OK now there’s a reasonable question if ever there was one. We who were raised in the church all know that Jesus’ hand-picked trainee group was made up of twelve men. Quick, can you name them?
It’s embarassing to admit the question stumped a few seminary students the other day, including myself. We ended up having to Google it! So here, for future reference, is a list of “The Twelve”:
Simon – Who Jesus nick-named “Peter” (“The Rock”), a fisherman from Bethsaida of Galilee.
Andrew – Simon’s brother, also a fisherman and a former disciple of John the Baptist’s.
James – the son of Zebedee, and…
John – James’ brother. Jesus nick-named the two of them “Boanerges” (“Sons of Thunder”)
(it seems even in Jesus’ day guys were still guys and did typical guy-things like give each other silly nick-names, LOL)
Philip – also from Bethsaida.
Bartholomew – may also have been referred to as “Nathaneal”.
Matthew – the tax collector, also known as “Levi”.
Thomas – also known as “Didymous” (“The Twin”).
James – the son of Alphaeus.
Thaddeus – also known in other places as “Jude”.
Simon – also known as “the Zealot”.
Judas Iscariot – who betrayed Jesus. After his death he was replaced by Matthias.
There you have it — twelve ordinary men who, on getting to know Jesus, changed the world.
I could only recall eight of them. Eek. And I flippin’ forgot to name Judas. Of all to forget! LOL.
Funny comment about guys and nicknames.
LOL! I couldn’t remember how many Jameses, Johns, and Simons there were — I think we only got around seven!
about jesus…good information
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Hey Peg, have you read a book called “Twelve Ordinary Men” by John MacArthur? I’m only a few chapters in but am finding it really helpful… I see he’s also written one called “Twelve Extraordinary Women” – will see if the library has that one next 🙂
Hi Snee – Can’t say that I’ve seen either. Let me know what you think of them and whether or not you’d recommend them!