The term "Holy Apostles" refers to the twelve men chosen by Jesus Christ to be His closest followers and primary messengers. The word "apostle" comes from the Greek "apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out." These individuals were selected to spread the teachings of Jesus and to establish the early Christian Church. The apostles hold a foundational role in Christian theology and ecclesiology, as they were entrusted with the Great Commission to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19).

The Twelve Apostles

The original twelve apostles are listed in the Synoptic Gospels and the Book of Acts. They are:

1. Simon Peter · Often considered the leader of the apostles, Peter was a fisherman by trade. He is known for his boldness and was the first to confess Jesus as the Christ (Matthew 16:16). Jesus gave him the name "Peter," meaning "rock," and stated, "on this rock I will build My church" (Matthew 16:18).

2. James the Greater · The son of Zebedee and brother of John, James was part of Jesus' inner circle. He was the first apostle to be martyred, as recorded in Acts 12:2.

3. John · 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.

4. Andrew · The brother of Peter, Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist before following Jesus. He is known for bringing others to Christ, including his brother Peter (John 1:40-42).

5. Philip · From Bethsaida, the same town as Peter and Andrew, Philip is noted for his evangelistic efforts and his role in the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:5-7).

6. Bartholomew (Nathanael) · Known for his initial skepticism about Jesus, Bartholomew was convinced after Jesus demonstrated His divine knowledge (John 1:45-49).

7. Matthew (Levi) · A former tax collector, Matthew authored the Gospel that bears his name. His calling is a testament to Jesus' outreach to sinners (Matthew 9:9).

8. Thomas (Didymus) · Often remembered for doubting Jesus' resurrection until he saw Him, Thomas made a profound confession of faith, declaring Jesus as "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).

9. James the Less · The son of Alphaeus, little is known about this apostle, distinguishing him from James the Greater.

10. Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James) · Sometimes referred to as Jude, he is noted for asking Jesus why He would reveal Himself to the disciples and not to the world (John 14:22).

11. Simon the Zealot · Known for his zeal, Simon was a member of the Zealots, a Jewish nationalist group, before following Jesus.

12. Judas Iscariot · Infamously known for betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). His betrayal led to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. Afterward, Judas took his own life (Matthew 27:3-5).

Role and Authority

The apostles were given authority by Jesus to perform miracles, cast out demons, and heal the sick (Matthew 10:1). They were witnesses to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and their testimony forms the foundation of the New Testament. The apostles were instrumental in the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles.

Apostolic Succession

The concept of apostolic succession is rooted in the belief that the authority given to the apostles by Christ has been passed down through successive generations of church leaders. This is particularly emphasized in traditions such as Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, which hold that bishops are the successors to the apostles.

Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles

Though not one of the original twelve, Paul is often referred to as an apostle due to his significant role in the early Church. Formerly known as Saul, he was a persecutor of Christians before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). Paul was commissioned by Christ to be the apostle to the Gentiles, and he authored many of the New Testament epistles.

Legacy

The legacy of the Holy Apostles is profound, as they laid the groundwork for the Christian faith and the Church. Their teachings, preserved in the New Testament, continue to guide and inspire believers worldwide. The apostles' unwavering commitment to Christ, even unto death, serves as a powerful testament to their faith and the truth of the Gospel.