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The Twelve Disciples |
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Name |
Occupation |
Outstanding Characteristics |
Major Events in His Life |
What Jesus Said about Him |
A Key Lesson from His Life |
Selected References |
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Simon Peter |
Fisherman |
Impulsive; later—bold in preaching about Jesus |
One of three in core group of disciples; recognized Jesus as the Messiah; denied Christ and repented; preached Pentecost sermon; a leader of the Jerusalem church; baptized Gentiles; wrote 1 and 2 Peter. |
Named him Peter, "rock"; called him "Satan" when he urged Jesus to reject the cross; said he would fish for people; he received revelation from God; he would deny Jesus; he would later be crucified for is faith. |
Christian falter at times, but when they return to Jesus, he forgive them and strengthens their faith |
Matthew
4:18-20 |
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James |
Fisherman |
Ambitious, short-tempered, judgmental, deeply committed to Jesus |
Also in core group; he and his brother John, asked Jesus for places of honor in his Kingdom; wanted to call fire down to destroy a Samaritan village; first disciple to be martyred. |
Called James and John "Sons of Thunder"; said he would fish for people; would drink the cup Jesus drank. |
Christians must be willing to die for Jesus. |
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John |
Fisherman |
Ambitious, judgmental, later—very, loving |
Third disciple in core group; asked Jesus for a place of honor in his Kingdom; wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan village; a leader of the Jerusalem church; wrote the Gospel of John and 1, 2, 3 John and Revelation. |
Called James and John "Sons of Thunder"; said he would fish for people; would drink the cup Jesus drank; would take care of Jesus; mother after Jesus’ death. |
The transforming power of the love of Christ is available to all. |
Mark 1:19 |
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Andrew |
Fisherman |
Eager to bring others to Jesus |
Accepted John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus’ told Peter about Jesus, he and Philip told Jesus that Greeks wanted to see him. |
Said he would fish for people. |
Christians are to tell other people about Jesus. |
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Philip |
Fisherman |
Questioning attitude |
Told Nathanael about Jesus; wondered how Jesus could feed the 5,000; asked Jesus to show his followers God the Father; he and Andrew told Jesus that Greeks wanted to see him. |
Asked if Philip realized that to know and see him was to know and see the Father. |
God uses our questions to teach us. |
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Bartholomew |
Unknown |
Honest and straightforward |
Initially rejected Jesus because Jesus was from Nazareth but acknowledged him as the "Son of God" and "King of Israel" when they met. |
Called him "a true son of Israel" and "an honest man. |
Jesus respects honesty in people—even if they challenge him because of it. |
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Matthew |
Tax collector |
Despised outcast because of his dishonest career |
Abandoned his corrupt (and financially profitable) way of life to follow Jesus; invited Jesus to a party with his notorious friends; wrote the Gospel of Matthew. |
Called him to be a disciple. |
Christianity is not for people who think they’re already good; it is for people who know they’ve failed and want help. |
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Thomas |
Unknown |
Courage and doubt |
Suggested the disciples go with Jesus to Bethany—even if it meant death; asked Jesus about where he was going;’ refused to believe Jesus was risen until he could see Jesus alive and touch his wounds. |
Said Thomas believed because he actually saw Jesus after the Resurrection. |
Even when Christians experience serious doubts, Jesus reaches out to them to restore their faith. |
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James |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Became on of Jesus’ disciples. |
Unknown |
Unknown |
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Thaddaeus |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Asked Jesus why he would reveal himself to his followers and no to the world. |
Unknown |
Christians follow Jesus because they believe in him; they do not always understand the details of God’s plan. |
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Simon the Zealot |
Unknown |
Fierce patriotism |
Became a disciple of Jesus. |
Unknown |
If we are willing to give up out plans for the future we can participate in Jesus plans. |
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Judas Iscariot |
Unknown |
Treacherous and greedy |
Became on of Jesus’ disciples; betrayed Jesus; killed himself. |
Called him "a devil"; said Judas would betray Jesus. |
It is not enough to be familiar with Jesus; teachings. Jesus; true followers love and obey. |
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Jesus’ faithful disciples were ordinary men who became extraordinary because of Jesus Christ. Despite their confusion and lack of understanding during his lifetime, they became powerful witnesses to hi resurrection. Their lives were transformed by God’s power. The story of Jesus’ disciples does not end with the Gospels. It continues in the book of acts and many of the letters. |
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