The naming of the Twelve Apostles is a significant event in the New Testament, marking the formal selection of Jesus Christ's closest followers who would become the foundational leaders of the early Church. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19, and Luke 6:12-16. Each account provides a list of the twelve men chosen by Jesus, highlighting their unique roles in His ministry and the establishment of the Christian faith.

Biblical Accounts

In the Gospel of Matthew, the account begins with Jesus calling His disciples and granting them authority over unclean spirits and the power to heal every disease and sickness. The list of the Twelve Apostles is as follows:

"These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him." (Matthew 10:2-4)

Mark's Gospel emphasizes the calling of the Twelve on a mountain, where Jesus appointed them to be with Him and to be sent out to preach:

"And He appointed twelve, whom He named apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons. These are the twelve He appointed: Simon (whom He named Peter), James son of Zebedee and his brother John (whom He named Boanerges, meaning 'Sons of Thunder'), Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Him." (Mark 3:14-19)

Luke's account provides additional context, noting that Jesus spent the night in prayer before choosing the Twelve:

"When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles: Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot; Judas son of James and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor." (Luke 6:13-16)

Significance and Roles

The Twelve Apostles were chosen by Jesus to be His closest companions and to carry forward His mission after His ascension. They were given the authority to preach the Gospel, perform miracles, and establish the Church. Each apostle played a unique role in the early Christian community, contributing to the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.

Simon Peter, often listed first, is recognized as a leader among the apostles and is known for his boldness and faith. James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were part of Jesus' inner circle and were given the nickname "Sons of Thunder" by Jesus, possibly reflecting their zealous nature. Andrew, Peter's brother, is noted for bringing others to Jesus, including his brother. Philip and Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael) are often mentioned together, with Philip being instrumental in introducing Bartholomew to Jesus.

Matthew, a former tax collector, represents the transformative power of Jesus' call, while Thomas is famously known for his initial doubt and subsequent declaration of faith. James son of Alphaeus and Thaddaeus (also known as Judas son of James) are less prominently featured in the Gospels but are nonetheless integral to the apostolic foundation. Simon the Zealot's designation suggests a past association with the Zealot movement, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of the apostles. Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, is a somber reminder of human frailty and the fulfillment of prophecy.

The selection of the Twelve Apostles underscores the divine authority and purpose of Jesus' ministry, as well as the establishment of a new covenant community through their witness and leadership.