The Apostles

The Apostles were Simon, Matthew, Mark, Thomas, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Simon the Zealot, Judas Iscariot, and Matthias. Mathias was added following the death of Judas Iscariot. Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter.

Matthew is a personal name meaning “the gift of Yahweh.” He was a tax collector. (Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3) His office was located on the main highway that ran from Damascus down to the Jordan Valley to Capernaum then westward to Acre to join the coastal road to Egypt or southward to Jerusalem. He collected tolls or transport taxes from local merchants and farmers carrying goods to the market as well as distant caravans passing through Galilee. He was employed by Herod Antipas. He knew the value of goods; such as wool, flax, linen, pottery, brass, silver, gold, barley, wheat, olives, and figs. He knew the value of local and foreign monetary systems. He spoke Aramaic and Greek. The toll was leased and paid in advance. He was subject to criticism for collecting more than enough and growing wealthy on his profits. He was hated by his fellow Jews. He was also known as Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27) and son of Alphaeus. Matthew had the gift of training disciples. He kept meticulous records. He is believed to have recorded the Gospel bearing his name.[1]

John Mark is the author of the second Gospel. He was an early missionary leader. He was the son of Mary whose house he was meeting when Peter was released from prison, miraculously. (Acts 12) Mark is his Greek name and John was probably his Jewish name. He was a Jew. He is the cousin of Barnabas. (Colossian 4:10) He traveled with Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary trip. He ministered to the group in Cyprus. Mark returned to Jerusalem before completing the mission. This caused a split between Barnabas and Paul. (Acts 15:39)[2] 

Thomas is a personal name from Hebrew meaning “a twin.” He was one of the first twelve disciples. He has a complex personality. His skepticism was mixed with his loyalty and faith. (John 11:16) He sought evidence of Jesus' resurrection. (John 20:25) His confession of faith is seen in John 20:28.[3]

Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist before following Jesus. He led Simon, his brother to Jesus. (John 1:40-41) He was a fisherman by trade. (Matthew 4:18) He questioned Jesus regarding His prophecy concerning the temple. (Mark 13:3) He brought the child to Jesus with his lunch. (John 6:8) Andrew and Philip brought some Greeks to see Jesus. (John 12:22) He is mentioned in Acts 1:13.[4]

James is the English form of Jacob. The name James is given to three different figures in the New Testament.

First is James the son of Zebedee. He is the brother of John. (Matthew 4:21; Matthew 10:2; Mark 1:19; Mark 3:17; and Luke 5:10) He is one of the twelve disciples. (Acts 1:13) James, Peter, and John were Jesus' innermost circle of associates. (Mark 5:37; Luke 8:51, Mark 17:1; Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28; Matthew 26:36-37; and Mark 14:22-34) James’ zeal was revealed selfishly as John and James sought positions of honor. (Matthew 20:20-21and Mark 10:35-40) James was the first of the twelve martyred. (Acts 12:2) He died about AD 44 by the order of King Herod Agrippa I of Judea. (Acts 12:1-3)

The second James is the son of Alpheaus. (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; and Acts 1:13) Although he is not mentioned by name, he could be the disciple at the cross. (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10; and John 19:25)

The last James is the brother of Jesus. The word can be translated as literal brother, stepbrother, cousin, or intimate friend or associate. During Jesus ministry, his brothers were not believers. (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3; 1 Corinthians 9:5; John 7:3-5; Matthew 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; and Luke 8:19-21) Jesus’ brothers joined the disciples after his resurrection. (Acts 1:1-14 and Galatians 1:19) James became the leader of the Jerusalem church allowing Peter to go on mission trips. He was loyal to Jewish tradition. He was martyred around AD 66.[5] 

Simon is the Greek personal name meaning “flat nose.” The name is used in the New Testament as the Greek alternative for the Hebrew “Simeon.”

There are nine Simons in the New Testament. Two of them were Apostles.

The first Simon is the father of Judas Iscariot. (John 6:71)

The second Simon was one of the apostles; a son of Jonah (Matthew 16:17). He was the brother of Andrew whose name was changed by Jesus to Peter. (Matthew 16:18)

The third Simon was the Pharisee who hosted Jesus at dinner. (Luke 7:36-40)

The fourth Simon was the native of Cyrene who was forced to carry Jesus’ cross to Golgotha. (Mark 15:21)

The fifth Simon was a tanner of animal skins. He lived near the seaport of Joppa. Peter lived at his house. (Acts 9:43) Peter had a vision from God that all foods are clean. (Acts 10:9-16)

The sixth Simon was Jesus’ apostle also called “the Canaanite” (Matthew 10:4) or the Zealot. (Luke 6:15)

The seventh Simon was Jesus’ brother. (Matthew 13:55)

The eighth Simon was a leper who hosted Jesus. (Matthew 26:6-13)

The ninth Simon was a magician from Samaria who believed Philip’s preaching and was baptized. He tried to purchase the gift of laying on hands and giving the Holy Spirit to others. (Acts 8:9-24)[6]

Judas Iscariot is a personal name meaning “Judah from Kerioth.” Judas is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew personal name Judah meaning “Praise Yahweh.” Judas Iscariot was placed at the end of the list of apostles because of his role in betraying Jesus. Iscariot means “man born in Kerioth” in Aramaic. Kerioth is a town near Hebron. He is the only disciple from Judea. He was the treasurer. He was known as a miser/thief. (John 12:4-6) He was present at the Last Supper. (Luke 22:21 and Matthew 26:20-21)[7]

Matthias is the shortened form of Mattathias meaning “gift of Yah.” He is the disciple who replaced Judas Iscariot. (Acts 1:20-26)[8]

Bibliography

“Andrew,” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 65. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Brooks, Oscar S. “Matthew,” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1067. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Glaze, Joseph E. “James,” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 851. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

“Judas Iscariot,” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 936-937. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

 “Matthias,” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1070. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

“Simon,” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1476-1477. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

“Thomas,” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1567. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

Warren, Bill. “John Mark,” In Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, 1057. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015.

[1] Oscar S. Brooks, “Matthew,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1067.

[2] Bill Warren, “John Mark,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1057.

[3] “Thomas,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1567.

[4]“Andrew,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 65.

[5] Joseph E. Glaze, “James,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 851.

[6] “Simon,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1476-1477.

[7] “Judas Iscariot,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 936-937.

[8] “Matthias,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2015), 1070.