Peter
Also known as Simon, the obvious leader of the twelve. He was married (Luke 4:38). His wife was known to travel with him (1 Cor 9:5) He was chosen to preach the Gospel to the circumcised.
Andrew
Peters brother. He and Peter were originally followers of John the Baptist. He was present when John the Baptist said "Behold, the lamb of God" (John 1:35)
James
The older brother of John witnessed the raising of the dead (Mark 5:37), he was at the Mount of Olives at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1)
John
Known as the "disciple Jesus loved." He was one of the inner three and was exiled for a time to the island of Patmos and wrote much of the New Testament.
Philip
He was anxious to tell Nathanael about the One foretold by Moses and the prophets. (John 1`:45) He had a true heart for evangelism.
Nathanael
He was a bit prejudice about people from Nazareth (John 1:46) but Jesus noted his sincerity (John 1:47)
Matthew
He was a tax collector, one of the most despised people in all of Israel. Many people wondered why Jesus had anything to do with him.
Thomas
Nicknamed "Doubting Thomas". He was very passionate and willing to die if necessary (John 11:16)
James the Less
His mom was called Mary (Mark 15:40) . His brother was called Joseph (Matthew 27:56) Not much about him but he was handpicked by Jesus.
Simon the Zealot
“It is amazing that Jesus would select a man like Simon to be an apostle. But he was a man of fierce loyalties, amazing passion, courage, and zeal. Simon had believed the truth and embraced Christ as his Lord. The fiery enthusiasm he once had for Israel was now expressed in his devotion to Christ.” (Twelve Ordinary Men)
Judas, son of James
He asked the question, "Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not the world at large?" (John 14:22)
Judas Iscariot
He betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15)
Who better to get all the wealth and glory than these twelve.
Peter was crucified upside down. Andrew was crucified. James was beheaded. John was exiled to the island of Patmos. Philip was stoned and crucified. Nathanael was beaten, crucified, and beheaded. Matthew was killed with a spear. Some suggest that Thomas was run through with a spear. James the less was stoned and crucified. Judas the son of James, was apparently clubbed to death. Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Jesus, killed himself. Paul, who was not one of the original twelve, was beheaded by the Romans.
They obviously didn’t do what they did for a better life, or money, or things.
We are told (Luke 10:11) the disciples were to wipe the dust from their feet when the Gospel was rejected. Apparently, some people didn’t like them or what they had to say.
We are told to expect ridicule for our faith (1 Peter 4:14). We are told to spread the Gospel (Mattew 28:18-30)
(2 Tim 4:7-8) Paul talks about the fact that he had fought the good fight and how he longed for the day when Jesus would return.
Our real goal. Our real treasure comes in eternity. (Matthew 6:19-21) Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Let’s lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven.
What was the most important thing to the Apostles?
What is the most important thing to you?
What are you going to do about it?
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