JESUS chose twelve apostles to serve with Him during His ministry and to provide leadership for the church after His ascension. Twelve probably were selected because this number corresponds to the twelve tribes of the Old Testament Israel. Chosen by JESUS after He prayed all night, the twelve included 2 sets of fishermen brothers, a tax collector, and a traitor. Among the twelve , Peter, James and John were particularly close to JESUS.The Twelve:
1-Simon Peter, leader of the apostles 2-Andrew, brother of Simon
3-James, son of Zebedee and brother of John
4-John, the beloved apostle
5-Phillip, from Bethsaida
6-Bartholomew
7-Matthew, tax collector
8-Simon the Cananite(probably Simon the Zealot)
9-Thomas, from Galilee
10-James, son of Alphaeus
11-Lebbaeus12-Judas Iscariot, who betrayed JESUS.
*Matthias was chosen by the apostles to replace Judas after the ascension of JESUS.
"Disciple" is a learner of follower
"Apostle" is a person who is sent with a special message or commission.
ALL 12 are both. JESUS called them to follow Him and sent them to carry on His work after He ended His earthly ministry.
In His Name
GOD bless you and yours....
Good info! And for us, Christ's followers today, we also have the responsibility of the preaching and disciple making work. (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8) And how important it is for preachers of righteousness to go forth today since we are so far into the last days. (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Romans 13:11) :)
ReplyDeleteAmen, the Great Commission is for us today as well...
ReplyDeleteGOD bless