Names of the Apostles: Who They Were and Why They Matter Today

Overview

The twelve apostles were the closest followers of Jesus Christ. They were ordinary men—fishermen, tax collectors, and others—whom Jesus called to help spread his teachings. Each of them had a unique role in Jesus’ ministry and the early church.

Some, like Peter, became leaders, while others, like John, wrote important parts of the Bible. The apostles were not perfect, and many struggled with doubts and fears. However, their faith and dedication helped shape Christianity as we know it today.

This article explores each of these men, their lives, and their impact on the Christian faith. It also includes Paul, who, though not one of the original twelve, became one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. What Is an Apostle Despite their frequent interchangeability, the words apostle and disciple do not mean the same thing.

Going Deeper

The Bible describes a disciple as a "learner," someone who joined the community of followers who received Torah teachings from Jesus. While all of the apostles were once disciples, only a select few rose to that unique position. In the New Testament church, an apostle had a unique position.

Apostle literally means "one who is sent." On a technical level, though, an apostle was not only a messenger. He was given the power to represent and speak on behalf of the One who sent him. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ Himself is the chief apostle.

The Father sent Him, and He spoke with the authority that the Father had given Him. Abandoning Jesus meant turning your back on the Father, who sent Him. In the same way, Christ spoke with the authority of His apostles because He personally called and commissioned them.

Key Takeaways

It was a rejection of Christ's authority, who sent the apostles, to reject their authority. How Many Apostles Did Jesus Have “The Synaxis of the Holy and the Most Praiseworthy Twelve Apostles”, 14th century, Pushkin Museum (photo: Public Domain) The New Testament mentions the commissioning of twelve disciples as apostles. According to what we read in Acts, after Judas died, the church chose Matthias to fill the position.

Paul, appointed by Jesus to be an apostle to the Gentiles, was added to this group. Paul's apostleship was controversial as he did not fulfill every one of the criteria for apostleship outlined in Acts. The three requirements for being an apostle were as follows: (1) being a follower of Jesus during His time on earth, (2) seeing the Resurrection firsthand, and (3) being called and commissioned by Christ himself.

Although he saw a vision of the risen Christ after Jesus' ascension, Paul was never one of his disciples. Paul, unlike the other apostles, did not see the Resurrection firsthand. Christ, however, appointed Paul to the position immediately.

Practical Application

His fellow apostles supported his call, and the miracles God worked through him proved his apostleship and his authority as a revelation agent for the church. The post-apostolic fathers acknowledged their inferiority to the original Apostles before the end of the first century. No one can be confirmed by the original Apostles like Paul was or fulfill the biblical requirements for the position of apostle, hence there are no recognized apostles living today.

For modern-day Christians, the Bible is the final word on Apostolic matters. Get Closer to God Today Download Bible Chat ★ 4.9 Average Rating | Over 5 Million Downloads