Who were the Twelve Disciples of Jesus Christ | 12 Apostles / 12 Disciples Names List

The Meaning of Disciples and Apostles

Today's question is, who were the twelve disciples or apostles of Jesus Christ? In this video I'll answer that question from a biblical perspective. Afterwards, as always, I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end.

The word disciple refers to a learner or follower. The word apostle means one who is sent out. While Jesus was on earth, His twelve followers were called disciples. The twelve disciples followed Jesus, learned from Him, and were trained by Him.

From Disciples to Apostles After the Resurrection

After His resurrection and ascension, Jesus sent the disciples out to be His witnesses. They were then referred to as the twelve apostles. However, even when Jesus was still on earth, the terms disciples and apostles were used somewhat interchangeably.

The Names of the Twelve in Matthew, Mark, and Luke

The original twelve disciples or apostles are listed in Matthew 10, verses 2 -4. These are the names of the twelve apostles. First, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew. James, son of Zebedee, and his brother John.

Philip and Bartholomew. Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector. James, son of Alphaeus and Thaddaeus. Simon, the zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. The Bible also lists the twelve disciples or apostles in Mark 3, verses 16 -19 and Luke 6, verses 13 -16.

A comparison of the three passages shows a couple of minor differences in the names. It seems that Thaddaeus was also known as Judas, son of James, in Luke 6, verse 16, and Labaius in Matthew 10, verse 3.

Simon the zealot was also known as Simon the Canaanite in Mark 3, verse 18. The Gospel of John uses the name Nathanael instead of Bartholomew, but Nathanael and Bartholomew were undoubtedly the same person.

Matthias Replaces Judas Iscariot

Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, was replaced in the twelve apostles by Matthias. See Acts 1, verses 20 -26. Some Bible teachers view Matthias as an invalid apostle and believe that Paul was God's choice to replace Judas Iscariot as the twelfth apostle.

The Character of the Twelve and the Difference Jesus Made

The twelve disciples or apostles were ordinary men whom God used in an extraordinary manner. Among the twelve were fishermen, a tax collector, and a revolutionary. The Gospels record the constant failings, struggles, and doubts of these twelve men who followed Jesus Christ.

After witnessing Jesus' resurrection and ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit transformed the disciples or apostles into powerful men of God who turned the world upside down. What was the change? The twelve apostles or disciples had been with Jesus.

May the same be said of us. Want to learn more? Subscribe so you don't miss the next video! Visit GotQuestions .org for more great content. And check out the details section below this video, there is one book I recommend, along with several related articles.

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