary.
- James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot are also traditionally believed to have been martyred
In summary, Jesus' twelve disciples/apostles were Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (later replaced by Matthias). They played a foundational role in the spread of Christianity after Jesus' death and resurrection
