Paper 139 Overview: The Twelve Apostles

Jesus chose twelve ordinary men to be his apostles and help spread his message about the kingdom of heaven. Each apostle had different strengths and weaknesses, but all except Judas Iscariot remained loyal to Jesus. The apostles came from different backgrounds, but most were educated in Jewish schools and were familiar with Hebrew scriptures.

Jesus treated each apostle as an individual and valued their different personalities. Each apostle was drawn to Jesus for different reasons and learned different lessons from him. The twelve men worked together to establish the gospel message after Jesus left, taking his teachings to many different parts of the world.

It is remarkable that only one of Jesus' apostles abandoned him, even though Jesus often disappointed their hopes for earthly power. Jesus learned much about human nature from the apostles, while they learned about the kingdom of heaven from him. The apostles came from various backgrounds and represented different types of human personalities.

The apostles were not uneducated men as some believe. Most were graduates of synagogue schools and were well-trained in Hebrew scriptures. They lacked formal rabbinical training but were capable, ordinary men from different walks of life, chosen by Jesus to spread his gospel message.

Andrew was the first apostle chosen by Jesus and served as the leader of the twelve. He was 33 years old when chosen, a year older than Jesus, and was an unmarried fisherman who lived with his brother Simon Peter. Andrew was a good organizer and administrator but not a powerful public speaker.

Andrew had strong character and good judgment of people. He was the first to recognize something was wrong with Judas Iscariot. After Jesus' ascension, Andrew wrote down many of Jesus' sayings and teachings. He was eventually crucified for his faith and died after two days on the cross.

Simon Peter was 30 years old when he became an apostle. He was married with three children and lived in Bethsaida near Capernaum. Jesus gave him the nickname "Peter" with a smile, recognizing his sometimes impulsive nature.

Peter was a passionate and emotional man who could be both courageous and fearful. He was a natural leader and powerful speaker who asked many questions. After Jesus' death and resurrection, Peter became a great preacher and helped establish Christian churches throughout the Roman world. He was eventually crucified in Rome.

James was one of the "sons of thunder" and was 30 years old when he became an apostle. He was married with four children and worked as a fisherman with his brother John. James had a fiery temper when provoked but was otherwise quiet and thoughtful.

James was good at seeing all sides of an issue and had a superior understanding of Jesus' message. He worked well with his brother John despite their headstrong personalities. James was the first apostle to be martyred, being killed by Herod Agrippa's sword. Even his accuser was so touched by James' grace at his execution that he joined Jesus' disciples.

John was the youngest apostle at 24 years old and was unmarried. He served as Jesus' personal agent in dealing with his family. Along with Peter and James, John was part of Jesus' inner circle of close companions.

John's strong points were his dependability and courage, though he struggled with conceit. Later in life, John became known as the "apostle of love," focusing his message on brotherly love. He wrote the Book of Revelation while exiled on Patmos and lived to be 101 years old, dying of natural causes around 103 AD.

Philip was the fifth apostle chosen and was 27 years old, recently married with no children. The other apostles nicknamed him "curiosity" because he was always asking questions. He was practical and methodical but lacked imagination.

Philip served as the group's steward, making sure they always had food and supplies. He was reliable and thorough but sometimes asked questions that seemed foolish to others. Jesus was always patient with Philip's questions. Philip was eventually crucified for his faith and buried at Hierapolis.

Nathaniel was brought to Jesus by his friend Philip. He was 25 years old, unmarried, and supported his elderly parents. Nathaniel was known for his honesty and sincerity, though he could be prideful and judgmental at times.

Nathaniel had a good sense of humor and was a gifted storyteller. He took care of the apostles' families while they were away. After Pentecost, Nathaniel traveled to Mesopotamia and India to spread Jesus' message. He died in India, though the details of his death are unknown.

Matthew was chosen by Andrew as the seventh apostle. He was a tax collector in Capernaum, was 31 years old, married with four children, and was the only wealthy member of the apostles. He served as the financial representative and publicity spokesman for the group.

Matthew's greatest strength was his complete devotion to Jesus and the cause. He gave most of his wealth to support the apostles' work but kept this a secret from the others. After the persecution in Jerusalem, Matthew traveled north preaching the gospel until he was killed by unbelieving Jews in Lysimachia.

Thomas was chosen by Philip as the eighth apostle. He was 29 years old, married with four children, and had worked as a carpenter and stone mason before becoming a fisherman. He was logical and skeptical by nature but very loyal.

Thomas was honest, sincere, and analytical, though he struggled with pessimism and suspicion. Jesus enjoyed Thomas' company and his willingness to ask hard questions. After Pentecost, Thomas traveled widely preaching the gospel until he was killed in Malta.

James and Judas Alpheus were twin brothers chosen by James and John Zebedee. They were 26 years old, married (James with three children and Judas with two), and worked as fishermen. The twins were ordinary, simple men without special talents or weaknesses.

The twins served as ushers and helpers for the group, managing crowds during Jesus' teaching sessions. Their presence encouraged many ordinary people to join the movement. After Jesus' crucifixion, they returned to their fishing work, feeling they had done their part in establishing the kingdom.

Simon the Zealot was chosen by Simon Peter as the eleventh apostle. He was 28 years old, lived in Capernaum, and had been a merchant before joining the patriotic Zealot organization. He organized games and recreation for the apostles.

Simon was enthusiastic and inspiring, helping people overcome their doubts about joining the kingdom. After the Jerusalem persecutions, Simon traveled to Alexandria and then into Africa, preaching the gospel. He died as an old man in the heart of Africa.

Judas Iscariot was chosen by Nathaniel as the twelfth apostle. He was 30 years old, unmarried, and was the only Judean among the twelve, all others being Galileans. His parents were wealthy Sadducees who disowned him when he joined John the Baptist's movement.

Judas was well-educated and served as the group's treasurer. Over time, he became bitter and resentful, especially after Jesus rebuked him for criticizing the use of expensive perfume to anoint Jesus. Judas eventually betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and later committed suicide when he realized what he had done.