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Twelve Disciples Facts & Worksheets

The twelve disciples, also known as the Twelve Apostles, were a group of individuals chosen by Jesus Christ to accompany him during his ministry.

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The 12 Disciples, also known as the Twelve Apostles, were a group of individuals chosen by Jesus Christ to accompany him during his ministry.

See the fact file below for more information on The 12 Disciples or you can download our 32-page 12 Disciples worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

THE TEACHER – JESUS

  • According to the Bible, Jesus is believed to be the Son of God (John 3:16) and the central figure of Christianity. The New Testament, particularly the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), provides the primary source of information about Jesus’ life, teachings, and ministry.
  • According to biblical accounts, Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:21) through divine intervention by the Holy Spirit. He grew up in Nazareth, a town in Galilee, and worked as a carpenter. 
  • At the age of around 30, Jesus began his public ministry, preaching about the kingdom of God, performing miracles, healing the sick, and proclaiming the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
  • Jesus’ teachings emphasized love, compassion, forgiveness, and the importance of faith. He challenged religious authorities and taught his disciples about spiritual truths through parables and direct instruction. Jesus’ teachings included the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord’s Prayer, and many others.
  • Crucially, Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, the promised Savior and Son of God, who came to fulfill the prophecies and bring salvation to humanity. 
  • His ministry culminated in his crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Christians believe that Jesus’ death on the cross atoned for the sins of humanity and that his resurrection offers eternal life to all who believe in him.
  • During his ministry, he chose his 12 disciples from diverse walks of life. They learned from him for about three years and went on their ways to minister until their deaths.

THE TWELVE DISCIPLES

  • Simon Peter (Matthew 4:18-20): Peter was a fisherman and is often regarded as the leader of the disciples. He is also known as Cephas or Simon bar Jonah.
  • Andrew (Matthew 4:18-20): Andrew was Peter’s brother and also a fisherman. He was one of the first disciples called by Jesus.
  • James, son of Zebedee (Matthew 10:2): James, along with his brother John, was a fisherman and one of the inner circle of disciples. He was the first of the apostles to be martyred.
  • John (Matthew 10:2): John, the brother of James, was also a fisherman and part of Jesus’ inner circle. He is known as the author of the Gospel of John, the three epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation.
  • Philip (John 1:43-44): Philip was called by Jesus while he was in Galilee. He later became known for his interactions with Jesus, such as the feeding of the 5,000.
  • Bartholomew (Matthew 10:3): Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael, is mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke but does not play a significant role.
  • Thomas (John 20:24-25): Thomas, also known as “Doubting Thomas,” is famous for initially doubting Jesus’ resurrection until he saw Jesus and touched his wounds.
  • Matthew (Matthew 9:9): Matthew, also called Levi, was a tax collector before becoming a disciple. He is traditionally regarded as the author of the Gospel of Matthew.
  • James, son of Alphaeus (Matthew 10:3): James was also known as James the Less. Not much is known about him.
  • Thaddaeus (Matthew 10:3): Thaddaeus, also called Lebbaeus or Jude, is sometimes confused with Judas Iscariot but is a different person. He is the author of the Epistle of Jude.
  • Simon the Zealot (Matthew 10:4): Simon is often identified as a member of the Zealots, a political movement during the time of Jesus.
  • Judas Iscariot (Matthew 10:4): Judas Iscariot is infamous for betraying Jesus to the religious authorities, leading to his crucifixion. After the betrayal, he hanged himself.

THE ROLES OF THE DISCIPLES

  • Witnessing Jesus’ Teachings and Miracles: The disciples had the unique privilege of being first-hand witnesses to Jesus’ teachings, parables, and miracles. 
  • They experienced his wisdom, compassion, and divine power directly, which equipped them to later share his message with others.
  • Close Relationship with Jesus: The disciples had an intimate relationship with Jesus, spending significant time in his company.
  • They had the opportunity to ask him questions, seek his guidance, and learn from his example, which deepened their understanding of his mission and message.
  • Training for Leadership: Jesus chose the disciples not only as followers but also as future leaders who would continue his work after his departure. 
  • He invested time in teaching and mentoring them, preparing them to carry on his teachings and establish the early Christian community.
  • Commissioned to Spread the Gospel: Before his ascension, Jesus gave the Great Commission to his disciples, instructing them to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. 
  • The disciples played a pivotal role in spreading the Good News of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, establishing the foundation of the Christian faith.
  • Foundation of the Church: The disciples played a significant role in the establishment of the early Christian community and the formation of the Church. 
  • They were instrumental in nurturing the early believers, establishing churches, and providing first-hand knowledge to the new disciples.

IMPACT OF THE DISCIPLESHIP

The impact of the 12 disciples was significant and far-reaching. Here are some key aspects of their impact:

  • Besides spreading the gospel and establishing the church, they provided leadership, guidance and laying the groundwork for the growth and development of the Christian movement.
  • Writing the New Testament: Some of the disciples, such as Matthew, John, and Peter, contributed directly to the New Testament by writing Gospels and letters. 
  • These letters address theological issues, provide guidance for Christian living, and offer encouragement to believers. They offer practical instruction on topics such as faith, love, morality, and the Christian response to societal challenges.
  • Their gospels also became essential components of Christian Scripture, providing guidance, teaching, and theological insights for future generations.
  • Examples of Faith and Commitment: The lives and examples of the disciples continue to inspire and encourage believers to this day. 
  • Despite facing challenges, persecution, and even martyrdom, they remained steadfast in their faith and commitment to Jesus and his teachings. Their unwavering dedication serves as a model of faith and discipleship for Christians throughout history.
  • Preservation of Jesus’ Teachings: The disciples played a crucial role in preserving the teachings and actions of Jesus. Through their close relationship with him, they witnessed his words, actions, and miracles first-hand.
  • Continuation of Miracles and Ministry: The disciples were empowered by Jesus to continue his ministry and perform miracles in his name. 
  • They healed the sick, cast out demons, and performed other miraculous signs that authenticated their message and demonstrated the power of God at work through them.
  • Martyrdom and Perseverance: Many of the disciples faced persecution and martyrdom for their faith.

FATE OF THE DISCIPLES

  • The fate of the disciples varied. Tradition holds that Simon Peter was crucified upside down in Rome, Andrew was crucified on an X-shaped cross in Greece, James was beheaded, John died of natural causes, Philip was martyred, and Bartholomew was flayed alive or beheaded.
  • Thomas was martyred, Matthew was stabbed or beheaded, James, son of Alphaeus, was stoned, Thaddaeus was beaten to death or shot with arrows, Simon the Zealot was crucified or sawn in half, and Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus and hanged himself. 
  • These accounts come from historical sources and traditions, but specific details may vary.

12 Disciples Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Twelve Disciples across 32 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Twelve Disciples. The 12 Disciples, also known as the Twelve Apostles, were a group of individuals chosen by Jesus Christ to accompany him during his ministry.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. 12 Disciples Facts
  2. Concept of Discipleship
  3. Practical Discipleship
  4. Crossword Review
  5. A Disciple’s Duty
  6. Leading the Disciples
  7. Simon Peter
  8. The Tax Collector
  9. Sermon on the Mount I
  10. Sermon on the Mount II
  11. The Last Supper
  12. The Fall of One

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the Twelve Disciples of Jesus?

The 12 Disciples, also known as the Apostles, were a group of individuals chosen by Jesus Christ to be his closest followers and witnesses to his teachings and ministry. Their names are Simon Peter, Andrew, James the son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael), Thomas, Matthew (also known as Levi), James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus (also known as Lebbaeus or Judas, not to be confused with Judas Iscariot), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed Jesus).

What was the role of the Twelve Disciples in Jesus’ ministry?

The 12 Disciples had a central role in Jesus’ ministry. They accompanied him throughout his travels, witnessed his miracles, heard his teachings, and gained insight into the deeper meanings of his parables. They were given the authority to preach, heal the sick, and cast out demons. Jesus also used their experiences and interactions to teach them about humility, faith, servanthood, and the nature of the kingdom of God.

Why did Jesus choose Twelve Disciples?

The number 12 holds symbolic significance in the Bible, often representing completeness or governance. By choosing 12 Disciples, Jesus may have been drawing parallels to the 12 tribes of Israel, symbolizing a new Israel being formed around his teachings. Additionally, Jesus desired to establish a close-knit group of individuals who could continue spreading his message and establishing the foundations of the early Christian church after his crucifixion and resurrection.

What happened to the Twelve Disciples after Jesus’ death and resurrection?

After Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, the 12 Disciples played a crucial role in spreading the message of Christianity. They are said to have dispersed to different regions to preach the Gospel. According to Christian tradition and historical accounts, most of them faced persecution and martyrdom for their faith. For example, Peter and Paul were martyred in Rome, Andrew in Greece, Thomas in India, and James the son of Zebedee in Jerusalem.

What lessons can be drawn from the lives of the Twelve Disciples?

The lives of the 12 Disciples offer several lessons for Christians and seekers alike. These lessons include:

  • Faith and Obedience: The Disciples responded to Jesus’ call with faith and obedience, leaving behind their lives to follow him.
  • Human Weakness: Their imperfections and doubts remind us that even close followers of Jesus struggled with their faith and understanding.
  • Transformation: Over time, the Disciples were transformed by their interactions with Jesus, demonstrating that personal growth and change are possible through Christ’s teachings.
  • Sacrifice: Many Disciples endured persecution and martyrdom for their faith, highlighting the cost of following Jesus.
  • Spread of the Gospel: Their dedication to spreading Jesus’ message laid the foundation for the growth and expansion of Christianity.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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