The Apostles

Written By
Desmond Milligan

The Twelve Apostles were ordinary men fishermen, tax collectors, zealots whom Jesus renamed, reshaped, and sent as witnesses of His miracles, death, and resurrection. Each had a unique role, occupation, and destiny, with most dying as martyrs. Alongside them, devoted women like Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Martha walked with Jesus, supported His ministry, and became the first witnesses of the resurrection. Judas Iscariot betrayed Him, but Matthias was chosen to replace him.

The Apostles: Names, New Names, and Roles

Jesus often gave new names to signify transformation: Simon became Peter (“Rock”) (John 1:42), James and John were called “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17), and Thomas was nicknamed Didymus (“Twin”). These names reflected their new spiritual identity and mission.

Table of the Twelve Apostles

Why Jesus Chose Them

Jesus chose ordinary men to show that God’s power works through weakness. Fishermen like Peter, Andrew, James, and John were hardworking and resilient. Matthew the tax collector represented redemption from corruption. Simon the Zealot showed transformation from political rebellion to spiritual mission. Their occupations symbolized diversity, yet all were unified in Christ’s mission.

Miracles They Witnessed

• Feeding of the 5,000 (Matt. 14:13–21)
• Walking on water (Matt. 14:22–33)
• Raising Lazarus (John 11)
• Transfiguration (Matt. 17:1–9)
• Resurrection appearances (John 20–21)

Each apostle saw Jesus’ power firsthand, shaping their testimony.

The Women Who Walked With Jesus

Women played vital roles:

• Mary Magdalene: Delivered from demons, first to see the risen Christ (John 20).
• Mary, Mother of Jesus: Present at His birth and death.
• Joanna & Susanna: Financial supporters (Luke 8:3).
• Martha & Mary of Bethany: Friends of Jesus, showing service and devotion.
• Salome: Witnessed the crucifixion.
• Lydia & Tabitha: Early church leaders known for generosity.

Unnamed women like the Samaritan woman (John 4) and the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5) showed faith that transformed communities.

Who Betrayed Jesus

Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 26:14–16).
His betrayal fulfilled prophecy and led to Jesus’ crucifixion.

Encouraging Scriptures

• John 15:16: “You did not choose me, but I chose you.”
• Matthew 28:19–20: The Great Commission.
• Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.”
• Hebrews 12:1–2: Encouragement to run with perseverance.

Conclusion

The apostles and women who followed Jesus were ordinary people transformed by extraordinary belief. Their occupations, names, and destinies reveal God’s power to call anyone into His mission. Their stories inspire us to live faithfully, endure trials, and proclaim Christ boldly.

The Apostles and Women Who Walked With Jesus

1. Simon Peter (Cephas)

• Occupation before: Fisherman (Matt. 4:18).
• New name: Peter (“Rock”), given by Jesus (John 1:42).
• Why chosen: His boldness and leadership made him the natural spokesman for the Twelve.
• Books written: 1 Peter, 2 Peter.
• Miracles witnessed: Walking on water (Matt. 14:29), Transfiguration (Matt. 17:1–9), raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:37).
• Story: Peter denied Jesus three times but was restored (John 21:15–19).
• Death tradition: Crucified upside down in Rome.

2. Andrew

• Occupation before: Fisherman, brother of Peter.
• Why chosen: He was the first disciple called (John 1:40).
• Books written: None.
• Miracles witnessed: Feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:8–9).
• Story: Known for bringing others to Jesus, including his brother Peter.
• Death tradition: Crucified on an X-shaped cross in Greece.

3. James (Son of Zebedee)

• Occupation before: Fisherman.
• Nickname: “Son of Thunder” (Mark 3:17).
• Books written: None.
• Miracles witnessed: Transfiguration, raising of Jairus’ daughter.
• Story: First apostle martyred (Acts 12:2).
• Death tradition: Beheaded by Herod Agrippa.

4. John (Son of Zebedee)

• Occupation before: Fisherman.
• Nickname: “Son of Thunder.”
• Books written: Gospelof John, 1–3 John, Revelation.
• Miracles witnessed: Transfiguration, raising of Jairus’ daughter, resurrection appearances.
• Story: Called “the disciple Jesus loved.”
• Death tradition: Died of old age in Ephesus.

5. Philip

• Occupation before: Possibly fisherman.
• Books written: None.
• Miracles witnessed: Feeding of the 5,000, resurrection appearances.
• Story: Brought Nathanael to Jesus (John 1:43–46).
• Death tradition: Crucified in Hierapolis.

6. Bartholomew (Nathanael)

• Occupation before: Scholar.
• Books written: None.
• Miracles witnessed: Saw Jesus’ miracles from the beginning, including the fig tree vision (John 1:48).
• Story: Honest and faithful disciple.
• Death tradition: Flayed alive in Armenia.

7. Matthew (Levi)

• Occupation before: Tax collector (Mark 2:14).
• Books written: Gospel of Matthew.
• Miracles witnessed: Healing of the paralytic (Matt. 9:9–13).
• Story: Left wealth behind to follow Jesus.
• Death tradition: Martyred in Ethiopia.

8. Thomas (Didymus)

• Occupation before: Unknown.
• Books written: None.
• Miracles witnessed: Resurrection appearances.
• Story: Known as “Doubting Thomas,” but declared, “My Lord and my God!”
  (John 20:28).
• Death tradition: Speared in India.

9. James (Son of Alphaeus)

• Occupation before: Unknown.
• Books written: None.
• Miracles witnessed: Resurrection appearances.
• Story: Sometimes called “James the Less.”
• Death tradition: Stoned in Jerusalem.

10. Thaddaeus (Judas son of James)

• Occupation before: Unknown.
• Books written: None.
• Miracles witnessed: Resurrection appearances.
• Story: Asked Jesus why He revealed Himself to them and not the world
  (John 14:22).
• Death tradition: Martyred in Persia.

11. Simon the Zealot

• Occupation before: Member of Zealot movement.
• Books written: None.
• Miracles witnessed: Resurrection appearances.
• Story: Transformed from political zeal to spiritual mission.
• Death tradition: Martyred in Persia.

12. Judas Iscariot

• Occupation before: Treasurer of the group.
• Books written: None.
• Miracles witnessed: All major miracles, including feeding of the 5,000.
• Story: Betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matt. 26:14–16).
• Death tradition: Suicide (Matt. 27:5).

Replacement: Matthias

• Occupation before: Unknown.
• Books written: None.
• Story: Chosen to replace Judas (Acts 1:26).
• Death tradition: Stoned in Jerusalem.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you.”

John 15:16

Women Who Walked With Jesus

Mary Magdalene

• Story: Delivered from seven demons (Luke 8:2), first to see resurrected Christ
  (John 20:1–18).
• Role: Devoted disciple, witness of resurrection.

Mary, Mother of Jesus

• Story: Present at His birth, ministry, and crucifixion (Luke 1; John 19:25).
• Role: Model of belief and obedience.

Joanna & Susanna

• Story: Supported Jesus financially (Luke 8:3).
• Role: Early patrons of ministry.

Martha & Mary of Bethany

• Story: Martha served, Mary listened at His feet (Luke 10:38–42). Mary anointed Jesus (John 12:1–8).
• Role: Examples of service and devotion.

Salome

• Story: Witnessed crucifixion and resurrection (Mark 15:40–41).

Lydia

• Story: First European convert, hosted church in her home (Acts 16:14–15).

Tabitha (Dorcas)

• Story: Known for charity, raised from dead by Peter (Acts 9:36–42).

Why Jesus Chose Them

Jesus chose ordinary people, fishermen, tax collectors, zealots, women of faith, to show that God’s kingdom is for all. Their occupations symbolized diversity, yet all were unified in Christ’s mission.

Encouraging Scriptures

• John 15:16: “You did not choose me, but I chose you.”
• Matthew 28:19–20: The Great Commission.
• Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.”
• Hebrews 12:1–2: Encouragement to run with perseverance.

Conclusion

The apostles and women who followed Jesus were ordinary people transformed by extraordinary belief. Their occupations, names, and destinies reveal God’s power to call anyone into His mission.

Their stories inspire us to live faithfully, endure trials, and proclaim Christ boldly.