What do You know about Jesus’ Disciples?

1. On Sunday, June 17th at 7 PM, Pastor Jim will teach on the life and ministries of Jesus’ twelve disciples and a few others that grace the pages of Scripture. Learn of these simple men who changed the world for Jesus! What do You know about Jesus’ Disciples? Learn the Historical Background and Information on each of the Twelve and a Few Others.

2. What do You know about Jesus’ 12 Disciples? Historical Background and Information on each of the Twelve and a Few Others

3. Background on the Twelve • All 12 were Jewish men that Jesus called to follow Him. • The 12 disciples were from the Galilee region in the north, except Judas Iscariot, who was from Judea in the south. • Their occupations ranged from fishermen to tax collectors and revolutionaries. • Some were married; Peter is the only one we know for sure was married.

4. The Mission of the Twelve • Their instructions and conversations with Jesus became the teachings and instruction for the whole Church. • Jesus knew their personalities, both the strong and the weak. • Jesus knew that these men would disappoint Him, desert Him, deny Him and betray Him.

5. Jesus knew that these men, once filled with the Holy Spirit, would carry the Gospel message of redemption to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth. • The 12 tribes of Israel were blessed in order to be a blessing to all nations. In a similar way, these 12 men and many others who followed Jesus, were to bless all nations with the message of Jesus the Christ and Savior of the world.

6. Simeon bar (son of) Jona Cephas (“rock” or “stone”) Simon Peter Simon Simon Peter Other Names: • Born in Bethsaida (John 1:42-43) • Lived in Capernaum (Matt. 8:5-14) • Fisherman and partners with James and John (Luke 5:10) • Brother to Andrew (Matt. 4:18) • Married (Matt. 8:14) • Boldly preached following Pentecost (Acts 2-12) General Information:

7. Impulsive (Matt. 14:28) yet cowardly (Matt. 14:30; 26:69-74) Hot tempered (John 18:10) yet tenderhearted (Matt. 26:75) Insightful (Matt. 16:16) yet dense (Matt. 16:21-23) Courageous and solid after Pentecost (Acts 5:27-30) Simon Peter Personality & Character:

8. Simon Peter Encounters with Jesus: • Called to be a “fisher of men” (Matt. 4:19) • One of the 3 core of disciples • Simon confessed Jesus to be the Christ, and Jesus calls that confession of Peter the “rock” on which He will build His Church (Matt. 16:16-19) • Then was reprimanded because Simon refused to accept Jesus’ death (Matt. 16:23) • Witnessed Jesus’ Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8)

9. Simon Peter Encounters with Jesus: • Was sent to prepare the Last Supper (Luke 22:8) • Jesus predicted Peter would deny Him 3 times (Luke 22:31-34) • Was with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:34-46) • Jesus instructed Peter after His resurrection (John 21:14-19

10. Simon Peter Key Lessons: • God can forgive sins, even such a terrible sin as denying Jesus; • Jesus an strengthen the faith of those who love Him; Traditions: • Papias (2nd C) recorded that Mark served as Peter’s scribe and he wrote the Gospel of Mark based on Peter’s testimony; • Tradition has it that Peter asked to be crucified upside down; • Peter met his death in Rome under the reign of Nero;

11. James, son of Zebedee • Son of Zebedee and brother to John; • “Boanerges” – Son of Thunder • James the Elder; • James the Great; Other Names: General Information: • Son of Zebedee and Salome (Matt. 27:56; Mark 16:1); • Fisherman with his father and brother John (Matt. 4:18-22); • Partner with Peter (Luke 5:10); • One of the pillars of the Jerusalem Church (Galatians 2:9);

12. James, son of Zebedee General Information: • Put to death by the sword by Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:2); • Is the only one of the 12 disciples who died for his faith that was recorded in Scriptures; Personality & Character: • Vengeful and fiery (Luke 9:54); • Selfish and conceited (Mark 10:35-37; • Committed to Christ and courageous to the end of his life (Acts 12:2);

13. James, son of Zebedee Encounters with Jesus: • Was called to be a fisher of men (Matt. 4:19); • Left everything to follow Jesus (Luke 5:11); • One of the three disciples in the core group (Mark 5:37; 9:2; 13:3; 14:33); • Jesus named him and his brother John “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17); • Witnessed Jesus’ Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8);

14. James, son of Zebedee Key Lessons: • Stand firm in the face of persecution and even death; Traditions: • Tradition states that he was the first bishop of Spain; • Symbols of James often times include the bishop’s hat and a sword, which is a reference to his martyrdom.

15. John, son of Zebedee • The Evangelist; • “Boanerges” – Son of Thunder • The Revealer • The Beloved Disciple – the Disciple whom Jesus loved; Other Names: General Information: • Son of Zebedee and Salome (Matt. 27:56; Mark 16:1; • Fisherman with his father and brother James (Matt. 4:18-22); • Partner with Peter (Luke 5:10); • One of the pillars of the Jerusalem Church (Galatians 2:9);

16. John, son of Zebedee • Healed and preached (Acts 3-4, 8); • Exiled to the island of Patmos (Rev. 1:1, 9); General Information: • Vengeful and fiery (Luke 9:54); • Judgmental (Mark 9:38); • Selfish (Mark 10:35-37); • Bold, loving and compassionate after Pentecost (Acts 4:13 and 1 John 4); Personality & Character:

17. John, son of Zebedee Key Lessons: • God’s love, evident in Jesus Christ saves, transforms and unites all believers. Traditions: • Tradition states that he was released from exile on the island of Patmos and returned to minister in the city of Ephesus; • He supposedly died in Ephesus around 100 A.D. • Symbols for John often include the eagle (Rev. 4:7) and a book;

18. Andrew, brother of Peter • “Prokokletos” the first disciple called by Jesus; Other Names: • Son of Jona (John 1:42); • Born in Bethsaida (John 1:44); • Lived in Capernaum with Peter (Mark 1:29); • Was a fisherman with his brother Peter (Matt. 4:18); • Was a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35-40); • The name comes the Greek word meaning “manly;” General Information:

19. Andrew, brother of Peter • Enthusiastic about Christ Jesus (John 1:35-42); • Inquisitive (John 1:35-38); • Resourceful (John 6:8-9); Personality & Character: Encounters with Jesus: • First to follow Jesus (John 1:35); • Called to be a fisher of men (Matt. 4:19); • Sent out on a mission to the Jews to preach “the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” heal the sick, cleans the lepers, raise the dead and cast out demons (Matt10:5-8);

20. Andrew, brother of Peter • Informed Jesus that some Greeks wanted to see Him (John 12:20-22); • Told Jesus of the boy with the loaves of bread and two fish (John 6:8-9); • Was present when Jesus appeared to the disciples after the Resurrection (John 20:19-25); • Was present for Jesus’ Great Commission, sending his disciple to all nations (Matt. 28:16-20); • Witnessed Jesus being taken up into heaven (Act 1:8-9); Encounters with Jesus:

21. Andrew, brother of Peter Key Lessons: • God out and eagerly share the Good News about Jesus Christ; Traditions: • Tradition states that he preached in Greece, Asia Minor and Russia; • A 7th Century story suggests that Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross by a Roman proconsul; • The symbols for Andrew is often the X-shaped cross.

22. Philip Other Names: • None General Information: • Born in Bethsaida (John 1:44); • Well versed in Scripture (John 1:45-46); • Often confused with Philip the Evangelist in Acts; • Name derives from the Greek, meaning “he who loves horses;” • Probably spoke Greek, rather than Aramaic; (John 12:20-21);

23. Philip Personality & Character: • Practical (John 6:7); • Helpful (John 12:20-21); • Literal and confused (John 14:8); Encounters with Jesus: • The third disciple Jesus called (John 1:43); • Brought Nathanael (Bartholomew) his brother to Jesus (John 1:45-46); • Jesus tested him regarding the feeding of the 5,000 but did offer a boy’s lunch (John 6:5-7);

24. Philip Encounters with Jesus: • Informed Jesus that several Greeks wanted to see Him (John112:20-22); • Asked Jesus to show him the Father (John 14:8-9); Key Lessons: • All the knowledge in the world does not compare to the truth found in Jesus;

25. Philip Traditions: • Suggests that Philip lived and preached in Scythia (today the Ukraine); • Some suggests that he was crucified on a tall cross at Hierapolis of Phrygia (today Turkey); • Symbols for Philip often include loves of bread and fish (John 6:5-7) and a tall cross.

26. Bartholomew Other Names: • Nathanael • Born or raised in Cana of Galilee (John 21:2); • Knew the Hebrew Scriptures well (John 1:46); • The name Bartholomew derives from the Greek meaning “son of Tolmai;” • The name Nathanael derives from the Hebrew meaning “God has given;” General Information:

27. Bartholomew Personality & Character: • Skeptical (John 1:46); • Honest (John 1:47); • Faithful (John 1:49); Encounters with Jesus: • Jesus told Nathanael he was an honest Israelite and informed him that He saw him sitting under the fig tree (John 1:47-48); • He called Jesus the “Son of God” and “King of Israel” (John 1:49); • Witnessed the great catch of fish and ate breakfast with Jesus after His resurrection (John 21:2-7);

28. Bartholomew Key Lessons: • Believers are called to test all things with the Scriptures and remain true to its principles; Traditions: • Suggests that Bartholomew ministered in Asia Minor and India and the Armenian church claims him as their founder; • Says that he was flayed alive in Armenia; • The symbol for him is often a blade;

29. Matthew Other Names: • Levi; • Son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14); • From Capernaum (Mark 2:1-17); • Tax collector in Galilee (Matt. 9:9); • Brother of James son of Alphaeus (Mark 3:19); • Name derives from Hebrew meaning “gift of God;” General Information:

30. Matthew Personality & Character: • Penitent (Matt. 9:9, 10:2); • Hospitable (Matt. 9:10); Encounters with Jesus: • Left his tax collecting booth to follow Jesus (Matt. 9:9); • Invited Jesus to dine with him and his tax collector friends (Matt. 9:10);

31. Matthew Key Lessons: • Jesus Christ is for everyone, even sinners and outcasts; Traditions: • Suggests that Matthew ministered in Persia, Macedonia, Syria, Parthia, Media and Ethiopia; • Says that Matthew died a martyr’s death, but unknown how; • Symbols for Matthew often has a bag of coins in reference to his tax collecting occupation;

32. Thomas Other Names: • Didymus (meaning Twin); • Judas Thomas • “Doubting Thomas” General Information: • We know nothing of his twin, whether brother or sister, we have no information;

33. Thomas Personality & Character: • Inquisitive (John 14:5); • Doubtful (John 20:24-25); • Courageous (John 11:26); • Faithful (John 20:24-29); Encounters with Jesus: • Courageously encouraged the other disciples to go to Bethany with Jesus and die with Him (John 11:16); • Asked Jesus how to know where He was going (John 14:5);

34. Thomas Encounters with Jesus: • Doubted Jesus’ resurrection saying he would have to touch His wounds in order to believe (John 20:25); • Affirmed that Jesus was Lord and God (John 20:28); • Witnessed the great catch of fish and ate breakfast with Jesus after His resurrection (John 21:2-7);

35. Thomas Key Lessons: • Jesus can overcome doubts and lead believers to faithfulness; Traditions: • Suggests that Thomas traveled to India and founded the Christian Church there; • Suggests that Thomas was killed by a spear for his faith and was buried in India; • Some say that Thomas was a carpenter; • Symbol for Thomas include a spear head and a T-square;

36. James, son of Alphaeus Other Names: • James the Younger; • James the Less; General Information: • Son of Alphaeus and brother of Matthew, the tax collector (Mark 2:14; 3:18); • He is often confused with James, the brother of Jesus, who wrote the Book of James or with James the brother of John;

37. James, son of Alphaeus Personality & Character: • None that the Scriptures records; • Therefore, was true to his name, James the LESS; Encounters with Jesus: • General inclusion with the twelve throughout Jesus’ ministry on earth; • There are no recorded conversations between him and Jesus;

38. James, son of Alphaeus Key Lessons: • All followers of Jesus can still accomplish great work for God without being in the limelight; Traditions: • Suggests that James belonged to the revolutionary group known as the Zealots; • Suggests that James was arrested by the Jews in Jerusalem, thrown down from a high point on the Temple and then beaten to death with a club.

39. Thaddaeus Other Names: • Jude; • Judas the son of James; • Lebbaeus; General Information: • The Aramaic meaning of both Thaddaeus and Lebbaeus is “beloved” or “dear to the heart”; • The name Judas derives from the Hebrew name Judah; • He is often confused with Judas the brother of Jesus, Judas Barsabbas or Judas Iscraiot;

40. Thaddaeus Personality & Character: • Inquisitive (John 14:22); • Confused (John 14:22); Encounters with Jesus: • General inclusion with the twelve throughout Jesus’ ministry on earth; • Asked Jesus how He would reveal Himself to His followers and not to the world (John 14:22);

41. Thaddaeus Key Lessons: • Jesus will reveal His truth to believers who follow Him; Traditions: • Some suggest that he was the author of Jude, although most say that Judas, the brother of Jesus authored that book; • Symbol for Thaddaeus often include a golden ship with silver sails before a red horizon for his missionary journeys, but we do not know where;

42. Simon the Zealot Other Names: • Simon, the Cananaean (meaning “the zealous one”; General Information: • Was a Zealot (Matt. 10:4) the group willing to use force to expel the Romans; • The name Simon derives from the Hebrew name Shimon, meaning “hearing”;

43. Simon the Zealot Personality & Character: • Patriotic (Matt. 10:4); • Loyal (Mark 3:18); • Passionate (Luke 6:15); • Sacrificial (Acts 1:13); Encounters with Jesus: • General inclusion with the twelve throughout Jesus’ ministry on earth; • There are no recorded conversations with Jesus;

44. Simon the Zealot Key Lessons: • One should be willing to sacrifice and even die to follow Jesus; Traditions: • Suggest that Simon was the bridegroom at the wedding of Cana; • That he did missionary work in Persia; • The Symbol for Simon often has a book with a fish hook resting on it, in reference to his fishing for people;

45. Judas Iscariot Other Names: • Judas the Betrayer; • Judas the son of Simon; General Information: • Was the treasurer for the group and a thief (John 12:4-5; 13:29); • He betrayed Jesus, felt remorse, returned the money, but was rejected by the Chief Priest. He went out and hanged himself (Matt. 27:3-10); • He only died by falling to the ground (Acts 1:18-20): • Matthias replaced him (Acts 1:26);

46. Judas Iscariot Personality & Character: • Greedy (Matt. 26:14-16); • Deceitful (Matt. 26:25); • Treacherous (Matt. 26:47-50); • Remorseful (Matt. 27:3-6); Encounters with Jesus: • General inclusion with the twelve throughout Jesus’ ministry on earth; • Jesus referred to Judas as a devil (John 6:70-71); • Criticized Mary for anointing Jesus with expensive perfume (John 12:4-8);

47. Judas Iscariot Encounters with Jesus: • Conversed with Jesus during the Last Supper (Matt. 26:23-25); • The Devil entered his heart at the Last Supper (John 13:2); • Led the enemies to Jesus to the Garden and betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (Matt. 26:14-16; 47-51); • Had a brief conversation with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt. 26:47-51);

48. Judas Iscariot Key Lessons: • Not everyone who claims to follow Jesus are actually faithful to Him; Traditions: • Suggest that Judas was from Kerioth in southern Judea; • Some suggest that he as a member of the very strict sect of the Zealots known as Sicarii, who were dagger-bearing assassins;

49. Other Disciples that Followed Jesus Cleopas: • Follower of Jesus who spoke with Him on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:18), his only reference; James: • The brother of Jesus, leader of the Jerusalem Church and author of the book of James (Matt. 13:55-56; Acts 12:17); Joanna: • Was the wife of Cuza, manager of Herod’s household (Luke 8:3); • Present at the empty tomb (Luke 24:10);

50. Other Disciples that Followed Jesus Joseph of Arimathea: • A rich but secret follower of Jesus (Matt. 27:57); • Placed Jesus in his own new and never used tomb (Matt. 27:57); Joseph Barsabbas (or Justus): • Follower of Jesus from the beginning of John’s Baptism (Acts 1:21); • Was the runner-up to replace Judas (Acts 1:26); Judas (or Jude): • Brother of Jesus and author of the Book of Jude (Matt. 13:54-55; Mark 6:3; Jude 1);