Meet the 12 Disciples of Jesus
Discover the names, roles, legacies and fun facts about each of the disciples
Jesus Christ's closest followers, known as the Twelve Disciples, played vital roles in the foundation and spread of the gospel. Each disciple was chosen for their unique qualities and contributions to Jesus' ministry. Here's an overview of these foundational figures:
What’s the difference between a disciple and an apostle?
What is the true meaning of disciple?
Is a disciple a student?
How did the apostles die?
Who replaced Judas Iscariot?
Where are the remains of the disciples now?
What does the Bible say about the mission of Jesus' disciples?
What’s the difference between a disciple and an apostle?
A disciple is a student or follower. An apostle is one who is sent out. The twelve were both disciples who became apostles after Jesus sent them into the world.
What is the true meaning of disciple?
A genuine disciple is more than a learner. Someone who puts the teachings of the bible into action and lives out what is taught.
Is a disciple a student?
People sometimes use the word student in place of disciple, but the two aren’t identical. A student focuses on learning information, while a disciple commits to living out and embodying the teachings they receive.
How did the apostles die?
Most of them were martyred for their faith. Methods included crucifixion, beheading, stoning and spearing.
Who replaced Judas Iscariot?
atthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after his death (Acts 1:26), though he’s not always listed among the “original twelve.”
Where are the remains of the disciples now?
Many are believed to be buried in European cathedrals: Rome, Salerno, Compostela, Ephesus and more.
What does the Bible say about the mission of Jesus' disciples?
Jesus gave them the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20). This became the foundation of the global Church.
Peter (Simon)
Name Meaning: Rock (Greek: Petros)
Former Occupation: Fisherman
Manner of Death: Crucified upside down
Remains (Relics) Location: St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome
Who was he?
Peter in the Bible
How did Peter die?
Fun Fact
Who was he?
Peter was a Galilean fisherman that was known for his impulsive nature and deep devotion to Jesus.
Disciple Simon later became Peter. Peter stems from the Greek Petros meaning ‘rock’. Jesus gave him the name Cephas, which means ‘stone’ in Aramaic. He was martyred by crucifixion sometime around the year 64 A.D. during the Great Fire in Rome under the rule of Emperor Nero. Tradition says he requested to be crucified upside-down, because he saw himself unworthy to die the same way as Christ. His remains can be found in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Peter in the Bible
Disciple Peter was a central figure in the Gospels, who was often a spokesperson for the disciples. He witnessed key events like the Transfiguration and was the first to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Despite his boldness, he denied Jesus three times before the crucifixion.
Matthew 16:18: “The Rock”: Jesus declares Peter the foundation of His church.
John 21:15-17: Restoration and Commission: Jesus restores Peter after his denial.
Acts 2:14-41: Bold Preacher: Peter delivers his first sermon at Pentecost.
How did Peter die?
Tradition holds that Disciple Peter was crucified upside down in Rome under Emperor Nero's persecution.
Fun Fact
Disciple Peter's original name was Simon. Jesus gave him the name "Peter," meaning "rock," symbolizing his role in establishing the church.
Andrew
Name Meaning: Manly (Greek: Andreas)
Former Occupation: Fisherman
Manner of Death: Crucified on X-shaped cross
Remains (Relics) Location: Amalfi Cathedral, Italy
Who was he?
Andrew in the Bible
How did he die?
Fun Fact
Who was he?
Andrew, Peter's brother, was also a fisherman and one of the first disciples called by Jesus.
Disciple Andrew comes from the Greek name Andreas which is derived from the Greek word Andreios meaning ‘masculine’. Andrew traveled to Patras in western Greece in 69 A.D., where the Roman proconsul Aegeates tried to convince him to forsake Christianity so that he would not have to execute him. Not renouncing his faith, Aegeates crucified him to an X shaped cross, tying him instead of using nails to prolong his suffering. His remains can be found in the Cathedral of Amalfi in Amalfi, Italy.
Andrew in the Bible
Disciple Andrew is noted for bringing others to Jesus, including his brother Peter. He is mentioned in the Gospels as being present during significant moments in Jesus' ministry.
John 1:40-42: Bringing Others to Jesus: Andrew introduces his brother Peter to Christ.
Matthew 4:18-20: Called to Follow: Jesus calls Andrew while he is fishing.
How did he die?
Church tradition states that Disciple Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras, Greece.
Fun Fact
Disciple Andrew is the patron saint of several countries, including Scotland, Russia and Greece.
James the Greater
Name Meaning: Supplanter (Hebrew: Ya’aqov)
Former Occupation: Fisherman
Manner of Death: Beheaded by sword
Remains (Relics) Location: Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Who was James the Greater?
James the Greater in the Bible
How did he die?
Fun Fact
Who was James the Greater?
Disciple James was the son of Zebedee and brother of John, and part of Jesus' inner circle.
The name James is derived from the Hebrew name ya’aqov for the Old Testament Patriarch Jacob. Acts 12:2 says that James the Greater was killed with a sword. The newly-appointed governor of Judea, Herod Agrippa, decided to gain favor with the Romans by persecuting leaders of Christianity. After James was arrested and led to the place of execution, his unnamed accuser was moved by his courage. He not only repented and converted on the spot but asked to be executed alongside James. The Roman executioners obliged and both men were beheaded simultaneously. His remains can be found in Saint James Church in Compostela, Spain.
James the Greater in the Bible
Disciple James witnessed key events such as the Transfiguration and was present in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Matthew 17:1-3: Witness to the Transfiguration: James is present at this significant event.
Acts 12:1-2: Martyrdom: King Herod executes James by the sword.
How did he die?
Disciple James was beheaded in Jerusalem, becoming the first apostle to be martyred.
Fun Fact
His title "the Greater" distinguishes him from James the Less. He also has a feast day that is celebrated on July 25.
John
Name Meaning: Yahweh is gracious
Former Occupation: Fisherman
Manner of Death: Natural death
Remains (Relics) Location: Basilica of St. John, Ephesus, Turkey
Who was John?
John in the Bible
How did he die?
Fun Fact
Who was John?
Disciple John was the brother of 'James the Greater' and known for his close relationship with Jesus.
He became one of the four Gospel writers. John is derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan which means ‘Yahweh is gracious’. He is the only apostle to have died a natural death, passing peacefully in his old age around the year 100 A.D. on Patmos, Greece. His remains can be found in the Basilica of Saint John in Ephesus, Turkey.
John in the Bible
Disciple John is referred to as the "beloved disciple" and wrote the Gospel of John, three epistles and Revelation.
John 13:23-25: Beloved Disciple: John leans on Jesus at the Last Supper.
John 19:26-27: Caretaker of Mary: Jesus entrusts His mother to John.
Revelation 1:1: Vision of Christ: John receives the revelation on Patmos.
How did he die?
Disciple John is believed to have died a natural death in Ephesus.
Fun Fact
Disciple John is the only apostle thought to have lived to old age and not been martyred.
Philip
Name Meaning: Friend of horses
Former Occupation: Unknown
Manner of Death: Crucifixion.
Remains (Relics) Location: Basilica of the Holy Apostles, Rome
Who was Philip?
Philip in the Bible?
How did he die?
Fun Fact
Who was Philip?
Philip was a Galilean follower of Jesus and is often depicted as a connector who introduced people to Christ.
Disciple Philip stems from the Greek name Philippos meaning friend of horses. He became a missionary to Greece, Syria and Phrygia. Eventually, he traveled to the Egyptian city of Heliopolis, where he was whipped, thrown into prison and then crucified around 54 A.D. His remains can be found in the Holy Apostles Basilica in Rome.
Philip in the Bible?
Disciple Philip is mentioned in the Gospels as bringing Nathanael to Jesus and asking Jesus to show the Father.
John 1:43-46: Bringing Nathanael: Philip introduces Nathanael to Jesus.
John 14:8-9: Seeking Understanding: Philip asks Jesus to reveal the Father.
How did he die?
Tradition suggests Disciple Philip was martyred by crucifixion in Hierapolis, Turkey.
Fun Fact
Disciple Philip is sometimes confused with Philip the Evangelist who is another New Testament figure.
Bartholomew (Nathanael)
Name Meaning: Son of Talmai
Former Occupation: Unknown
Manner of Death: Flayed and beheaded
Remains (Relics) Location: Church of St. Bartholomew, Rome
Who was Bartholomew (Nathanael)?
Bartholomew (Nathanael) in the Bible
How did he die?
Fun Fact
Who was Bartholomew (Nathanael)?
Believed to be a friend of Philip and a devout man from Cana in Galilee.
Disciple Bartholomew comes from Bartholomaios, the Greek form of an Aramaic name meaning son of Talmai. According to tradition, he preached in several countries including India, where he translated the Gospel of Matthew for believers. In one account, “impatient idolaters” beat Bartholomew and then crucified him. In another account, he was flayed alive and then beheaded. His remains can be found in Saint Bartholomew Church in Rome.
Bartholomew (Nathanael) in the Bible
Jesus described him as "an Israelite in whom there is no deceit."
John 1:45-49: Honest Faith: Nathanael recognizes Jesus as the Son of God.
Matthew 10:2-4: Listed Among the Twelve: Confirmation of his calling.
How did he die?
Tradition says that he was martyred in Armenia, where he was flayed alive and then later beheaded. However, some believe he was actually crucified after being tortured. All variations still point to him dying as a martyr.
Fun Fact
Some scholars think Disciple Bartholomew may have also been called Nathanael.
Matthew (Levi)
Name Meaning: Gift of Yahweh
Former Occupation: Tax collector
Manner of Death: Stabbed in Ethiopia
Remains (Relics) Location: Cathedral of Salerno, Italy
Who was Matthew (Levi)?
Matthew (Levi) in the Bible
How did he die?
Fun Fact
Who was Matthew (Levi)?
He was a tax collector who was often considered as an outcast before following Jesus.
He is also called Levi, a tax collector, who later became one of the four Gospel writers. Disciple Matthew comes from the Greek Matthaios, the Hebrew name being Mattityahu, which means gift of Yahweh. According to tradition, he was martyred in Ethiopia where he was stabbed in the back by an assassin sent by King Hertacus after he criticized the king’s morals. His remains can be found in the Cathedral of Salerno in Salerno, Italy.
Matthew (Levi) in the Bible
Disciple Matthew wrote the Gospel of Matthew and hosted a feast for Jesus.
Matthew 9:9: Called to Follow: Jesus calls Matthew.
Matthew 28:19-20:The Great Commission: Matthew records Jesus’ command to make disciples.
How did he die?
Tradition says he was martyred in Ethiopia or Persia (the details of his death vary).
Fun Fact
Disciple Matthew's Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
Thomas (Didymus)
Name Meaning: Twin (Aramaic: Ta’oma)
Former Occupation: Unknown
Manner of Death: Speared in India
Remains (Relics) Location: Ortona, Italy
Who was Thomas (Didymus)?
Thomas (Didymus) in the Bible
How did he die?
Fun Fact
Who was Thomas (Didymus)?
Unfortunately known as "Doubting Thomas" for questioning Jesus' resurrection.
Disciple Thomas wasn’t so much a “doubter” as he was a relatable figure who displayed healthy skepticism. It’s important to remember that he wasn’t present when Christ first appeared after the resurrection, which gave him reasonable grounds for his initial doubt. Thomas comes from the Aramaic name Ta’oma meaning twin. According to the Syrian Christian tradition, Saint Thomas was preaching at Saint Thomas Mount in Chennai, India around the year 72 A.D., when a group of angered locals martyred him with a spear. His remains can be found in the Basilica of Saint Thomas the Apostle in Ortona, Italy.
Thomas (Didymus) in the Bible
He boldly proclaimed Jesus as "My Lord and my God" after seeing the risen Christ.
John 11:16: Courage: Thomas is willing to go with Jesus to Judea, despite danger.
John 20:24-29: Doubting to Believing: Thomas proclaims Jesus as “My Lord and my God.”
How did he die?
Tradition holds he was speared to death in India.
Fun Fact
Disciple Thomas is credited with bringing Christianity to India, where the Saint Thomas Christians still honor him.
James the Less (Son of Alphaeus)
Name Meaning: Supplanter
Former Occupation: Unknown
Manner of Death: Stoned and clubbed to death.
Remains (Relics) Location: Basilica of the Holy Apostles, Rome
Who was James the Less (Son of Alphaeus)?
James the Less (Son of Alphaeus) in the Bible
How did he die?
Fun Fact
Who was James the Less (Son of Alphaeus)?
Little is known about him but he was sometimes called James the Minor to distinguish him from James the Greater.
Disciple James is derived from the Hebrew name ya’aqov. Less is known about Saint James the Lesser except that he was one of the oldest apostles. At the age of 94, he was beaten and stoned by persecutors, and then killed from a blow to the head with a club. His remains can be found at the Holy Apostles Basilica in Rome.
James the Less (Son of Alphaeus) in the Bible
He is mentioned among the apostles but rarely a main character.
Matthew 10:3: Apostle Listed: James the Less named among the twelve.
Acts 1:13: Witness in Jerusalem: James participates in the early gathering after Jesus’ ascension.
How did he die?
Tradition says he was stoned and clubbed to death in Jerusalem, while others claim he was crucified in Egypt. Early church historians believed he was ultimately stoned for preaching the gospel.
Fun Fact
He is considered the first bishop of Jerusalem by some early church traditions.
Thaddeus (Lebbaeus, Judas son of James)
Name Meaning: Praised
Former Occupation: Unknown
Manner of Death: Killed with arrows/axe
Remains (Relics) Location: St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome
Who was Thaddeus?
Thaddeus in the Bible
How did he die?
Fun Fact
Who was Thaddeus?
He was sometimes called Jude and was devoted to spreading Jesus' teachings.
Disciple Judas stems from the Hebrew Yehudah meaning ‘praised’. According to tradition, Saint Jude Thaddeus was martyred around the year 65 A.D. in Beirut and his body filled with arrows. He is often pictured with an ax, a symbol of his martyrdom and the way in which he was killed. His remains can be found at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Italy.
Thaddeus in the Bible
He asked Jesus at the Last Supper why He would reveal Himself only to the disciples.
John 14:22-23: Questioning: Thaddeus asks Jesus about revealing Himself to the disciples.
Matthew 10:3: Apostle Listed: Confirmation of his calling.
How did he die?
Tradition suggests he was martyred in Persia.
Fun Fact
Disciple Thaddeus is often invoked as the patron saint of desperate cases (people believed that praying to him brought help when all other hope seemed lost).
Simon the Zealot
Name Meaning: He has heard
Former Occupation: Zealot
Manner of Death: Martyred for his faith.
Remains (Relics) Location: Vatican City
Who was Simon the Zealot?
Simon the Zealot in the Bible
How did he die?
Fun Fact
Who was Simon the Zealot?
He was a member of the Zealots and a Jewish revolutionary group.
Disciple Simon comes from the Hebrew name Shim’on meaning ‘he has heard’. It is said that he preached in Mauritania on the west coast of Africa and then went to England, where he was crucified either around the year 65 A.D. or 107 A.D. His remains can be found at the Altar of the Crucifixion in Vatican City.
Simon the Zealot in the Bible
How did he die?
The precise details of his death are unclear. Some believe he preached as far as Persia (modern-day Iran) and was also killed there, while Western historians believe he was crucified in Britain. Nonetheless, everyone agrees he died courageously for his faith.
Fun Fact
His zeal for the faith is reflected in his nickname, "the Zealot."
Judas Iscariot
Name Meaning: Praised
Former Occupation: Treasurer
Manner of Death: Suicide after betrayal
Remains (Relics) Location: Unknown
Who was Judas Iscariot?
Judas Iscariot in the Bible
How did he die?
Fun Fact
Who was Judas Iscariot?
The disciple who served as treasurer for the group.
Judas stems from the Hebrew Yehudah meaning ‘praised’. Judas Iscariot committed suicide following his betrayal of Jesus Christ. The location of his remains are unknown.
Judas Iscariot in the Bible
He betrayed Jesus to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver.
Matthew 26:14-16: The Betrayal: Judas arranges to betray Jesus.
John 12:4-6: Greed and Motives: Judas objects to the use of expensive perfume.
Matthew 27:3-5: Death After Betrayal: Judas’ tragic end.
How did he die?
Disciple Judas died by suicide after his betrayal of Jesus.
Fun Fact
His actions set in motion the events of the crucifixion, demonstrating how even betrayal can fulfill God's purposes.
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