- Listed in Four Places:
- Matthew 10:2-4
- Mark 3:16-19
- Luke 6:12-19
- Acts 1:13
- Some Had Two Names:
- Either a surname or a given name.
- Occupations and Backgrounds:
- Four were fishermen.
- One was a publican (tax collector).
- One was a zealot.
- The occupations of the others are not specified.
- Fishing Partners:
- James and John were partners with their father, Zebedee.
- Simon (Peter) and Andrew were also partners in the fishing business.
- Galileans vs. Judean:
- Eleven of the twelve apostles were Galileans; Judas was the only Judean.
- Non-Professional Religionists:
- None of the apostles were professional religionists.
- Inner Circle:
- Peter, James, and John formed the “inner circle” of the apostles.
- Peter:
- Renamed from Simon to Peter (“Rock” in Greek) and Cephas (Aramaic).
- Brought to Jesus by his brother Andrew.
- Native of Bethsaida; had a home in Capernaum.
- Partner in the fishing business with James and John.
- Had a wife; she accompanied him on apostolic travels.
- James:
- Older brother of John.
- First apostle to die, killed by Herod in A.D. 44.
- John:
- Known as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”
- Had a house in Jerusalem.
- Possibly a cousin of Jesus if Salome (his mother) and Mary were sisters.
- Employed hired servants and was a personal acquaintance of the high priest.
- Nicknamed “Son of Thunder.”
- Thomas:
- Was a twin.
- Philip:
- Brought Nathaniel to Jesus.
- James “The Less”:
- Possibly named for his small stature.
- Publican and Zealot:
- Jesus selected a publican and a zealot, despite their factions being bitter rivals in the 1st century.
Interesting Facts About the Apostles
Faith & Reason Nexus 
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