What do You know about Jesus’ Disciples? On Sunday, June 17 th at 7 PM, Pastor Jim will teach on...

What do You know about

Jesus’ Disciples?

On Sunday, June 17th at 7 PM, Pastor Jim will teach on the life

and ministries of Jesus’ twelve disciples and a few others that grace

the pages of Scripture.

Learn of these simple men who changed the

world for Jesus!

Learn the Historical

Background and Information on

each of the Twelve and a Few Others.

What do You know about Jesus’ 12 Disciples?

Historical Background and Information on each of the Twelve

and a Few Others

Background on the Twelve

1. All 12 were Jewish men that Jesus called to follow Him.

2. The 12 disciples were from the Galilee region in the north, except Judas Iscariot, who was from Judea in the south.

3. Their occupations ranged from fishermen to tax collectors and revolutionaries.

4. Some were married; Peter is the only one we know for sure was married.

The Mission of the Twelve

1. Their instructions and conversations with Jesus became the teachings and instruction for the whole Church.

2. Jesus knew their personalities, both the strong and the weak.

3. Jesus knew that these men would disappoint Him, desert Him, deny Him and betray Him.

4. Jesus knew that these men, once filled with the Holy Spirit, would carry the Gospel message of redemption to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth.

5. The 12 tribes of Israel were blessed in order to be a blessing to all nations. In a similar way, these 12 men and many others who followed Jesus, were to bless all nations with the message of Jesus the Christ and Savior of the world.

Simon Peter• Simeon bar (son of) Jona• Cephas (“rock” or “stone”)• Simon Peter• Simon

Other Names:

General Information:

• Born in Bethsaida (John 1:42-43)• Lived in Capernaum (Matt. 8:5-14)• Fisherman and partners with

James and John (Luke 5:10)• Brother to Andrew (Matt. 4:18)• Married (Matt. 8:14)• Boldly preached following

Pentecost (Acts 2-12)

Simon Peter

• Impulsive (Matt. 14:28) yet cowardly (Matt. 14:30; 26:69-74)

• Hot tempered (John 18:10) yet tenderhearted (Matt. 26:75)

• Insightful (Matt. 16:16) yet dense (Matt. 16:21-23)

• Courageous and solid after Pentecost (Acts 5:27-30)

Personality & Character:

Simon Peter

Encounters with Jesus:

• Called to be a “fisher of men” (Matt. 4:19)

• One of the 3 core of disciples• Simon confessed Jesus to be the

Christ, and Jesus calls that confession of Peter the “rock” on which He will build His Church (Matt. 16:16-19)

• Then was reprimanded because Simon refused to accept Jesus’ death (Matt. 16:23)

• Witnessed Jesus’ Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8)

Simon Peter


• Was sent to prepare the Last Supper (Luke 22:8)

• Jesus predicted Peter would deny Him 3 times (Luke 22:31-34)

• Was with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:34-46)

• Jesus instructed Peter after His resurrection (John 21:14-19

Simon Peter

Key Lessons:

Traditions:

• God can forgive sins, even such a terrible sin as denying Jesus;

• Jesus an strengthen the faith of those who love Him;

• Papias (2nd C) recorded that Mark served as Peter’s scribe and he wrote the Gospel of Mark based on Peter’s testimony;

• Tradition has it that Peter asked to be crucified upside down;

• Peter met his death in Rome under the reign of Nero;

James, son of Zebedee


Other Names:

• Son of Zebedee and brother to John;

• “Boanerges” – Son of Thunder• James the Elder;• James the Great;

• Son of Zebedee and Salome (Matt. 27:56; Mark 16:1);

• Fisherman with his father and brother John (Matt. 4:18-22);

• Partner with Peter (Luke 5:10);• One of the pillars of the Jerusalem

Church (Galatians 2:9);

James, son of ZebedeeGeneral Information:

• Put to death by the sword by Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:2);

• Is the only one of the 12 disciples who died for his faith that was recorded in Scriptures;


• Vengeful and fiery (Luke 9:54);• Selfish and conceited (Mark 10:35-

37;• Committed to Christ and

courageous to the end of his life (Acts 12:2);



• Was called to be a fisher of men (Matt. 4:19);

• Left everything to follow Jesus (Luke 5:11);

• One of the three disciples in the core group (Mark 5:37; 9:2; 13:3; 14:33);

• Jesus named him and his brother John “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17);

• Witnessed Jesus’ Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8);


Key Lessons: • Stand firm in the face of persecution and even death;

Traditions: • Tradition states that he was the first bishop of Spain;

• Symbols of James often times include the bishop’s hat and a sword, which is a reference to his martyrdom.

John, son of Zebedee


Other Names:

• The Evangelist;• “Boanerges” – Son of Thunder• The Revealer• The Beloved Disciple – the Disciple

whom Jesus loved;

• Son of Zebedee and Salome (Matt. 27:56; Mark 16:1;

• Fisherman with his father and brother James (Matt. 4:18-22);

• Partner with Peter (Luke 5:10);• One of the pillars of the Jerusalem

Church (Galatians 2:9);



• Healed and preached (Acts 3-4, 8);• Exiled to the island of Patmos (Rev.

1:1, 9);


• Vengeful and fiery (Luke 9:54);• Judgmental (Mark 9:38);• Selfish (Mark 10:35-37);• Bold, loving and compassionate

after Pentecost (Acts 4:13 and 1 John 4);


Key Lessons: • God’s love, evident in Jesus Christ saves, transforms and unites all believers.

Traditions:• Tradition states that he was

released from exile on the island of Patmos and returned to minister in the city of Ephesus;

• He supposedly died in Ephesus around 100 A.D.

• Symbols for John often include the eagle (Rev. 4:7) and a book;

Andrew, brother of Peter


Other Names:

• “Prokokletos” the first disciple called by Jesus;

• Son of Jona (John 1:42);• Born in Bethsaida (John 1:44);• Lived in Capernaum with Peter

(Mark 1:29);• Was a fisherman with his brother

Peter (Matt. 4:18);• Was a disciple of John the Baptist

(John 1:35-40);• The name comes the Greek word

meaning “manly;”




• Enthusiastic about Christ Jesus (John 1:35-42);

• Inquisitive (John 1:35-38);• Resourceful (John 6:8-9);

• First to follow Jesus (John 1:35);• Called to be a fisher of men (Matt.

4:19);• Sent out on a mission to the Jews to

preach “the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” heal the sick, cleans the lepers, raise the dead and cast out demons (Matt10:5-8);



• Informed Jesus that some Greeks wanted to see Him (John 12:20-22);

• Told Jesus of the boy with the loaves of bread and two fish (John 6:8-9);

• Was present when Jesus appeared to the disciples after the Resurrection (John 20:19-25);

• Was present for Jesus’ Great Commission, sending his disciple to all nations (Matt. 28:16-20);

• Witnessed Jesus being taken up into heaven (Act 1:8-9);


Key Lessons: • God out and eagerly share the Good News about Jesus Christ;

Traditions: • Tradition states that he preached in Greece, Asia Minor and Russia;

• A 7th Century story suggests that Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross by a Roman proconsul;

• The symbols for Andrew is often the X-shaped cross.

Philip


Other Names:

• None

• Born in Bethsaida (John 1:44);• Well versed in Scripture (John

1:45-46);• Often confused with Philip the

Evangelist in Acts;• Name derives from the Greek,

meaning “he who loves horses;”• Probably spoke Greek, rather than

Aramaic; (John 12:20-21);

Philip



• Practical (John 6:7);• Helpful (John 12:20-21);• Literal and confused (John 14:8);

• The third disciple Jesus called (John 1:43);

• Brought Nathanael (Bartholomew) his brother to Jesus (John 1:45-46);

• Jesus tested him regarding the feeding of the 5,000 but did offer a boy’s lunch (John 6:5-7);

Philip


• Informed Jesus that several Greeks wanted to see Him (John112:20-22);

• Asked Jesus to show him the Father (John 14:8-9);

Key Lessons: • All the knowledge in the world does not compare to the truth found in Jesus;

Philip

Traditions: • Suggests that Philip lived and preached in Scythia (today the Ukraine);

• Some suggests that he was crucified on a tall cross at Hierapolis of Phrygia (today Turkey);

• Symbols for Philip often include loves of bread and fish (John 6:5-7) and a tall cross.

Bartholomew


Other Names:

• Nathanael

• Born or raised in Cana of Galilee (John 21:2);

• Knew the Hebrew Scriptures well (John 1:46);

• The name Bartholomew derives from the Greek meaning “son of Tolmai;”

• The name Nathanael derives from the Hebrew meaning “God has given;”

Bartholomew



• Skeptical (John 1:46);• Honest (John 1:47);• Faithful (John 1:49);

• Jesus told Nathanael he was an honest Israelite and informed him that He saw him sitting under the fig tree (John 1:47-48);

• He called Jesus the “Son of God” and “King of Israel” (John 1:49);

• Witnessed the great catch of fish and ate breakfast with Jesus after His resurrection (John 21:2-7);

Bartholomew

Key Lessons: • Believers are called to test all things with the Scriptures and remain true to its principles;

Traditions: • Suggests that Bartholomew ministered in Asia Minor and India and the Armenian church claims him as their founder;

• Says that he was flayed alive in Armenia;

• The symbol for him is often a blade;

Matthew


Other Names:

• Levi;

• Son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14);• From Capernaum (Mark 2:1-17);• Tax collector in Galilee (Matt. 9:9);• Brother of James son of Alphaeus

(Mark 3:19);• Name derives from Hebrew

meaning “gift of God;”

Matthew



• Penitent (Matt. 9:9, 10:2);• Hospitable (Matt. 9:10);

• Left his tax collecting booth to follow Jesus (Matt. 9:9);

• Invited Jesus to dine with him and his tax collector friends (Matt. 9:10);

Matthew

Key Lessons: • Jesus Christ is for everyone, even sinners and outcasts;

Traditions: • Suggests that Matthew ministered in Persia, Macedonia, Syria, Parthia, Media and Ethiopia;

• Says that Matthew died a martyr’s death, but unknown how;

• Symbols for Matthew often has a bag of coins in reference to his tax collecting occupation;

Thomas


Other Names:

• Didymus (meaning Twin);• Judas Thomas• “Doubting Thomas”

• We know nothing of his twin, whether brother or sister, we have no information;

Thomas



• Inquisitive (John 14:5);• Doubtful (John 20:24-25);• Courageous (John 11:26);• Faithful (John 20:24-29);

• Courageously encouraged the other disciples to go to Bethany with Jesus and die with Him (John 11:16);

• Asked Jesus how to know where He was going (John 14:5);

Thomas


• Doubted Jesus’ resurrection saying he would have to touch His wounds in order to believe (John 20:25);

• Affirmed that Jesus was Lord and God (John 20:28);

• Witnessed the great catch of fish and ate breakfast with Jesus after His resurrection (John 21:2-7);

ThomasKey Lessons: • Jesus can overcome doubts and

lead believers to faithfulness;

Traditions: • Suggests that Thomas traveled to India and founded the Christian Church there;

• Suggests that Thomas was killed by a spear for his faith and was buried in India;

• Some say that Thomas was a carpenter;

• Symbol for Thomas include a spear head and a T-square;

James, son of Alphaeus


Other Names:

• James the Younger;• James the Less;

• Son of Alphaeus and brother of Matthew, the tax collector (Mark 2:14; 3:18);

• He is often confused with James, the brother of Jesus, who wrote the Book of James or with James the brother of John;

James, son of Alphaeus



• None that the Scriptures records;• Therefore, was true to his name,

James the LESS;

• General inclusion with the twelve throughout Jesus’ ministry on earth;

• There are no recorded conversations between him and Jesus;

James, son of AlphaeusKey Lessons: • All followers of Jesus can still

accomplish great work for God without being in the limelight;

Traditions:• Suggests that James belonged to

the revolutionary group known as the Zealots;

• Suggests that James was arrested by the Jews in Jerusalem, thrown down from a high point on the Temple and then beaten to death with a club.

Thaddaeus


Other Names:

• Jude;• Judas the son of James;• Lebbaeus;

• The Aramaic meaning of both Thaddaeus and Lebbaeus is “beloved” or “dear to the heart”;

• The name Judas derives from the Hebrew name Judah;

• He is often confused with Judas the brother of Jesus, Judas Barsabbas or Judas Iscraiot;

Thaddaeus



• Inquisitive (John 14:22);• Confused (John 14:22);


• Asked Jesus how He would reveal Himself to His followers and not to the world (John 14:22);

ThaddaeusKey Lessons: • Jesus will reveal His truth to

believers who follow Him;

Traditions: • Some suggest that he was the author of Jude, although most say that Judas, the brother of Jesus authored that book;

• Symbol for Thaddaeus often include a golden ship with silver sails before a red horizon for his missionary journeys, but we do not know where;

Simon the Zealot


Other Names:

• Simon, the Cananaean (meaning “the zealous one”;

• Was a Zealot (Matt. 10:4) the group willing to use force to expel the Romans;

• The name Simon derives from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning “hearing”;

Simon the Zealot



• Patriotic (Matt. 10:4);• Loyal (Mark 3:18);• Passionate (Luke 6:15);• Sacrificial (Acts 1:13);


• There are no recorded conversations with Jesus;

Simon the ZealotKey Lessons: • One should be willing to sacrifice

and even die to follow Jesus;

Traditions: • Suggest that Simon was the bridegroom at the wedding of Cana;

• That he did missionary work in Persia;

• The Symbol for Simon often has a book with a fish hook resting on it, in reference to his fishing for people;

Judas Iscariot


Other Names:

• Judas the Betrayer;• Judas the son of Simon;

• Was the treasurer for the group and a thief (John 12:4-5; 13:29);

• He betrayed Jesus, felt remorse, returned the money, but was rejected by the Chief Priest. He went out and hanged himself (Matt. 27:3-10);

• He only died by falling to the ground (Acts 1:18-20):

• Matthias replaced him (Acts 1:26);

Judas Iscariot



• Greedy (Matt. 26:14-16);• Deceitful (Matt. 26:25);• Treacherous (Matt. 26:47-50);• Remorseful (Matt. 27:3-6);


• Jesus referred to Judas as a devil (John 6:70-71);

• Criticized Mary for anointing Jesus with expensive perfume (John 12:4-8);

Judas Iscariot


• Conversed with Jesus during the Last Supper (Matt. 26:23-25);

• The Devil entered his heart at the Last Supper (John 13:2);

• Led the enemies to Jesus to the Garden and betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matt. 26:14-16; 47-51);

• Had a brief conversation with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:47-51);

Judas IscariotKey Lessons: • Not everyone who claims to follow

Jesus are actually faithful to Him;

Traditions: • Suggest that Judas was from Kerioth in southern Judea;

• Some suggest that he as a member of the very strict sect of the Zealots known as Sicarii, who were dagger-bearing assassins;

Other Disciples that Followed Jesus

Cleopas: • Follower of Jesus who spoke with Him on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:18), his only reference;

James: • The brother of Jesus, leader of the Jerusalem Church and author of the book of James (Matt. 13:55-56; Acts 12:17);

Joanna: • Was the wife of Cuza, manager of Herod’s household (Luke 8:3);

• Present at the empty tomb (Luke 24:10);


Joseph of Arimathea:

• A rich but secret follower of Jesus (Matt. 27:57);

• Placed Jesus in his own new and never used tomb (Matt. 27:57);

Joseph Barsabbas (or Justus):

• Follower of Jesus from the beginning of John’s Baptism (Acts 1:21);

• Was the runner-up to replace Judas (Acts 1:26);

Judas (or Jude):

• Brother of Jesus and author of the Book of Jude (Matt. 13:54-55; Mark 6:3; Jude 1);


Lazarus: • With his two sisters, Mary and Martha, he lived in Bethany;

• He was raised by Jesus from the dead (John 11);

Mary, mother of James and Joses:

• Follower of Jesus and present at the crucifixion (Matt. 27:55; 28:1);

Mary of Bethany:

• Sister to Martha and Lazarus; lived in Bethany (Luke 10:38-42);

• Anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume and wiped them with her hair (John 11:1-2);


Mary Magdalene:

• Healed of seven demons by Jesus (Luke 8:2);

• Supported Jesus’ ministry of her own resources (Luke 8:3);

• Was present at the crucifixion and the resurrection (Matt. 27-28; Mark 15-16; John 20);

Matthias: • Followed Jesus beginning with John’s Baptism (Acts 1:21);

• Chosen by lot to replace Judas who betrayed Jesus (Acts 1:26);


Salome: • Mother of James and John and wife of Zebedee (Matt. 27:56; Mark 16:1);

• Was present at the crucifixion (Mark 15:40);

• Was present at the resurrection (Mark 16:1);

Susanna: • Was one of the women who supported Jesus’ ministry out of her own resources (Luke 8:3);

Later Disciples of Jesus

Apollos: • A Jew and native of Alexandria (Acts 18:24);

• Ministered in Ephesus with Priscilla and Aquila who instructed him further for he knew only the Baptism of John (Acts 18:25);

• Him ministered with Paul in Corinth (1 Cor. 3:4-6)


Aquila and Priscilla:

• A Jew, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (Acts 18:2);

• They met Paul in Corinth and joined him in ministry there (Acts 18:2);

• They were tent makers like Paul (Acts 18:3);

• They went with Paul to Ephesus, and Paul left them to continue ministering there (Acts 18:25);

• They instructed Apollos before he moved on to Corinth (Acts 18:26);


Barnabas:• Originally named Joseph, a Levite

from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas, meaning Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36);

• Found Paul in Tarsus and invited him to work in the Church of Antioch (Acts 11:25);

• Missionary with Paul on his 1st trip (Acts 13:4);

• Paul and Barnabas have a dispute over taking John Mark on their 2nd trip; (Acts 15:36-39); Barnabas takes John Mark to Cyprus (Acts 15:39);

Later Disciples of JesusAndronicus and Junias:

• They were relatives of Paul (we are not sure how);

• They were in prison with Paul (we are not sure where);

• They were outstanding apostles, and they were in Christ before Paul was (Romans 16:7);

John Mark:

• Cousin to Barnabas (Acts 12:1);• Bailed on the 1st trip with Paul and

Barnabas (Acts 13:13);• Went to Cyprus with Barnabas (Acts

15:39); Wrote the Gospel of Mark;

Later Disciples of JesusLuke: • Was a doctor of medicine (Colossians

4:14);• Traveling companion with Paul (2

Timothy 4:11);• Author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book

of Acts;

Silas: • Joined Paul on his 2nd trip (Acts 15:36-39);• Worked with both Paul and Timothy in

Corinth and Thessalonica (2 Cor. 1:19 and 1 Thess. 1:1);

• Also helped Peter in his ministry (1 Peter 5:12);

Later Disciples of JesusPhilip the Evangelist:

• One of the seven deacons the Apostles selected to help (Acts 6:5);

• Was the first to proclaim Christ outside of Jerusalem, in Samaria (Acts 8:5);

• Performed many miracles while preaching in Samaria (Acts 8:6)

• Led an Ethiopian eunuch to Christ (Acts 8:26);

• Paul stayed with him in Caesarea and his four unmarried daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:8-9);

Later Disciples of JesusStephen: • One of the seven deacons the Apostles

selected to help (Acts 6:5);• Powerful preaching and performed

many miracles while preaching in Jerusalem (Acts 6:8)

• Was falsely accused (Acts 6:11); • Preached to the Jewish Sanhedrin

(Acts 7);• Was taken outside the city and stoned

to death (Acts 7:59);• Became the first disciple to die for his

faith in Jesus;

Later Disciples of JesusTimothy: • Lived in Lystra with his mother

Eunice and grandmother Lois (Acts 16:1 and 2 Timothy 1:5);

• His father was a Greek (Acts 16:1);• Became a traveling companion and

missionary with Paul (Acts 16:3);• Was sent to Corinth by Paul (1 Cor.

4:17);• He joined Paul in Rome, and became a

prisoner as well (Hebrews 13:23);• After Paul died he settled in Ephesus,

and there found a martyr's grave.


Titus: • Went with Paul and Barnabas to the Council in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1);

• Paul write he refused to be circumcised (Galatians 2:3);

• Was with Paul and Timothy working in Corinth (2 Cor.8:6);

• He was in charge of the ministry on the island of Crete (Titus 1:5);

• The last mention we have, he is with Paul in Rome and then was sent into Dalmatia (northwestern Greece), on some missionary errand (2 Timothy 4:10);

Little Known, But Still Leaders in the Church of Jesus

Ananias: • Leader in the Church of at Damascus (Acts 9:10);

• Was sent by God to minister to Paul following his conversion (Acts 9:11);

Archippus:• Leader of the Church that met in his

home (Philemon 1:2);• Had a sister, Apphia (Philemon 1:2);• He may have been the son of

Philemon;


Aristarchus: • Missionary and fellow prisoner with Paul.

Epaphras:• Preacher and fellow worker with

Paul.• Was imprison with Paul.


Epaphroditus: • Missionary and fellow prisoner with Paul.

Judas Barsabbas:

• Preacher and fellow worker with Paul.

• Was imprison with Paul.


Lucius of Cyrene:

• Missionary and fellow prisoner with Paul.

Manaen:• Preacher and fellow worker with



Mnason: • Missionary and fellow prisoner with Paul.

Philemon:• Preacher and fellow worker with



Phoebe: • Missionary and fellow prisoner with Paul.

Simeon (Niger):

• Preacher and fellow worker with Paul.

• Was imprison with Paul.

What do You know about Jesus’ Disciples? On Sunday, June 17 th at 7 PM, Pastor Jim will teach on...

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