Who were the twelve disciples?
Matthew 10:1-4
1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
2 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;
3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
New International Version (NIV)
The answer
The twelve disciples were the men Jesus specially chose and sent out as His apostles. Matthew 10:1-2 says He gave them authority to cast out unclean spirits and to heal diseases and sicknesses.
Matthew 10:2-4 names them as:
- Simon, also called Peter
- Andrew, Peter’s brother
- James, the son of Zebedee
- John, James’s brother
- Philip
- Bartholomew
- Thomas
- Matthew, the tax collector
- James, the son of Alphaeus
- Lebbaeus, also called Thaddaeus
- Simon the Zealot
- Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus
Answered from Scripture · reviewed November 11, 2026
Jesus chose twelve specific men from among His followers to be with Him, learn from Him, and be sent forth as His authoritative ambassadors to the world. Drawn from diverse and ordinary backgrounds—including humble fishermen, a despised tax collector, and a political zealot—these men became the foundation of Christ's church. Scripture records their names, their calling, their authority, and their ultimate commissioning across the Gospels and Acts.
The Calling and Naming
Jesus Chose Twelve Men by Name
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.
Matthew 10:2-4 (NIV)
This passage provides the formal apostolic catalog, naming each man chosen to serve as Christ's representative.
The authoritative registry of the Twelve is given directly in Matthew 10:2-4, where the Spirit names the men chosen to serve as Christ's ambassadors to the world. Before commissioning them, Matthew 10:1 notes that the Lord summoned these twelve followers and gave them power over unclean spirits and every manner of disease. The roster consistently opens with Simon, whom Jesus surnamed Peter, alongside his brother Andrew, and the sons of Zebedee, James and John (Matthew 10:2). In Matthew 10:3, the catalog continues through Philip and Bartholomew (commonly identified with Nathanael), Thomas the twin, Matthew the publican, James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus whose surname was Thaddaeus (also known as Judas the son of James). Matthew 10:4 concludes the list with Simon the Cananite, also called the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed his Lord.
Mark presents this same circle of men when Jesus designated them on the Galilean mountain. Mark 3:16 highlights Simon's new name of Peter, while Mark 3:17 records that the Lord designated James and John as Boanerges, meaning 'sons of thunder,' capturing their fiery zeal. Mark 3:18-19 details the remaining eight disciples: Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite, and Judas Iscariot. Luke underscores the sacred weight of this selection by recording that Jesus spent the entire preceding night in solitary prayer before God (Luke 6:12). At daybreak, Luke 6:13 shows Him calling His larger body of disciples and naming twelve of them apostles. Luke 6:14-16 enumerates them faithfully, preserving their identities for the historic church.
| Passage | What it says |
|---|---|
| Matthew 10:1 | Jesus summons His twelve disciples and gives them authority over unclean spirits and sickness. |
| Matthew 10:2 | The list begins with Simon Peter, Andrew his brother, and James and John, the sons of Zebedee. |
| Matthew 10:3 | Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus Thaddaeus are listed. |
| Matthew 10:4 | Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed the Lord, complete the twelve. |
| Mark 3:16 | Mark records the appointment of the twelve, beginning with Simon, whom Jesus surnamed Peter. |
| Mark 3:17 | James and John, sons of Zebedee, receive the surname Boanerges, meaning 'sons of thunder.' |
| Mark 3:18 | Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananite are named. |
| Mark 3:19 | Judas Iscariot is listed as the final member of the twelve who betrayed Jesus. |
| Luke 6:13 | After a night in prayer, Jesus calls His disciples and names twelve of them apostles. |
| Luke 6:14 | Luke names Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, and Bartholomew. |
| Luke 6:15 | Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot are listed. |
| Luke 6:16 | Judas the son of James and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor, are named. |
Purpose and Power
Appointed to Preach and Exercise Authority
He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach
Mark 3:14 (NIV)
This verse encapsulates the dual purpose of the apostolic office: fellowship with Christ and mission to the world.
The appointment of the Twelve carries a precise biblical purpose recorded in Mark 3:14: Jesus ordained the twelve that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach. True apostolic authority was not born of administrative status or worldly education; it flowed from intimate, prolonged communion with the Son of God. Mark 3:13 shows that Jesus ascended a mountain and personally called those He desired, and they willingly came to Him. This fellowship preceded their commission. Only after abiding in His presence did they receive their ministerial mandate.
Alongside the ministry of preaching, Mark 3:15 records that Christ endowed them with divine authority to heal illnesses and cast out demons. As the Lord prepared them for wider mission, Mark 6:7 states that He sent them forth two by two, granting them direct jurisdiction over unclean spirits so that their message would be confirmed by signs of the kingdom. Luke 9:1 reaffirms this identical divine impartation, showing that the Lord assembled the Twelve and conferred upon them power and authority over all devils and diseases. Luke 9:2 confirms that their mission remained clear and indivisible: to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick, establishing witness to the arrival of the Messiah.
| Passage | What it says |
|---|---|
| Mark 3:13 | Jesus climbs a mountain and calls to Himself those He desires, and they come to Him. |
| Mark 3:14 | Jesus ordains the twelve that they might be with Him and that He might send them to preach. |
| Mark 3:15 | Christ grants them power to heal sicknesses and to cast out devils. |
| Mark 6:7 | Jesus calls the twelve and sends them out two by two with authority over unclean spirits. |
| Luke 9:1 | Jesus gathers the twelve together, giving them power and authority over all demons and diseases. |
| Luke 9:2 | He sends them forth to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. |
Fulfillment and Succession
The Preservation of the Twelve and the Apostolic Office
When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.
Acts 1:13 (NIV)
This upper room roster shows the faithful eleven united in prayer following Christ's ascension, awaiting the Spirit.
Following the ascension of our Lord, the apostolic company gathered in Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 1:13: the eleven apostles assembled together in an upper room, steadfast in prayer. This historical roster lists Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the brother of James. The vacancy left by the traitor Judas Iscariot had been foretold in the Old Testament scriptures. In Psalm 69:25, David prophesied the desolation of the betrayer's dwelling, a decree fulfilled when Judas perished and his field became desolate (Acts 1:20). Furthermore, Psalm 109:8 commanded that another take the office of the fallen overseer, which Peter explicitly cited in Acts 1:20 as scriptural authority to appoint an apostolic successor.
To fill this divine office, Peter outlined rigorous criteria in Acts 1:21-22: the candidate had to have accompanied the disciples from the baptism of John until the day Christ ascended into heaven, becoming a personal eyewitness of the resurrection. Acts 1:26 records that after prayer, lots were cast, the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles, restoring the twelvefold foundation. This eternal dignity of the Twelve is confirmed at the climax of biblical revelation: Revelation 21:14 describes the wall of the New Jerusalem resting upon twelve foundations, inscribed forever with the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
| Passage | What it says | Fulfilled |
|---|---|---|
| Psalms 69:25 | The prophetic imprecation regarding the desolation of the betrayer's habitation. | Acts 1:20 |
| Psalms 109:8 | The prophetic decree that another should take the office of the fallen betrayer. | Acts 1:20 |
| Acts 1:13 | The eleven gather in the upper room: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, Simon, and Judas. | |
| Acts 1:21 | Peter states the qualification: one who accompanied Jesus from John's baptism to the ascension. | |
| Acts 1:22 | The chosen successor must become an authoritative witness with the apostles of Jesus' resurrection. | |
| Acts 1:26 | The believers cast lots, the lot falls upon Matthias, and he is numbered with the eleven. | |
| Revelation 21:14 | The wall of the New Jerusalem bears twelve foundation stones inscribed with the names of the Lamb's twelve apostles. |
The Individual Callings
Jesus Personally Calls the First Disciples to Follow Him
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
Matthew 4:19 (NIV)
This verse records Christ's foundational invitation to the fishermen of Galilee, establishing the nature and mission of apostolic discipleship.
The Gospels record how the Lord personally called these men from their ordinary vocations. Matthew 4:19 captures Christ's summons to the Galilean fishermen: 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Walking beside the Sea of Galilee, Jesus observed Simon Peter and his brother Andrew casting a net (Matthew 4:18), and at His word, Matthew 4:20 records that they immediately left their nets and followed Him. Moving onward, Jesus saw James and John with their father Zebedee mending their gear (Matthew 4:21); Matthew 4:22 notes that they straightway left their boat and their father behind. Luke 5:10-11 adds that after the miraculous catch of fish, Jesus told Peter not to fear because he would catch men, whereupon they forsook all and followed. In Matthew 9:9 and Luke 5:27-28, Jesus approached Levi (Matthew) sitting at the tax office and commanded him to follow, and Matthew rose up, left all, and obeyed.
The Gospel of John records the earliest encounters in Judea. Andrew, having heard John the Baptist, followed Jesus (John 1:40) and found his brother Simon, announcing they had found the Messiah (John 1:41). When Andrew brought him to Jesus, the Lord named him Cephas or Peter (John 1:42). The next day, Jesus called Philip of Bethsaida (John 1:43-44). Philip brought Nathanael (Bartholomew), who questioned if any good thing could come from Nazareth (John 1:45-46). Jesus revealed His supernatural knowledge, having seen Nathanael beneath the fig tree (John 1:47-48), evoking Nathanael's immediate confession: 'Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel' (John 1:49).
| Passage | What it says |
|---|---|
| Matthew 4:18 | Jesus encounters Simon Peter and Andrew fishing beside the Sea of Galilee and observes their work. |
| Matthew 4:19 | Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to follow Him, promising to make them fishers of men. |
| Matthew 4:20 | Peter and Andrew immediately leave their fishing nets behind to follow Jesus. |
| Matthew 4:21 | Jesus sees James and John mending nets with Zebedee their father and calls them. |
| Matthew 4:22 | James and John immediately leave the boat and their father to follow Jesus. |
| Matthew 9:9 | Jesus sees Matthew sitting at the tax booth and calls him to follow Him. |
| Luke 5:10 | Jesus assures Peter not to fear, telling him that henceforth he will catch men. |
| Luke 5:27 | Jesus sees Levi the tax collector sitting at the tax office and bids him follow. |
| Luke 5:28 | Levi leaves everything behind, rises up, and follows Jesus. |
| John 1:40 | Andrew hears John the Baptist speak and follows Jesus as one of the two disciples. |
| John 1:41 | Andrew finds his brother Simon first and declares they have found the Messiah. |
| John 1:42 | Andrew brings Simon to Jesus, who gives Simon the name Cephas, translated Peter. |
| John 1:43 | Jesus determines to go to Galilee, finds Philip, and tells him to follow Him. |
| John 1:44 | The text notes that Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. |
| John 1:45 | Philip finds Nathanael and declares Jesus of Nazareth to be the One written in the Law and Prophets. |
| John 1:46 | Nathanael questions if any good thing can come from Nazareth, and Philip bids him come and see. |
| John 1:47 | Jesus sees Nathanael approaching and identifies him as a true Israelite without deceit. |
| John 1:48 | Jesus tells Nathanael He saw him under the fig tree before Philip called him. |
| John 1:49 | Nathanael confesses Jesus as the Son of God and the King of Israel. |
Identities and Encounters
The Inner Circle and Distinct Roles of the Twelve
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
John 20:28 (NIV)
Thomas's confession represents the definitive declaration of the deity of Jesus Christ by one of the original Twelve.
When Thomas declares, "My Lord and my God!" in John 20:28, his confession crowns the slow, painstaking schooling of the Twelve. Throughout Jesus' ministry, the men closest to Him revealed distinct temperaments, questions, and levels of intimacy. Within the larger group, Jesus drew an inner circle of three—Peter, James, and John. He admitted only these three into the bedchamber of Jairus’s daughter to witness resurrection power over death (Mark 5:37). He brought the same trio up a high mountain to behold His unveiled glory at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1), and later led them deeper into the shadows of Gethsemane during His agonizing prayer (Mark 14:33). Years later, the apostle Paul recognized these three as visible "pillars" of the Jerusalem church (Galatians 2:9).
Yet the remaining apostles step into sharp focus through their own spoken words, especially in John’s Gospel. Thomas displays intense personal devotion clouded by profound vulnerability. When Jesus resolves to return to Judea near hostile authorities, Thomas resolutely urges, "Let us also go, that we may die with him" (John 11:16). In the upper room, it is Thomas who admits confusion about Christ’s destination (John 14:5), prompting Jesus to reveal Himself as the way, the truth, and the life. In that same discourse, Philip pleads, "Lord, show us the Father" (John 14:8), drawing out Christ's teaching on His divine oneness with the Father. Judas (not Iscariot) inquires why the Lord plans to manifest Himself to them and not to the watching world (John 14:22). After the resurrection, Thomas’s stubborn demand for tangible proof (John 20:24-25) meets Christ’s tender invitation eight days later to touch His wounded hands and side (John 20:26-27). Thomas's subsequent surrender in John 20:28 demonstrates how the risen Lord patiently established the faith of His chosen witnesses.
| Passage | What it says |
|---|---|
| Matthew 17:1 | Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain privately for His transfiguration. |
| Mark 5:37 | Jesus allows only Peter, James, and John to enter the home of Jairus. |
| Mark 14:33 | Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with Him deeper into Gethsemane during His agony. |
| John 11:16 | Thomas, called Didymus, boldly urges his fellow disciples to go die with Jesus in Judea. |
| John 14:5 | Thomas asks Jesus how they can know the way to the Father's house. |
| John 14:8 | Philip requests that Jesus show them the Father, which will suffice for them. |
| John 14:22 | Judas, not Iscariot, asks how Jesus will manifest Himself to them and not the world. |
| John 20:24 | Thomas was not present with the Twelve when the risen Jesus first appeared. |
| John 20:25 | Thomas insists he must see the nail prints and touch Christ's side before believing. |
| John 20:26 | Eight days later, Jesus appears again to the disciples with Thomas present. |
| John 20:27 | Jesus invites Thomas to examine His hands and side and cease disbelieving. |
| John 20:28 | Thomas confesses Jesus with the climactic title, 'My Lord and my God.' |
| Galatians 2:9 | Paul identifies James, Cephas, and John as pillars who extended fellowship in ministry. |
The Apostolic College
The Corporate Identity, Eschatological Authority, and Kingdom Rule
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Matthew 19:28 (NIV)
This verse reveals the eschatological dignity of the Twelve as appointed judges over the twelve tribes of Israel in the regeneration.
In Matthew 19:28, the Lord Jesus unveils the staggering eternal destiny of His companions: "in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." The Twelve were never merely itinerant students; they were chosen as a formal apostolic college representing the renewed Israel of God. Even in the shadow of the cross, Jesus honors their steadfastness during His earthly humiliation, saying, "You are those who have continued with Me in My trials" (Luke 22:28). Because of that fellowship, He appoints to them a kingdom (Luke 22:29), reserving for them an eternal seat at His royal table and judicial authority over the covenant people (Luke 22:30).
This corporate calling was tested by deep sorting and tragedy. When many fair-weather disciples abandoned Christ after His hard discourse in Capernaum, Jesus challenged the group: "Do you also want to go away?" (John 6:67). Speaking on behalf of the whole company, Peter gave the definitive answer of faith: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68). Yet even in that sovereignly gathered circle, Jesus foresaw the presence of treachery, answering, "Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?" (John 6:70-71), identifying Judas Iscariot. Though Judas fell away into perdition, the corporate identity of the office endured. Following the cross and empty tomb, the risen Lord appeared first to Peter and then officially "to the twelve" (1 Corinthians 15:5), sealing their commission as the foundational ambassadors of His everlasting kingdom.
| Passage | What it says |
|---|---|
| Matthew 19:28 | Jesus promises the Twelve they will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. |
| Luke 22:28 | Jesus acknowledges the Twelve as those who have continued with Him in His trials. |
| Luke 22:29 | Jesus assigns the Twelve a kingdom just as the Father assigned one to Him. |
| Luke 22:30 | Jesus promises the Twelve will eat and drink at His table and judge Israel's tribes. |
| John 6:67 | Jesus asks the Twelve whether they also intend to leave after others turn away. |
| John 6:68 | Peter answers for the Twelve that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. |
| John 6:70 | Jesus states He chose the Twelve, yet one of them is a devil. |
| John 6:71 | The Apostle explains Jesus spoke of Judas Iscariot, who would betray Him. |
| 1 Corinthians 15:5 | Paul records that the risen Christ appeared to Cephas and then to the Twelve. |
Where in the Bible
| Book | Passages |
|---|---|
| Psalms | 2 · Psalms 69:25, Psalms 109:8 |
| Matthew | 12 · Matthew 10:1, Matthew 10:2, Matthew 10:3, Matthew 10:4, Matthew 4:18, Matthew 4:19, Matthew 4:20, Matthew 4:21, Matthew 4:22, Matthew 9:9, Matthew 17:1, Matthew 19:28 |
| Mark | 10 · Mark 3:16, Mark 3:17, Mark 3:18, Mark 3:19, Mark 3:13, Mark 3:14, Mark 3:15, Mark 6:7, Mark 5:37, Mark 14:33 |
| Luke | 12 · Luke 6:13, Luke 6:14, Luke 6:15, Luke 6:16, Luke 9:1, Luke 9:2, Luke 5:10, Luke 5:27, Luke 5:28, Luke 22:28, Luke 22:29, Luke 22:30 |
| John | 23 · John 1:40, John 1:41, John 1:42, John 1:43, John 1:44, John 1:45, John 1:46, John 1:47, John 1:48, John 1:49, John 11:16, John 14:5, John 14:8, John 14:22, John 20:24, John 20:25, John 20:26, John 20:27, John 20:28, John 6:67, John 6:68, John 6:70, John 6:71 |
| Acts | 4 · Acts 1:13, Acts 1:21, Acts 1:22, Acts 1:26 |
| 1 Corinthians | 1 · 1 Corinthians 15:5 |
| Galatians | 1 · Galatians 2:9 |
| Revelation | 1 · Revelation 21:14 |
The story in order
- Jesus calls the first disciples (c. AD 26) · Matthew 4:18 · Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to be fishers of men.
- Jesus names twelve apostles (c. AD 27) · Luke 6:13 · Jesus appoints the twelve to be with Him and to preach.
- The Twelve are sent out (c. AD 28) · Mark 6:7 · Jesus gives them authority over unclean spirits.
- Jesus promises kingdom rule (c. AD 29) · Matthew 19:28 · The Twelve will judge the twelve tribes of Israel.
- Jesus' agony with inner circle (c. AD 30) · Mark 14:33 · Jesus takes Peter, James, and John into Gethsemane.
- Jesus' resurrection appearance (AD 30) · John 20:24 · Thomas was absent when Jesus first appeared to the Twelve.
- Thomas confesses Jesus (AD 30) · John 20:28 · Thomas declares, 'My Lord and my God.'
- Matthias chosen as apostle (AD 30) · Acts 1:26 · Matthias is chosen to replace Judas Iscariot.
- Paul recognizes apostolic pillars (c. AD 57) · Galatians 2:9 · James, Cephas, and John are recognized as leaders.
- New Jerusalem foundations (c. AD 90s) · Revelation 21:14 · The city's foundations bear the apostles' names.
The Twelve: Their Call and Commission
| Calling | Purpose | Authority | Passage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Follow Me | Be with Me | Preach the Kingdom | Mark 3:13-14 |
| Leave nets and father | Be fishers of men | Power over unclean spirits | |
| Follow Me | Proclaim the Kingdom | Power over demons and diseases | |
| Come and see | Witness of resurrection | Authoritative ambassadors |
The Twelve: Distinct Roles and Encounters
| Disciple | Key Moment | Significance | Passage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter, James, John | Transfiguration | Witnessed Jesus' glory | Matthew 17:1 |
| Peter, James, John | Jairus' daughter | Allowed into inner circle | Mark 5:37 |
| Peter, James, John | Gethsemane | Shared Jesus' agony | Mark 14:33 |
| Thomas | Doubts resurrection | Confesses Jesus as God | John 20:24-28 |
| Philip | Asks to see the Father | Reveals Jesus' divinity | John 14:8 |
| Judas (not Iscariot) | Asks about manifestation | Seeks Jesus' revelation | John 14:22 |
Key words
- Disciple
- A follower or learner, especially one of the twelve chosen by Jesus. · Matthew 10:1
- Apostle (apostolos, ἀπόστολος)
- One who is sent forth; specifically, one of the twelve chosen by Jesus and commissioned. · Luke 6:13
- Twelve
- The specific group of men chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers and foundational leaders. · Matthew 10:2
- Authority (exousia, ἐξουσία)
- The right and power given by Jesus to the Twelve to act in His name. · Matthew 10:1
- Betrayer
- One who delivers up to an enemy, specifically Judas Iscariot. · Matthew 10:4
- Witness
- One who testifies to what they have seen or heard, especially of Jesus' resurrection. · Acts 1:22
The twelve disciples remind every reader that Christ builds His kingdom not through the elite, but through ordinary people transformed by His presence and truth. Though flawed and fragile, they were sustained by God's grace to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. In their calling, we see our own invitation to follow Jesus faithfully wherever He leads.
66 passages, each cited once.
Scripture cited
- Matthew 10:1-2
- Matthew 10:2-4