14 Apostles of Jesus
Christ's closest followers chosen to establish the early church and spread his teachings worldwide.
Name: Peter (Simon)
Role: Leader of the apostles, first to preach after Pentecost
Missionary Work: Peter primarily preached in Jerusalem, but he is also believed to have traveled to regions such as Antioch, Asia Minor, and Rome, where he became the first bishop of Rome and was martyred.
Key Events: Denied Jesus three times; preached at Pentecost; key leader in early Church
Bible References: Matthew 4:18–20; Matthew 16:16–19; Acts 2:14–41
Name: James (son of Zebedee)
Role: One of the inner circle, first apostle martyred
Missionary Work: James is said to have preached in Judea and was the first apostle to be martyred, likely in Jerusalem.
Key Events: Present at Transfiguration; executed by Herod
Bible References: Mark 1:19–20; Matthew 17:1; Acts 12:1–2
Name: John (son of Zebedee)
Role: The beloved disciple, author of several New Testament books
Missionary Work: John spent much of his ministry in Asia Minor, particularly in Ephesus, where he led the early Christian community and wrote the Gospel of John, three Epistles, and Revelation.
Key Events: Present at crucifixion; wrote Gospel of John and Revelation
Bible References: John 13:23; John 19:26–27; Revelation 1:1–2
Name: Andrew
Role: Brother of Peter, first called disciple
Missionary Work: Andrew is believed to have preached in various regions including Greece, Thrace, and possibly as far as Russia, with some traditions suggesting he was crucified in Patras.
Key Events: Brought others to Jesus including Peter
Bible References: John 1:40–42; Matthew 4:18
Name: Philip
Role: Introduced Nathanael to Jesus
Missionary Work: Philip is traditionally said to have preached in Asia Minor, particularly in Phrygia, and was martyred in Hierapolis.
Key Events: Asked Jesus to show the Father
Bible References: John 1:43–46; John 14:8–9
Name: Bartholomew (Nathanael)
Role: One of the Twelve, sincere seeker
Missionary Work: Bartholomew is believed to have preached in India, Armenia, and possibly Ethiopia, where he was martyred.
Key Events: Initially skeptical but came to believe in Jesus
Bible References: John 1:45–49
Name: Matthew (Levi)
Role: Tax collector turned apostle, Gospel writer
Missionary Work: Matthew is thought to have preached in Judea, possibly Ethiopia or Persia, and is credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew.
Key Events: Left tax booth to follow Jesus; wrote Gospel of Matthew
Bible References: Matthew 9:9–13
Name: Thomas (Didymus)
Role: Known for doubting then believing
Missionary Work: Thomas is believed to have traveled to India, where he evangelized and was martyred, particularly in Kerala, where many Christians trace their origin back to him.
Key Events: Expressed doubts about Jesus’ resurrection, then declared Him Lord
Bible References: John 20:24–29
Name: James (son of Alphaeus)
Role: Often called 'James the Less'
Missionary Work: James is believed to have preached in Judea and possibly Syria, though details of his missionary work are not as clear as those of the other apostles.
Key Events: Little is recorded about him
Bible References: Matthew 10:3; Mark 15:40
Name: Thaddaeus (Judas son of James)
Role: Also called Lebbaeus, one of the Twelve
Missionary Work: Thaddaeus is believed to have preached in regions such as Syria, Mesopotamia, and Armenia, and possibly was martyred there.
Key Events: Asked Jesus why He would reveal Himself to the disciples and not the world
Bible References: John 14:22
Name: Simon the Zealot
Role: Former member of the Zealots
Missionary Work: Simon is thought to have preached in Egypt, North Africa, and possibly as far as Britain, though accounts of his ministry vary.
Key Events: Zealous for Jewish law before following Jesus
Bible References: Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13
Name: Judas Iscariot
Role: The betrayer of Jesus
Missionary Work: Judas did not have recorded missionary work, as he betrayed Jesus and died before any substantial ministry.
Key Events: Betrayed Jesus for 30 silver coins; later hanged himself
Bible References: Matthew 26:14–16; Matthew 27:3–5
Name: Matthias
Role: Chosen to replace Judas Iscariot
Missionary Work: Matthias, after replacing Judas Iscariot, is believed to have preached in areas such as Cappadocia, the Caspian Sea region, and possibly Ethiopia.
Key Events: Selected by casting lots to join the Twelve
Bible References: Acts 1:23–26
Name: Paul (Saul of Tarsus)
Role: Apostle to the Gentiles, author of many New Testament letters
Missionary Work: Paul traveled extensively throughout the Roman Empire, including Greece, Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Rome, where he established churches and wrote many of the New Testament epistles. He was eventually martyred in Rome.
Key Events: Converted on the road to Damascus; major missionary journeys
Bible References: Acts 9; Acts 13–28; Romans 1:1