The First 12 Disciples of Yeshua (Jesus)  and Their Legacy

The First Generation Disciples


"Click on a name for more details."

John son of Zebedee

Simon the Zealot

Philippos (Philip)

Bartholomew/Nathanael

Toma (Thomas)

(James son of Alphaeus)

Taddai (Thaddaeus/Jude)

(Judas Iscariot)

Matthias (Mattityahu) replace Judas

The 12 Apostles were the core disciples chosen by Yeshua (Jesus) to spread His message. Their names, based on early Hebrew and Aramaic sources, are:

1. Shim’on Kepha (Simon Peter) (~?-64/67 AD)
Mentor: Yeshua (Jesus) (30–33 AD).
Role: Leader of the Twelve.
Legacy: Shaped early church; mentored Mark.
Martyrdom: Crucified in Rome (~64–67 AD).

2. Andreas (Andrew) (~?-60/70 AD)
Mentor: Yeshua (Jesus) (30–33 AD).
Role: Evangelized Scythia/Greece.
Martyrdom: Crucified in Patras (~60–70 AD).

3. Ya’aqov bar Zavdai (James, son of Zebedee) (~?-44 AD)
Mentor: Yeshua (Jesus) (30–33 AD).
Role: Early leader.
Martyrdom: Beheaded (44 AD).

4. Yochanan bar Zavdai (John the Apostle) (~6–100 AD)
Mentor: Yeshua (Jesus) (30–33 AD).
Language: Aramaic, later Greek.
Role: Apostle; oversaw Ephesus churches; wrote Gospel, 1 John, Revelation (disputed).
Legacy: Mentored Polycarp, Ignatius.
Death: Natural (~100 AD).

5. Pilippos (Philip the Apostle) (~?-80 AD)
Mentor: Yeshua (Jesus) (30–33 AD).
Role: Evangelized Samaria, Phrygia.
Martyrdom: Crucified (~80 AD).

6. Bar-Talmai (Bartholomew/Nathanael) (~?-60/70 AD)
Mentor: Yeshua (Jesus) (30–33 AD); via Philip.
Role: Preached Armenia/India.
Martyrdom: Flayed (~60–70 AD).

7. Toma (Thomas) (~?-72 AD)
Mentor: Yeshua (Jesus) (30–33 AD).
Role: Evangelized Parthia/India; tied to Edessa.
Martyrdom: Speared (~72 AD).

8. Mattityahu (Matthew/Levi) (~?-60/70 AD)
Mentor: Yeshua (Jesus) (30–33 AD).
Role: Wrote Hebrew/Aramaic logia (possible).
Death: Uncertain.

9. Ya’aqov bar Halfai (James, son of Alphaeus) (~?-62 AD)
Mentor: Yeshua (Jesus) (30–33 AD).
Role: Supported Jerusalem church.
Martyrdom: Stoned (~62 AD).

10. Taddai (Thaddaeus/Jude) (~?-60/70 AD)
Mentor: Yeshua (Jesus) (30–33 AD).
Role: Preached Edessa/Persia; possibly Addai.
Martyrdom: Axed (~60–70 AD).

11. Shim’on ha-Qanna (Simon the Zealot) (~?-60/70 AD)
Mentor: Yeshua (Jesus) (30–33 AD).
Role: Preached Persia/Africa.
Death: Uncertain.

12. ehudah Ish-Qriyot (Judas Iscariot) (~?-33 AD)
Mentor: Yeshua (Jesus) (30–33 AD).
Role: Betrayer.
Death: Suicide (33 AD).

After Judas Iscariot’s death:
12. Matthias (Mattityahu)
Mentor: Yeshua (Jesus) (30–33 AD).
Chosen to replace Judas,
Role: preached in Ethiopia, Cappadocia, martyred.