The Twelve Apostles

Those sent by Jesus

The group Jesus chose after a night of prayer: fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot, ordinary people sent to change the world.

Chosen after a night of prayer

Before calling the twelve, Jesus spent the night praying. He chose unlikely people: uneducated fishermen, a hated tax collector (Matthew), a radical zealot (Simon), and even the one who would betray Him.

Ordinary people, sent to change the world

They were not the most qualified, but the available ones. After Pentecost, this small group spread the Gospel across the Empire. Matthew, Thomas, Philip and others took the message to distant peoples.

Did you know?

• 'Apostle' means 'one who is sent'. The twelve recall the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 19:28

Where to read in the Bible

• Mark 3:13–19
• Luke 6:12–16

Connections

• chosen by Jesus of Nazareth · stated in the text · Mark 3:13–14
• includes Simon Peter · stated in the text · Mark 3:16
• includes John · stated in the text · Mark 3:17
• includes Matthew · stated in the text · Mark 3:18
• includes Thomas · stated in the text · Mark 3:18
• sent out in the Mission · stated in the text · Matthew 28:19
• inclui Andrew · stated in the text · Matthew 10:2
• inclui James · stated in the text · Matthew 10:2
• inclui Philip · stated in the text · Matthew 10:3
• inclui James, son of Alphaeus · stated in the text · Matthew 10:3
• inclui Judas Thaddaeus · stated in the text · Matthew 10:3; Luke 6:16
• inclui Simon the Zealot · stated in the text · Matthew 10:4
• inclui Judas Iscariot · stated in the text · Matthew 10:4
• includes, by tradition, Nathanael (Bartholomew) · editorial reading · Matthew 10:3; John 1:45

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