The Twelve Apostles of Jesus

Jesus chose twelve men from his closest disciples to be his special apostles, meaning “sent ones” (Mat- thew 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16). Their names were: Andrew, Peter, James, John, Philip, Bar- tholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas Iscariot. After Judas committed suicide, Matthias was chosen to replace him (Acts 1:26).

Before his ascension to heaven, Jesus gave his apostles the Great Commission of taking the good news of the kingdom of God throughout the entire world. Matthew 28:16-20 reads: “Jesus said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey every- thing that I have taught you. I tell you the truth: I am with you always, to the very the end of this world!”