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How to Handle 12 Apostles and Their Characteristics Step by Step

When 12 apostles and their characteristics leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.

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Part 1

The 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ

Peter

Peter (originally named Simon in Greek) was given the name Peter (meaning “rock”) by Jesus. He was considered the leader of the 12 apostles; he was the main spokesman for them, authored two epistles of the New Testament, and traveled as far as Babylon to do evangelistic and missionary work among the Jews. As a person, Peter was loyal, adventurous, and chivalrous but also impulsive and prone to fits of anger. He denied Jesus three times before his crucifixion, but through repentance, regained his honor and spent the rest of his life as a fervent apostle and believer. All in all, Peter is a very flawed, realistic, human figure in the Bible who always persevered and picked himself up from his failures and mistakes.

Peter (originally named Simon in Greek) was given the name Peter (meaning “rock”) by Jesus.
He was considered the leader of the 12 apostles; he was the main spokesman for them, authored two epistles of the New Testament, and traveled as far as Babylon to do evangelistic and missionary work among the Jews.
As a person, Peter was loyal, adventurous, and chivalrous but also impulsive and prone to fits of anger.
He denied Jesus three times before his crucifixion, but through repentance, regained his honor and spent the rest of his life as a fervent apostle and believer.
All in all, Peter is a very flawed, realistic, human figure in the Bible who always persevered and picked himself up from his failures and mistakes.

Andrew

Andrew was Peter’s brother and was the one that introduced Peter to Jesus. In fact, Andrew’s primary role was introducing new followers to Jesus to help spread his teachings. He was seen as a sidekick or somewhat lesser known apostle next to his brother Peter, but remained loyal and optimistic instead of becoming jealous or resentful. He preached as far away as Scythia (modern Iran), Greece, and Asia Minor.

Andrew was Peter’s brother and was the one that introduced Peter to Jesus.
In fact, Andrew’s primary role was introducing new followers to Jesus to help spread his teachings.
He was seen as a sidekick or somewhat lesser known apostle next to his brother Peter, but remained loyal and optimistic instead of becoming jealous or resentful.
He preached as far away as Scythia (modern Iran), Greece, and Asia Minor.
Andrew was Peter’s brother and was the one that introduced Peter to Jesus.

James

James, son of Zebedee, was the brother of fellow apostle John. In fact, his name doesn’t appear alone apart from John’s at any point in the New Testament, and they were considered an inseparable pair. The New Testament doesn’t say much about James, but he was considered courageous, forgiving, and faithful despite “living in the shadow” of his brother. He preached throughout Jerusalem and Judea.

James, son of Zebedee, was the brother of fellow apostle John.
In fact, his name doesn’t appear alone apart from John’s at any point in the New Testament, and they were considered an inseparable pair.
The New Testament doesn’t say much about James, but he was considered courageous, forgiving, and faithful despite “living in the shadow” of his brother.
He preached throughout Jerusalem and Judea.
James, son of Zebedee, was the brother of fellow apostle John.

John

John was the brother of James and was one of the most prominent apostles because of his ambition and closeness to Jesus (he was known as “the Beloved Disciple”). He appears numerous times in the New Testament, wrote the Gospel that bears his name, as well as the Epistles of John I, John II, John III, and Revelation, and preached as far as Asia Minor. He and James came from a wealthy family (their father had hired servants aiding his fishing business) and John may have seen himself as above the other apostles at first. He was known to be quick-tempered and fast to act in his early years before cooling down over time. He worked very closely with Peter in his apostolic work. John also cared for Jesus' Mother Mary, after Jesus' Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension into Heaven.

John was the brother of James and was one of the most prominent apostles because of his ambition and closeness to Jesus (he was known as “the Beloved Disciple”).
He appears numerous times in the New Testament, wrote the Gospel that bears his name, as well as the Epistles of John I, John II, John III, and Revelation, and preached as far as Asia Minor.
He and James came from a wealthy family (their father had hired servants aiding his fishing business) and John may have seen himself as above the other apostles at first.
He was known to be quick-tempered and fast to act in his early years before cooling down over time.
He worked very closely with Peter in his apostolic work.

Philip

Not much is known about Philip compared to some of the other apostles. While mentioned as an apostle in the first three Gospels, his actions and personality don’t come through clearly until the Gospel of John. He had a strong missionary instinct and preached as far as Samaria and Caesarea in Israel. He was known for being kind yet pessimistic, often wanting and willing to do the right thing but not always believing it was possible. He is sometimes confused with St. Philip the Evangelist, one of the seven deacons of the early church.

Not much is known about Philip compared to some of the other apostles.
While mentioned as an apostle in the first three Gospels, his actions and personality don’t come through clearly until the Gospel of John.
He had a strong missionary instinct and preached as far as Samaria and Caesarea in Israel.
He was known for being kind yet pessimistic, often wanting and willing to do the right thing but not always believing it was possible.
He is sometimes confused with St.

Bartholomew (Nathanael)

Though Bartholomew is the name included in apostle lists in the Bible, it’s believed his actual name was Nathanael, with Bartholomew being a family name (meaning “son of Tolmai”). This is because Nathanael is mentioned more in the New Testament and appears to be called by Jesus alongside Philip in the accounts by John. There’s not much information about him in the New Testament, but it’s believed Bartholomew was the only apostle to come from nobility or royal blood (his father, Tolmai, being King of Geshur). He was an adventurous missionary who traveled as far as Phrygia, Hierapolis, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia, Armenia, and even India, where some believe he died. He is considered the founder and martyr of the Armenian Church.

Though Bartholomew is the name included in apostle lists in the Bible, it’s believed his actual name was Nathanael, with Bartholomew being a family name (meaning “son of Tolmai”).
This is because Nathanael is mentioned more in the New Testament and appears to be called by Jesus alongside Philip in the accounts by John.
There’s not much information about him in the New Testament, but it’s believed Bartholomew was the only apostle to come from nobility or royal blood (his father, Tolmai, being King of Geshur).
He was an adventurous missionary who traveled as far as Phrygia, Hierapolis, Ethiopia, Mesopotamia, Armenia, and even India, where some believe he died.
He is considered the founder and martyr of the Armenian Church.

Matthew (Levi)

Matthew lived in Capernaum and little is known about him outside of his job as a publican, or public tax collector. It’s believed his second name, Levi, may have been given to him by Jesus, but it was common for men to have two names at the time (both of his mean “gift from God”). The fact that Jesus called a tax collector was to be an apostle was shocking; they were known for taking advantage of others’ money unjustly and were regarded as borderline criminals by many Jewish men who believed tax money should go only to the church and God. The lesson we learn from Matthew is that anyone is capable of reform and following the teachings of Christ.

Matthew lived in Capernaum and little is known about him outside of his job as a publican, or public tax collector.
It’s believed his second name, Levi, may have been given to him by Jesus, but it was common for men to have two names at the time (both of his mean “gift from God”).
The fact that Jesus called a tax collector was to be an apostle was shocking; they were known for taking advantage of others’ money unjustly and were regarded as borderline criminals by many Jewish men who believed tax money should go only to the church and God.
The lesson we learn from Matthew is that anyone is capable of reform and following the teachings of Christ.
Matthew lived in Capernaum and little is known about him outside of his job as a publican, or public tax collector.

Thomas

Thomas Didymus (his Greek name) is mentioned most in John’s Gospels, though little is known for sure about him. Thomas did not see Jesus right away after the Resurrection and was highly skeptical about it; he refused to believe it until he could see and touch Jesus’ wounds himself (John 20:25), earning him the nickname Doubting Thomas. He was a pessimistic but courageous and loyal man. After seeing Jesus alive again, he exclaimed “My Lord and my God,” making him the first to explicitly state Jesus’ divinity.

Thomas Didymus (his Greek name) is mentioned most in John’s Gospels, though little is known for sure about him.
Thomas did not see Jesus right away after the Resurrection and was highly skeptical about it; he refused to believe it until he could see and touch Jesus’ wounds himself (John 20:25), earning him the nickname Doubting Thomas.
He was a pessimistic but courageous and loyal man.
After seeing Jesus alive again, he exclaimed “My Lord and my God,” making him the first to explicitly state Jesus’ divinity.
Thomas Didymus (his Greek name) is mentioned most in John’s Gospels, though little is known for sure about him.

James the Lesser (Son of Alphaeus)

Compared to the other apostles, there’s very little written about James the Lesser (or the Younger). He was believed to be the brother of fellow apostle Jude, though some historians think he was Matthew’s brother. A lesser-known disciple, he preached in Palestine and Egypt and contributed the Epistle of James to the New Testament. As a personality, he was known to be fiery and strong-willed. He may be called “the Lesser” for his young age when he joined the apostles, for his short stature, or simply to distinguish him from James, son of Zebedee, who was in Jesus’ inner circle.

Compared to the other apostles, there’s very little written about James the Lesser (or the Younger).
He was believed to be the brother of fellow apostle Jude, though some historians think he was Matthew’s brother.
A lesser-known disciple, he preached in Palestine and Egypt and contributed the Epistle of James to the New Testament.
As a personality, he was known to be fiery and strong-willed.
He may be called “the Lesser” for his young age when he joined the apostles, for his short stature, or simply to distinguish him from James, son of Zebedee, who was in Jesus’ inner circle.

Jude (Thaddeus)

Jude is known by three other names in various Gospels—Thaddeus, Lebbeus, and Judas the Zealot (it’s suspected the shortening to Jude was to avoid confusion with Judas Iscariot, Jesus’ betrayer). His defining characteristic was his intense belief that the Chosen People (those of Jewish faith) should rule the world with Jesus as their king. However, his interactions with Jesus show that no amount of power can replace the love of God. Jude preached and healed in many areas, including Edessa, Assyria, and Persia.

Jude is known by three other names in various Gospels—Thaddeus, Lebbeus, and Judas the Zealot (it’s suspected the shortening to Jude was to avoid confusion with Judas Iscariot, Jesus’ betrayer).
His defining characteristic was his intense belief that the Chosen People (those of Jewish faith) should rule the world with Jesus as their king.
However, his interactions with Jesus show that no amount of power can replace the love of God.
Jude preached and healed in many areas, including Edessa, Assyria, and Persia.
Jude is known by three other names in various Gospels—Thaddeus, Lebbeus, and Judas the Zealot (it’s suspected the shortening to Jude was to avoid confusion with Judas Iscariot, Jesus’ betrayer).

Simon the Zealot (or the Cananaean)

Very little is known about Simon in the New Testament besides his affiliation with the Zealots, a Jewish Nationalist party who staunchly opposed Roman rule (this also led to tension with Matthew, a tax collector for the Romans). Though he began his apostleship filled with hatred and a lack of sympathy for anyone who compromised with Rome, he eventually absorbed the teachings of Jesus and learned to share love with his fellow man (even Matthew).

Very little is known about Simon in the New Testament besides his affiliation with the Zealots, a Jewish Nationalist party who staunchly opposed Roman rule (this also led to tension with Matthew, a tax collector for the Romans).
Though he began his apostleship filled with hatred and a lack of sympathy for anyone who compromised with Rome, he eventually absorbed the teachings of Jesus and learned to share love with his fellow man (even Matthew).
Very little is known about Simon in the New Testament besides his affiliation with the Zealots, a Jewish Nationalist party who staunchly opposed Roman rule (this also led to tension with Matthew, a tax collector for the Romans).
Though he began his apostleship filled with hatred and a lack of sympathy for anyone who compromised with Rome, he eventually absorbed the teachings of Jesus and learned to share love with his fellow man (even Matthew).
Very little is known about Simon in the New Testament besides his affiliation with the Zealots, a Jewish Nationalist party who staunchly opposed Roman rule (this also led to tension with Matthew, a tax collector for the Romans).

Judas Iscariot

Judas is infamous for betraying Jesus to the Romans and being one of the most mysterious apostles. The cause of the betrayal is debated; some accounts describe Judas being possessed by Satan, while others say it was in exchange for 30 pieces of silver or because he was angry Jesus would not rule as a Jewish Nationalist (a similar anger that Simon and Jude felt at first). Judas identified Jesus to his arrestors with a kiss, calling him “master.” Judas was known to steal money from the apostles’ funds and was the only Judean of the whole group (the rest were Galileans).

Judas is infamous for betraying Jesus to the Romans and being one of the most mysterious apostles.
The cause of the betrayal is debated; some accounts describe Judas being possessed by Satan, while others say it was in exchange for 30 pieces of silver or because he was angry Jesus would not rule as a Jewish Nationalist (a similar anger that Simon and Jude felt at first).
Judas identified Jesus to his arrestors with a kiss, calling him “master.” Judas was known to steal money from the apostles’ funds and was the only Judean of the whole group (the rest were Galileans).
Judas is infamous for betraying Jesus to the Romans and being one of the most mysterious apostles.
The cause of the betrayal is debated; some accounts describe Judas being possessed by Satan, while others say it was in exchange for 30 pieces of silver or because he was angry Jesus would not rule as a Jewish Nationalist (a similar anger that Simon and Jude felt at first).

Part 2

Was there a hierarchy among the 12 apostles?

Jesus considered Peter, James, and John as part of his inner circle.

While there was no official hierarchy among the apostles, Peter is often considered the leader and spokesman of the apostles (after Jesus). Jesus also had a closer relationship to Peter, James, and John than to the rest. He spent more time with them and they witnessed more Biblical events than the other apostles did. John is even known specifically as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23), indicating an especially close connection.

While there was no official hierarchy among the apostles, Peter is often considered the leader and spokesman of the apostles (after Jesus).
Jesus also had a closer relationship to Peter, James, and John than to the rest.
He spent more time with them and they witnessed more Biblical events than the other apostles did.
John is even known specifically as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23), indicating an especially close connection.
While there was no official hierarchy among the apostles, Peter is often considered the leader and spokesman of the apostles (after Jesus).

Part 3

Was Judas replaced as an apostle?

After Jesus ascended, the apostles chose Matthias to replace Judas.

Matthias was known as a godly man who witnessed a lot of Jesus’ work on earth before his crucifixion and helped the apostles spread his teachings after his death. While it wasn’t necessary to maintain 12 apostles, 12 is a fairly symbolic number representing the 12 tribes of Israel.

Matthias was known as a godly man who witnessed a lot of Jesus’ work on earth before his crucifixion and helped the apostles spread his teachings after his death.
While it wasn’t necessary to maintain 12 apostles, 12 is a fairly symbolic number representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
Matthias was known as a godly man who witnessed a lot of Jesus’ work on earth before his crucifixion and helped the apostles spread his teachings after his death.
While it wasn’t necessary to maintain 12 apostles, 12 is a fairly symbolic number representing the 12 tribes of Israel.
Matthias was known as a godly man who witnessed a lot of Jesus’ work on earth before his crucifixion and helped the apostles spread his teachings after his death.

Part 4

What is an apostle in the Bible?

In the Bible, an apostle is someone Jesus chose to spread his teachings.

The word “apostle” comes from the Greek apostolos, which means “person sent.” The apostles received Jesus’ special teaching and training and were sometimes sent on specific missions to spread the word of the Messiah.

The word “apostle” comes from the Greek apostolos, which means “person sent.” The apostles received Jesus’ special teaching and training and were sometimes sent on specific missions to spread the word of the Messiah.
The word “apostle” comes from the Greek apostolos, which means “person sent.” The apostles received Jesus’ special teaching and training and were sometimes sent on specific missions to spread the word of the Messiah.
The word “apostle” comes from the Greek apostolos, which means “person sent.” The apostles received Jesus’ special teaching and training and were sometimes sent on specific missions to spread the word of the Messiah.
The word “apostle” comes from the Greek apostolos, which means “person sent.” The apostles received Jesus’ special teaching and training and were sometimes sent on specific missions to spread the word of the Messiah.
The word “apostle” comes from the Greek apostolos, which means “person sent.” The apostles received Jesus’ special teaching and training and were sometimes sent on specific missions to spread the word of the Messiah.

Part 5

Apostle vs. Disciple

Disciples were followers of Jesus, while apostles were sent to teach others.

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but a disciple is technically only someone who follows, studies, and learns from a teacher or master (in this case, Jesus). The 12 apostles were first disciples before Jesus chose to make them apostles and enlist them to help him heal, teach, and preach to others.

The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but a disciple is technically only someone who follows, studies, and learns from a teacher or master (in this case, Jesus).
The 12 apostles were first disciples before Jesus chose to make them apostles and enlist them to help him heal, teach, and preach to others.
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but a disciple is technically only someone who follows, studies, and learns from a teacher or master (in this case, Jesus).
The 12 apostles were first disciples before Jesus chose to make them apostles and enlist them to help him heal, teach, and preach to others.
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but a disciple is technically only someone who follows, studies, and learns from a teacher or master (in this case, Jesus).

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