The Twelve Disciples

Simon Peter (Son of John) - fisherman; impulsive; later bold in preaching about Jesus. One of three in core group of disciples; disowned Christ and repented, preached Pentecost sermon; a lead of the Jerusalem church; baptized Gentiles; wrote: 1 and 2 Peter.
What Jesus said about him: named him Peter, "rock"; called him "satan" when he urged Jesus to reject the Cross; said he would become a fisher of men; he received revelation from God; he would disown Jesus; he would later be crucified for his faith.
Lesson from his life: Christians falter at times, but when they return to Jesus, He forgives them and strengthens their faith.
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James (son of Zebedee. He and his brother John were called the "Sons of Thunder.") - fisherman; ambitious, short-tempered, judgmental, deeply committed to Christ. James was also in the core group; he and his brother John asked Jesus for places of honor in His kingdom; he wanted to call fire down to destroy a Samaritan village; first disciple to be martyred.
What Jesus said about him: named he and his brother "Sons of Thunder"; said he would be a fisher of men; would drink the cup Jesus drank.
Lesson from his life: Christians must be willing to die for Jesus.
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John (son of Zebedee) - James' brother, and the disciple whom Jesus loved; fisherman; ambitious, later - very loving. Third disciple in core group; asked Jesus for a place of honor in His kingdom; wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan village; a leader of the Jerusalem church; wrote the gospel of John and 1, 2, 3 John and Revelation.
What Jesus said about him: called John and James "Sons of Thunder"; said he would be a fisher of men; would drink the cup Jesus drank; would take care of Jesus' mother after Jesus' death.
Lesson from his life: the transforming power of the love of Christ is available to all.
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Andrew (Peter's brother) - fisherman; eager to bring others to Jesus. Accepted John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus; told Peter about Jesus; he and Philip told Jesus that Greeks wanted to see Him.
What Jesus said about him: he would become a fisher of men.
Lesson from his life: Christians are to tell other people about Jesus.
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Philip - fisherman; he had a questioning attitude. he told Nathanael about Jesus; wondered how Jesus could feed the 5,000; asked Jesus to show his followers God the Father; he and Andrew told Jesus that Greeks wanted to see Him.
What Jesus said about him: asked if Philip realized that to know and see Him was to know and see the Father.
Lesson from his life: God uses our questions to teach us.
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Bartholomew (Nathanael). Occupation: unknown. He was honest and straightforward. He initially rejected Jesus because Jesus was from Nazareth but acknowledged Him as the "Son of God" and "King of Israel" when they met.
What Jesus said about him: called him "an Israelite indeed" and a man "in whom is no deceit."
Lesson from his life: Jesus respects honesty in people - even if they challenge Him because of it.
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Matthew (Levi) - tax collector. Despised outcast because of his dishonest career. He abandoned is corrupt and financially profitable way of life to follow Jesus; invited Jesus to a party with his notorious friends; wrote the Gospel of Matthew.
What Jesus said about him: called him to be a disciple.
Lesson from his life: Christianity is not for people who think they're already good; it is for people who know they've failed and want help.
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Thomas (the twin) - unknown occupation. He was courageous but doubtful. Suggested the disciples go with Jesus to Bethany - even if it meant death; asked Jesus about where he was going; refused to believe Jesus was risen until he could see Jesus alive and touch His wounds.
What Jesus said about him: said Thomas believed because he actually say Jesus after His resurrection.
Lesson from his life: even when Christians experience serious doubts, Jesus reaches out to them to restore their faith.
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James (son of Alphaeus) - unknown occupation. Became one of Jesus' disciples.
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Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James) - unknown occupation. Asked Jesus why He would reveal Himself to His followers and not to the world.
Lesson from his life: Christians follow Jesus because they believe in Him; they do not always understand the details of God's plan.
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Simon the Zealot - unknown occupation. Fierce patriotism. Became a disciple of Jesus.
Lesson from his life: If we are willing to give up our plans for the future, we can participate in Jesus' plans.
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Judas Iscariot - unknown occupation. Treacherous. Became one of Jesus' disciples; betrayed Jesus; killed himself.
What Jesus said about him: called him a "devil"; said Judas would betray Him.
Lesson from his life: It is not enough to be familiar with Jesus' teachings. Jesus' true followers love and obey Him.