Paper 139 Overview: The Twelve Apostles

Paper 139 provides an eloquent testimony to the remarkable character of Jesus and his ministry by examining how, despite repeatedly challenging his apostles' expectations and never fulfilling their personal ambitions for material advancement, eleven of the twelve remained steadfastly loyal to him. The paper meticulously analyzes the distinctive temperaments, backgrounds, and spiritual development of each apostle, revealing how Jesus skillfully worked with their individual strengths and weaknesses to prepare them for their future roles in establishing the kingdom. Their diverse personalities, from Andrew's administrative capacity to Peter's passionate leadership, from Thomas's analytical mind to Matthew's business acumen, created a balanced apostolic corps that could appeal to varied segments of the population.

The biographical sketches illuminate how each apostle was drawn to Jesus through a particular aspect of his character that resonated with their own needs and aspirations. These men, far from being uniformly uneducated as commonly portrayed, were mostly synagogue school graduates with thorough training in Hebrew scriptures, though lacking formal rabbinical education. Through detailed examination of their post-resurrection ministries and eventual fates, the paper demonstrates how ordinary individuals with both notable strengths and profound weaknesses were transformed through their association with Jesus, enabling them to establish the foundations of a spiritual movement that would eventually spread throughout the world despite overwhelming opposition and without any material advantages.

Despite repeatedly shattering the hopes of his apostles and systematically dismantling their ambitions for personal exaltation, only one abandoned him. This remarkable retention rate speaks volumes about the transformative impact of Jesus' life and teachings on those who experienced his daily companionship, suggesting a charismatic authenticity that transcended their material expectations and repeatedly redirected them toward spiritual values.

The apostles represented diverse temperaments and backgrounds, reflective of the broad spectrum of human personality types found throughout the evolutionary worlds of time and space. Many carried significant gentile ancestry due to the forced conversion of Galilee's population a century before their time. Contrary to popular misconception, these men were not predominantly uneducated; most had graduated from synagogue schools and possessed thorough training in Hebrew scriptures. Their characterization as "ignorant and unlearned" in historical records referred not to general education but specifically to their lack of rabbinical training and formal religious credentials. Each brought distinct life experiences and educational backgrounds that contributed to their effectiveness as messengers of the gospel after Jesus' departure.

Andrew, chairman of the apostolic corps, was born in Capernaum as the eldest child in a family of five: himself, Simon, and three sisters. At thirty-three when chosen as an apostle, he was a full year older than Jesus and unmarried, residing with his brother Simon Peter. The brothers worked as fishermen in partnership with James and John Zebedee. Andrew possessed exceptional organizational abilities and administrative acumen, though he lacked the oratorical gifts of some of his fellow apostles. Jesus never assigned Andrew a nickname, but the apostles soon designated him with a term equivalent to "Chief" in recognition of his leadership role.

As the first chosen apostle, Andrew maintained his position as dean of the apostolic corps throughout their ministry, though his appointment as the group's head necessarily limited his personal association with Jesus compared to Peter, James, and John. His primary contribution was as an efficient administrator and pioneer in personal evangelism, demonstrated when he immediately brought his brother Simon to Jesus after his own calling. Andrew showed remarkable discernment regarding human character, recognizing Judas Iscariot's troubling nature before others detected it. Following Jesus' ascension, he authored personal records of the Master's sayings and activities that circulated among early Christian communities until their final copy was destroyed by fire in Alexandria approximately a century after its original composition. Andrew's missionary journeys took him through Armenia, Asia Minor, and Macedonia, where he brought thousands into the kingdom before his crucifixion in Patrae, Achaia, where he continued proclaiming the gospel throughout two days of suffering before his death.

Simon Peter, thirty years old when he joined the apostles, was a married father of three living in Bethsaida near Capernaum. Jesus bestowed the nickname "Peter" with a subtle humor that acknowledged Simon's erratic and impulsive tendencies, though this originally lighthearted designation later acquired profound spiritual significance. Peter embodied striking contradictions: optimistic yet prone to despair, verbally gifted yet often speaking without reflection, courageous in confronting direct challenges yet susceptible to fear when surprised or ridiculed. His denial of Jesus when confronted by a servant girl, contrasted with his willingness to face persecution directly, exemplifies this paradoxical personality.

Peter's relationship with his brother Andrew demonstrated extraordinary fraternal harmony, particularly notable given their different temperaments and Andrew's role as the official leader despite Peter's more charismatic presence. Peter particularly admired Jesus' supernal tenderness and forgiving nature, qualities that would profoundly affect him after his denial before the crucifixion. Following Jesus' resurrection and Peter's restoration, he emerged as a powerful preacher who, despite occasional relapses into old patterns (as when he temporarily withdrew from gentiles at Antioch), became instrumental in establishing churches across the Roman world from Jerusalem to Corinth. According to tradition, he was crucified in Rome, considering it an honor to die as his Master had. His wife, who had actively participated in his ministry, reportedly faced an even more brutal fate, being thrown to wild beasts in the Roman arena on the day of her husband's execution.

James Zebedee, whom Jesus nicknamed along with his brother John as "sons of thunder," was thirty years old when he became an apostle. He was married with four children and worked as a fisherman in partnership with his brother John and in association with Andrew and Peter. James exhibited a complex temperament characterized by periods of quiet reflection punctuated by episodes of vehement indignation when provoked. He typically justified these emotional outbursts as manifestations of righteous indignation, revealing a tendency to rationalize his temperamental flaws rather than fully overcome them. Despite this emotional volatility, James developed considerable discretion and insight into human nature, though not equaling Andrew in these qualities.

James possessed a remarkable capacity to comprehend the various dimensions of Jesus' teaching, grasping the true significance of the kingdom message more completely than most of his fellow apostles. His relationship with John demonstrated how siblings with strong, determined personalities could effectively collaborate despite occasional tensions. Along with Peter and John, James formed part of Jesus' inner circle, present at key moments like the transfiguration and Gethsemane. His life ended prematurely when Herod Agrippa had him executed by the sword, making him the first apostle to experience martyrdom. James faced this execution with such grace and spiritual dignity that his accuser, witnessing his response, converted to Christianity and willingly died alongside him—a powerful testimony to the transformative influence of James's spiritual maturity even in his final moments.

John Zebedee, at twenty-four the youngest of the twelve, remained unmarried while living with his parents at Bethsaida. As a fisherman, he worked alongside his brother James in partnership with Andrew and Peter. John served as Jesus' personal agent in family matters, particularly concerning Jesus' mother, continuing this responsibility throughout Mary's life. While historically characterized as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," this designation originated not from any preferential treatment by Jesus but from John's own self-conception and writings in later years, when his childlike tendencies resurfaced in old age. John's selection, along with Peter and James, as part of Jesus' inner circle stemmed from Andrew's administrative decision rather than any favoritism.

John's personality combined dependability and courage with an occasionally excessive self-esteem that diminished through his association with Jesus. He was particularly drawn to Jesus' love and selflessness, qualities that fundamentally reshaped his character over time. The transformation from the impetuous "son of thunder" who once suggested calling down fire on unwelcoming Samaritans to the "apostle of love" of his later years represents one of the most remarkable character developments among the twelve. John's post-resurrection ministry included supporting the Jerusalem church, being imprisoned multiple times, experiencing exile on Patmos (where he wrote Revelation), and finally settling in Ephesus. There, at ninety-nine years of age, he directed his associate Nathan in recording the Gospel that bears his name. John lived to the exceptional age of 101, dying of natural causes in 103 CE, the only apostle to escape a violent death.

Philip, the fifth apostle chosen, was twenty-seven years old, newly married, and residing in Bethsaida when Jesus called him. His fellow apostles nicknamed him "curiosity" due to his persistent questioning nature. Philip embodied the common, matter-of-fact personality type frequently found among ordinary people. He was methodical and systematic but lacked imaginative insight. He served as the group's steward, responsibly managing their provisions with mathematical precision, a task at which he rarely failed despite the apostolic band's unpredictable itinerant lifestyle. This reliability in practical matters complemented the more visionary qualities of other apostles.

Philip's greatest limitation was his literal-mindedness and lack of philosophical depth, which led him to ask questions that often seemed naïve or simplistic to his fellow apostles. Jesus showed remarkable patience with Philip's inquiries, recognizing that they represented genuine seeking rather than intentional obtuseness. The Master understood that rejecting such questions would wound Philip's honest soul, and this consistent acceptance profoundly affected Philip's spiritual development. After fleeing Jerusalem during the persecutions, Philip and his wife engaged in evangelistic work together until their martyrdom in Hierapolis, where Philip was crucified. In a final demonstration of the courageous faith she had developed alongside her husband, Philip's wife stood at the foot of his cross encouraging him until the irate crowd stoned her to death—both having transformed from ordinary believers to exemplars of spiritual commitment through their years of service.

Nathaniel, the sixth and final apostle personally selected by Jesus, was twenty-five years old, unmarried, and the youngest in a family of seven. As the sole support for his aging parents in Cana, he had contemplated becoming a merchant before encountering Jesus. Nathaniel and Judas Iscariot stood as the two most educated men among the twelve. The apostles recognized Nathaniel's fundamental honesty and sincerity, qualities that earned him the unofficial designation meaning "without guile." Though he initially questioned whether anything worthwhile could emerge from Nazareth, revealing his prejudicial nature, his immediate recognition of Jesus' spiritual authority upon meeting him demonstrated his capacity for personal growth and reconsideration of established viewpoints.

Nathaniel uniquely combined profound philosophical thinking with a delightful sense of humor, alternating between periods of serious contemplation and lighthearted storytelling. This balanced perspective made him invaluable during tense moments among the apostles, as he could diffuse conflicts through appropriate humor or provide philosophical clarity when discussions became overly contentious. His assignment to manage the families of the apostles revealed the group's trust in his conscientiousness and compassion. Following Pentecost, Nathaniel's missionary activities extended to Mesopotamia and India, where he eventually died. While historical records provide limited details about his death, his intellectual and spiritual contributions to early Christianity represent the significant impact of a thoughtful, honest seeker whose initial skepticism gave way to profound commitment to Jesus' message.

Matthew Levi, selected by Andrew as the seventh apostle, was a customs collector or tax gatherer in Capernaum. At thirty-one years old, he was married with four children and possessed moderate wealth, making him the only apostle with significant financial resources. Andrew appointed him as the financial representative and publicity spokesman for the apostolic corps, utilizing his business acumen, social connections, and communication skills to advance their cause. Matthew's primary strength lay in his wholehearted devotion to Jesus and the kingdom movement after experiencing acceptance despite his socially stigmatized profession. His greatest limitation was his materialistic perspective, though he made substantial progress in spiritual development throughout his association with Jesus.

Matthew meticulously documented Jesus' teachings and activities, notes which later formed the foundation for Isador's narrative that became known as the Gospel according to Matthew. Unknown to his fellow apostles, Matthew contributed substantially from his personal finances to support their ministry, operating so discreetly that even after his funds were depleted, the other apostles never realized the extent of his generosity. His presence among the twelve opened the kingdom's doors to social outcasts and those considered beyond religious acceptance. After the Jerusalem persecutions, Matthew traveled north through Syria, Cappadocia, Galatia, Bithynia, and Thrace, preaching the gospel until unbelieving Jews in Lysimachia conspired with Roman soldiers to kill him. His transformation from wealthy tax collector to selfless apostle exemplifies how Jesus' acceptance could completely redirect an individual's life priorities.

Thomas, chosen by Philip as the eighth apostle, was twenty-nine years old, married with four children, and had transitioned from carpentry and stone masonry to fishing at Tarichea. Though posthumously labeled "doubting Thomas," his fellow apostles recognized him primarily for his analytical mind and unflinching loyalty rather than skepticism. His questioning nature stemmed from a scientific temperament and logical thought processes rather than character weakness. Thomas embodied a fascinating psychological study: he was honest and devoted, yet burdened by suspicion and pessimism rooted in his unfortunate childhood experiences. His parents' unhappy marriage had instilled in him a disagreeable and quarrelsome disposition that only gradually softened through his association with Jesus.

Thomas's penetrating analytical abilities, coupled with his unwavering courage once decisions were made, made him a valuable, if sometimes challenging, member of the apostolic corps. He particularly revered Jesus for his perfectly balanced character, firm yet gentle, decisive yet compassionate, strong yet sensitive. In apostolic councils, Thomas consistently advocated cautious approaches, but once decisions were reached, even against his recommendations, he demonstrated complete commitment to implementation. This combination of intellectual skepticism and practical loyalty made him the "acid test" of the apostolic group; had Jesus and his work not been genuine, Thomas would have detected and abandoned the deception. After Pentecost, Thomas traveled widely, preaching in Cyprus, Crete, North Africa, and Sicily until Roman authorities apprehended and executed him in Malta, where he had begun writing an account of Jesus' life shortly before his death.

James and Judas Alpheus, twin brothers chosen by James and John Zebedee as the ninth and tenth apostles, were twenty-six years old, married fishermen living near Kheresa, with James having three children and Judas two. These unremarkable twins represented the average, commonplace element of humanity that formed most of Jesus' followers. With no distinctive strengths or weaknesses, they embodied mediocrity in nearly every characteristic, being neither brilliant nor foolish, neither particularly courageous nor notably cowardly. The fact that Jesus welcomed such ordinary individuals into his closest circle demonstrated the kingdom's inclusivity and Jesus' recognition of the value of every sincere believer regardless of outstanding talents.

The twins primarily served as organizers of crowds during Jesus' teaching sessions, deputizing ushers to maintain order among the multitudes. Their presence encouraged countless ordinary people who might otherwise have felt intimidated by more exceptional apostles. Jesus showed genuine affection for these simple men, once rejecting a wealthy evangelist candidate while accepting the twins, demonstrating that the kingdom prioritized spiritual sincerity over material resources or intellectual capabilities. After Jesus' crucifixion, the Alpheus brothers returned to their fishing nets and families, feeling they had fulfilled their purpose in the apostolic mission. Their limited comprehension of the kingdom's spiritual nature proved sufficient for their particular assignment, and they lived the remainder of their lives content in having faithfully served according to their capacity.

Simon the Zealot, chosen by Simon Peter as the eleventh apostle, was twenty-eight years old at his selection and had transitioned from merchant to zealous nationalist before encountering Jesus. His responsibility among the apostles involved organizing their recreational activities and leisure time, a task he performed with characteristic enthusiasm and effectiveness. Simon's greatest strength lay in his inspirational loyalty and ability to help wavering individuals overcome their doubts about committing to the kingdom. His primary limitation was his deeply ingrained materialistic nationalism, which Jesus patiently worked to transform throughout their association, though this transformation remained incomplete even after years of teaching.

Simon's admiration for Jesus centered on the Master's remarkable composure, poise, and inexplicable tranquility amid challenging circumstances. Though initially drawn to Jesus with revolutionary expectations, Simon gradually moderated his political zealotry, developing into an effective preacher of "peace on earth and good will among men." After the Jerusalem persecutions temporarily crushed his hopes, Simon eventually rallied and journeyed to Alexandria, then up the Nile and into the heart of Africa, proclaiming the gospel until his death as an elderly man on that continent. His evolution from armed revolutionary to peace-proclaiming evangelist, though incomplete, demonstrates how even deeply entrenched political ideologies could be substantially modified through prolonged exposure to Jesus' teachings and personal example.

Judas Iscariot, selected by Nathaniel as the twelfth apostle, was thirty years old, unmarried, and the only Judean among the otherwise Galilean apostolic group. His Sadducee parents had disowned him when he joined John the Baptist's movement. As the most educated apostle alongside Nathaniel, Judas possessed sophisticated administrative and financial skills that led to his appointment as treasurer. Unlike the other apostles, each drawn to Jesus through specific admirable qualities, Judas appreciated Jesus more generally for his "attractive and exquisitely charming personality" without developing profound spiritual connection to any particular aspect of the Master's character or teaching.

Judas's fundamental flaw lay not in extraordinary wickedness but in his subtle yet persistent criticism of Jesus, whom he secretly considered timid and afraid to assert authority. His progressive alienation from the apostolic brotherhood occurred incrementally through small choices rather than through a single catastrophic moral failure. The pivotal moment came when Mary anointed Jesus with expensive perfume, which Judas considered wasteful; Jesus's public rejection of Judas's criticism crystallized years of accumulated resentment, hurt, and jealousy into a vengeful determination that culminated in betrayal. The tragedy of Judas illustrates how even an intelligent, accomplished individual in close proximity to Jesus could progressively harden against spiritual influence through persistent negative thought patterns. His suicide following the betrayal, contrasted with Peter's redemption after denial, demonstrates the critical distinction between regret without repentance and genuine spiritual restoration.