The Twelve Apostles — Chosen Messengers of Christ

The Called Ones

The word "apostle" comes from the Greek apostolos (ἀπόστολος), meaning "one sent forth" or "messenger." Jesus chose twelve ordinary men to follow Him, learn from Him, and carry His message to the world. These men witnessed His miracles, heard His teachings, and saw Him risen from the dead. They became the foundation of the early Church.

🎣

~27 AD

First Disciples Called

Andrew, first a disciple of John the Baptist, hears John declare "Behold the Lamb of God!" and follows Jesus. He immediately brings his brother Simon Peter. The call to fishermen begins: "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men."

✝️

~28 AD

The Twelve Chosen

After a night of prayer, Jesus formally selects and names twelve apostles. They are given authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons. This inner circle will be trained for three years.

⚰️

~30 AD

Crucifixion & Resurrection

The apostles scatter when Jesus is arrested. Peter denies Him three times. But on the third day, Jesus rises! The apostles become eyewitnesses to the resurrection—the cornerstone of their future testimony.

🔥

~30 AD

Pentecost

Fifty days after Passover, the Holy Spirit descends like tongues of fire. The apostles preach in all languages. Peter's sermon leads 3,000 to faith. The Church is born.

🎲

~30 AD

Matthias Replaces Judas

After Judas' betrayal and death, the eleven choose Matthias by lot to restore the number to twelve. He had been with them from John's baptism through the Ascension.

⚔️

~44 AD

First Martyrdom

King Herod Agrippa I beheads James son of Zebedee, making him the first apostle to be martyred. The age of persecution begins. The blood of martyrs becomes the seed of the Church.

🏛️

~64-68 AD

Peter Martyred in Rome

During Nero's persecution, Peter is crucified upside down in Rome, considering himself unworthy to die as his Lord did. The Rock upon which Christ built His church seals his testimony with blood.

🕊️

~100 AD

John Dies

The last living apostle, John, dies of natural causes in Ephesus at an advanced age. Tradition says he survived being boiled in oil. He leaves behind his Gospel, three epistles, and the Revelation. The apostolic age ends.

The Twelve at a Glance

Name	Also Known As	Occupation	Notable Role
Peter	Simon, Cephas	Fisherman	Leader of the Twelve
Andrew	—	Fisherman	First Called, Brother of Peter
James	James the Greater	Fisherman	Inner Circle, First Martyred
John	The Beloved Disciple	Fisherman	Inner Circle, Gospel Author
Philip	—	Unknown	From Bethsaida
Bartholomew	Nathanael	Unknown	"An Israelite without guile"
Matthew	Levi	Tax Collector	Gospel Author
Thomas	Didymus (Twin)	Unknown	"My Lord and my God!"
James	James the Less	Unknown	Son of Alphaeus
Thaddaeus	Judas (not Iscariot), Lebbaeus	Unknown	Possibly Author of Jude
Simon	The Zealot, The Canaanite	Unknown (Zealot)	Former Revolutionary
Judas Iscariot	Son of Perdition	Unknown	Treasurer, Betrayer
Matthias	—	Unknown	Replaced Judas (Acts 1)

🔑

Simon Peter

"Rock" (Πέτρος / Cephas)

👤 Background

Fisherman from Bethsaida, later lived in Capernaum. Son of Jonah, brother of Andrew. Married (Jesus healed his mother-in-law). Impetuous, passionate, natural leader.

📖 Key Moment

"Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus responded: "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church." (Matthew 16:16-18)

🎣 Fisherman ⭐ Inner Circle 📝 Author ✝️ Martyr

📜 Expanded Biography

Peter's journey from simple fisherman to leader of the early Church is one of Scripture's most compelling transformations. His name change from Simon to Peter (Greek: Petros, Aramaic: Cephas) symbolized his new identity and mission.

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

— Matthew 16:16-17 (KJ3)

🔥 Notable Events

Walked on water toward Jesus (Matthew 14:28-31)
Witnessed the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8)
Denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62)
Restored by Jesus after resurrection (John 21:15-17)
Preached at Pentecost - 3,000 saved (Acts 2)
Opened door to Gentiles with Cornelius (Acts 10)

⚔️ Martyrdom

According to tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome under Emperor Nero around 64-68 AD. He reportedly requested to be crucified upside down, feeling unworthy to die in the same manner as his Lord.

✝️

Andrew

"Manly" (Ἀνδρέας)

👤 Background

Fisherman, brother of Peter. Originally a disciple of John the Baptist before following Jesus. Known as "Protokletos" (First-Called) in the Eastern Church.

📖 Key Moment

First to follow Jesus, then immediately brought his brother Peter. "We have found the Messiah!" (John 1:40-42)

🎣 Fisherman ✝️ Martyr

📜 Expanded Biography

Andrew has the distinction of being the first disciple called by Jesus. He was a seeker of truth, having already left fishing to follow John the Baptist before encountering Jesus.

One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first finds his own brother Simon and says to him, We have found the Messiah, which being translated is the Christ.

— John 1:40-41 (KJ3)

🔥 Notable Events

First called to follow Jesus (John 1:35-40)
Brought Peter to Jesus (John 1:41-42)
Found the boy with loaves and fish (John 6:8-9)
Brought Greeks seeking Jesus (John 12:20-22)

⚔️ Martyrdom

According to tradition, Andrew was crucified in Patras, Greece on an X-shaped cross (now called St. Andrew's Cross). He reportedly preached for two days from the cross before dying. He is the patron saint of Scotland, Russia, and Greece.

⚡

James

Son of Zebedee (James the Greater)

👤 Background

Fisherman, son of Zebedee and Salome, elder brother of John. Jesus nicknamed him and John "Boanerges" (Sons of Thunder) for their fiery temperament.

📖 Key Moment

Part of the inner circle at the Transfiguration, Gethsemane, and raising of Jairus' daughter. First apostle martyred (Acts 12:1-2).

🎣 Fisherman ⭐ Inner Circle ✝️ First Martyred

📜 Expanded Biography

James was among the first disciples called and was elevated to Jesus' inner circle along with Peter and John. His zealous personality earned him the nickname "Son of Thunder."

And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James (and He surnamed them Boanerges, which is, Sons of Thunder).

— Mark 3:17 (KJ3)

🔥 Notable Events

Called with brother John from their fishing boat (Mark 1:19-20)
Witnessed the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8)
Asked to sit at Jesus' right hand (Mark 10:35-40)
Present in Gethsemane (Mark 14:33)

⚔️ Martyrdom

James was beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I around 44 AD, becoming the first apostle to be martyred. "Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword." (Acts 12:1-2)

❤️

John

"Jehovah is Gracious" - The Beloved Disciple

👤 Background

Fisherman, younger son of Zebedee and Salome, brother of James. Called "the disciple whom Jesus loved." Only apostle believed to have died naturally.

📖 Key Moment

Reclined on Jesus' breast at the Last Supper. At the cross, Jesus entrusted Mary to his care. Wrote Gospel of John, 1-3 John, and Revelation.

🎣 Fisherman ⭐ Inner Circle 📝 Author (5 books)

📜 Expanded Biography

John's transformation from "Son of Thunder" to the "Apostle of Love" demonstrates the transforming power of Christ. His intimate relationship with Jesus gave him unique insight reflected in his profound Gospel.

Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.

— John 13:23 (KJ3)

🔥 Notable Events

Part of the inner circle for all major events
Present at the cross (John 19:26)
First apostle to believe at the empty tomb (John 20:8)
Recognized risen Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:7)
Cared for Mary, Jesus' mother
Exiled to Patmos where he received Revelation

📚 Writings

John authored: Gospel of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation. His writings emphasize love, light, life, and truth, presenting Jesus as the eternal Word (Logos) made flesh.

🕊️ Death

John is traditionally believed to be the only apostle who died of natural causes, living to an advanced age in Ephesus around 100 AD. Church tradition says he survived being boiled in oil during persecution under Domitian.

🌾

Philip

"Lover of Horses" (Φίλιππος)

👤 Background

From Bethsaida in Galilee, same town as Peter and Andrew. Greek name suggests Hellenistic influence. Practical, analytical thinker.

📖 Key Moment

"Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." Jesus replied: "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not known Me, Philip?" (John 14:8-9)

✝️ Martyr

📜 Expanded Biography

Philip was the first disciple directly called by Jesus with the words "Follow Me" (others came through introduction). He immediately found Nathanael and brought him to Jesus.

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

— John 1:45 (KJ3)

🔥 Notable Events

First to be told directly "Follow Me" (John 1:43)
Brought Nathanael/Bartholomew to Jesus (John 1:45)
Tested by Jesus about feeding 5,000 (John 6:5-7)
Greeks came to him wanting to see Jesus (John 12:21)
Asked Jesus to show the Father (John 14:8)

⚔️ Martyrdom

According to tradition, Philip preached in Phrygia (modern Turkey) and was martyred in Hierapolis around 80 AD, either by crucifixion or being hung upside down.

📜

Bartholomew

"Son of Talmai" - Also Nathanael

👤 Background

From Cana of Galilee. "Bartholomew" is a patronymic (Bar-Talmay = son of Talmai); his given name was Nathanael. Brought to Jesus by Philip.

📖 Key Moment

Jesus saw him under the fig tree and declared: "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" Nathanael confessed: "Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel." (John 1:47-49)

✝️ Martyr

📜 Expanded Biography

Nathanael was initially skeptical ("Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?") but became a fervent believer after Jesus demonstrated supernatural knowledge of him.

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest Thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

— John 1:47-48 (KJ3)

🔥 Notable Events

Brought to Jesus by Philip (John 1:45-46)
Initially skeptical of Jesus (John 1:46)
Received Jesus' commendation for sincerity (John 1:47)
Present at post-resurrection appearance at Sea of Tiberias (John 21:2)

⚔️ Martyrdom

According to tradition, Bartholomew preached in India, Mesopotamia, Persia, and Armenia. He was reportedly flayed alive and then beheaded or crucified upside down in Armenia around 71 AD.

📖

Matthew

"Gift of Jehovah" - Also Levi

👤 Background

Tax collector (publican) at Capernaum. Son of Alphaeus. Tax collectors were despised as traitors collaborating with Rome and often corrupt. His calling demonstrated Jesus' mission to sinners.

📖 Key Moment

"And as Jesus passed forth from thence, He saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and He saith unto him, Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him." (Matthew 9:9)

💰 Tax Collector 📝 Gospel Author ✝️ Martyr

📜 Expanded Biography

Matthew's conversion was immediate and complete. He left everything—his lucrative position, his social standing—to follow Jesus. His background in record-keeping likely contributed to his detailed Gospel.

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, He saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and He saith unto him, Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him.

— Matthew 9:9 (KJ3)

🔥 Notable Events

Called directly from his tax booth (Matthew 9:9)
Hosted a great feast for Jesus with other tax collectors (Luke 5:29)
His calling prompted Jesus' famous statement: "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:13)

📚 Writings

Matthew authored the Gospel bearing his name, written primarily for Jewish readers. It emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, containing more OT quotations than any other Gospel and tracing Jesus' genealogy to Abraham.

⚔️ Martyrdom

According to tradition, Matthew preached in Judea, then traveled to Ethiopia, Persia, and Syria. He was martyred either by burning, stoning, beheading, or stabbing—accounts vary. He is the patron saint of accountants and bankers.

🤚

Thomas

"Twin" (Θωμᾶς / Didymus)

👤 Background

Called "Didymus" (Greek for "twin")—whose twin is unknown. Known for his skepticism but also for his courage and devotion. Made the clearest confession of Jesus' deity.

📖 Key Moment

After seeing the risen Christ: "My Lord and my God!" This is the most complete confession of Jesus' deity in Scripture. (John 20:28)

✝️ Martyr

📜 Expanded Biography

Though often called "Doubting Thomas," this label is unfair. Thomas was also the one who said, "Let us also go, that we may die with Him" when Jesus went to raise Lazarus in hostile territory (John 11:16).

And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

— John 20:28-29 (KJ3)

🔥 Notable Events

Willing to die with Jesus (John 11:16)
Asked Jesus about the way (John 14:5), prompting "I am the way, the truth, and the life"
Absent when Jesus first appeared to disciples (John 20:24)
Demanded physical proof of resurrection (John 20:25)
Made supreme confession: "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)

⚔️ Martyrdom

According to strong tradition, Thomas traveled to India where he established churches. He was martyred near Chennai (Madras) around 72 AD, speared by Hindu priests. The Mar Thoma Christians of India trace their origins to his mission.

📿

James son of Alphaeus

James the Less/Younger

👤 Background

Son of Alphaeus. Called "the Less" or "the Younger" to distinguish from James son of Zebedee—possibly indicating shorter stature or younger age. May have been related to Matthew (also called son of Alphaeus).

📖 Key Moment

Faithfully served Christ despite little recorded about him. His mother Mary was at the crucifixion (Mark 15:40).

✝️ Martyr

📜 Expanded Biography

James son of Alphaeus is one of the lesser-known apostles. Scripture records little about him beyond his inclusion in the Twelve. His epithet "the Less" (Greek: mikros) distinguishes him from James son of Zebedee.

There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome.

— Mark 15:40 (KJ3)

🤔 Identity Questions

Some scholars identify him with James the brother of Jesus, but this is uncertain. He may have been a cousin or relative of Christ through his mother Mary.

⚔️ Martyrdom

According to tradition, James the Less preached in Syria and Egypt. He was martyred around 62 AD, either thrown from the Temple in Jerusalem, stoned, or beaten to death with a fuller's club.

💪

Thaddaeus

"Courageous Heart" - Also Judas son of James

👤 Background

Also called Judas (not Iscariot), Lebbaeus, and Judas son of James. Multiple names suggest nicknames given to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot. Possibly author of the Epistle of Jude.

📖 Key Moment

Asked Jesus at the Last Supper: "Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world?" (John 14:22)

📝 Author (Jude) ✝️ Martyr

📜 Expanded Biography

The many names for this apostle reflect the early Church's desire to distinguish him from the infamous Judas Iscariot. His single recorded question reveals a sincere desire to understand Jesus' mission.

Judas saith unto Him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that Thou wilt manifest Thyself unto us, and not unto the world?

— John 14:22 (KJ3)

📚 Possible Writings

Many scholars identify him as the author of the Epistle of Jude, which identifies its author as "Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James." The epistle warns against false teachers and apostasy.

⚔️ Martyrdom

According to tradition, Thaddaeus preached in Judea, Samaria, Mesopotamia, Syria, and Persia, often alongside Simon the Zealot. He was martyred in Beirut or Persia around 65 AD, killed by ax or club.

⚔️

Simon the Zealot

"Hearing" - The Zealot/Canaanite

👤 Background

Called "the Zealot" (Greek) or "the Canaanite" (Aramaic for zealot, not the region). May have been a member of the Zealot political party—revolutionary nationalists who sought violent overthrow of Rome.

📖 Key Moment

His inclusion among the Twelve alongside Matthew the tax collector demonstrates Jesus' power to unite people from opposite extremes of society.

🔥 Former Zealot ✝️ Martyr

📜 Expanded Biography

The Zealots were first-century Jewish political revolutionaries who believed in armed resistance to Rome. That Simon was called to follow Jesus alongside Matthew (a Roman collaborator) shows the transformative power of Christ to unite enemies.

Simon who was called the Zealot.

— Luke 6:15 (KJ3)

🔥 Historical Context

The Zealots were known for their violent opposition to Rome. They would later lead the Jewish revolt of 66-70 AD that resulted in Jerusalem's destruction. Simon's conversion shows how Jesus redirected nationalistic zeal toward the kingdom of God.

⚔️ Martyrdom

According to various traditions, Simon preached in Egypt, Persia, and possibly Britain. He was martyred around 65 AD, either crucified or sawn in half. Some traditions link him with Thaddaeus as missionary partners.

💰

Judas Iscariot

The Betrayer

👤 Background

Son of Simon Iscariot. "Iscariot" may mean "man of Kerioth" (a town in Judea), making him possibly the only non-Galilean apostle. Served as treasurer for the group but was a thief (John 12:6).

📖 Key Moment

Betrayed Jesus with a kiss for 30 pieces of silver. "And he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss Him." (Luke 22:47)

💀 Betrayer

📜 Expanded Biography

Judas remains one of history's most tragic figures. Chosen by Jesus, entrusted with the group's finances, he watched miracles and heard divine teaching—yet chose betrayal. His story serves as a warning about the danger of loving money and resisting grace.

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver Him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

— Matthew 26:14-15 (KJ3)

💀 The Betrayal

Objected to costly ointment used on Jesus (John 12:4-6)
Satan entered him at the Last Supper (John 13:27)
Betrayed Jesus with a kiss in Gethsemane (Luke 22:47-48)
Received 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15)
Felt remorse and returned the money (Matthew 27:3)
Hanged himself (Matthew 27:5)

📖 Prophetic Fulfillment

Judas' betrayal fulfilled prophecy: "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me" (Psalm 41:9). The 30 pieces of silver fulfilled Zechariah 11:12-13.

⚠️ Warning

Jesus called him "the son of perdition" (John 17:12). His story warns against superficial discipleship, love of money, and the devastating consequences of betraying Christ.

🎲

Matthias

"Gift of Jehovah" - Judas' Replacement

👤 Background

One of Jesus' followers from the beginning—from John's baptism through the Ascension. Chosen by lot to replace Judas, restoring the number to twelve before Pentecost.

📖 Key Moment

"And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles." (Acts 1:26)

🔄 Replaced Judas ✝️ Martyr

📜 Expanded Biography

Matthias had been with Jesus from the beginning, qualifying him as a witness to the resurrection. His selection by lot, following prayer, shows the early Church seeking divine guidance in crucial decisions.

Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection.

— Acts 1:21-22 (KJ3)

🎲 The Selection

Two candidates were proposed: Joseph Barsabbas (Justus) and Matthias. After prayer, lots were cast—an Old Testament method of seeking God's will (Proverbs 16:33). The lot fell to Matthias.

⚔️ Martyrdom

According to various traditions, Matthias preached in Judea, then possibly Ethiopia or the region around the Caspian Sea. He was martyred around 80 AD, either stoned and beheaded in Jerusalem or crucified in Colchis (modern Georgia).

🌅 How Jesus Called His Disciples

Jesus did not choose religious leaders, scholars, or the wealthy. He called ordinary men—fishermen, a tax collector, a revolutionary—to become "fishers of men." Their callings demonstrate that God uses the willing, not just the qualified.

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him.

— Matthew 4:18-20 (KJ3)

And going on from thence, He saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him.

— Matthew 4:21-22 (KJ3)

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus.

— John 1:40-42 (KJ3)

The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow Me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

— John 1:43-44 (KJ3)

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

— John 1:45-46 (KJ3)

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, He saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and He saith unto him, Follow Me. And he arose, and followed Him.

— Matthew 9:9 (KJ3)

📋 The Official Lists of Twelve

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The 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 publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.

— Matthew 10:2-4 (KJ3)

And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: And Simon He surnamed Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and He surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed Him.

— Mark 3:14-19 (KJ3)

And when it was day, He called unto Him His disciples: and of them He chose twelve, whom also He named apostles; Simon, (whom He also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.

— Luke 6:13-16 (KJ3)

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

— Acts 1:13 (KJ3)

🔍 Observations About the Lists

Peter is always first in every list, indicating his leadership role
Judas Iscariot is always last, noted as "the betrayer"
The Twelve appear in three groups of four, with Peter, Philip, and James son of Alphaeus heading each group
Some apostles have multiple names (Matthew/Levi, Bartholomew/Nathanael, Thaddaeus/Judas son of James)
"Canaanite" (Mark/Matthew) and "Zealot" (Luke/Acts) are the same designation in different languages

✝️ Witnesses Unto Death

The Greek word for "witness" (μάρτυς, martys) gives us the word "martyr." The apostles proved their faith by their willingness to die for what they had seen. Eleven of the twelve original apostles (excluding Judas, replaced by Matthias) are traditionally believed to have died as martyrs. Only John is thought to have died of natural causes.

🔑 Peter

📍 Rome, Italy (~64-68 AD)

Crucified upside down, considering himself unworthy to die as his Lord did.

✝️ Andrew

📍 Patras, Greece (~60-70 AD)

Crucified on an X-shaped cross (St. Andrew's Cross). Preached for two days before death.

⚡ James son of Zebedee

📍 Jerusalem (~44 AD)

Beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I. First apostle martyred (Acts 12:1-2).

❤️ John

📍 Ephesus (~100 AD)

Died of natural causes. Tradition says he survived being boiled in oil.

🌾 Philip

📍 Hierapolis, Turkey (~80 AD)

Crucified upside down or hanged against a pillar.

📜 Bartholomew

📍 Armenia (~71 AD)

Flayed alive (skinned), then beheaded or crucified upside down.

📖 Matthew

📍 Ethiopia or Persia (~60-90 AD)

Stabbed in the back while praying. Accounts vary: possibly burned or beheaded.

🤚 Thomas

📍 Mylapore, India (~72 AD)

Speared to death by Hindu priests. Tomb remains in Chennai, India.

📿 James son of Alphaeus

📍 Jerusalem (~62 AD)

Thrown from Temple, then stoned and beaten with a fuller's club.

💪 Thaddaeus

📍 Beirut or Persia (~65 AD)

Killed with an ax or club. Martyred alongside Simon the Zealot.

⚔️ Simon the Zealot

📍 Persia (~65 AD)

Sawn in half or crucified. Tradition links him with Thaddaeus.

💰 Judas Iscariot

📍 Jerusalem (~30 AD)

Hanged himself after betraying Jesus (Matthew 27:5). Not a martyr but a suicide in despair.

🎲 Matthias

📍 Jerusalem or Colchis (~80 AD)

Stoned then beheaded, or crucified. Replaced Judas Iscariot.

🩸 The Blood of Martyrs

"The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church." — Tertullian

The apostles' willingness to die for their testimony is powerful evidence for the resurrection. People may die for a lie they believe is true, but the apostles were in a position to know whether Jesus truly rose. Their deaths demonstrate they believed their own witness.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.

— Matthew 28:18-20 (KJ3)

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

— Acts 1:8 (KJ3)

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.

— Ephesians 2:20-21 (KJ3)

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

— Matthew 16:19 (KJ3)

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

— Matthew 19:28 (KJ3)

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me; for they are Thine. And all Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and I am glorified in them.

— John 17:9-10 (KJ3)

And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

— Revelation 21:14 (KJ3)

And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed Him.

— Mark 1:17-18 (KJ3)

Question 1 of 10

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The Called Ones

First Disciples Called

The Twelve Chosen

Crucifixion & Resurrection

Pentecost

Matthias Replaces Judas

First Martyrdom

Peter Martyred in Rome

John Dies

The Twelve at a Glance

📜 Expanded Biography

🔥 Notable Events

⚔️ Martyrdom

📜 Expanded Biography

🔥 Notable Events

⚔️ Martyrdom

📜 Expanded Biography

🔥 Notable Events

⚔️ Martyrdom

📜 Expanded Biography

🔥 Notable Events

📚 Writings

🕊️ Death

📜 Expanded Biography

🔥 Notable Events

⚔️ Martyrdom

📜 Expanded Biography

🔥 Notable Events

⚔️ Martyrdom

📜 Expanded Biography

🔥 Notable Events

📚 Writings

⚔️ Martyrdom

📜 Expanded Biography

🔥 Notable Events

⚔️ Martyrdom

📜 Expanded Biography

🤔 Identity Questions

⚔️ Martyrdom

📜 Expanded Biography

📚 Possible Writings

⚔️ Martyrdom

📜 Expanded Biography

🔥 Historical Context

⚔️ Martyrdom

📜 Expanded Biography

💀 The Betrayal

📖 Prophetic Fulfillment

⚠️ Warning

📜 Expanded Biography

🎲 The Selection

⚔️ Martyrdom

🌅 How Jesus Called His Disciples

📋 The Official Lists of Twelve

🔍 Observations About the Lists

✝️ Witnesses Unto Death

🩸 The Blood of Martyrs

The Twelve Apostles Quiz