History of the Apostles
The twelve Apostles, chosen by Christ himself, became the foundation stones of the Church. After Pentecost, they carried the Gospel to the ends of the known world — and nearly all of them sealed their testimony with their blood. Their story is the story of how Christianity began.
The Twelve Apostles
Jesus chose twelve men as his closest disciples — a deliberate echo of the twelve tribes of Israel, signalling that he was reconstituting the people of God. The word “apostle” (Greek: apostolos) means “one who is sent.” After the Resurrection and Pentecost, they were sent to the whole world.
After the betrayal and suicide of Judas Iscariot, the Eleven gathered and elected Matthias by lot to restore the number to twelve (Acts 1:15–26). The Twelve are the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:14).
Simon Peter
Bethsaida, Galilee • Fisherman
Brother of Andrew; a fisherman whom Jesus renamed “Cephas” (Rock). Led the early Jerusalem Church, delivered the first sermon at Pentecost, and wrote two epistles. Tradition identifies him as the first Bishop of Rome. Crucified upside down in Rome c. AD 64–68; his tomb lies beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.
Andrew
Bethsaida, Galilee • Fisherman
Peter’s brother and the first Apostle called (John 1:40–42); he immediately brought his brother to Jesus. The Eastern Church honours him as “Protocletos” — the first-called. Preached in Cappadocia, Scythia, and Greece; martyred by crucifixion on an X-shaped cross at Patras. Patron saint of Scotland.
James son of Zebedee
Capernaum, Galilee • Fisherman
Brother of John; one of the “Sons of Thunder.” Part of the inner circle present at the Transfiguration and Gethsemane. The first Apostle martyred — beheaded by Herod Agrippa I c. AD 44, the only apostolic martyrdom recorded in Scripture (Acts 12:2). Patron of Spain; his shrine at Santiago de Compostela became the greatest pilgrimage site in medieval Christendom.
John
Capernaum, Galilee • Fisherman
James’s brother; “the Beloved Disciple.” Stood at the foot of the Cross and was entrusted with Mary (John 19:26–27). Author of the Gospel of John, three Letters, and the Book of Revelation. Settled in Ephesus where he lived to old age — the only Apostle not killed for his faith, though he suffered exile to Patmos under Emperor Domitian.
Philip
Bethsaida, Galilee
Brought Nathanael to Jesus with the invitation “Come and see” (John 1:46). At the Last Supper, he asked Jesus, “Show us the Father” (John 14:8), prompting one of Christ’s most direct revelations of his identity. Preached in Phrygia (modern Turkey) and was martyred by crucifixion at Hierapolis c. AD 80.
Bartholomew (Nathanael)
Cana, Galilee
Identified with Nathanael, whom Jesus called “a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit” (John 1:47). Traditionally preached in Armenia and northwest India. Martyred in Armenia by flaying alive and crucifixion; depicted in Michelangelo’s Last Judgment holding his own flayed skin.
Matthew (Levi)
Capernaum • Tax Collector
A tax collector called at his tax booth (Matt 9:9) — a calling that shocked his contemporaries, since tax collectors were despised as Roman collaborators. Author of the Gospel of Matthew. Preached in Judea and later in Ethiopia and Persia. Martyrdom accounts vary; most traditions hold that he died for the faith.
Thomas (Didymus)
Galilee • “The Twin”
Famous for doubting the Resurrection (John 20:24–29), yet he became the first to make the highest confession: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). The greatest missionary Apostle in reach — travelling to Parthia, Persia, and India. The Saint Thomas Christian community in Kerala traces its origin directly to his mission. Martyred at Mylapore (modern Chennai) c. AD 72. The Church in India →
James son of Alphaeus
“James the Less”
Called “James the Less” (perhaps younger or shorter than James son of Zebedee). Little is recorded of him in Scripture beyond the lists of the Twelve. Traditions associate him with mission to Egypt or Persia. His martyrdom accounts vary; some traditions hold he was stoned or clubbed to death.
Thaddaeus (Jude)
“Judas, not Iscariot” (John 14:22)
Also called Lebbaeus; the “Judas not Iscariot” who asked Jesus why he revealed himself to the disciples and not to the world (John 14:22). Author of the Letter of Jude. Preached in Syria, Mesopotamia, and Persia alongside Simon the Zealot. Martyred in Persia; patron of hopeless causes.
Simon the Zealot
Formerly of the Zealot movement
Identified as “the Zealot,” suggesting possible former membership in the Zealot resistance movement against Roman rule — making his brotherhood in the Twelve with Matthew the tax collector a remarkable testimony to Christ’s unifying power. Preached in Egypt and Persia; martyred in Persia alongside Thaddaeus.
Matthias
Chosen to replace Judas Iscariot
Chosen by the casting of lots to fill the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot (Acts 1:15–26). He had been a follower of Jesus from his baptism to the Ascension, qualifying as a witness to the Resurrection. Preached in Judea and possibly Colchis (modern Georgia) or Ethiopia; martyrdom traditions vary.
A Note on Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot was one of the original Twelve — called, taught, and trusted with the common purse. He betrayed Jesus to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver (Matt 26:14–16); his kiss in Gethsemane identified Jesus to the arresting soldiers. Overcome with remorse, he returned the silver and hanged himself (Matt 27:3–5). Jesus himself referred to him as “the son of destruction” (John 17:12). His place was taken by Matthias.
The mission of the Apostles did not end with their deaths — it continues in the Church they founded, sustained by apostolic succession.
The Church — continuing the Apostolic mission