In this article, we’ll be discussing the 12 apostles names and their meanings. The 12 apostles were the closest followers of Jesus Christ, chosen by him to spread his teachings and continue his work after his death. The apostles were an important part of early Christianity and their names have been passed down through history.
The names of the 12 apostles are Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas Iscariot. Each of these names has a unique meaning and significance, which we’ll explore in detail in this article. We’ll also discuss the role of the apostles in the early Christian church and their impact on the world today.
12 Apostles Names
What Were The 12 Apostles Names?
In Christian theology, the 12 Apostles were the primary disciples of Jesus according to the New Testament. They were a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds, including fishermen, a tax collector, and even a zealot. Here’s a closer look at each of the 12 Apostles and their backgrounds:
Simon Peter
Simon Peter was a fisherman from Bethsaida and was one of Jesus’ closest disciples. He was a natural leader and was often the first to speak up among the disciples. Jesus gave him the nickname “Peter,” which means “rock,” and he became the leader of the early Christian church.
James, son of Zebedee
James was the brother of John and was also a fisherman. He, along with his brother and Peter, were the only disciples present at the Transfiguration. James was the first of the 12 Apostles to be martyred, as he was beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I.
John, son of Zebedee
John was the brother of James and was also a fisherman. He was known as the “Beloved Disciple” and was the only one of the 12 Apostles to witness the crucifixion of Jesus. He later wrote the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation.
Andrew
Andrew was the brother of Peter and was also a fisherman. He was the one who introduced Peter to Jesus. Andrew is often depicted carrying a cross, as he was martyred by being crucified on an X-shaped cross.
Philip
Philip was from Bethsaida and was also a fisherman. He was known for his ability to bring people to Jesus, including Nathanael. Philip is often depicted holding a basket of bread, as he was present at the feeding of the 5,000.
Bartholomew
Bartholomew is also known as Nathanael and was from Cana in Galilee. He was introduced to Jesus by Philip and was known for his honesty and sincerity. Bartholomew is often depicted holding a knife, as he was martyred by being flayed alive.
Matthew
Matthew was a tax collector before becoming a disciple of Jesus. He is often depicted holding a book or a pen, as he wrote the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew is also known as Levi.
Thomas
Thomas is also known as “Doubting Thomas,” as he initially doubted the resurrection of Jesus. He is often depicted holding a spear, as he was martyred by being speared to death.
James, son of Alphaeus
James, son of Alphaeus, is also known as James the Less. He is often confused with James, son of Zebedee. Not much is known about James, son of Alphaeus.
Thaddaeus
Thaddaeus is also known as Judas, son of James, or Lebbaeus. He is often depicted holding a club, as he was martyred by being beaten to death.
Simon the Zealot
Simon was a member of the Zealots, a Jewish political group that opposed Roman rule. He is often depicted holding a saw, as he was martyred by being sawed in half.
Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot is the most infamous of the 12 Apostles, as he betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. He is often depicted holding a bag of money, as he was the treasurer for the disciples. Judas later hanged himself in remorse for his actions.
The Meanings of the 12 Apostles Names
In this section, we will explore the names of the twelve apostles and their meanings.
Simon Peter
Simon Peter was one of the first disciples to be called by Jesus. He was a fisherman from Bethsaida and was known for his strong faith and leadership qualities. Peter’s name means “rock” or “stone,” which was a fitting name for him as Jesus referred to him as the rock upon which he would build his church.
Andrew
Andrew was Simon Peter’s brother and also a fisherman from Bethsaida. He was known for his humility and willingness to bring others to Jesus. Andrew’s name means “manly” or “warrior.”
James, Son of Zebedee
James was one of the sons of Zebedee and brother of John. He was known for his fiery temper and was once called a “son of thunder” by Jesus. James’ name means “supplanter” or “one who follows.”
John
John was James’ brother and also a fisherman from Bethsaida. He was known for his deep love for Jesus and was often referred to as the “beloved disciple.” John’s name means “God is gracious.”
Philip
Philip was from Bethsaida and was known for his practicality and logical thinking. He was the one who introduced Nathanael to Jesus. Philip’s name means “lover of horses.”
Bartholomew
Bartholomew’s name means “son of Tolmai” and he was also known as Nathanael. He was from Cana and was known for his honesty and sincerity.
Matthew
Matthew was a tax collector before he became an apostle. He was known for his attention to detail and accuracy. Matthew’s name means “gift of God.”
Thomas
Thomas was known for his skepticism and doubt, but he ultimately became a faithful follower of Jesus. He was from Galilee and his name means “twin.”
James, Son of Alphaeus
James, son of Alphaeus, was also known as James the Less. He was from Galilee and was known for his commitment to the mission of Jesus. James’ name means “supplanter” or “one who follows.”
Thaddeus
Thaddeus was also known as Jude and was known for his courage and perseverance. He was from Galilee and his name means “courageous heart.”
Simon the Zealot
Simon the Zealot was known for his passion and zeal for God. He was from Cana and his name means “he who hears.”
Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot was the treasurer of the group and was known for his betrayal of Jesus. His name means “man from Kerioth.”
Matthias
Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal. He was from Jerusalem and his name means “gift of God.”
The Role of The Apostles
The apostles played a significant role in spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. They were chosen by Jesus to be his closest followers and were sent out to share the Gospel with the world. Here are some of the key roles that the apostles played:
- Witnesses of Jesus’ life and teachings: The apostles were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life, teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. They were able to share firsthand accounts of Jesus’ ministry with others.
- Leaders of the early Christian Church: After Jesus’ ascension, the apostles became leaders of the early Christian Church. They were responsible for teaching the Gospel, administering the sacraments, and guiding the Church.
- Missionaries: The apostles traveled throughout the world to share the Gospel with others. They faced many challenges and hardships but were committed to spreading the message of salvation.
- Writers of the New Testament: Several of the apostles wrote letters and books that became part of the New Testament. These writings continue to inspire and guide Christians today.
The apostles were ordinary men who were called by Jesus to do extraordinary things. Their legacy continues to inspire and guide Christians today.
The Apostles in English Literature
The twelve apostles have been a popular subject in English literature, inspiring numerous works throughout the centuries. Here are some notable examples:
Literary Works
- The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer: One of the most famous works of English literature, this collection of stories features a character named St. Thomas, who is likely a reference to the apostle Thomas.
- Paradise Lost by John Milton: This epic poem tells the story of Adam and Eve’s fall from grace, with the apostles Peter, James, and John appearing as witnesses to the event.
- The Apostles by Ernest Renan: This book explores the lives and teachings of the apostles, providing historical context for their actions and beliefs.
Characters and References
- Simon Peter: Often referred to simply as Peter, he is one of the most prominent apostles in the Bible. He is known for his strong faith and leadership within the early Christian church.
- Judas Iscariot: The infamous apostle who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. His name has become synonymous with betrayal.
- Thomas: Also known as Doubting Thomas, he famously doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he was able to see and touch the wounds on Jesus’ body.
Artistic Depictions
- The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci: This famous painting depicts Jesus and his twelve apostles sharing a meal together, with each apostle displaying a different emotion or reaction.
- The Twelve Apostles by Gustave Dore: This series of illustrations depicts each of the twelve apostles, along with a brief description of their character and role within the Christian faith.
- The Apostles by El Greco: This series of paintings depicts each of the twelve apostles in a dramatic and emotional style, with each figure portrayed in a unique pose or gesture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the 12 disciples names of Jesus in order of calling?
The 12 disciples of Jesus, in order of calling, are:
- Simon Peter
- Andrew
- James, son of Zebedee
- John, brother of James
- Philip
- Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael)
- Matthew (also known as Levi)
- Thomas (also known as Didymus)
- James, son of Alphaeus
- Thaddaeus (also known as Judas, son of James)
- Simon the Zealot
- Judas Iscariot
What were the nicknames of the 12 apostles?
The nicknames of the 12 apostles are:
- Simon Peter – “Peter” (which means “rock”)
- Andrew – no nickname is recorded in the Bible
- James, son of Zebedee – “Boanerges” (which means “sons of thunder”)
- John, brother of James – no nickname is recorded in the Bible
- Philip – no nickname is recorded in the Bible
- Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael) – no nickname is recorded in the Bible
- Matthew (also known as Levi) – no nickname is recorded in the Bible
- Thomas (also known as Didymus) – “Didymus” (which means “twin”)
- James, son of Alphaeus – no nickname is recorded in the Bible
- Thaddaeus (also known as Judas, son of James) – “Lebbaeus” (which means “heart”)
- Simon the Zealot – no nickname is recorded in the Bible
- Judas Iscariot – no nickname is recorded in the Bible
What did the 12 apostles do after Jesus’ death?
After Jesus’ death, the 12 apostles continued to spread his teachings and establish the early Christian church. They traveled throughout the world, preaching and performing miracles in Jesus’ name. Many of them were persecuted and martyred for their beliefs.
Why were there only 12 apostles?
The number 12 has symbolic significance in the Bible, representing completeness and perfection. Jesus chose 12 apostles to represent the 12 tribes of Israel and to signify the completeness of his message.
Did the 12 apostles write any books of the Bible?
Yes, several of the 12 apostles wrote books of the Bible. Matthew, John, and Peter all wrote Gospels, while James and Jude wrote letters that are included in the New Testament.
What happened to Judas Iscariot?
Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus and later committed suicide. After his death, Matthias was chosen to replace him as the 12th apostle.
Are there any relics or artifacts associated with the 12 apostles?
Many relics and artifacts associated with the 12 apostles have been claimed and venerated throughout history, including bones, clothing, and other objects. However, the authenticity of these relics is often disputed.
- Ed Words: Expand Your Vocabulary and Improve Your Writing! - April 15, 2024
- List of Ethnicities and Their Cultures from Around the World - April 2, 2024
- Mastering English Writing: Essential Transitional Words for Body Paragraphs - March 25, 2024