The twelve apostles were chosen by Jesus Christ to be His closest disciples and witnesses of His ministry, death, and resurrection. Their names are listed in Matthew 10:2–4:
“Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”
The Apostles and Their Fates
1. Peter (Simon Peter):
A fisherman from Galilee, Peter became the leading figure among the apostles. He preached at Pentecost (Acts 2) and wrote two epistles. According to church history, he was martyred in Rome by crucifixion upside down.
2. Andrew: Peter’s brother and also a fisherman, Andrew was the first called by Jesus (John 1:40). Tradition holds that he preached in Greece and was crucified on an X-shaped cross.
3. James (son of Zebedee): Brother of John and part of Jesus’ inner circle, James was the first apostle martyred. Acts 12:2 records:
“Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.”
4. John:
The beloved disciple and author of the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation. He was exiled to Patmos (Revelation 1:9) and is believed to have died a natural death in Ephesus.
5. Philip: He introduced Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Jesus (John 1:45). Tradition says he ministered in Asia Minor and was martyred in Hierapolis.
6. Bartholomew (Nathanael): Known for his honesty (John 1:47), tradition states he preached in India or Armenia and was martyred by being flayed alive.
7. Thomas (Didymus): Famously doubted the resurrection until he saw Jesus’ wounds (John 20:27). Tradition says he took the gospel to India and was speared to death.
8. Matthew (Levi): A former tax collector and author of the first Gospel. Early writings suggest he ministered in Ethiopia and was martyred by sword.
9. James (son of Alphaeus): Sometimes called “James the Less.” His later ministry is less documented, but tradition claims he was martyred in Jerusalem.
10. Thaddaeus (Lebbaeus, Jude): Author of the epistle of Jude. He is believed to have preached in Mesopotamia and died a martyr’s death.
11. Simon the Cananite (Zealot): Known for his zeal, tradition holds that he ministered in Persia and was killed for his faith.
12. Judas Iscariot: The betrayer of Jesus. He regretted his betrayal and hanged himself (Matthew 27:5). His place was later taken by Matthias (Acts 1:26).
The apostles laid the foundation of the church, bearing witness to Christ even to the point of death. Their lives testify to the truth of the resurrection and the power of the gospel.
