Prayer To Saint Thomas The Apostle
O Glorious Saint Thomas, your grief for Jesus was such that it would not let you believe he had risen unless you actually saw him and touched his wounds. But your love for Jesus was equally great and it led you to give up your life for him. Pray for us that we may grieve for our sins which were the cause of Christs sufferings. Help us to spend ourselves in his service and so earn the title of blessed which Jesus applied to those who would believe in him without seeing him. Amen.
Who Were Jesus 12 Original Disciples
Jesus picked twelve normal men who had lives, families, and jobs to be His disciples. They did nothing special to be chosen by Jesus but listened, obeyed, and followed. The twelve were with Him on earth witnessing to others, doing miracles, healing the sick, got their feet washed by Him and shared in Holy Communion.
Who were the twelve men Jesus picked?
Simon Peter
Simon was born in Bethsaida, Galilee and was one of the first four disciples chosen by Jesus. After being chosen, Jesus named him Peter. Peter was by the Sea of Galilee fishing with his brother, Andrew when he was called by Jesus to follow Him. He left everything behind to follow Jesus . He is the most talked about disciple in the Bible.
He is known as the disciple who denied knowing Jesus three times to avoid being arrested. Peter then cried after denying Jesus because he remembered what Jesus had told him, Before the rooster crows this day, you will say three times that you dont know me . This happened so God could humble Peter. Peter was so full of pride that he told Jesus he would never deny Him and that He would even die with Him .
There is no mention of his death in the Bible, but some biblical scholars believe Peter eventually did die for his faith. They believe Peter died on a cross and wanted to be crucified upside down because he felt he was not worthy to be crucified right-side up like Jesus.
Andrew
James the son of Zebedee
John
Philip
Bartholomew
Thomas
Matthew
James, the Son of Alpheus
Jude
How Did The 12 Disciples Die
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Who Exactly Were The 12 Apostles
The Lord Jesus had many followers during His earthly ministry, and many more have chosen to do so in the centuries following. As Jesus began to obtain followers, He selected twelve to follow Him in a closer way, who received personal teachings and explanations. He called them personally to Him.
These twelve are known as the apostles. Though Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, eventually betrayed Jesus and lost the position after his suicide, another was voted in by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. These apostles became the catalyst for the spread of the Gospel.
They Spread The Gospel
Jesus commanded the 12 disciples to go to the world and preach the gospel . Through their obedience to this command, many people knew and experienced the Good News of the gospel of Christ. The boldness and submission to spread the gospel are vital for every generation to get to know Christ. The disciples did not shy away or cower to share the gospel no matter the cost.
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Jesus Picks His Disciples
John 1:35-50 recounts the story of how the first disciples met Jesus. Andrew and John were with John the Baptist the day after he had baptized Jesus. John points out Jesus passing by and says Look! The Lamb of God. Andrew and John started following behind Jesus. Jesus turns and asks them what they wanted. Where are you staying? they ask. Come, and you will see. And so they do and spend that day with Jesus.
Andrew later found his brother Simon and tells him that they have found the Messiah and brings him to meet Jesus. The next day, Jesus finds Philip, and asks him to follow me. Philip, in turn, found Nathanael and tells him about Jesus. Nathanael is a bit skeptical, but after talking to Jesus, he believes.
The Disciples Changed The World
Because of their exposure to Jesus, these men spread the gospel all over the world. Out of all of them, only John was not put to death for his faith. It’s incredibly inspiring that these guys were able to do so much under seemingly impossible oddsand the church continues their work today.
For more about continuing the work of the disciples go to Cru.org and learn about our mission trips.
All Scripture references quote the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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Who Were The Twelve Disciples
The twelve disciples, also known as the twelve apostles, were men who Jesus called upon to spread his word. These twelve individuals were just your normal people. Before Jesus called upon them, they all had average jobs. Jesus chose them to witness His crucifixion and resurrection, and continue to spread His word.
Jesus Chooses The Twelve
Jesus ministry plans included ordinary men with obvious faults and shortcomings just like us.
Peter was impulsive and denied Jesus, but Jesus called him the rock and built his church around him.
His brother Andrew and Philip brought Peter and Bartholomew to Jesus, giving us a great example of eagerness to tell others about Christ.
James and John had a special nickname given to them by Jesus- sons of thunder- which tells us a little about their personalities. They were ambitious but very committed to Jesus.
Matthew leaves his corrupt but profitable occupation to follow Christ.
Thomas- the doubter- also showed great courage by suggesting in John 11:16 that they accompany Jesus into Bethany- Let us go, that we may die with him.
James, Simon, and Thaddeus are barely mentioned and remain a bit of a mystery.
And who doesnt know Judas Iscariot? He was a thief and called a devil
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Origin And Definition Of The Apostles
The only sources on the subject of the Twelve Apostles are the four Gospels and the first chapter of Acts, which describe Jesus relationship with His Apostles during his earthly ministry. While the Apostles are the ultimate writers of the Gospels, they do not appear prominently or are glorified in them. They are only mentioned in the Gospels because Jesus was busy with them, teaching and educating them to understand His origin and mission to correctly communicate His identity, His Gospel, and His deeds to others.
Whenever they appeared later in their ministry, they spoke with authority and determination on behalf of the Lord Who sent them to present His Gospel to the world. They never usurp or appropriate for themselves the new teachings. The Gospel indeed took some human aspects of their personalities. But these aspects were such that they showed their understanding and limitation of the words and deeds of their Lord, a reflection of the good news in their own simple and humble life. The Apostles are both the preachers and the examples of the New Creation.
How Many Apostles Are In The Last Supper
As the last meal Jesus Christ shared with his 12 apostles before his crucifixion, this moment has been interpreted over the centuries in media ranging from paintings and illuminated manuscripts to sculptures and engravings. Three momentous events occurred within the Last Supper and are often depicted in art.
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Whats The Difference Between Disciple And Apostle
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia notes a significant difference between apostle and another commonly associated word, “disciple,” which means “a learner.”
The 12 disciples are first called apostles in Matthew 10:2. According to John Gills , they were learners before now being instructed, they are sent forth to preach publicly, and therefore are called apostles, or messengers.
Judas Iscariot: The Betrayer
Judas Iscariot Judas Iscariot is always the last disciple placed on the list of twelve. Judas Iscariot is often referred to as Judas the Betrayer and he is known, and will forever be known for the one act of betrayal of the Lord. Though Judas was chosen to serve as one of Jesus disciples he eventually betrayed him while wearing the mask of a friend. Even when given the chance to reveal that he was plotting against Jesus, Judas Iscariot kissed Jesus and Jesus called him friend. Judas was the disciple who did not truly believe in the love of Jesus and when the chief priests were looking for a way to arrest Jesus Judas provided them with that way by identifying Jesus with a kiss in return for thirty pieces of silver. Judas is frequently referred to as the only disciple who was separated from God in his death as he never had salvation as a result of his betrayal, thievery, and lies.
It is also noted that in the twelve apostles Judas Iscariot the betrayer of Jesus Christ is replaced by Matthias however, there is an argument amongst religious zealots who believe that Paul would have been the replacement of Judas Iscariot and not Matthias.
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Did Matthew Write The Gospel Of Matthew
The Gospel of Matthews author is anonymous, but Matthew the Apostle is traditionally considered the author. The early church claimed he wrote it, and the attribution according to Matthew was added possibly as early as the second century. While there are credible arguments against his authorship, no alternative writer has been named.
Prayer To Saint Simon The Apostle
O Glorious Saint Simon, you were a cousin of Jesus and a devoted follower as well. You were called the Zealot, indicating that you were willing to give your life for your religion and your freedom as a human person. Obtain for us the grace to be willing to give our lives for Christ and to labor for the freedom and peace that only God can give. Help us to spend ourselves for God on earth and be received by him in eternal bliss in heaven. Amen.
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What Two Apostles Were Brothers
The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother Philip and Bartholomew Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Jesus Calls His Apostles
And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him .
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Who Are The Twelve Tribes Of Israel In The Bible
They represented the Twelve Tribes of Israel of the Old Covenant and form the basis of the New Covenant. Ultimately, in Heaven the Twelve Apostles will judge the Twelve Tribes of Israel . . The number of Apostles reflects the continuity of the Old and New Law and the fulfillment of the Old Covenant in the New Covenant established by Christ.
Comparison With The Quran
The Quranic account of the disciples of Jesus does not include their names, numbers, or any detailed accounts of their lives. Muslimexegesis, however, more-or-less agrees with the New Testament list and says that the disciples included Peter, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, Andrew, James, Jude, John and Simon the Zealot. Scholars generally draw a parallel with the disciples of Jesus and the companions ofMuhammad, who followed Muhammad during his lifetime.
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Paul: The Other Candidate For 12th Apostle
Paul is the choice of many Christians to replace Judas Iscariot as the twelfth Apostle. Paul was known as a persecutor of Christians and a Roman citizen until his conversion to Christianity. Paul is known for three missionary journeys during which he preached the word of Christ and some believe he would have been selected by Jesus Himself to replace Judas Iscariot after His death.
How Did Philip Die
Philip likely died in the first century, possibly around 80 AD, but traditions vary widely as to how he diedat least partially due to the confusion with Philip the Evangelist. One tradition says he died of natural causes. But others suggest he was stoned to death, beheaded, or crucified upside down.
The earliest account comes from Acts of Philip, which contains legends about Philips ministry. According to this text, he was crucified upside down with Bartholomew. Philip preached to the crowd while hanging on the cross, and they wanted to release the two disciples, but Philip told them to free Bartholomew and leave him hanging there.
Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collectorone of the most reviled professions in first-century Judaism.
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That in itself would be enough to make him feel like a political traitorhis profession was a symbol of Israels Roman occupation. But to make matters worse, tax collectors made their money by saying people owed Caesar more than they did and then skimming the extra off the topand there was nothing anyone could do about it. As a result, tax collectors were right up there with prostitutes for the go-to example of the worst sinners.
Despite the fact that Matthew is one of the better-known disciples, hes actually only mentioned seven times in the Bible.
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Prayer To Saint John The Apostle
O Glorious Apostle, who, on account of thy virginal purity, wast so beloved by Jesus as to deserve to lay thy head upon his divine breast, and to be left, in his place, as son to his most holy Mother I beg thee to inflame me with a most ardent love towards Jesus and Mary. Obtain for me from our Lord that I, too, with a heart purified from earthly affections, may be made worthy to be ever united to Jesus as a faithful disciple, and to Mary as a devoted son, both here on earth and eternally in heaven. Amen.
Did Your Journey End Up Convincing You Of The Historical Veracity Of The Apostles Or Just Make You Even More Confused
It didnt make me either, really. One of my pet peeves is this notion that simply to believe in something is good. I have a real hard time accepting that because what if you believe in something monstrous? A lot of the beliefs that come out of the monotheistic Abrahamic religions are quite upsetting from a modern perspective. The way they treat women, the way children are viewed, the way authority is viewedthese dont have much of a place in todays secular society.
But I became much less hostile to Christianity over the course of this book. Anyone who enjoys opera or film or fiction doesnt have a lot of call to question meaning drawn from religion. The search for meaning in words or images, these longings we have to be convinced, moved, or inspired by works of the imaginationall have way more in common with each other than not. The stories of the Twelve Apostles are a huge part of how the Western world decided to teach itself what is meant by community and story-telling and by truth, friendship, and loyalty.
You have these 12 people who were the first followers of Jesus, yet theres nothing about them in any secular source.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
Simon Worrall curates Book Talk. Follow him on or at simonworrallauthor.com.
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Where Are The Apostles Found In The Bible
The apostles are featured heavily in the Gospels and are mentioned in some of the other books of the New Testament. Matthew and John were each apostles and wrote a Gospel book. They are introduced as the Lord Jesus calls each one of them to Him. Each of the Synoptic Gospels has a full list of the twelve.
And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him .
These men came from different walks of life, and different backgrounds. The sons of Zebedee and the other brothers – Simon Peter and Andrew – were fishermen. Levi, also known as Matthew the Gospel writer, was a tax collector. Thomas, also known as Didymus, is presumed by many Biblical scholars to be a twin because of the English translation of his name, though this fact is not confirmed or denied in the Bible. While we do not know the details of all the apostles, we can presume they were called in a similar manner to the accounts given for Matthew and the fishermen.