The 12 disciples, also known as the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, were:
- Peter (also called Simon)
- Andrew (Peter’s brother)
- James (son of Zebedee)
- John (James’s brother)
- Philip
- Bartholomew (also identified as Nathanael)
- Thomas
- Matthew (the tax collector)
- James (son of Alphaeus)
- Thaddaeus (also called Judas son of James or Lebbaeus)
- Simon (called the Zealot or Cananaean)
- Judas Iscariot (who betrayed Jesus)
After Judas Iscariot’s betrayal and death, Matthias was chosen to replace him as one of the twelve apostles
. These men were ordinary individuals such as fishermen, a tax collector, and a revolutionary, whom Jesus called to follow Him, learn from Him, and later be sent out to preach and perform miracles. The terms "disciples" and "apostles" are often used interchangeably, with "apostle" meaning "one who is sent out" for a specific mission
. Tradition holds that most of these apostles were martyred for their faith, with notable examples including Peter, James son of Zebedee, Andrew, Thomas, and others, though details vary among sources
