Jesus’ 12 Apostles
By Mark Morgan | Jesus
Setting the Scene for Jesus’ 12 Apostles
Early in the New Testament we read about the birth of John (later known as John the Baptist), a priest’s son who was to become a prophet and announce the coming of a saviour from the house of David.
Many people went to John and obeyed his call to repentance and baptism. Most left after they were baptised, but some stayed longer and became John’s disciples. While they were with him, they saw Jesus come to be baptised and some heard John’s announcement that this was not only the lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world, but also the son of God. Two, in particular, believed John and immediately followed Jesus to learn more about him. They also called their friends, and soon Jesus had followers of his own.
Apostles
As we delve into what is known about Jesus’ apostles, it’s worth noting that ‘apostles’ means ‘ones sent’. The word is used because, although many people followed Jesus, he wanted to send out 12 special disciples in pairs to preach. Before doing so, he spent all night in prayer to God (Luke 6:12-16).
It is very likely that all of them were Jews (see Mt 15:24; 10:5; Jn 1:47). With the possible exception of Judas Iscariot, whom some suggest came from Kerioth in Judah, they were probably all from Galilee, based on the observation: ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans?’ (Acts 2:7).
There are four lists of Jesus’ apostles, and you’ll notice as you read them that there are some differences in order and slightly varied names. Judas Iscariot is missing from the list in Acts because by that time he had betrayed Jesus and committed suicide.
