Apostles of Christ: Twelve. What are they? The apostles of jesus christ were 12 apostles of jesus christ

The word apostle from the Greek language is translated as a messenger or ambassador. In relation to the Christian faith, such a person acts as an ambassador of a new faith. The most famous are the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, whose names have become famous for centuries and are especially revered.

Sometimes people can confuse how many apostles Jesus Christ had, since there are several ranks that refer to this title:

the two supreme ones - Peter and Paul, they have a special meaning for the Christian church;
The 12 apostles of Christ are the closest disciples, it is they who are depicted at the Last Supper and are most often associated with this word;
from seventy - also messengers in the amount of 70 people who were engaged in the preaching of Christianity in the 1st-2nd centuries of a new era, unlike 12 they traveled in pairs, are no less important for the spread of faith, but they were not endowed with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, therefore could not have the miraculous powers inherent in 12.

It must be said about Paul, who is not among the 12. Next, we list the names of the 12 apostles of Jesus and consider the meaning of each of them.

Names of the holy apostles

Each of the apostles of Jesus Christ received a corresponding mission and assignment to a certain region. It was there that they preached, traveled and converted people to the faith of the New Testament. Accordingly, this or that disciple of Christ is often revered in the region where he preached.

Andrew the First-Called. He was assigned to Asia Minor, also visited the Crimea and the territory of modern Kyiv, where he left a prophecy about the great city. He traveled through the territory of present-day Rus', therefore he is especially revered in our country. Many people know about the St. Andrew's flag, which consists of two lines intersecting diagonally. This symbol appeared in connection with Andrew, who was crucified precisely on a cross of two diagonal beams.
Bartholomew. He was one of the first disciples of the Savior, brought the Gospel to the territory of India. He traveled through Asia Minor, in Armenia, where he was first crucified upside down, and then they took off his skin.
John. The only one of all who died a natural death, although this fact does not make his feat less significant. After all, it was he who not only left one of the Gospels, but also became the author of Revelation, mystical and enigmatic - the basis of the Christian eschatological doctrine of the end of time. By the way, after the Resurrection of Christ, the Mother of God also lived in the house of John's parents. The follower of the Savior himself also rested there in Ephesus.
Jacob Alfeev. Before accepting his ascetic feat, he was a tax collector. However, after he joined Christ, he began an apprenticeship, and then a sermon, according to one version, he was eventually stoned to death, according to another version, he was crucified during a trip to Egypt.
Jacob Zavedeev. He preached in Spain, and died by the sword in Jerusalem on the orders of King Herod, who organized active persecution of early Christians. It also sometimes bears the name of James the Elder, is the first martyr for faith in Christ, only his death is described in the canonical text of the New Testament.
Judas Thaddeus. Traveled throughout the Middle East, was crucified, he should not be confused with Judas Iscariot.

Matthew, or Levi. Before his own ascetic activity, he was also a tax collector (this fact is mentioned as remarkable, since publicans then, in fact, just as now, did not enjoy special honor in society and were mostly considered pests and negative people), but then he accepted the apostolic feat.
Peter. Belongs to the number of supreme, revered in a special way. Not only did he accept martyrdom, but he himself asked to be crucified upside down, since he considered himself unworthy to receive an exit from the earthly world identical to that with which Christ left.
Philip. Philip is described as a disciple from the city of Bethsaida, and the evangelists connect him with Andrew and Peter, who were from the same city. He was also among those around John the Baptist when the latter first pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God.
Simon Zealot. He preached throughout Egypt and the Middle East. He also spread the teachings in Abkhazia, where he accepted the crucifixion.
Thomas. The one who continued not to believe in the Resurrection until he himself saw the Resurrected Savior.He preached in the territory of Persia and India, where he was pierced with spears.
Matthias. He was taken in order to enter the number 12 and replace Judas Iscariot. He preached on the territory of Macedonia, Colchis and Judea, where he was stoned to death in the best traditions of communication between the pagans and the apostles.

This list does not include Judas Iscariot, who, as you know, committed treason, because it was he who pointed Christ to the authorities and caused His arrest. Initially, he was present among the closest disciples, but, as you might guess, he was eventually expelled, that is, he is not an apostle.

Note! For each in order, there are separate days of memory throughout the calendar year. In addition, there are days that glorify all the apostles. It is very useful for the Orthodox to regularly turn to these saints with his faith and understanding, to be inspired by the example of these closest disciples of Christ, who became like Him, accepted martyrdom and did not depart from the faith.

Thus, the apostles of Christ were martyrs, and each of them underwent significant suffering before departing to the Lord. However, they were ready for such a development of events, and not only on their own.

After all, quite logically educated people could guess how they would be treated by the pagans and representatives of Judaism, who quite recently crucified the Messiah.

Christ Himself had previously instructed and spoke about the difficult life of the apostles, which was to come after the Son of Man departed for Heaven. He spoke about how difficult it would be for everyone, and how everyone would be judged, and despised, and driven out of the cities.

Nevertheless, the Savior himself commanded his disciples to continue preaching and travel to different cities in order to spread the good news of the New Testament.

Apostle Paul

A unique individual is Paul, who was not among the disciples of the Savior during His
earthly path. As a rule, from the apostles of Jesus Christ, two supreme ones are singled out in a special way: Peter and Paul.

Each personality is extremely interesting and, although they represent a harmonious unity, they are also peculiar opposites.

It is the difference in the personalities of these people, who eventually united in faith, that point to the universality and unifying potential of Christianity, which is able to blur any formal differences between people.

Having completely different fates, they both eventually accepted Christ with the utmost clarity and became His incredibly significant servants.

So, if we briefly consider the history of this person, we should note the main facts that Wikipedia and other popular sources indicate:

born Saul (Saul) was an educated citizen of the Roman Empire, a representative of the Pharisees;
after the crucifixion of Christ, he continued active anti-Christian activity and once went to Damascus, on the way he became blind, and he had a vision of Christ, who, let's say briefly, held something like an educational conversation;
in the end, Saul was nevertheless taken to Damascus, but blind, where he met St. Ananias (he was an apostle from the seventy), who, by God's grace, healed Saul;
after this event, the future apostle himself was baptized and began an active preaching;
after the conversion to Christianity of the Cypriot proconsul Sergius Paul, he received his new Christian name Paul, with whom he did earthly affairs until the end of his journey.

Of course, it is not entirely correct to say which of the apostles is more valuable or which one is more important and more significant.

Unlike the others, Paul was not present at the day of Pentecost, that is, he did not receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit from Christ. Nevertheless, he received from Jesus Christ a reasonable amount of holy gifts, which enabled him to perform various miracles. Paul, like Christ, resurrected the dead and performed many other miracles that testified to his deep faith.

However, it is impossible not to point out the incredible productivity of Peter, who:

created a huge number of early Christian communities;
explained in detail the inferiority of Judeo-Christianity and separated Christianity from Judaism;
created "messages" for different peoples, which became part of the Gospel and still form the basis of canonical writings, thanks to which he is also called the "apostle of the Gentiles", since he created his messages specifically to peoples who were not converted to Christianity.

These merits included Paul in the apostles of Jesus Christ and made him especially revered, in the rank of the supreme. Like the rest, he died in torment, and he was not crucified as a Roman citizen, but beheaded, before that he had undergone various torments.

Note! An interesting fact is the simultaneous crucifixion of Peter with the execution of Paul. It was these apostles of Christ who, with particular zeal, preached the new doctrine and surprisingly almost simultaneously completed their earthly journey.

- (Kepha - stone) so the Lord called him, and his first name was Simon. Fisherman from Capernaum. Jesus was a guest in his house, having once healed Peter's mother-in-law from a fever. With the permission of the Lord, he walked with Him for some time on the water. He was the first to believe that Jesus is the Son of the Living God, but he also denied the Teacher when he was seized by the servants of the Jewish high priest. Repentance came to Peter immediately. And the Lord forgave him, more than that, put him first above the other disciples.

ANDREY

- brother of the Apostle Peter, before meeting with Jesus was a disciple of John the Baptist. the first followed the Master immediately after John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God. Therefore, he is called the First-Called.

JOHN ZEBEDEE

(Theologian) - the author of the fourth Gospel and other books of the New Testament. Nicknamed because in his gospel there is a lot of direct speech of Christ, the Word of God. Like Andrew, he was a disciple before meeting Jesus. John, the youngest and most beloved disciple of Christ. It was he who reclined on the shoulder of the Savior at the time. He was the only one of the disciples who dared to be on Golgotha at the time, and before that he was next to the Lord during interrogations by the high priest and Pontius Pilate. Jesus bequeathed to him to take care of the Mother of God. After the departure of the Teacher from earthly life, John took Mary to his house.

The only apostle who died a natural death and in extreme old age.

JACOB ZEBEDEE

A fisherman from the Sea of Galilee, brother of the Evangelist John. It is also called, because among the apostles there is another James (the Lesser). Together with his brother John and the apostle Peter, he was a witness on Mount Tabor, as well as other events that testify to Jesus as God.

PHILIP

- a native of Bethsaida. Jesus consulted with him, testing him on how to feed the thousands of people who had gathered by the Sea of Galilee to listen to a sermon with five loaves of bread and two fish.

BARTHOLOMEW

(otherwise he was called Nathanael) - originally from Cana of Galilee. Jesus said about him that he is a Jew in whom there is no guile.

THOMAS

- known to everyone by the nickname "Unbeliever". He had doubts about the Resurrection of the Lord, but soon Christ appeared to the disciples and invited Thomas to put his finger in his wounds, after which he finally believed in what had happened. However, distrust was only a detail in the character of Thomas - stubborn and resolute. When danger hung over Jesus, Thomas, despite the warnings, decided to return to Jerusalem. It was Thomas who invited the apostles to go with the Teacher, even to death. He confesses Jesus as God for the first time.

MATTHEW

(otherwise Levi) is the author of the first Gospel. Before meeting with Christ, he was a publican - a tax collector, but he followed the Teacher literally during his lesson, as soon as the Lord called him to follow him. Jesus was at the house, he showed himself to be a very hospitable host.

JUDAS JAKOVLEV

Iakov Alfeev

He was the brother of the Apostle Judas Jacob (Thaddeus) and, possibly, the Evangelist Matthew, formerly a publican. James Alfeev should be distinguished from the first bishop of Jerusalem, called James the Younger. Confusion among some authors in the past was facilitated by the fact that Jacob Alfeev is also sometimes called Jacob the Younger.

SIMON THE ZILOT

(or, as he is also called - Kananit) - according to legend, he was the groom at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, when Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water into wine.

JUDAS ISCARIOT

Traitor and thief. Subsequently, at the Apostolic Council, according to the lot, the apostle MATHIUS took his place.

Jesus Christ gathered a multitude of people around Him during His sojourn on earth. They listened to His sermons, followed Him, learned the truth. But only 12 were elected.

What were the names of the closest disciples of Christ? They were called apostles. Apostle from Greek means ἀπόστολος - ambassador, messenger.

exactly how many disciples Christ called for his mission

The 12 apostles of Christ listened to the preaching of the teacher, and after the death and Ascension of the Savior, they carried the good news of victory over death. Healed many people, by word and touch.

The disciples of Jesus Christ were the founders of the first Christian churches, they preached to people. The first manuscripts of Holy Scripture were written by the apostles.

The Gospel says that the Lord called 12 disciples. On the walls of temples and on icons, the apostles are always depicted next to Christ. In the Orthodox Church, each apostle has his own day for veneration and remembrance. Christians also celebrate the day of all the apostles.

Jesus and His disciples. The Savior chose 12 apostles. He taught them to love people and the Lord. Pray and repent. Spread the Good News of the Savior around the world

Names of 12 apostles. Throughout their lives, the apostles proclaimed the gospel of Christ and Salvation.

Many people know this. But not everyone knows some of the changes that occurred after the betrayal of one of the apostles.

The names of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ in order: Andrew, Peter, John, James Zebedee, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew Levi, Thomas, James Alpheus, Thaddeus, Simon and Judas Iscariot.

When the traitor Judas Iscariot committed suicide, the apostles decided to replace him. The lot pointed to Matthias, who became the 12th apostle.

The holy apostle Paul was not a disciple of Christ. He was a Pharisee and a persecutor of Christians.

He imprisoned many saints and killed them. Called by the Lord himself, he heard the voice of the Most High, believed, and began to preach.

He preached a lot. He made a huge contribution to Christianity and was numbered among the apostles.

The apostles made a great contribution to Christianity. What was their activity? After the ascension of Jesus Christ, the apostles knew that their main task was to preach the Christian doctrine.

All the apostles, except John, died a martyr's death. They brought people the love and grace of God. Done in the name of Christ!

They brought people the love and grace of God. Done in the name of Christ!

The apostles were ordinary people. But the Lord chose them. The whole secret is in the spiritual wealth of these people.

The 12 disciples of Jesus were ordinary people, almost all of them uneducated. They couldn't even write. Almost all were from small villages. But the Lord chose them, and not rich, noble people. Christ Himself said of them:

“God chose the weak and the foolish to shame the prudent.”

In the Bible we can see how their souls tossed about, they had a desperate struggle with themselves. But as soon as they saw the Risen Savior, their struggle and spiritual doubts immediately left.

The Holy Spirit touched them, they realized all the divine power. They became rich spiritually and firm in faith. They were ready to turn the whole world over to save each of us.

The holy apostles were brave, courageous people. They left the worries and vanity of life and carried the good news of the Risen Christ into the world.

Their feet, beaten in blood, weather-beaten faces, staves and the incomparable greatness of people who saw God himself come in the flesh.

The great apostles learned the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. To become fishers of men, for the eternal life of all mankind

Which of the apostles was a fisherman? Peter was a spiritual leader, preached and healed people

When we read Holy Scripture, we trace the different characters and fates of the apostles. One of the apostles was called Simon, but the Lord gave him the name Peter, which means "stone."

“But Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Then Jesus answered and said to him: Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonas,

because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you, but my Father,

Existing in heaven. And I say to you: you are Peter, and on this rock

I will build My Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”

(Matthew 16:16-18)

He was the brother of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, who led him to Christ. Simon - Peter was an ordinary fisherman. He was always devoted and determined, strong in spirit.

When the Lord Jesus Christ was betrayed, he denied Him three times. But afterwards he bitterly repented and repented.

The Apostle Peter the first contributed to the spread of the church. After the descent of the Holy Spirit, his preaching converted 3,000 people to the faith.

It became the first stone of a spiritual building called the church.

The missionary activity of the apostles spread throughout the world. They preached in Turkey, Armenia, India

Peter preached the gospel in different countries. He raised the dead and healed the sick. Gathered the first Council in Jerusalem. For 25 years he was the first bishop in Rome.

Andrew the Primordial - the first disciple of Jesus Christ

John preached the Good News in Ephesus and other cities of Asia Minor. Many times he was sentenced to death. But neither the deadly poison nor the cauldron of boiling oil harmed him.

Andrew the First-Called is the first disciple of Jesus Christ. He preached the Word of God in Macedonia, Asia Minor, on the Danube, walked along the coast of the Black Sea, Crimea. He reached the place where the city of Kyiv is now located.

There the Apostle Andrew put up a cross and blessed the place.

Jacob Zevedeev (the Elder) - preached about the resurrected Christ in Jerusalem and other cities.

Jacob Alfeev (the Younger) - preached in Judea and in the southeast of present-day Turkey.

Judas Thaddeus - carried the Good News in Syria, Palestine, Arabia and Mesopotamia.

Simon Kananit (Zealot) - preached the Gospel in Judea, Egypt, Abkhazia and Libya.

Philip - preached in Galilee, Greece and in Hierapolis of Syria.

Bartholomew - preached the Gospel in Asia Minor and India.

Matthew - spoke about Christ in Asia and Ethiopia.

Thomas - Jesus was a disciple. He preached in Parthia and India.

Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus Christ.

After the betrayal, he committed suicide.

Memorial Day of the Holy Glorious and All-Praised Apostles of Christ

Matthias had a lot to be the 12th apostle, after the betrayal of Judas. He preached in the city of Tyana, in Syrian Antioch, in Sinope, in Amasia, Edessa and Sebastia. He also carried the Good News in Ethiopia and Macedonia.

Apostle Paul (Saul of Tarsus) - was not among the 12 apostles. The Lord called him after the descent of the Holy Spirit. He is revered on a par with other apostles.

He preached Christ in Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece, Cyprus, Crete, Malta and Sicily, as well as in Rome.

The life of the apostles was not easy at all. With the exception of John the Evangelist, all the disciples of Christ died a martyr's death

Apostle Andrew the First-Called was the first disciple of Jesus Christ. After John the Baptist preached about God's Savior, he was the first to follow Jesus.

Therefore, he was called the First-Called. Crucified around 70 AD in the city of Patras (Greece). The feast day of this saint is celebrated on December 13th.

John the Theologian was a beloved disciple of Christ. He was the only one who died a natural death.

The Apostles Peter and Paul did a lot to spread Christianity on earth. They are the most revered in Orthodoxy. Peter and Paul embody spiritual steadfastness and firmness.

They were both executed in 67 in Rome on the same day under the emperor Nero. The feast day of these saints is celebrated on June 29.

Apostle Paul (Saul of Tarsus) - was not among the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ

Bartholomew - was a native of Cana of Galilee. Jesus said of him: "a Jew in whom there is no guile." He preached in India and brought a copy of the Gospel of Matthew there.

The pagans crucified him, but he continued to preach. Then they skinned him and then beheaded him. The feast day of this saint is celebrated on June 11.

Jacob Alfeev (younger) was a publican. James the Younger was stoned to death around the year 65. AD, in Marmarik. The day of memory of this saint is celebrated on November 29.

James Zevedeev - fisherman, brother of John the Theologian. The Apostle James was with other apostles on the Mount of Transfiguration when the Lord revealed His power and glory in Jesus Christ.

Judas Thaddeus or Jacoblev - was the son of Joseph the Betrothed. He died a martyr's death in Armenia in the second half of the 1st century AD. e. The feast day of this saint is celebrated on October 28.

Matthew or Levi was a publican. Almost nothing is known about his death. According to some sources, he was martyred in Ethiopia, according to others, he was executed in Asia Minor. The day of memory of this saint is celebrated on November 16.

Philip - was born in Bethsaida. He knew the Bible very well and was waiting for the coming of the Messiah. He immediately followed Christ. The Apostle Philip was crucified upside down. The day of memory of this saint is celebrated on November 27.

Apostle Matthias, he was chosen to be the 12th apostle, after the betrayal of Judas

Simon the Zealot was one of Jesus' disciples. Martyrdom overtook him on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. He was sawn to death with a saw. The day of memory of this saint is celebrated on May 23.

Thomas - nicknamed the Unbeliever. At first he did not believe in the Resurrection of Christ. But the first called Christ Lord and was ready to go to his death. The Apostle Thomas was pierced with a spear. The feast day of this saint is celebrated on October 19.

Matthias was blessed to be the 12th apostle. He was born in Bethlehem. Studied the law of God from early childhood. Matthias preached in many countries.

When he returned to Judea, he was sentenced to death and stoned to death. This saint's day is celebrated on August 9th.

The great God used ordinary illiterate people to create His Church and save all mankind

The choice of disciples made by Jesus Christ was not accidental. The strength of spirit and faith in the Savior were sincere and unshakable among these people.

Thanks to their sermons and teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven, we learned about the Son of God, about the Messiah and the Savior.

Having resurrected, Christ sent disciples to preach the gospel throughout the world.

"Go, then, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

After the descent of the Holy Spirit, the apostles felt joy, a surge of spiritual strength. The Holy Spirit helped them spread the Word of God throughout the world.

The Great Lord was able to use simple, weak and sinful people to create his Church.

Video: Election of 12 apostles.

Matt. X, 1-4:1 And calling his twelve disciples, he gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out and heal every sickness and every disease. 2 The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first Simon, called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, James Zebedee and John, his brother, 3 Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the publican, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.

Mk. III, 13-19:13 Then he went up the mountain and called to himself whom he himself wanted; and they came to him. 14 And set from them twelve, that they might be with him, and that he might send them out to preach, 15 and that they might have power to heal sickness and cast out demons; 16 put Simon, calling him the name of Peter, 17 James of Zebedee and John, brother of James, calling them the names of Boanerges, that is, "sons of thunder", 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James Alpheus, Thaddeus, Simon Zebedee 19 and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

OK. VI, 12-16:12 In those days He went up to the mountain to pray, and remained all night in prayer to God. 13 When day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15 Matthew and Thomas, James of Alpheus and Simon, nicknamed the Zealot, 16 Judas Jacob and Judas Iscariot, who later became a traitor.

A guide to the study of the Four Gospels

Prot. Seraphim Slobodskoy (1912-1971).
According to the book "The Law of God", 1957.

The election of the apostles

(Matthew X, 2-14; Mark III, 13-19; Luke VI, 12-16; VIII, 1-3)

Gradually, the number of disciples of Jesus Christ increased. Once, while in Galilee, Jesus Christ climbed a mountain to pray and spent the whole night in prayer. When the day came, He called His disciples, chose twelve of them and called them apostles, that is, messengers, since He sent them to preach His teaching.

The names of the twelve apostles are as follows:

1. Simon, whom the Savior called Peter.

2. Andrew, brother of Simon Peter, called the First-Called.

3. James Zebedee.

4. John Zebedee, brother of James, called the Theologian. These two brothers, James and John, for their fiery zeal, the Savior named Boanerges, which means sons of thunder.

5. Philip.

6. Nathanael, son of Folomew, and therefore called Bartholomew.

7. Thomas, also called Didymus, which means twin.

8. Matthew, otherwise Levi, a former publican.

9. James, the son of Alpheus (otherwise Cleopas), called the lesser, in contrast to James Zebedee.

10. Simon, nicknamed Canaanite, otherwise Zealot, which means zealot.

11. Judas Iakovlev, he also had other names: Leveya and Thaddeus.

12. Judas Iscariot (from the city of Cariota), who later betrayed Jesus Christ.

The Lord gave the apostles the power to heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead.

In addition to these twelve main apostles, Jesus Christ later chose seventy more apostles: Mark, Luke, Cleopas and others. He also sent them to preach.

When the seventy apostles returned from the sermon, they joyfully said to Jesus Christ: “Lord! and the demons obey us in Your name.”

He said to them: “Rejoice not in this, that the spirits obey you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven”, that is, do not rejoice at the miracles that are given to you for preaching, but rejoice that you will receive bliss and eternal life with God, in the Kingdom of Heaven.

In addition to the disciples, Jesus Christ was constantly accompanied by some women, healed by Him, who served Him with their property, such as: Mary Magdalene (from the city of Magdala), from whom Jesus cast out seven demons, John, the wife of Chuza, the steward of Herod, Susanna and many others.

Archbishop Averky (Taushev) (1906-1976)
Guide to the Study of the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament. Four Gospels. Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville, 1954.

6. The Choice of the Twelve Apostles

(Matthew X, 2-4; Mark III, 13-19; Luke VI, 12-16)

Having spent the whole night in prayer, undoubtedly about the establishment of the Church founded by Him, on the mountain, according to the ancients, on Tabor, the Lord called His disciples and chose 12 of them so that they would constantly be with Him and could then testify about Him. These were, as it were, the leaders of the new future 12 tribes of New Israel. The number 12 has a significant meaning in Holy Scripture, like the product of 3 and 4: Three is the eternal uncreated Being of God, four is the number of the world - 4 countries of the world. The number 12 denotes the penetration of the human and the world by the Divine. The first three Evangelists and Prince. Acts gives us a list of the names of the 12 Apostles. What is remarkable about this list is that the Apostles are everywhere divided into three groups of 4 people each, and at the head of each group are the same names and in each group the same persons. The names of the Apostles are as follows: 1) Simon-Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, b) Bartholomew, 7) Thomas, 8) Matthew, 9) Jacob Alfeev, 10) Leoveus or Thaddeus, as they called Judas Jacob, 11) Simon the Zealot or Zealot, and 12) Judas Iscariot. Bartholomew is the same whom Ev. John calls Nathanael: Canaanite is a translation into Heb. lang. The Greek word "zealot" means "zealot". That was the name of the Jewish party, jealous of the independence of the Jewish state. The word "Iscariot" is considered to be composed of two words: "Ish" - husband and "Kariot" - the name of the city. The very word "Apostle" in Greek means "messenger", which corresponded to the appointment of the elect to be sent to preach. For the greater success of their preaching, the Lord gave them the power to heal sickness and cast out demons.

A. V. Ivanov (1837-1912)
Guide to the Study of the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament. Four Gospels. SPb., 1914.

Election of the Apostles

(Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16, Matt. 101-4)

After many miracles and long-term teaching, Jesus Christ chooses from among His permanent followers - 12 disciples, whom He calls Apostles. Before choosing them, He spent the whole night in prayer. The names of the Apostles according to the lists of the three Gospels and the Book of Acts (1:13) are as follows: Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, the sons of Jonah, James and John - the sons of Zebedee, Philip and Bartholomew (otherwise called Nathanael, as they guess), Matthew, or Levi Alfeev, a publican and, it seems, his brother Jacob Alfeev (the younger), as well as Thomas the twin, Judas Jacoblev, called Leove and Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot or Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who later became a traitor to his Teacher.

1. The twelvefold number of the Apostles obviously refers to the number of the 12 tribes of Israel (Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:30) = Apoc. 21:12,14). The title Apostle was supposed to mean their Divine mission, and in this sense is applied to Jesus Christ Himself par excellence (Heb. 3:1).

2. The difference in the order in which the names of the Apostles are given by various Evangelists and even by the same Luke (Luke 6:13-16; Acts 1:13) proves that there was no strict difference in seniority; and the difference in the names of some of them is explained by the custom of having several names and changing them on important occasions in life (=Abram - Abraham, Jacob - Israel, Esau - Edom, Solomon - Ieddedi, etc.).

3. At the same time, it can be noted that in all the verses of the Apostles, those seven disciples are first entered, whose calling is described in the Gospels. Only Matthew for some reason puts Thomas before himself, although the calling of Thomas is nowhere mentioned.

4. Upon closer examination of the lists of the Apostles, we can note the following:

a) Simon, the son of Jonah, from Bethsaida of Galilee, is called from Jesus Peter, or Cephas (in Syrian), which means stone. In the list of the Apostles, he is always the first: but this did not give him the primacy of honor and power over the other Apostles. He was in the same relation to all the Apostles, as each of them to his successors.

b) His brother Andrew, who was at first a disciple of the Forerunner, is called the First-Called, as the first one called by Jesus Christ to follow (John 1:41).

c) James and John, the sons of thunder - boanerges (in Syrian, Mark 3:17), enjoyed the special love of Jesus Christ and, together with Peter, were among His closest disciples and co-workers, in the most important cases of His life. They received the name of the sons of thunder, probably for their jealousy (Luke 9:54), Their mother Salome, according to legend, was the daughter of Joseph the Betrothed, and therefore the sister of Jesus Christ in the flesh; it seems she was also a companion of Jesus Christ. At least she appears at His burial. And before that, she asks Jesus Christ for the seating of her sons on both sides of His Throne during the opening of His kingdom. John calls himself a beloved disciple of Jesus Christ, he reclined on His chest at the last supper and, standing at the Cross, was adopted by the Mother of God.

d) Of the other Apostles, James of Alpheus or the small one also draws attention, whom many confuse with James, the brother of the Lord, although he was never considered among the 12 and, according to legend, was the son not of Alpheus or Cleopas, but of Joseph the Betrothed from his first wife . The nickname of his small or younger was given to him in contrast to James Zebedee.

e) Judas, in all likelihood, the son of some Jacob, and not the brother of Jacob Alfeev. Other names of Judah - Thaddeus and Levvey - consider the first Chaldean, the other Jewish.

f) It is noted about Simon that he was called a Canaanite, perhaps a Canaanite, or rather, a resident of Cana; another nickname for him Zealot is probably a translation of the name Kananit, that is, a zealot. In the last war of the Jews, the party of the Zealots was known - but it hardly existed at the time of Jesus Christ.

g) Judas Iscariot (Ishkariot in Judaic), a husband from Karioth, a small city in the tribe of Judah (Josh. 15:25, according to the Russian text - Kiriath, in Slavonic city). But some derive the name Iscariot from the Syrian word for skariut, which means husband, or keeper of the casket, treasurer, as pointed out by the Evangelist John (12:6; 13:29).

5. Examining the lists of the Apostles and paying attention to the indications of their places of origin, we can notice that all of them - with the exception of Judas the traitor - were Galileans, inhabitants of a country despised by the Jews, as if to prove that God, buoying the world, was chosen, but the wise God will put to shame, and the weak of the world, God will put to shame, and the strong and wicked of the world, and the humble will be chosen by God, and not existing, that he will abolish what is (1 Cor. 1:27,28). Judas Iscariot was one of Judea - from that tribe that was most proud of the purity of blood, although the prophet Daniel said that even the elders among them are not Jews, but the sons of Ham (13:56; Eze. 13:3,46) - and it was alienated from any communication with the pagan Samaritans and even the Galileans.

And he became a traitor to his Teacher - thus being, both by name and by his relationship to Jesus, the representative of his people, who betrayed his Messiah to death and was rejected by God for that.

6. Jesus chooses the 12 Apostles not immediately after they enter into His company, but after a whole year of following Him and testing their disposition, and therefore, after they themselves have matured the determination to follow the Galilean Teacher and share with Him His labors and perils. True, even after they were elected to the number of 12, for a long time they could not get rid of the prejudices inherent in their people and deceptive aspirations regarding the kingdom of the Messiah; but under the influence of the teachings of Christ and seeing the increasingly growing enmity of the leaders of the people towards Jesus, they gradually got used to the idea of the possibility of death predicted by Him and prepared to share His fate with Him (John 11:16; Matt. 26:35 ; Mark 14:31).

A closer acquaintance with the character of the Apostles chosen by Jesus shows that each of them was distinguished by some special trait of virtue, necessary for the future preacher and co-worker with Christ in the Church He is building on Earth. So, Peter was distinguished by firmness of faith; Jacob with zeal and fervor, as can be seen from the fact that he and his brother John
called the son of thunder and the first of the 12 suffered martyrdom (Acts 12:2).

John, in addition to ardor, was distinguished by especially tender love for his Teacher and deep insight into the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Bartholomew (Nathanael) - with simplicity of heart, Philip with friendliness, Matthew with unselfishness and meekness; Thomas - prudent caution; Andrei - like his brother Peter - was distinguished by his firmness and courage, which is why - probably - his former name was left unchanged for him (Andrey means courageous).

Unfortunately, neither the Gospels nor the traditions have preserved for us detailed and complete information about the life and work of the other Apostles; but there is no doubt that all of them, except for Judas Iscariot, were distinguished by zeal in spreading the sermon, devotion and obedience to their Teacher, and selflessness. These traits of their character were known to Jesus and served as the main motive for Him to choose them among His closest disciples and friends.

7. The selection of Judas among the 12 Apostles showed that this disciple had many good qualities that made him worthy of the face of the Apostle: he did not leave Jesus even at a time when many, tempted by His teaching, left Him (Jn. 6:66); he shared with his Master the needs and deprivations (Mt. 19:27); he, along with others, was sent to preach in Israel and was awarded the gift of healing and casting out demons (Matt. 10:5,8). Unfortunately, the good qualities and works of this Apostle were darkened and destroyed by the passion of greed, which led him to complete destruction. It is precisely this passion, and not some secret antagonism between him, as a Jew and the other Apostles - as the Galileans - that the Evangelist John explains why Judas became a traitor to Jesus (John 12:6).

8. Did Jesus Christ foresee the betrayal of Judas? And if he foresaw, then why did he choose him among the Apostles? The Evangelists leave no doubt that Jesus does not require, but who testifies about men: He Himself knew what was in a man (John 2:25), and therefore often penetrated into the hearts and thoughts of His listeners - and even more so could comprehend inclinations of His closest disciples and to foresee their actions (Matt. 26:31-35).

The very election of the Apostles was made by Jesus already in the second year of His ministry - that is, after His disciples were sufficiently acquainted with His teachings and were prepared for the work for which they were elected - and was done after a long and no doubt fervent prayer of the God-Man to the Heavenly Father.

If, for all that, the son of perdition was also included in the rank of the Apostles, then, as some guess, this was allowed by the Heavenly Father, according to some special care, so that the cross of Golgotha, which He was destined to bear once, would not leave Him all life and was before His eyes in the person of one of His closest disciples and companions.

The presence of this disciple in the vicinity of the God-man should have vomited from his loving heart His painful cries to the Heavenly Father and that the cup of suffering that awaits Him should pass by, and about the salvation of the son of perdition (John 17:12); the presence of Judas with Jesus was like a double-edged sword that penetrated the heart of Jesus and disturbed His joys, experienced by him from the faith of the disciples and the conversion of sinners.

With the names of the twelve Apostles, there is sometimes confusion even among church-going people. It will be easier to remember them if each of the names is “linked” to fragments from the Gospel narrative with their participation (more about the apostles on the Thomas website - Issue topic: 12 apostles).

- (Kepha - stone) so the Lord called him, and his first name was Simon. Fisherman from Capernaum. Jesus was a guest in his house, having once healed Peter's mother-in-law from a fever. With the permission of the Lord, Peter walked with Him for some time on the water. He was the first to believe that Jesus is the Son of the Living God, but he also denied the Teacher when he was seized by the servants of the Jewish high priest. Repentance came to Peter immediately. And the Lord forgave him, more than that, put him first above the other disciples.

ANDREY

- brother of the Apostle Peter, before meeting with Jesus was a disciple of John the Baptist. Andrew was the first to follow the Master right after John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God. Therefore, he is called the First-Called.

12 apostles - names and deeds of 12 apostles of Jesus Christ

During the years of his life, Jesus acquired many followers, among whom were not only common people, but also representatives of the royal court. Some wanted healing, while others were just curious. The number of people to whom he passed on his knowledge was constantly changing, but one day he made a choice.

12 apostles of Christ

The specific number of followers of Jesus was chosen for a reason, because he wanted the people of the New Testament, as in the Old Testament, to have 12 spiritual leaders. All the disciples were Israelis, and she was not enlightened or rich. Most of the apostles were previously ordinary fishermen. The clergy assure that every believer must memorize the names of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. For better memorization, it is recommended to “tie” each name to a specific fragment from the Gospel.

Apostle Peter

Brother of Andrew the First-Called, thanks to whom there was a meeting with ...

Right now, try to name the 12 disciples of Jesus (Google is not allowed :). The whole confusion lies in the fact that the enumerations given in the three Gospels diverge ...

In order to reconstruct the full picture, one must compare the names from Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19 and Luke 6:12-16 and Acts 1:13.

Before understanding their names, let's first see who the Apostle is. Today, some spiritual leaders take this title for themselves, while others, on the contrary, are indignant that there were only 12 Apostles, and therefore everyone who uses this title today is sacrilegious.

Firstly, in the Bible, besides the 12 Apostles of Jesus, at least 7 more people had the title of apostle: Paul, Silas, Barnabas, Timothy, Apollos, Andronicus and Junia. It is interesting to note that theologians claim that Junia is an exclusively female name ... (do not rush to scold me, read on :).

Secondly, let's look at what the word Apostle means. The word apostle comes from...

We owe it to the apostles that we have the opportunity to find the way, moving along which we can reach the limit of human dreams - a happy, blissful, eternal life. For the apostolic mission, the Lord chose ordinary people for himself. They were timid and poor, there was rivalry between them, the desire to take first places - ordinary human weaknesses. Ordinary people, fishermen, He called for a different kind of fishing: "You will be fishers of men."

Hieroschemamonk Valentin (Gurevich): About emptiness, misfortune and drying up prayer (+Video)

Apostles Peter and Paul

The holy apostles were so different: Peter, the elder brother of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, was a simple, uneducated, poor fisherman; Paul is the son of wealthy and noble parents, a Roman citizen, a student of the famous Jewish law teacher Gamaliel, "a scribe and a Pharisee." Peter is a faithful disciple of Christ from the very beginning, a witness to all the events of his life from the moment he started preaching.

Paul is the worst enemy of Christ, who kindled in himself ...

Before talking about the names of the apostles of Christ, it is necessary to know the meaning of the word "apostle". Not everyone knows that the literal translation of the word "apostle" is an ambassador, sent.
This was the name of the twelve disciples of Jesus, who left their homes and families for the sake of the new teaching, and followed the teacher. The Jewish people said: “The twelve disciples followed him and studied.” Two millennia ago in Israel, the words apostle and disciple were synonymous, often interchangeable.

Apostles
The twelve disciples of Christ are His closest associates, called to convey the Word of God to the peoples of the World. Everyone today must know their names and deeds.
Andrew in Scripture is called the First-Called, because. before meeting with Jesus Christ, he was a disciple of John the Baptist and was with him when Jesus, who came to be baptized by the waters of the Jordan, called him to follow him. He was the first chosen apostle. Andrew was the brother of Simon, also called Peter.
Peter is the second apostle, the son of Jonah, born in the city of Bethsaida, ...

Matt. X, 1-4: 1 And calling his twelve disciples, he gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out and heal every sickness and every disease. 2 The names of the Twelve Apostles are these: first Simon, called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, James Zebedee and John, his brother, 3 Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the publican, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.

Mk. III, 13-19: 13 Then he went up the mountain and called to himself whom he himself wanted; and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve of them to be with him and to send them out to preach, 15 and that they might have power to heal sickness and cast out demons; 16 appointed Simon, calling him the name of Peter; Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.

OK. VI, 12-16: 12 In those days he ascended the mountain ...

twelve apostles

The Twelve Apostles are the closest disciples and followers of Jesus Christ. They were chosen by him during his life and service to people. Their activity was in the 1st century AD. e. This period of early Christianity is called the apostolic age. The disciples of Christ established churches throughout the Roman Empire, as well as in the Middle East, Africa and India.

It should be noted that although the Christian tradition refers to the apostles as 12, different evangelists give different names for one person, and the apostles mentioned in one gospel are not mentioned in others. After his Resurrection, Christ sent 11 of them (Judas Iscariot had died by that time) according to the Great Commission. It consisted in spreading his teachings among all peoples.

Jesus Christ and the twelve apostles

According to the Eastern Christian tradition (the Gospel of Luke), the Son of God, in addition to 12, chose 70 more apostles and set them the same tasks - to carry his teachings to people. The number 70 is symbolic. IN…

List of the twelve apostles
1. Andrew, the first among the apostles came to Christ (according to the Gospel of John - a former disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35-40)).
2. Peter, also known as Simon Ionin (son of Jonah), also called Cephas, Brother of the Apostle Andrew
3. John the Evangelist, brother of James, (son of Zebedee)
4. James Zebedee, brother of John, (son of Zebedee)
5. Philip of Bethsaida
6. Bartholomew, aka Nathanael from Cana of Galilee (union conditionally)
7. Matthew the publican, evangelist, aka Levi Alfeev (association based on the parallelism of Matthew 9:9 and Mark 2:14)
8. Thomas, called the Twin
9. Jacob Alfeev, brother of the Apostle and Evangelist Matthew.
10. Thaddeus, aka Judas Jacoblev (Jacob's brother) or Levway
11. Simon Zealot, also known as Simon the Zealot, son of Cleopas (St. Hippolytus of Rome believes that he also bore the name Judas)
12. Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus Christ
13. Matthias - replaced Judas Iscariot after his suicide (Matt. 27:5, Acts 1:26)…

Let’s start the topic of ‘’the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ’’ with the fact that in the book of Revelation it is written:

‘I, John, saw the holy city of Jerusalem, new, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. The wall of the city has twelve foundations, and on them are the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb'' (Rev. 21:2,14).

Apostle - means "sent"; however, in this passage of Scripture we see that the role of these twelve chosen ones is special, the highest of people. And in this article, we will try to figure out what meaning the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ carry in themselves, and we will penetrate the secrets of the prophetic actions [signs] that happened to these followers of our Lord.

So let's start with the story:

''And God said to Moses: So say to the children of Israel: The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is my name forever, and the remembrance of me from generation to generation” (Ex. 3:15).

Abraham is...

Who were the 12 apostles?

And he appointed twelve of them to be with him and to send them out to preach
(Mark 3:14)

The word apostle literally means "messenger." For example, Christ himself is called in Scripture an apostle of God the Father. But tradition associates the word "apostle" primarily with the twelve chosen disciples of Jesus. They followed the Teacher during all the time of His earthly ministry to people, listened to His teaching, witnessed the miracles He performed, and most importantly, they believed that their Teacher is the Son of God. Christ bequeathed to them to carry the good news about himself to people, sending them to preach the gospel around the world.

And they did His will. Only thanks to the apostles and the people who were later ranked among them, the Word of God was preserved for centuries, and the teaching of Christ found followers everywhere. It is difficult to imagine the fate of Christianity without the asceticism of the Apostle Paul, without the Gospels of the Apostles Matthew and John, without the pilgrimage labors of the Equal-to-the-Apostles Saint Helena,…

The Twelve Apostles of Christ: Names and Acts

Video: Apostles

Twelve Apostles: Names

The Twelve Apostles are the closest disciples of Jesus Christ, chosen by Him for the annunciation of the imminent Kingdom of God and…

Twelve Apostles (gr.

Before you learn about who the twelve apostles are, hear about their names and deeds, it is worth understanding the definition of the word "apostle".

Who were the twelve disciples, the apostles of Jesus Christ?

Many contemporaries do not know that the word "apostle" means "sent." At the time when Jesus Christ walked on our sinful earth, twelve people from the common people were called His disciples. As eyewitnesses said, "the twelve disciples followed Him and learned from Him." Two days after his death by crucifixion, he sent the disciples to be his witnesses. It was then that they were called the twelve apostles. For reference: in the time of Jesus in society, the terms "disciple" and "apostle" were similar and interchangeable.

Twelve Apostles: Names

The Twelve Apostles are the closest disciples of Jesus Christ, chosen by Him for the annunciation of the imminent Kingdom of God and the organization of the Church. Everyone should know the names of the apostles.

Andrew was named...

Before you learn about who the twelve apostles are, hear about their names and deeds, it is worth understanding the definition of the word "apostle".

Who were the twelve disciples, the apostles of Jesus Christ?

Twelve Apostles: Names

The Twelve Apostles are the closest disciples of Jesus Christ, chosen by Him for the annunciation of the imminent Kingdom of God and the organization of the Church. The names of the apostles should be known ...

Who were the twelve disciples/apostles of Jesus Christ?

Question: Who were the twelve disciples/apostles of Jesus Christ?

Answer: The word "apostle" means "one sent." During the stay of Jesus Christ on earth, 12 people were called His disciples. The twelve disciples followed Him and learned from Him. After His resurrection, He sent His disciples (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8) to be His witnesses. Then they were called the twelve apostles. However, while Jesus was still on earth, the terms "disciples" and "apostles" were used interchangeably.

The original twelve disciples/apostles are listed in Matthew 10:2-4: “These names of the Twelve Apostles are: the first Simon, called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, James Zebedee and John, his brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the publican , Jacob Alfeev and Leove, nicknamed Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him. The Bible also gives a list of 12 disciples/apostles in…