Apostles, Disciples, Major and Minor Prophets

Apostles, Disciples, Major and Minor Prophets 

(See Page 2) 

1. Peter

A bold and impulsive fisherman who became a leading disciple. Though he denied Jesus, he was restored and became a strong, courageous leader in the early church.

Peter, also known as Simon Peter, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and a

Peter

foundational figure in early Christianity. Originally a Galilean fisherman, he became the leading disciple, symbolizing faith, repentance, and leadership. His name, meaning “rock,” reflects his role as the cornerstone of the emerging Church.

Key Facts:

• Original name: Simon, son of Jonah (or John)
• Meaning of name: “Peter” (Greek Petros) and “Cephas” (Aramaic Kepha) both mean “rock”
• Occupation: Fisherman from Bethsaida and Capernaum
• Major works: Two New Testament epistles (I. & II. Peter)
• Death: Martyred in Rome, traditionally crucified upside down under Emperor Nero

Early Life and Call:

Peter and his brother Andrew worked as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee before Jesus called them to become “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Jesus renamed Simon as Peter to mark his new identity and mission. Though lacking formal education, Peter’s directness and courage made him a natural leader among the apostles.

Peter witnessed many key events: the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus’s daughter, and Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane. He confessed Jesus as “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16), prompting Christ’s declaration, “On this rock I will build my church.” Despite his faith, Peter denied Jesus three times during the Passion but repented bitterly and was restored by the risen Christ.

Leadership in the Early Church:

After Pentecost, Peter became the primary leader of the Jerusalem community, preaching boldly and performing miracles (Acts 2–5). He played a decisive role in admitting Gentiles into the Church through the baptism of the centurion Cornelius (Acts 10). His speeches and actions shaped the Church’s early theology and mission.

Writings and Martyrdom:

Peter is traditionally credited with the First and Second Epistles of Peter, which counsel perseverance and holiness amid suffering. According to long-standing tradition, he later ministered in Rome and was crucified upside down around AD 64. The Catholic Church regards him as the first pope and the bishop of Rome, while other Christian traditions honor him as the chief apostle and “Prince of the Apostles.”

Legacy:

Peter’s journey from impetuous disciple to steadfast leader embodies human frailty transformed by grace. His example continues to inspire Christian faith, repentance, and courage in the face of trials.

From various internet sources.

2. Andrew

Peter’s brother, known for quietly bringing others to Jesus. His life reflects humility and faithful service behind the scenes.

Andrew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the brother of Simon Peter. His Greek

Andrew

name, Andreas, means “manly” or “brave.” In Christian tradition, he is honored as the first disciple called by Jesus and as a model of faith, humility, and evangelism.

Key facts:

• Name meaning: “Manly” or “brave” (Greek origin).
• Birthplace: Bethsaida, Galilee (John 1:44).
• Occupation before calling: Fisherman.
• Feast day: November 30.
• Death: Martyred in Patras, Achaia, crucified on an X-shaped cross.

Early life and calling:

Andrew and his brother Peter were fishermen from Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. Initially a disciple of John the Baptist, Andrew followed Jesus after John identified Him as “the Lamb of God” (John 1:36–40). He then brought his brother Peter to Jesus, earning recognition as “the first-called” in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.

Role among the apostles:

In the Gospels, Andrew appears as a bridge-builder and introducer. He points out the boy with five loaves and two fish before the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:8–9) and, with Philip, brings seeking Greeks to Jesus (John 12:20–22). Though not part of the inner trio (Peter, James, John), Andrew is consistently listed among the leading apostles.

Missionary tradition and martyrdom:

Early Christian tradition holds that Andrew preached across regions including Scythia, Greece, and Asia Minor. He is said to have been crucified at Patras on a saltire (X-shaped) cross, later known as “St. Andrew’s Cross.” According to legend, he requested this form of crucifixion, deeming himself unworthy to die on a cross identical to Jesus’.

Legacy and veneration:

Andrew’s relics were transferred to Constantinople in the 4th century and partly returned to Patras in 1964. He is venerated as patron saint of Scotland, Russia, and several Eastern European nations. The white saltire on a blue background, the flag of Scotland, symbolizes his cross and enduring influence in Christian and national traditions.

From various internet sources.

3. James, son of Zebedee

Part of Jesus’ inner circle, he was passionate and devoted. He became the first apostle martyred for his faith.

James son of Zebedee, also known as James the Greater, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus 
Christ and the brother of the apostle John. A Galilean fisherman called to discipleship by Jesus, he became part of the Lord’s inner circle and was the first apostle to suffer martyrdom, executed

James

by order of King Herod Agrippa I around 44 AD.

Key facts:

• Also known as: James the Greater, Santiago (Spanish)
• Parents: Zebedee and Salome
• Brother: John
• Occupation before call: Fisherman on the Sea of Galilee
• Martyrdom: Beheaded in Jerusalem, c. 44 AD
• Feast day: July 25

Early life and call:

James and his brother John worked with their father Zebedee as fishermen near Capernaum. When Jesus called them—“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”—they immediately left their nets and followed him (Matthew 4:21–22). Along with Peter and John, James witnessed key events: the raising of Jairus’s daughter, the Transfiguration, and Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane.

Character and ministry:

Jesus nicknamed James and John “Boanerges,” meaning “Sons of Thunder,” for their impetuous zeal. Their bold temper once led them to ask for fire to fall on an unwelcoming Samaritan village, earning a rebuke from Christ. Yet this fiery nature matured into courage and faithfulness; James became a pillar of the early Church known for his fervent preaching.

Martyrdom and legacy:

The Acts of the Apostles records that King Herod Agrippa I had “James the brother of John put to death with the sword” (Acts 12:2), making him the first of the Twelve to die for the faith. Tradition holds that his relics were later carried to Galicia, Spain, where they became enshrined at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, inspiring the famous pilgrimage known as the Camino de Santiago.

Veneration and influence:

Honored as the patron saint of Spain and of pilgrims, St. James is symbolized by the scallop shell and pilgrim’s staff. His life exemplifies zeal transformed by grace—an impetuous disciple reshaped into a steadfast witness whose death fulfilled Jesus’ words that he would “drink the cup” of his Master.

From various internet sources.

4. John

John the Apostle, also called “the beloved disciple,” was one of Jesus’s twelve apostles and a central figure of the New Testament. Traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation, he is remembered for his deep theological insight and emphasis on 

divine love.

Key facts:

• Family: Son of Zebedee and Salome; brother of James
• Occupation before discipleship: Fisherman on the Sea of Galilee
• Nickname: “Son of Thunder” (Boanerges)
• Major writings: Gospel of John; 1 John, 2 John, 3 John; Revelation
• Traditional death: ca. AD 100 in Ephesus, likely of natural causes

Early life and calling:

John was born in Galilee to a family of fishermen and worked alongside his brother James the Greater when Jesus called them to discipleship (Matthew 4:21-22). Their impetuous nature earned them the title “sons of thunder.” John quickly became part of Jesus’s inner circle with Peter and James, witnessing key events such as the Transfiguration and the agony in Gethsemane.

Relationship with Jesus:

John’s Gospel portrays him as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” At the Last Supper, he reclined beside Jesus, and at the crucifixion he remained near the cross, receiving the charge to care for Mary (John 19:26-27). His steadfast presence symbolizes loyalty and intimacy within discipleship.

Ministry and writings:

After the Resurrection, John helped lead the Jerusalem church and later ministered in Ephesus. While exiled on the island of Patmos, he experienced the apocalyptic visions recorded in Revelation . His Gospel presents Jesus as the incarnate Word of God, while his letters highlight truth, fellowship, and the command to love one another. These works profoundly shaped Christian theology on the nature of Christ and divine love.

Legacy and significance:

John’s transformation—from a fiery “son of thunder” to the “apostle of love”—illustrates the power of spiritual renewal. Venerated as Saint John the Evangelist, his feast is observed on December 27 in many Christian traditions. His writings remain foundational for understanding God’s love, the identity of Jesus, and hope for the ultimate redemption of creation.

From various internet sources.

5. Philip

Philip the Apostle was one of the twelve original disciples personally called by Jesus. Mentioned primarily in the Gospel of John, he is remembered for introducing Nathanael to Christ and for his

role in several key Gospel scenes. Tradition holds that he later preached in Phrygia and was martyred at Hierapolis in the 1st century.

Key facts:

• Origin: Bethsaida, Galilee
• Role: One of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus
• Feast day: May 3 (Western), November 14 (Eastern)
• Symbol in art: Loaves of bread or a tall cross
• Death: 1st century, traditionally in Hierapolis

Call and early ministry:

According to John 1:43-46, Jesus directly summoned Philip with the words “Follow me.” Philip immediately told Nathanael, “We have found him of whom Moses wrote,” exemplifying an eagerness to share his discovery. He was likely associated with John the Baptist’s circle before following Jesus, suggesting a prior openness to the Messiah’s message.

Gospel appearances:

Philip features prominently in several Johannine episodes. He is tested by Jesus before the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:5-7), acts as an intermediary for Greek pilgrims wishing to see Jesus (John 12:20-22), and requests, “Lord, show us the Father,” prompting Jesus’ revelation that seeing Him is seeing the Father (John 14:8-9). These scenes present him as earnest yet practical and sometimes slow to grasp spiritual depth.

Later traditions and martyrdom:

The New Testament offers no details of Philip’s later life, but early Christian writings place his missions in Scythia or Hierapolis. He was said to have been crucified or stoned there, becoming a model of steadfast witness. Apocryphal texts such as the Acts of Philip expand these legends, describing miracles and preaching among pagans.

Artistic and spiritual legacy:

In Christian art Philip is depicted holding loaves, recalling his role in the miraculous feeding, or a cross representing his martyrdom and preaching of the Cross. His feast was early linked with that of James the Less, and he is honored as a patron of truth-seeking faith—an apostle who invited others simply to “come and see.”

From various internet sources.

6. Bartholomew

Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, active in the 1st century CE. He is remembered as a sincere and insightful follower, traditionally associated

with missionary work across Asia and for his martyrdom in Armenia. His name means “son of Tolmai,” indicating a patronymic lineage rather than a personal name.

Key facts:

• Flourished: 1st century CE
• Possible personal name: Nathanael (“God has given”)
• Traditional death: Flayed and beheaded in Armenia
• Feast day: August 24 (Western churches)
• Patronage: Tanners and leather workers

Biblical identity and calling:

Bartholomew appears in the apostolic lists of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts, always linked with the Apostle Philip. The Gospel of John omits him but introduces Nathanael, leading most traditions to equate the two figures. Nathanael’s first encounter with Jesus—marked by Jesus’ insight, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!”—reveals his honesty and faith. He quickly professed Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel.

Ministry and missionary tradition:

Early Christian writers, including Eusebius of Caesarea and Jerome, recorded that Bartholomew carried a Hebrew copy of the Gospel of Matthew to “India,” a term then applied broadly to regions east of the Roman Empire. Traditions later placed his evangelizing in areas such as Mesopotamia, Arabia, Persia, and Armenia. He is said to have worked closely with Philip, and his relics were eventually brought to the church of San Bartolomeo all ’Isola in Rome.

Martyrdom and legacy: (See Page 2)

According to Armenian and medieval sources, Bartholomew was executed by flaying and beheading for converting a king to Christianity. Artistic depictions often show him holding a knife or his flayed skin, symbolizing his steadfast faith under persecution. His story underscores courage, integrity, and the transformative power of encountering Christ.