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The twelve disciples/apostles of Jesus were the foundation stones of His church, several even wrote portions of the Bible. As we study these courageous first-century lives, and what discipleship meant in the time of Jesus, we may expect to be aided in developing a Spirit-directed twenty-first-century discipleship as Christ must have meant it to be. Although we remember each of the Twelve Apostles at different times throughout the year, on June 30th we celebrate the Synaxis of the 12 Apostles, a general remembrance for all of them with liturgical services and hymns that honor their contributions to the Church.
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- Peter
- James
- John
- Andrew
- Philip
- Bartholomew
- James
- Simon the Zealot
- Judas Iscariot
- Thomas
- Matthew
- Jude
- Mattias
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Peter
Peter, son of Jonas and brother of Andrew the
First-called, was a fisherman from the tribe of Simeon from Bethsaida and Capernaum. Jesus identified Peter as the leader of the twelve Apostles.
He was the first of the disciples to clearly
express faith in the Lord Jesus, saying: Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16). His love for
the Lord was great, and his faith in the Lord became
gradually stronger.
Peter preached, evangelized, and did missionary work among the Jews in Antioch, Corinth, and Rome...even going as far as Babylon. He was a member of the Inner Circle and authored two New Testament epistles. Despite his faults, he always recovered his courage and integrity. Peter's Greek name was Simon and his Hebrew name was Cephas, both meaning rock. He was crucified upside down (at his own request for he
considered himself unworthy to die as had his Lord) in Rome by the Emperor Nero. His apostolic symbol is a cross upside down with crossed keys.
Also see "Saints Peter & Paul".
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James
Son of Zebedee and Salome, was a fisherman from Bethsaida, Capernaum, and Jerusalem. Often referred to as "the Elder" or "the Greater". James preached throughout Jerusalem and Judea. He was a member of the Inner Circle and was inseparable from his brother John. James was a man of courage, forgiveness, and extraordinary faith. He was beheaded in Judea by Herod the tetrach in AD 44. He was the first of the twelve to become a martyr and is symbolized by three shells.
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John
Son of Zebedee, brother of James. Known as the "Beloved Disciple" was a fisherman from Bethsaida, Capernaum, and Jerusalem. He was a member of the Inner Circle and author of the Gospel of John and several Epistles. John preached throughout Asia Minor and was banished to the Isle of Patmos. He was known for his explosive temper and ambition but mellowed with age, focusing on his Lord's command of love. Legend has it that an attempt was made on his life with poison, but he died of natural causes. His symbol is a chalice with a snake.
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Andrew
Andrew, the son of Jonas and brother of Peter, was a fisherman from Bethsaida and Capernaum. He became a disciple of John the Baptist before introducing Peter to Jesus. Andrew is revered as the Patron Saint of Russia, Scotland, and Greece, and is known for preaching in Scythia, Greece, and Asia Minor. He dedicated his life to bringing others to Jesus. He was martyred by crucifixion in Patras, Greece by Governor Aepeas. He requested to be crucified on an X-shaped cross, which is now known as Saint Andrew's cross, and is also symbolized by two crossed fish.
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Philip
Philip, a disciple from Bethsaida, likely to have been a fisherman. He is shown in John's Gospel as one of the first followers of Jesus. The Gospel of John portrays him as a living personality, and he was a major figure in the early church's missionary enterprise. Philip preached in modern day Turkey. He was crucified upside down in Hierapolis or possibly by hanging and requested his body be wrapped in papyrus. The symbol of Philip is a basket, and he stressed the cross as a sign of Christianity and victory.
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Bartholomew
Also known as Nathanael lived in Cana of Galilee and was possibly of noble birth. Bartholomew preached in India and was known for his scholarship in the law and prophets. Tradition says he was a missionary in Armenia and India, with the Armenian Church claiming him as its founder and martyr. He was martyred by being flayed alive with knives and crucified upside down in Armenia. His symbol is three parallel knives.
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James
James, son of Alphaeus or Cleophas and Mary, lived in Galilee and was the brother of Apostle Jude. Also known as "the Younger" or "the Lesser." He wrote the Epistle of James, preached in Palestine and Egypt, and was martyred, possibly by being sawed into pieces or stoned to death. Jesus called James and John "sons of thunder." The saw became his apostolic symbol.
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Simon the Zealot
Simon, also known as the Zealot or Canaanite, lived in Galilee and was one of the lesser-known followers. He is believed to have succeeded James as Bishop of Jerusalem. The New Testament describes him as a fanatical Jewish Nationalist and member of the Zealots, who were known for their hatred towards the Romans. Despite this, Simon became a man of faith and abandoned his hatred for his Master and fellow disciples. Tradition has it that he was martyred by crucifixion in Beruit. His apostolic symbol is a fish on a Bible, representing his transformation from a fisherman to a preacher.
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Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot, the traitor, was the son of Simon from Kerioth of Judah. He betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and later hanged himself (Matthew 26:14,16). Judas was a treasurer, and a violent Jewish Nationalist who hoped to realize his dreams through Jesus. He was also covetous and stole from the common purse. Judas' apostolic symbol is a hangman's noose or a money purse with falling silver. He was replaced by Matthias (cf. Acts 1:15-26).
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Thomas
Thomas Didymus, also known as Doubting Thomas, was a Galilean who preached in Iran, Afghanistan, and India. While Matthew, Mark, and Luke only mention his name, John provides a more detailed account of Thomas' interactions with Jesus. Thomas doubted Jesus' resurrection until he saw the nail prints in His hands and the gash of the spear in His side. However, his doubts were transformed into faith when he saw Jesus and made the greatest confession of faith by calling Him "My Lord and my God." Thomas was a courageous man of devotion and faith who was commissioned to build a palace for the king of India before his death. He was speared to death in India, and is buried in Myalapore, India. His symbol is a group of spears, stones, and arrows.
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Matthew
Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector from Capernaum who wrote the Gospel of Matthew and was martyred in Ethiopia. Jesus called him to be an apostle despite the hatred towards tax collectors in Jewish society. Matthew's pen was his tool and he became the first to write down the teachings of Jesus in Hebrew. He preached throughout the Mediterranean region. He is believed to have been martyred in Ethiopia. His apostolic symbol is three money bags, representing his former profession.
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Jude
Jude, also known as Thaddeus or Lebbeus, was brother of James the Younger/Lesser. Jude preached in Edessa and the Mesopotamia region, healing many and converting believers. He was a Nationalist who dreamed of world power and asked Jesus why he did not show himself to the world. He was killed with arrows at Ararat and is symbolized by a ship as a missionary and fisherman.
St. Jude is also associated with the color green, which represents hope and renewal. It is common to see images of St. Jude wearing a green cloak or holding a green branch. In addition, St. Jude is often depicted with a flame above his head, which symbolizes the Holy Spirit and the power of God's love.
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Matthias
Matthias replaced Judas in Acts 1:15-26 after being chosen over Joseph or Barsabas, who were also considered. Matthias was selected through casting lots and was with Jesus from His baptism until His resurrection. Though there are few details about Matthias in the Bible, historical sources indicate that he lived until 80 A.D. and spread the gospel in Caspian and Cappadocia.