Author’s Note: Who were these men who joined Jesus? Discovering the life and character of the Apostles took both research and detective work. Although there are many passages in the New Testament that give us a description of the Apostles and their activity, a better understanding of these men can be inferred from first century historical, cultural and political information. We need to understand them within the context of life in first century Israel.
Positive and constructive contributions that help to improve this essay are welcome.
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There were, apparently, over 100 people who thought of themselves as Disciples of Christ. Less than 20 were Apostles. These men were “sent forth” to teach, preach and administer the affairs of the movement (eventually) called Christianity. They were selected by Jesus or other Apostles, to go forth on a definite mission, with the full authority to act on behalf of the sender, and were held accountable by the sender for their work. They counseled and managed the growing number of congregations, resolved questions of doctrine, and allocated collected funds to missionary work.
But who were the disciples who became the first Apostles? Jesus appointed 12 men to help him with his ministry. Although the New Testament tells us little about their relationship with Jesus before he called them, it became clear to me that most of these men must have known Jesus as a friend or relative before he called them to be Apostles. They had already developed a profound respect for the intelligent, compassionate and charismatic man whom they obviously admired.
The Apostles were tasked to support his work and to protect him from harm. When they traveled, two or more apostles would often go into a village or town before Jesus arrived to establish where they would eat, sleep, and bathe. They also would determine where he would conduct his mission and tell the people of his coming. After the death of Jesus, several of his Apostles became missionaries, teaching his message to people in Judea, India, North Africa, Asia Minor, Rome, and elsewhere.
Here is a brief description of the men who were called to serve.
Andrew was Peter’s brother, a fisherman, and a disciple of John the Baptist before he met Jesus. A gentle man, Andrew at once recognized Jesus was the Messiah when John the Baptist introduced them. He was so impressed by Jesus, he moved from Bethsaida to Capernaum to be with him. Andrew in turn introduced Jesus to his brother, Peter. After the crucifixion of Jesus, Andrew apparently evangelized in Scythia, Epirus, Achaia and Hellas. (See Note 1 about the meaning of Messiah)
Simon Peter (Cephas), known as The Rock, was Andrew’s brother, and also a fisherman in the Sea of Galilee. He also moved from Bethsaida to Capernaum to be with Jesus. Like his brother, Simon was a follower of John the Baptist before being called by Jesus. Emotional, impulsive, bold and charismatic, Peter was one of the greatest leaders of the early church. He spread the gospel in Rome until he was crucified. The Catholic Church recognizes Peter as the First Roman Pope.
James (the elder) Boanerges; brave, intense, severe of temperament, likely a nationalist, a strong defender of the Jewish nation, and usually carried a sword for protection. He was a fisherman who lived in Bethsaida and moved to Capernaum to be with Jesus. After the death of Jesus, James ministered in Jerusalem with evangelical zeal until martyred by Herod Agrippa I in 44 A.D.
John Boanerges: brother of James, also full of nationalist zeal. He was, however, softer of temperament than his brother. He was a fisherman who lived in Bethsaida until he moved to Capernaum to be with Jesus. He and James were initially disciples of John the Baptist. Jesus called James and John the Sons of Thunder because their father, Zebedee, was an outspoken critic of the Romans. Like the other Apostles, John was deeply influenced by Jesus and he became known as the Beloved Disciple. He was an Apostle and evangelist in Asia Minor.
James (the younger) was Jesus’s brother. Short in stature, he became (affectionately) known as James the Less and later on as James the Just. He lived in Nazareth, moved to Bethsaida to be a fisherman, and then to Capernaum to be with Jesus.. James was present at the crucifixion, became the first Bishop of Jerusalem, and authored of the first Catholic Epistle.
Jude (Thaddeus) was Jesus’s brother. He also moved from Nazareth to be a fisherman in Bethsaida, and then to Capernaum to be with Jesus. He was present at the crucifixion. Jude became known as the patron saint of lost causes, and was the author of the epistle of Jude.
Judas Iscariot, son of Simon Iscariot, was from Judah. Judas was a Jewish nationalist, young, impressionable, educated, and intelligent. Judas frequently saw things as amusing and could be sarcastic or deferential. Although Judas frequently challenged Jesus, he became a very close friend. His role in the crucifixion is debated. The idea that he betrayed Jesus is totally illogical.
Matthew (Levi) was a tax collector who lived in Capernaum. He was educated, wealthy, and literate in both Aramaic (the language of Jesus and his Apostles) as well as Greek (the language of commerce). He went on to preach the Gospel to the Jewish community in Judea and elsewhere.
Philip is described as a tall, thin fisherman who lived in Bethsaida. He recognized Jesus as the savior and subsequently brought his friend Bartholomew and many others to meet him. Philip was probably an Apostle in Greece, Phrygia, and Syria.
Bartholomew (Nathaniel) lived in Cana. He may have come from royal blood, being the son of Tolmay. Bartholomew was a friend of Philip, recognized Jesus as "the Son of God" and believed Jesus was "the King of Israel". Known for his honesty and integrity, he is alleged to have been an Apostle in Armenia and India.
Simon Zealotes a cynical, suspicious man who lived in Cana, near Galilee, (also known as a Canaanite). He may have been a fanatical Jewish Nationalist or simply very zealous in his support for Jesus. Inspired by Jesus, Simon Zealotes traveled to N. Africa as an Apostle.
Thomas Didymus a carpenter, stone mason and fisherman who lived in Tarichea by the Sea of Galilee. Sometimes referred to as “the twin” or “doubting Thomas”, he apparently had a sharp intellect and an analytical mind. Thomas traveled as far as India to spread the message of Jesus Christ.
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Jesus apparently had an easygoing relationship with his Apostles. There is a minimum of grumbling. Although he treated them all like brothers, he was definitely their leader. Given what he accomplished in 32 months, and the circumstances of his ministry, Jesus also proved himself to be a good manager and teacher. I tried to capture the essence of this relationship in my novel about the life of Jesus Christ “Am I Your Son?”
Ron
Notes:
About the term “Messiah”.
By tradition, and Biblical reference, Jesus inspired his Apostles with his character and message. They recognized Jesus was very close to God. By inference, it could also be argued that at least some of them also believed (at first) Jesus would lead a successful rebellion against the Romans. Hence they called him “Messiah” (savior or liberator). Under his political leadership, they hoped the Jewish nation would be able to sweep away the oppressors and establish the Kingdom of God here on earth. But Jesus gave them a very different interpretation of what he meant by the term “The Kingdom of God,” and the term Messiah eventually took on a new meaning: Christ... the Son of God.
Both his disciples and his Apostles were aware of Jewish Nationalists. The desire to be free of oppressive Roman rule was universal among most Jews. The term “zeal” usually meant one was passionate about religion and politics. The term “The Kingdom of God” was a metaphoric reference to establishing Jewish rule over Israel (only God through the Jews had the right to rule Israel). Since Jesus frequently spoke about the Kingdom of God, it was taken by many Jews as a reference that here at last was their savior and a military leader who could fulfill their dreams of independence. We must remember: in Jewish folklore the Messiah would be both a religious savior and a political leader. Since popular gossip had already confirmed Jesus was very close to God, it was but a short step to imagine he was also a political leader. This explains why the peasants were so excited to welcome Jesus to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. It also tells us why the mob turned against Jesus by Wednesday, when it became obvious he had no intention of being their political savior and liberator.
Occupations.
Although many of his followers are described as fishermen, it should be noted the Jesus and his disciples were also part time farmers. Crops were a source of fresh vegetables and grains were a very important component of their diet. In addition, it is likely some of them had fruit or olive trees.
Arms.
It is likely that whenever they traveled away from Capernaum, Bartholomew, Simon Peter, Simon Zealotes, James and John Boanerges, and Judas (and possibly the other Apostles) were armed with swords. Because of bandits and errant Roman mercenaries, travel could be dangerous. All twelve Apostles were also responsible for protecting Jesus from overzealous Pharisees, Sadducees and priests.
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