| Apostle | Meaning of Name | Also Called | Occupation | Key Facts / Notes | Main References |
| Peter | “Rock / Stone” | Simon, Cephas | Fisherman | Leader among the Apostles; denied Christ then restored; preached at Pentecost; author of 1 & 2 Peter | Matt 4:18–20; John 1:42; Acts 2; John 21 |
| James (son of Zebedee) | “Supplanter” | James the Greater | Fisherman | Brother of John; part of the inner three; first Apostle martyred (by sword under Herod Agrippa I) | Matt 4:21–22; Mark 10:35–40; Acts 12:1–2 |
| John | “Yahweh is gracious” | Son of Thunder | Fisherman | Brother of James; part of the inner three; author of John, 1–3 John, Revelation | Matt 4:21–22; Mark 3:17; John 13:23; Rev 1:1 |
| Andrew | “Manly / Courageous” | — | Fisherman | Peter’s brother; first to follow Jesus; brought others to Christ | John 1:35–41; Matt 4:18–20 |
| Philip | “Lover of horses” | — | Unknown | From Bethsaida; brought Nathanael to Jesus; questioned Jesus about the Father | John 1:43–46; John 14:8–9 |
| Bartholomew | “Son of Tolmai” | Likely Nathanael | Unknown | Probably Nathanael (John 1); honest and without guile | John 1:45–51; Matt 10:3 |
| Thomas | “Twin” | Didymus | Unknown | Doubted resurrection until seeing Jesus; loyal and courageous | John 11:16; John 20:24–29; 21:2 |
| Matthew | “Gift of Yahweh” | Levi | Tax collector | Wrote Gospel of Matthew; left wealth to follow Jesus | Matt 9:9–13; Mark 2:14 |
| James (son of Alphaeus) | “Supplanter” | James the Less | Unknown | Distinguished from James the Greater; little recorded | Matt 10:3; Mark 3:18; 15:40 |
| Thaddaeus | “Courageous heart / Praise” | Judas (son of James), Lebbaeus | Unknown | Not Judas Iscariot; asked Jesus about manifesting Himself | Luke 6:16; John 14:22; Matt 10:3 |
| Simon the Zealot | “He has heard” | Simon the Canaanite | Unknown | Member of the Zealots (political nationalist group); shows diversity of the Twelve | Matt 10:4; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15 |
| Judas Iscariot | Uncertain (possibly “man of Kerioth”) | — | Treasurer | Betrayed Jesus; replaced by Matthias; tragic warning of false discipleship | Matt 26:14–16; John 12:6; Acts 1:16–20 |
| Matthias (Replacement for Judas) | “Gift of Yahweh” | — | Unknown | Chosen by lot to replace Judas; eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry required | Acts 1:21–26 |
The Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles, chosen by Jesus, include key figures like Peter, James, John, and Matthew. Each had distinct names, occupations, and roles, with notable characteristics such as leadership, martyrdom, and authorship of biblical texts. Their diverse backgrounds illustrate the foundational aspects of early Christianity and discipleship.
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