The 12 disciples (also called apostles) were Jesus’s closest followers, chosen to learn from him and spread his message. They are traditionally named as: Peter , Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus/Jude, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot.

Names of the 12 disciples

Most lists in the New Testament give the same core group of twelve, with slight variations in one or two names.

  • Simon Peter (also called Cephas)
  • Andrew (Peter’s brother)
  • James (son of Zebedee)
  • John (James’s brother)
  • Philip
  • Bartholomew (often linked with Nathanael)
  • Thomas (also called Didymus, “twin”)
  • Matthew (also called Levi, a tax collector)
  • James (son of Alphaeus)
  • Thaddaeus (also called Jude/Judas son of James, or Lebbaeus in some traditions)
  • Simon the Zealot (or the Cananaean)
  • Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus

How the Bible lists them

The main biblical lists appear in Matthew 10:2–4, Mark 3:16–19, Luke 6:13–16, and are echoed in Acts 1 (where Judas Iscariot has been replaced by Matthias).

  • The core names are stable across the lists.
  • The apparent differences usually come from alternate names or nicknames (for example, Thaddaeus vs. Judas son of James).

Brief snapshot of who they were

Christians often highlight that Jesus chose ordinary people—fishermen, a tax collector, and a political zealot—to be his closest followers.

  • Several (Peter, Andrew, James, John) were Galilean fishermen.
  • Matthew had worked as a tax collector, a despised job in that society.
  • Simon was called “the Zealot,” suggesting ties to a revolutionary movement.
  • Judas Iscariot became known for betraying Jesus and later being replaced by Matthias among the Twelve in Acts.

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