Apostles

Apostles
Personal
Known for	Primary disciples of Jesus in Christianity

The Apostles were the primary disciples of Jesus in Christianity. According to the New Testament, the term "apostle" is used to refer to the twelve individuals chosen by Jesus to spread his teachings. The word "apostle" comes from the Greek word "ἀπόστολος" (apóstolos), meaning "one who is sent away" or "messenger."

The Twelve Apostles

The New Testament lists the names of the twelve apostles in several passages, including Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:13-16, and Acts 1:13. The twelve apostles are:

1. Peter (also known as Simon)
2. Andrew, brother of Peter
3. James, son of Zebedee
4. John, son of Zebedee
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew
7. Thomas
8. Matthew
9. James, son of Alphaeus
10. Thaddeus (also known as Jude, son of James)
11. Simon the Zealot
12. Judas Iscariot, who was later replaced by Matthias after his betrayal of Jesus

Role and Mission

The apostles were tasked with spreading the teachings of Jesus and establishing the early Christian Church. They played a crucial role in the dissemination of the Gospel and the establishment of Christianity as a major world religion. The apostles are also credited with performing miracles and converting many individuals to the faith.

Apostolic Succession

The concept of Apostolic Succession is a key element in many Christian denominations, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. This doctrine holds that the authority and mission given to the apostles by Jesus have been passed down through successive generations of bishops.

Other Apostles

In addition to the original twelve apostles, the New Testament mentions other individuals who were considered apostles. These include:

• Paul, who played a significant role in the spread of Christianity among the Gentiles
• Barnabas, a companion of Paul
• James, brother of Jesus, who is often referred to as an apostle in the Galatians 1:19

Legacy

The legacy of the apostles is evident in the Christian Church's structure, teachings, and traditions. Many Christian denominations celebrate the Feast of the Apostles and honor the apostles as saints. The Apostles' Creed, a statement of faith, is named in their honor and reflects the core beliefs of Christianity.

See also

• Christianity
• Jesus
• New Testament
• Apostolic Age
• Saints