Responsibilities

Progression

• They started as disciples (“students”) and became apostles (“sent out ones”).
• It appears they were disciples before Jesus asked them to leave everything and follow him.

Steps (Luke 6:12; Mark 3:13-19)

• Learn from him. Leave everything behind. Be with him. Be trained. Be sent out.

Identities

The Members of the 12

• There were hundreds of disciples of Jesus, but only 12 that he called out for specific service.
• Within the 12, they did not all experience the same level of intimacy with Jesus.
• The number 12 was significant.
  • They mirrored the 12 tribes of Israel in the Old Testament.
  • The New Jerusalem has a wall with twelve foundations, “and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Rev. 21:14; cf. Eph. 3:20).
  • Heaven is described as the Lamb “standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand” (Rev. 14:1).

The 12th Apostle 

• Judas – “He went and hanged himself” (Matt. 27:5).
• Matthias – “The lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles” (Acts 1:26).
• Paul – “Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas” (Gal. 1:18).

The Groups of the 12

• Within the biblical accounts, there are two disciples with varying names.
• The names and orders change but are always consistent in 3 groups of 4.
• Every quartet starts with the same name in every list, indicating potential leaders.

Individuals

• Peter

• • • Jesus names him Peter (“rock”), indicating the type of person he wants him to be.
    • His original name was Simon; Jesus used it when Peter acted like his old self.
    • He was the group leader and the primary preacher in the first half of Acts.

• Andrew

• • • He was initially a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35-42).
    • He brought his brother Peter to Jesus (John 1:40-42).
    • Andrew was the one who brought the boy with the loaves and fish to Jesus (John 6:8-9).

• James

• • • He was the son of Zebedee (his father must have been essential to be mentioned).
    • He was given the nickname (with his brother John) “Boanerges,” which means “the sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17), and he sought to call down fire on unbelievers (Luke 9:52-56).
    • He was a fisherman in business with his brother John, Peter, and Andrew.

• John

• • • He was known by the High Priest (John 18:15) by friendship, family, or business.
    • Known as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23-25; 19:26-27; 20:1-10; 21:1-25).
    • At Jesus’ death, he entrusts his mother, Mary, to John’s care (John 19:26-27).
    • John is the only disciple who did not have a martyr’s death (John 21:20-24).

• Philip

• • • Philip was tested at the feeding of the 5000 (John 6:5-7).
    • The Greeks desiring to see Jesus came to Philip (John 12:20-22).
    • Philip desired to see the Father (John 14:8-11).

• Bartholomew

• • • Bartholomew is not a name; it means “son of Tholome;” most likely, he is Nathaniel.
    • He was originally skeptical of Jesus (John 1:45-51).
    • Jesus said of him, “An Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit” (John 1:47).

• Thomas

• • • He has a twin (John 11:6).
    • He was known for doubting Christ’s resurrection and desiring proof (John 20:24-29).

• Matthew

• • • He was a hated Jewish tax collector who left everything to follow Jesus (Luke 5:27-32).
    • He was also known as Levi, the son of Alpheus (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27).
    • With his connections, he was a constant source of bringing sinners to Jesus.

• James, Son of Alphaeus

• • • James’ father must have been important to distinguish him from others.
    • His mother’s name is Mary, and she was at the cross (Mark 15:40).
    • He is often referred to as James the Less or James the Younger.

• Thaddaeus

• • • We know that he is the son of a man named James (Acts 1:13).
    • His other name is Judas which is why they used an alternative (Luke 6:16; John 14:22).

• Simon the Zealot

• • • He was a political revolutionary.
    • Consider the dynamic between him and Matthew working together.

• Judas Iscariot

• • He was the treasurer for the disciples and would take funds from the group (John 12:6).
  • After Satan entered him, he betrayed Jesus with a kiss for 30 shekels of silver.
  • When overwhelmed with guilt, he tried to return the money and hung himself.