Life of Christ

Jesus prepared the disciples for the persecution they would face as they shared the Good News. Their message would not always be welcome, and they were bound to face opposition. He encouraged them to stand firm in their faith and remain faithful in their witness.

Before sending out His twelve disciples on a mission to share the Good News, Jesus first equipped them and gave them clear, detailed instructions. These guidelines addressed various aspects of the journey they were about to undertake. Though originally spoken to the first disciples, Jesus’ instructions remain quite relevant today, offering meaningful guidance for all who follow Him and seek to carry out His mission in the modern world.

Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. His surname, “Iscariot,” likely indicates he was from Kerioth, a town in Judea, setting him apart from the other apostles, most of whom were Galileans. Judas was keeper of the money bag and used to help himself to what was in it. Judas was infamous for betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

Simon the Zealot, was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. His name is among the list of apostles in the Gospels. He is differentiated from Simon Peter by the title “the Zealot”. The Zealots were a political party that was zealous for Jewish independence from Roman rule. It is possible that Simon the zealot was a member of this group when Jesus called him to be a disciple.

Thaddeus, also known as Jude or Judas son of James (not Judas Iscariot), was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He is listed among the apostles in the Gospels and was among the twelve who witnessed first hand the life, teaching and miracles of Jesus during his earthly ministry. He is also listed among the disciples who waited in the upper room at Pentecost.

James, son of Alphaeus, was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He is listed among the apostles in the Gospels and spent time witnessing Jesus’ life, teachings, and miracles during His earthly ministry. To distinguish him from James, son of Zebedee, he is often called “James the Less.”

Thomas, also called Didymus (meaning “twin”), was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He became known for his initial doubt of the resurrection, earning the nickname “Doubting Thomas.” According to church tradition, Thomas is recognized for bringing the Gospel to India.

Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He was introduced to Jesus by Philip another disciple. Though initially skeptic, Bartholomew became a faithful follower and disciple of Jesus, once convinced. Jesus described Bartholomew as an Israelite with no deceit.

Philip was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Philip was from the town of Bethsaida, a town by the Sea of Galilee. When Jesus was in Galilee, he found Philip, and said to him, “Follow Me.” The Scriptures record that after hearing the call, Philip went and invited Nathanael (Bartholomew) to meet Jesus saying that he had found the one the prophets had spoken about.

Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. He was a tax collector by trade. Tax collectors were often despised by their fellow Jews because they had a reputation for corruption and greed. As an eye witness of Jesus’ life and ministry, he was one of the four Gospel writers, authoring the Gospel of Matthew.