The 12 disciples, also known as the Twelve Apostles, were the primary followers of Jesus Christ chosen by Him to spread His teachings. Their names are:
- Simon Peter
- Andrew (Peter's brother)
- James (son of Zebedee)
- John (James's brother)
- Philip
- Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael)
- Thomas
- Matthew (the tax collector)
- James (son of Alphaeus)
- Thaddaeus (also called Judas son of James or Lebbaeus)
- Simon the Zealot (also called Simon the Cananaean)
- Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed Jesus)
After Judas Iscariot's death, Matthias was chosen to replace him as one of the twelve apostles
. The disciples were ordinary men such as fishermen and a tax collector, whom Jesus trained and sent out to preach and perform miracles
. The terms "disciples" and "apostles" are often used interchangeably, with "disciple" meaning learner or follower, and "apostle" meaning one who is sent out
