Here’s more about these remarkable men.
What about the Others?
Other disciples who contributed to the New Testament—like Mark, Luke, and Paul—were Church leaders after Jesus Christ died.
If you were to visit the Rome Italy Temple, you’d find lots of beautiful carvings on the grounds. In addition to the Christus, there are statues representing the Apostles mentioned in the New Testament. (Check out the video above!)
We are so grateful for the testimonies of these early Church leaders. But who were these men? We don’t have tons of information, but here are some things we know.
- Peter was originally known as Simon. Then Jesus gave him the name Peter, meaning “rock.” He led the Church after the Savior died.
- Andrew fished with Peter and followed John the Baptist. He brought Peter to meet the Savior.
- James and his brother John were given the name “sons of thunder.” They were fishing with their father when Jesus called them.
- John, the brother of James, was sometimes called “the Beloved.” He helped take care of the Savior’s mother, Mary, after Jesus died.
- Philip was from a town called Bethsaida and helped introduce his friend Nathanael to the Savior.
- Nathanael was willing to learn more about the Savior from his friend Philip. He might also have been called Bartholomew.
- Thomas had trouble believing that Jesus Christ was resurrected until he saw the Lord for himself. He is sometimes called “doubting Thomas.”
- Matthew was a tax collector for the Roman government, which made him unpopular among the Jews.
- James was possibly Matthew’s brother.
- Jude was sometimes called Judas the Zealot, and he wasn’t the one who betrayed Jesus. Zealots were Jews with great zeal for the law. They rejected any foreign authority and wanted to drive the Romans out from their land.
- Simon was also known as a Zealot. He and Jude may have been associated with a Zealot group, or they may simply have had great passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Judas was the group treasurer, in charge of keeping the money purse for the disciples. He turned the Savior over to the Romans for 30 pieces of silver even though he knew the Savior was innocent.
The restored Church of Jesus Christ is led by Apostles today, just like it was in the times of Jesus Christ!
What about the Others?
Other disciples who contributed to the New Testament—like Mark, Luke, and Paul—were Church leaders after Jesus Christ died.
Adapted from this article in the February 2023 For the Strength of Youth magazine.