12 Disciples
Although it is not necessary in order to experience and appreciate the depth of God's transforming love through His Son Jesus, it is, on the other hand, both rewarding and at the same time stimulating to know of the people and events in the history of the life and times of our Lord Jesus Christ. A wealth of this information awaits the Bible student who wishes to delve into this wonderful yet tragic and diverse period. For our study, however, we are limited in what can be incorporated for an overall understanding of the setting of John's gospel.
But when we do have a working grasp of these times, people, and events, names on pages explode into full dimensional personalities. Standing as a spectator before their lives as they unfold upon the page, afresh to them then, yet seen in total by ourselves today, we can all but sense their presence, hear their voices, perceive their appearances, and discern their spirit. Aided by the Holy Spirit, we catch a glimpse back in time into their hopes, fears, motives, aspirations, and all the other complexities common to people of every generation, even ours today, thus making our reading relevant to our own personal lives. We are transformed by what we learn, never to be the same once having read it.
Make no mistake, God intends and without respect or failure, does touch one who opens and reads His Word. Of this, be assured! (Isaiah 55:11) Our darkness becomes brighter, our eyes clearer, our understanding greater, our hope strengthened, our faith stronger, and our link to the chain of the continuity of Christ's Church since He walked the earth, more visible. And, when He begins doing His work through it, you will discover a profound love for Him unimaginable, only to grow the more you feed!
1. Andrew
There is no personal mention of him in the synoptics except in the lists of the 12. He is brother to Peter and partner in the fishing industry on Galilee. In JOHN, he is introduced personally and referenced 3 specific times. In all 3 times, he is seen bringing someone to Christ after he becomes a disciple.
6. Judas (of James)
Or better, "Judas of James," since "brother" is not found in the Greek, as indicated by italics in the KJV. Acts 1:13). Better rendered, "Judas, son of James," as indicated by this typical Greek idiom. Not to be confused with Judas Iscariot, as so designated in each contextual occurrence...
2. Bartholomew
Bartholomew is not a given first name, but a distinguishing second. Bar (son), Tholomew, or Tolmai, therefore, Son of Tolmai. He is presumed to be Nathanael (meaning,
"God hath given"), a native of Cana of Galilee.
8. Matthew
Matthew from Hebrew = Mattithyah, meaning, "gift of Jehovah." Also called Levi = a publican, or tax-gatherer. He was with Jesus until the end, scattered, and probably present at first appearance ( Jn.20:19) and ascension.
3. James (of Zebedee)
Son of Zebedee ( Mt.4:21); (older?) brother of John. Mother, Salome, possible sister to Mary (mother of Jesus). Nothing is known of his backGround except that he was a Galilean Jew in the fishing trade. Probably in attendance at miracle in Cana. ( Jn.2:2)
9. Peter (Simon)
First called Simon ( Jn.1:41), Simeon being the Gentile form of Hebrew. ( Acts 15:14) Partner with brother in fishing industry ( Mt.4:18), James, and John ( Lk.5:10) Married ( Mt.8:14). Wife called, Concordia, or Perpetua (tradition).
4. James (of Alphaeus)
Nothing is known outside his identity with the 12 disciples. Called the "lesser" possibly due to his size, Mk.15:40. Speculated to have been a Zealot Jewish patriot associated with Simon the Zealot and other southern Judean Jews who opposed Roman rule.
10. Philip
Philip is Greek, meaning, "lover of horses." Not to be confused with Philip the Evangelist of Acts 6:5. First called by Jesus, and demonstrates a spirit of sharing. He is last mentioned in the upper room awaiting Pentecost.
5. John
A son of Zebedee ( Mt.4:21); (younger?) brother of James who was murdered by Herod Agrippa I. Mother, Salome, possible sister to Mary, mother of Jesus. Nicknamed by Jesus, "son of thunder" = Boanerges ( Mk.3:17); illustrated in character.
11. Simon (the Zealot)
Called, Simon the Canaanite by Matthew ( 10:4) and Mark ( 3:18); Simon Zelotes by Luke. Not to be regarded as the bridegroom in Cana of Galilee at the miracle of the wine as some have supposed. ( Jn.2:9) Thus identified to distinguish this disciple from Simon Peter.
6. Judas Iscariot
Son of Simon Iscariot, man of Kerioth of Judea ( Jn.6:71), therefore, likely the only disciple not a Galilean Jew. Designated as keeper of the bag (money), therefore, well trusted in his day. Called a thief by John years later in his writing. (Jn.12:6)
12. Thomas
Thomas is the Hebrew form of Aramaic, which means, "twin." ...one can say that he had a twin (of whom nothing is known) since this name is a distinguishing second name and not a common first name (which is unknown).