The term "apostle" is derived from the Greek word "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." In the New Testament, the apostles were chosen by Jesus Christ to be His closest followers and to spread His teachings. The Twelve Apostles hold a foundational role in the establishment of the early Christian Church.

1. Simon Peter (Cephas): Often considered the leader of the apostles, Peter was a fisherman by trade. Jesus called him to be a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). Peter is known for his boldness and was the first to confess Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16:16). Despite denying Jesus three times, he was restored and became a pivotal figure in the early Church (John 21:15-17).

2. James (son of Zebedee): James, along with his brother John, was part of Jesus' inner circle. Known as "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17), James was the first apostle to be martyred, executed by Herod Agrippa (Acts 12:2).

3. John (son of Zebedee): The brother of James, John is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23). He authored the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation. John was a key leader in the early Church and emphasized love and truth.

4. Andrew: The brother of Peter, Andrew was also a fisherman. He is noted for bringing others to Jesus, including his brother (John 1:40-42). Andrew's missionary work is less documented in Scripture but is traditionally believed to have spread the Gospel in various regions.

5. Philip: From Bethsaida, the same town as Peter and Andrew, Philip was called directly by Jesus (John 1:43). He played a role in the feeding of the 5,000 and brought Nathanael to Jesus (John 6:5-7; 1:45-46).

6. Bartholomew (Nathanael): Known for his initial skepticism, Bartholomew was recognized by Jesus as "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit" (John 1:47). His missionary work is traditionally associated with India and Armenia.

7. Matthew (Levi): A former tax collector, Matthew was called by Jesus to follow Him (Matthew 9:9). He authored the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.

8. Thomas (Didymus): Often remembered for his doubt, Thomas declared, "Unless I see the nail marks in His hands..." (John 20:25). His subsequent confession, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28), affirmed his faith. Tradition holds that Thomas evangelized in India.

9. James (son of Alphaeus): Sometimes referred to as "James the Less," little is known about his life and ministry. He is distinct from James, the brother of John, and is listed among the apostles in the synoptic Gospels (Matthew 10:3).

10. Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James): Also known as Lebbaeus, Thaddaeus is mentioned in the lists of apostles (Matthew 10:3). He is sometimes identified with Jude, the author of the Epistle of Jude.

11. Simon the Zealot: Known for his zeal, Simon was a member of the Zealots, a Jewish nationalist group. His transformation into a follower of Christ exemplifies the unifying power of the Gospel (Luke 6:15).

12. Judas Iscariot: Infamously known for betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16), Judas' actions led to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. His remorse led to his tragic end (Matthew 27:3-5).

Matthias: After the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot, Matthias was chosen by the remaining apostles to replace him (Acts 1:26). His selection restored the number of apostles to twelve, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel.

The apostles were instrumental in the spread of Christianity, empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). Their teachings and writings form the foundation of the New Testament and continue to influence Christian doctrine and practice.