Who Were the 12 Apostles? A Catholic Guide to the First Disciples of Jesus
The 12 apostles hold a central place in Catholic tradition, as the first followers personally chosen by Jesus to spread the Gospel and build the early Church. Understanding who they were, what they did, and why they matter is an important part of Catholic faith formation for both children and adults. In this post, we’ll look at the names of the twelve apostles, what the Catholic Church teaches about them, and how their legacy continues today.
What Does “Apostle” Mean in the Catholic Church?
The word “apostle” comes from the Greek apostolos, meaning “one who is sent.” In the Catholic Church, the apostles were the foundational leaders of the Church—personally taught, formed, and commissioned by Jesus Christ. They were eyewitnesses to His resurrection and received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to preach, baptize, and lead the Church.
The Catholic Church sees the bishops as successors to the apostles, continuing their mission through apostolic succession.
The Names of the 12 Apostles (Catholic Tradition)
According to the Gospels of Matthew (10:2–4), Mark (3:16–19), and Luke (6:13–16), the 12 apostles were:
- Peter (Simon) – The leader of the apostles and the first pope.
- James the Greater – Brother of John; part of Jesus’ inner circle.
- John – The “beloved disciple,” author of the Gospel of John and Revelation.
- Andrew – Peter’s brother and a former disciple of John the Baptist.
- Philip – Known for introducing others to Jesus.
- Bartholomew (Nathanael) – Recognized by Jesus as a man without deceit.
- Matthew (Levi) – A former tax collector and author of the Gospel of Matthew.
- Thomas (Didymus) – Best known for doubting the resurrection until he saw Jesus.
- James the Less – Possibly the cousin of Jesus; called “the Less” to distinguish him from James the Greater.
- Jude (Thaddeus) – Often called St. Jude; patron saint of impossible causes.
- Simon the Zealot – Possibly a former revolutionary; zealous for the faith.
- Judas Iscariot – The apostle who betrayed Jesus. After his death, he was replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26).
Why the 12 Apostles Matter in the Catholic Faith
The 12 apostles in Catholic teaching are more than just historical figures—they’re spiritual ancestors. Jesus gave them authority to teach, baptize, forgive sins, and lead the early Church. Today, their teachings live on through Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium of the Church.
The bishops and the Pope are direct spiritual successors of the apostles, which is why the Catholic Church is described as “apostolic” in the Nicene Creed.
Feast Days for the Apostles (Catholic Calendar Highlights)
Many of the apostles have individual feast days on the Catholic liturgical calendar. For example:
- Sts. Peter and Paul – June 29
- St. James the Greater – July 25
- St. Thomas – July 3
- St. Bartholomew – August 24
- St. Matthew – September 21
- Sts. Simon and Jude – October 28
- St. Andrew – November 30
- St. John the Apostle – December 27
These feast days are opportunities to honor their legacy and reflect on how we can follow Christ with the same courage and faith.
Teaching the 12 Apostles to Kids
Looking to share this with children or students? Here are a few tips:
- Use a song or mnemonic to memorize the names
- Create a printable chart or flashcards
- Celebrate an apostle’s feast day with a special activity
- Talk about their personalities—some were bold (Peter), some were quiet (James), and others asked hard questions (Thomas)
Final Thoughts
The 12 apostles are the pillars of the Catholic Church, chosen by Jesus Himself to bring the Good News to the world. Their lives remind us that God calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things. As Catholics, we honor their legacy, celebrate their feast days, and follow their example of faith, mission, and perseverance.
How Do Protestants and Evangelicals View the 12 Apostles?
While Catholics, Protestants, and Evangelicals all recognize the 12 apostles as key figures in the New Testament, there are some differences in how each tradition understands their role and legacy. Here’s a simple breakdown of how Catholic vs. Protestant beliefs compare:
✅ Shared Beliefs
All Christian traditions agree on the following:
- The 12 apostles were personally chosen by Jesus.
- They were eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection.
- They were commissioned to spread the Gospel and build the early Church.
- The names and stories of the apostles are found in Scripture (especially the Gospels and Acts).
✝️ Key Differences in Catholic vs. Protestant Views
| Topic | Catholic Teaching | Protestant/Evangelical Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Apostolic Succession | The apostles passed their authority to bishops; this continues today through the Pope and bishops (CCC 861–862). | Most Protestants reject apostolic succession as an ongoing office. Authority comes from Scripture, not hierarchical lineage. |
| The Role of Peter | Peter was the first pope and leader of the apostles (Matthew 16:18); his leadership continues through the papacy. | Protestants generally view Peter as important but deny papal primacy; they may see “the rock” as Peter’s confession of faith. |
| Tradition and Church Teaching | Sacred Tradition from the apostles is a source of authority alongside Scripture. | Evangelicals emphasize sola scriptura — Scripture alone as the source of authority. |
| Feast Days and Veneration | Apostles are honored with feast days and seen as saints who intercede in heaven. | Protestants honor the apostles’ lives but typically do not celebrate feast days or ask for their intercession. |
💡 Evangelical Focus
Evangelicals often highlight the apostles as examples of bold evangelism, church planting, and discipleship, especially in the Book of Acts. Their focus is less on ecclesial authority and more on the apostles’ faith-driven mission work.
