2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him.

The first four apostles were two sets of brothers, all fishermen. The gospel writers all place Peter first. He was the most vocal of the twelve, often speaking for the group, such as when he proclaimed faith in Christ as the Son of God (Matt 16:16). He, along with James and John, form a sort of “inner circle,” being brought into special confidence during three remarkable situations: Mt. of Transfiguration (17:1), the healing of a ruler’s daughter (Mark 5:35) and Jesus’ temptation in Gethsemane (Mark 14:33). The apostle Paul (who was not one of the twelve, having been saved after the resurrection) recognized later that these three were “reputed to be pillars” in the church (Gal 2:9).

Peter’s important role, in particular, can be seen in Paul’s reference to him as “the apostle to the circumcised” in contrast to Paul’s “apostleship to the Gentiles” (Gal 2:8). Though he played a crucial role, Peter was not considered pre-eminent by the other apostles. Paul, in fact, opposed him at one point, “because he stood condemned” (Gal 2:11) for the sin of duplicity.

James held the distinction of being the first of the disciples to be martyred (Acts 12:2). This was not the same James as was prominent in the church of Acts 15, namely the half-brother of the Lord, who was the author of the Epistle of James (evidently not a believer in Jesus until after the resurrection!) John, of course, became the writer of the Gospel of John and three epistles bearing his name, and was also known as the “beloved disciple” (John 21:7). Tradition tells us he was the only apostle not to suffer a martyr’s death, having died in old age in exile on the island of Patmos.

Of the other nine men, Andrew was the first evangelist, having invited his brother Peter to meet the Messiah (John 1:40-41, see John 12:22). Philip introduced Bartholomew to Jesus (John 1:45, where he is called Nathanael). Thomas, of course, is well known for doubting the others’ testimony of the resurrection. Matthew is the author of the present gospel account, followed by three disciples about whom we know little. Finally, Judas is listed last.

Lord, just as these men carried on Your message and mission, impress upon my soul the importance of joining them in the same glorious task.