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The Twelve Apostles were among the disciples of Jesus, which were given special duties. Jesus gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal the sick. They even had power to withstand the bite of a poisonous snake. Once Jesus sent them off in twos to preach the word in various towns. He gave them special instruction; they were not ask anyone for anything, to carry no extra clothing, and if a town did not welcome them they were to leave and God would one day judge that city. When they returned from this mission they became aware of the great powers that God had given them.
Below is a brief biography based on what is recorded in the Bible. It appears that all of the Apostles had been disciples of John the Baptist first. Because in the book of Acts, when Judas was replaced, they sought a man that had been baptized by John, had Jesus during his three years, and saw the resurrected Christ.
Peter, also known as Simon, appears to be the leader of the Twelve. When the Apostles approached Jesus as a group Peter acted as a spokesman. Christ predicted that he would deny him three times when the rooster crowed twice. Peter told him but this would never happen. But we find in the Gospel’s the prediction came true. Peter is portrayed as weak and ignort in the Gospels. But in the book of Acts he is an effective and wise leader. Peter pronounced God’s judgment on Annais and Saphire, Witnessed to the Roman Centurion Cornelius, and an Angel of the Lord freed him Jail. By trade Peter was a fishermen. He also wrote two books in the New Testament that bears his name. I and II Peter.
James was the son of Zebede and Salome and brother to the Apostle John. They were known as the Sons of Thunder because of their high temper. Their mother approached Jesus and asked if her sons could sit on his right and left in Heaven, which led to criticism from the other Apostles. In the book of Acts we find that King Herod puts James to death. The only Apostle whose death is recorded in the Bible. By trade he was a fisherman.
John was the brother of James and was also a fisherman. It is believed that he was the only Apostle to die a natural death. In the Gospel James and John are always together , but John continued to serve the Lord after his brother’s death. He was probably in his nineties when he was exiled to the Isle of Patmos, where he wrote Revelation. At the crucifixion Jesus requested that John look after his mother Mary. In the book of Acts he and Peter heal a crippled beggar. In addition to Revelation John he wrote the Gospel of John, I, II, and III John.
Peter, James and John are known as the Inner Circle because Jesus revealed things to them he did share with the other Apostles. These three witnessed the Transfiguration.
On the Mount of Olives Jesus ask them to pray, but they continued to fall asleep.
So Jesus prayed alone.
Andrew was the brother of Peter and was also a fisherman. He witnessed the Baptism of Jesus and became the first Apostle. It was Andrew who introduces Peter to Christ. Andrew also brought the boy with two fishes and five loaves to Jesus and with it he feed the five thousand.
Matthew also called Levi, was Tax Collector who left his job to follow Jesus. Matthew is probably better known as the author of the Gospel that bears his name. In this book we find that many Tax Collectors and Roman Soldiers came to John the Baptist seeking baptism. John encouraged both groups to follow the Lord and not to abuse their power. Most likely Matthew was of this group.
James the son of Alpheus. His name always appears when the Apostle is mentioned by name. Nothing else is recorded about him in the Bible.
Judas who is not to be confused with Judas Iscariot. He is also known as Thaddaeus and Lebbaeus. Nothing else is recorded about him in the Bible.
Phillip like Andrew met Jesus when he came to John the Baptist. And like Andrew, he introduced his brother Nathanael to Jesus. At the feeding of the five thousand Jesus tested his faith, but Phillip failed when he tried to figure out how much it would cost to feed so many people. Phillip was also hesitant to bring a group of Greeks who wanted to meet Jesus. Even though Phillip seems to be weak at times, his was faith was increased when he saw the resurrected Christ in the upper room.
Bartholomew , also known as Nathanael, and brother to Phillip. When Phillip told him he had seen the Christ and that he came from Nazareth, he doubted. " How could any good come from Nazareth." But when he saw Jesus, he immediately believed.
Thomas has become known as "Doubting Thomas" because at first he did not believe Jesus had risen form the dead. But when he saw the Resurrected Christ he fell down and proclaimed that Jesus was Lord. In John chapter 11 we see that he was willing to die with Christ. Thomas was also present, with six others, when the Resurrected Christ told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat.
Simon the Zealot or sometimes known as Simon the Canaanite. He is not be confused with Simon Peter. Nothing else is recorded about him in the Bible. But before he became a believer Simon was a member of the Zealots, a group that supported an Independent State of Israel.
Matthais was the one who replaced Judas Iscariot as an Apostle. Many say that he was not called by God, but chosen by the Apostles. And that Paul was the true replacement. However there is one thing to keep in mind when you read Acts Chapter1:15, Peter states that a prophecy of David was about to be fulfilled. In Psalms 69:25 David writes that the bishoprick be given to another. This prophecy is never identified with the Apostle Paul.
After the Jesus returned to heaven the Apostles continued to heal the sick lead others to the Lord. Later Saul of Tarsus, who became known as Paul, became an Apostle the Gentiles. He is the only Apostle who was not baptized by John the Baptist. But he did witness the resurrected Christ
on th road to Damascus.
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