bible history · kjv
12 Disciples of Jesus
The 12 disciples of Jesus — complete list with Hebrew/Greek names, occupations, and biblical references from Matthew 10, Mark 3, Luke 6, and Acts 1.
The 12 Disciples of Jesus
The New Testament records that Jesus chose twelve men from among his broader group of followers to be his closest apprentices and eventual emissaries. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all list them — with minor variations in naming and ordering:
The Twelve (KJV Names)
- Simon Peter (originally Simon bar Jonah) — fisherman from Bethsaida, later leader of the early church
- Andrew — Peter's brother, also a fisherman, a former disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:40)
- James, son of Zebedee — one of the "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17), the first apostle martyred (Acts 12:2, ~AD 44)
- John, son of Zebedee — James's brother, traditionally the author of the Fourth Gospel, three epistles, and Revelation
- Philip — from Bethsaida, like Peter and Andrew (John 1:44)
- Bartholomew — often identified with Nathanael (John 1:45–51)
- Matthew (also called Levi) — a tax collector in Capernaum (Matthew 9:9)
- Thomas (Didymus, "the twin") — famous for his doubt about the resurrection (John 20:24–29)
- James, son of Alphaeus — "James the Less" (Mark 15:40)
- Thaddaeus (also called Lebbaeus; Luke and Acts call him "Judas, son of James")
- Simon the Zealot (the Canaanite / Cananaean) — formerly part of the political Zealot movement
- Judas Iscariot — the betrayer, later replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26)
Listed In
The lists of the twelve appear four times:
- Matthew 10:2–4 — given when Jesus sends them to preach
- Mark 3:16–19 — given when they are first appointed
- Luke 6:13–16 — given after a night of prayer on the mountain
- Acts 1:13 — listed after the resurrection, before Pentecost (Judas missing; Matthias chosen in v.26)
Why Twelve?
The number twelve deliberately echoes the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 49; Numbers 1). Jesus makes this link explicit in Matthew 19:28: "Ye which have followed me... shall also sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." The earliest Christian community understood itself as a continuation and fulfillment of Israel's covenant people — and the twelve apostles as the foundational leaders of a renewed Israel (Revelation 21:14).
Who were the 12 disciples of Jesus?
The Bible addresses 12 disciples of jesus with deep compassion and clarity. From the Psalms to the words of Jesus, Scripture meets you in this exact feeling and offers comfort, strength, and direction. Here are the most powerful verses — each chosen because they speak directly to what you're going through.
Most Powerful Verses
Matthew 10:2
“Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;”
— Bible
Matthew 10:3
“Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;”
— Bible
Matthew 10:4
“Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.”
— Bible
Mark 3:14
“And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,”
— Bible
Luke 6:13
“And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;”
— Bible
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John 1:40
“One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.”
Matthew 19:28
“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, ju...”
Acts 1:26
“And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”
Revelation 21:14
“And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”
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