Gospel Living

Can you name the original disciples of Jesus Christ?

03/05/23 | 2 min read
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.

Who Were Jesus Christ’s 12 Apostles: Jesus and Apostles
  • Peter was originally known as Simon. Then Jesus gave him the name Peter, meaning “rock.” He led the Church after the Savior died.
Who Were Jesus Christ’s 12 Apostles: Jesus and Apostles
  • Andrew fished with Peter and followed John the Baptist. He brought Peter to meet the Savior.
Who Were Jesus Christ’s 12 Apostles: Jesus and Apostles
  • James and his brother John were given the name “sons of thunder.” They were fishing with their father when Jesus called them.
Who Were Jesus Christ’s 12 Apostles: Jesus and Apostles
  • John, the brother of James, was sometimes called “the Beloved.” He helped take care of the Savior’s mother, Mary, after Jesus died.
Who Were Jesus Christ’s 12 Apostles: Jesus and Apostles
  • Philip was from a town called Bethsaida and helped introduce his friend Nathanael to the Savior.
Who Were Jesus Christ’s 12 Apostles: Jesus and Apostles
  • Nathanael was willing to learn more about the Savior from his friend Philip. He might also have been called Bartholomew.
Who Were Jesus Christ’s 12 Apostles: Jesus and Apostles
  • Thomas had trouble believing that Jesus Christ was resurrected until he saw the Lord for himself. He is sometimes called “doubting Thomas.”
Who Were Jesus Christ’s 12 Apostles: Jesus and Apostles
  • Matthew was a tax collector for the Roman government, which made him unpopular among the Jews.
Who Were Jesus Christ’s 12 Apostles: Jesus and Apostles
  • James was possibly Matthew’s brother.
Who Were Jesus Christ’s 12 Apostles: Jesus and Apostles
  • 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.
Who Were Jesus Christ’s 12 Apostles: Jesus and Apostles
  • 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.
Who Were Jesus Christ’s 12 Apostles: Jesus and Apostles
  • 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.


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