TWELVE APOSTLES OF JESUS

 

Jesus Christ with twelve apostles at last feast

By Edward Matulanya

Here are twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, celebration of Eucharist, their mission, their succession, their liturgical Celebration a summary of their lives. 

The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus personally chose and appointed the Twelve to share in His mission and to lay the foundation of the Church.

Twelve apostles chosen by Jesus 

Jesus called his disciples, and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles (Luke 6:13, NABRE). They were to be with Him, to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons (Mark 3:13-19).

Celebration of Eucharist

At the Last Supper He conferred on them a share in His priesthood and the command to celebrate the Eucharist (Luke 22:19–20; Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1994/2019, §§859–860).

Catholics hold that this apostolic ministry continues through apostolic succession, with bishops as the successors of the apostles (CCC §§861–862).

The Role of Jesus’ Apostles

The apostles of Jesus played a foundational role in the early Christian Church. Their responsibilities included witnessing Jesus’ life and resurrection, preaching and teaching His message, leading the early Christian communities, and serving as examples of faith and sacrifice.

1. Witnesses to Jesus’ Life, Death, and Resurrection

The apostles were chosen to observe Jesus’ ministry firsthand, providing credible testimony about His miracles, teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection. Their eyewitness accounts became the basis for the spread of Christianity. For example, Peter, one of the closest disciples of Jesus, testified about Jesus’ resurrection: “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it” (Acts 2:32, New International Version).

2. Preachers and Evangelists

The apostles were commissioned to spread Jesus’ teachings to all nations. They proclaimed repentance, faith, and the Kingdom of God, establishing Christian communities worldwide. For example, Paul, although not one of the original twelve, became a key apostle after his encounter with the risen Jesus. He traveled extensively, preaching and writing letters that are now part of the New Testament (Galatians 1:15–16; Acts 9:15–16). Jesus instructed the apostles to: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19–20, NIV).

3. Teachers and Shepherds of the Early Church

Apostles instructed new believers, guiding them in ethical living and spiritual growth. Their teachings laid the foundation for Christian doctrine. For example, John emphasized love, truth, and obedience in his letters, guiding Christians on how to live faithfully (1 John 3:18–19, NIV). Paul provided instruction on church organization, morality, and theology in his epistles to various Christian communities (1 Corinthians 12:12–27, NIV).

4. Leaders and Builders of the Church

The apostles organized communities, resolved disputes, and appointed leaders, effectively serving as the first bishops and shepherds of the early Church. For example, Peter played a central role in guiding the Jerusalem church (Acts 15, NIV). James, the brother of Jesus, also led the Jerusalem church, ensuring unity among Jewish and Gentile believers (Acts 15:13–21, NIV).

5. Role Models of Faith and Sacrifice

The apostles demonstrated devotion, often enduring persecution and martyrdom, serving as enduring examples of commitment to Christ. For example, Peter and Paul were martyred in Rome for their faith, inspiring early Christians to remain steadfast under persecution (Foxe, 2005).

Mission of Jesus apostles 

Below is explanation of each Apostle’s mission and death as remembered in Catholic tradition, integrating Scripture, early Church history, and the Roman Martyrology.

Peter (Simon Peter); Chief of the apostles, first Bishop of Rome and first Pope. Preached in Antioch and Rome; martyred by crucifixion (upside-down) under Nero c. AD 64–67 (CCC §§552–553; Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History II.25).

Andrew; Evangelized Asia Minor and Greece; crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras. Roman Martyrology (USCCB, 2004).

James the Greater; First apostolic martyr (Acts 12:2). Spanish tradition honors his mission to Spain; relics at Santiago de Compostela (CCC §857; Roman Martyrology).

John; Cared for Mary in Ephesus; exiled to Patmos; died a natural death c. AD 100. (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History III.23).

Philip; Preached in Phrygia (Asia Minor); martyred at Hierapolis (Roman Martyrology)

Bartholomew (Nathanael); Evangelized Armenia, Mesopotamia, India; martyred by flaying and beheading (Roman Martyrology).

Matthew (Levi); Preached in Judea and possibly Ethiopia or Persia; martyred (Roman Martyrology).

Thomas (Didymus); Brought the Gospel to India; martyred by spearing near Mylapore (Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, 2006).

James the Less; First Bishop of Jerusalem; thrown from the Temple wall and beaten to death. Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History II.23

Thaddaeus (Jude); Evangelized Mesopotamia and Persia with Simon; martyred (clubs/axes). Roman Martyrology

Simon the Zealot; Preached in Egypt and Persia; martyred (traditions differ). Roman Martyrology

Matthias (replacement for Judas Iscariot); Chosen by the Eleven after Judas’ death (Acts 1:15-26); tradition says he preached in Judea and was martyred by stoning. Acts 1:26; Roman Martyrology

Catholic Theological Significance explains that; The Twelve represent the new People of God, continuing the mission of the twelve tribes of Israel (CCC §877).

Apostolic succession in Catholic Church 

Catholic believes in Apostolic Succession. Their authority to teach, sanctify, and govern is handed on to bishops, ensuring the Church remains “built on the foundation of the apostles” (Ephesians 2:20; CCC §§860–862).

Liturgical memories of Apostles 

The Roman Catholic Church Memories of the twelve Apostles is in Liturgical Memory. The Roman Martyrology and the universal calendar celebrate each Apostle’s feast, keeping their witness alive in the Church’s prayer.

Among the Twelve Apostles, James the Less (also called James the son of Alphaeus, or James “the brother of the Lord”) is traditionally regarded as a relative of Jesus.

The Reasons for the Connection between Jesus and James is explained below.

The New Testament refers to “James, the brother of the Lord” (Galatians 1:19).

In Catholic understanding, “brother” (adelphos in Greek) often means close kinsman or cousin, not a literal sibling.

Ancient tradition identifies this James with James the Less, one of the Twelve Apostles (Mark 3:18), and a son of Mary of Clopas, who is described as the “sister” (i.e., close relative) of the Virgin Mary (John 19:25).

Because of this kinship through Mary of Clopas; understood as a relative of Mary, the Mother of Jesus.Therefore, James the Less is venerated as Jesus’ cousin.

 References

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1994/2019). 2nd ed. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Catholic Church. (1997). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

Eusebius of Caesarea. (1999). The ecclesiastical history (P. L. Maier, Trans.). Kregel Publications. (Original work ca. 4th century)

Foxe, J. (2005). Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. Hendrickson Publishers.

Roman Martyrology. (2004). United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. (2006). The St. Thomas Christians of India: A brief history. Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition. (2011). United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Wright, N. T. (2012). How God became king: The forgotten story of the Gospels. HarperOne.