From the time Jesus called the first disciples to the present day, the term “disciple” has been used to refer to followers of Christ. In the New Testament, the term is used both to refer to the twelve apostles appointed by Jesus, and to other followers. Although the term “disciple” is used in a general way to refer to anyone who follows Christ, the term also has a more specific meaning. A disciple is someone who learns from another person, and in the biblical context, a disciple is someone who learns from Jesus.
What are the names of the 12 apostles and their characteristics
The 12 apostles were personally called by Jesus to be his special envoys. Their names and characteristics are:
- Simón Pedro: he was a fisherman, a born leader, passionate and determined.
- Thomas: He doubted everything, but once he believed, he was loyal to the death.
- Nathanael: he was sincere and honest, he had no prejudices.
- John: He was the “beloved disciple” of Jesus, passionate and loyal.
- Andrés: he was a determined and enthusiastic fisherman.
- Felipe: he was a practical man, he was always looking for a way to do things.
- Bartholomew: he was a just, brave and determined man.
- Mateo: He was a loyal and enthusiastic tax collector.
- Tadeo: he was a passionate and loyal man, always willing to give everything for Jesus.
- Jacobo: he was a born leader, passionate and enthusiastic.
- Judas: He was a passionate, loyal and determined man.
- Simón: he was a practical, determined and enthusiastic man.
What distinguishes the disciples of Jesus
Jesus called the Twelve and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits. This is what distinguishes the disciples of Jesus. The disciples are the ones who have authority over unclean spirits.
Jesus gave instructions to the Twelve, saying, “Do not go on the path of the Gentiles or enter a city of the Samaritans. This is what distinguishes the disciples of Jesus. The disciples do not go the way of the Gentiles nor do they enter the city of the Samaritans.
Instead, go to the lost sheep of Israel. This is what distinguishes the disciples of Jesus. The disciples go to the lost sheep of Israel.
Announce that the kingdom of heaven has drawn near. This is what distinguishes the disciples of Jesus. The disciples announce that the kingdom of heaven has drawn near.
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers of leprosy, cast out demons. This is what distinguishes the disciples of Jesus. The disciples heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers of leprosy, cast out demons.
You have received free; give free. This is what distinguishes the disciples of Jesus. Disciples give freely.
Do not carry gold or silver or copper in your bags; This is what distinguishes the disciples of Jesus. The disciples do not carry gold or silver or copper in their bags.
nor backpack for the road, nor two tunics, nor footwear, nor cane, because the worker deserves his food. This is what distinguishes the disciples of Jesus. The disciples do not carry a backpack for the road, nor two tunics, nor shoes, nor a cane.
“When you enter a house, greet the family. This is what distinguishes the disciples of Jesus. The disciples greet the family.
If the house deserves your approval, your peace will rest on it; but if it does not deserve your approval, your peace will return to you. This is what distinguishes the disciples of Jesus. The disciples have peace within themselves.
Who were the 12 disciples of Jesus?
Jesus’ 12 disciples were ordinary men whom He chose from the crowd to help spread His message. He taught them everything he knew about God and instructed them to continue spreading his message after he was gone. Jesus was very close to his disciples and loved them very much, so he felt a lot of pain when Judas Iscariot, one of them, betrayed him. Despite this, Jesus did not stop loving Judas and forgave him before he died. The names of the 12 disciples of Jesus are:
- Simon Peter
- Andrew
- Juan
- Philip
- Bartholomew
- Matthew
- Thomas
- jacob
- Thaddeus
- Simon the Canaanite
- Judas Iscariot
- Judas Thaddeus
What did each of the 12 apostles do?
The 12 apostles were personally chosen by Jesus to accompany him in his ministry. After his ascension, they began to preach the Gospel throughout the world. Some of them wrote books of the Bible, and all of them suffered martyrdom for their faith. Below is a brief summary of what each of the 12 apostles did.
Pedro
Original name: Simon
Pedro was a Galilean fisherman, and the brother of Andrés. Jesus called him “Simon, bar-jona,” which means “you are stone” (Matthew 16:18). Peter was the leader of the apostles, and the one who gave the first sermon after Jesus’ ascension (Acts 2). He was also the one who denied Jesus three times before he was crucified (Matthew 26:69-75). After the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to Peter and said, “Feed my lambs. Shepherd my sheep” (John 21:15-17).
Andrew
Original name: Sant’Andrea
Andrew was a Galilean fisherman, and the brother of Peter. Jesus called him when he was with John the Baptist (John 1:41). Andrew was the first apostle to follow Jesus. Later, he was the one who brought his brother Peter to follow him as well (John 1:42).
Juan
Original name: John
John was one of the sons of Zebedee, and the brother of James. Jesus called him “John the Baptist,” and he was the one who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River (Mark 1:9). John also witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36). After the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to John and James and said, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18-20).
John the Evangelist
Original name: John
The Gospel of John is the last of the canonical Gospels, and is believed to have been written by John, one of the sons of Zebedee. This John also witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36). In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells John, “Write what you see in a book, and send it to the seven churches” (Revelation 1:11).
Juan Marcos
Original name: Juan Marcos
Mark was the son of a woman named Mary, and the nephew of Barnabas (Acts 12:12,25). His original name was John, but he was called Mark because he was of Roman origin. Mark was the author of the Gospel that bears his name. He accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journeys, but later abandoned them at Lystra (Acts 13:13). Paul did not want Mark to accompany them on their next missionary journey, but Barnabas took him anyway (Acts 15:37-41). Mark later reconciled with Paul, and the two worked together again (Colossians 4:10-14, 2 Timothy 4:11).
James the Less
Original name: Jacob
James was one of the sons of Zebedee, and the brother of John. Jesus called him “James the Just” (Mark 6:3). He was the leader of the early Church in Jerusalem, and the author of the New Testament letter that bears his name. In AD 62, James was martyred by order of HEROD Agrippa (Acts 12:1-2).
James the Greater
Original name: Santiago
James was one of the sons of Zebedee, and the brother of John. Jesus called him “James the Greater” to distinguish him from James the Less (Mark 3:17). James was one of the apostles who saw the risen Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:7). He was the leader of the early Church in Jerusalem, and the author of the New Testament letter that bears his name. In AD 44, James was martyred by order of HEROD Agrippa (Acts 12:1-2).
Simon the Canaanite
Original name: Simon
Simon was one of the twelve apostles, and was also known as “Simon the Canaanite” or “Simon the Zealot.” He was a revolutionary who had participated in an uprising against Rome (Luke 6:15). After Jesus called him, Simon left everything to follow him (Luke 5:11). In AD 44, Simon was martyred in Jerusalem by order of HEROD Agrippa (Acts 12:1-2).
Thomas
Original name: Thomas
Thomas was one of the twelve apostles, and was also known as “Thomas the Unbeliever.” He was the apostle who did not believe that Jesus had risen until he saw it with his own eyes (John 20:24-29). Jesus told him, “Blessed is he who has not seen, and yet has believed” (John 20:29).
Matthew
Original name: Matthew
Matthew was a publican, that is, a tax collector for Rome. Jesus called to him when he was sitting at the table collecting taxes (Matthew 9:9). Matthew was the author of the Gospel that bears his name. He also witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus (Luke 9:28-36).
Judas (not Iscariot)
Original name: Judas
Judas was one of the apostles, and was also known as “Judas the brother of James.” He was the author of the New Testament letter that bears his name. In AD 62, Judas was martyred in Jerusalem on the orders of HEROD Agrippa (Acts 12:1-2).
Judas Iscariot
Original name: Judas
Judas was one of the apostles, and was also known as “Judas Iscariot”, that is, “Judas the Sicario”. He was the one who betrayed Jesus, handing him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified (Matthew 26:14-16,47-50). After the Resurrection, Judas repented of his betrayal, and hung himself from a tree (Matthew 27: 3-5).
Luke
Original name: Lucas
Luke was a Greek physician, and the author of the Gospel and Acts. He was a traveling companion of Paul’s, and also witnessed the Resurrection of Jesus (Acts 1:21-22, 2:32). In the year 63 AD
The disciples of Jesus proved to be people committed to the teaching of Jesus. They were brave in proclaiming the truth even though they knew they would be persecuted. They showed love for their neighbor and compassion for those in need. They were faithful to Jesus to the end, even when he was crucified.