Christian Discipleship and Apostles

Disciple

• Defined as a follower, pupil, or learner; derives from the Latin "discipulus."
• A serious individual committed to thorough analysis and participation.

Characteristics of a Christian Disciple

• Follows the teachings of Jesus.
• Listens attentively to His words.
• Demonstrates obedience to His commands.
• Accepts the teachings and beliefs of Christianity.
• Experiences hatred or adversity, with reassurance of Jesus' presence.

Apostle

• An apostle is a messenger sent to continue Jesus' mission; the term comes from the Greek "Apostolos," meaning "one who is sent out."
• Apostles embody and exemplify Jesus’ message, applying it in daily life.
• The group includes the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus.

The Twelve Apostles of Jesus

• St. Peter (Rock)

  • Fisherman; also known as Simon Peter and Cephas.
  • Feast day on June 29 (with St. Paul).
  • Crucified upside-down; considered the key to heaven.

• St. Andrew

  • Fisherman and brother of Peter; disciple of John the Baptist before following Jesus.
  • Feast day on November 30; crucified on an X-shaped cross.

• St. John

  • Brother of James, known as John the Evangelist.
  • Present during the crucifixion; lived to an old age; referred to as the beloved disciple.
  • Feast day on September 27.

• St. James (the Greater)

  • Son of Zebedee, also a fisherman.
  • Feasted on July 25; killed by beheading and often associated with a scallop shell.

• St. James (the Less)

  • Son of Alpheus, distinguished as James the Less.
  • Died by being clubbed to death; also a fisherman.
  • Feast day is May 3.

• St. Bartholomew

  • Known as Nathaniel; introduced to Jesus by Philip.
  • Recognized for being fillet alive; feast day on August 24.

• St. Philip

  • Another fisherman; followed Peter as an apostle.
  • Feast day on May 3; also faced crucifixion.

• St. Jude Thaddeus

  • Also known as Thaddeus or Jude, son of James.
  • Feast day on October 28 (with St. Simon); beheaded and associated with hopeless cases, depicted holding a medal of Jesus.

• St. Matthew

  • A former tax collector and evangelist, he authored the Gospel of Matthew.
  • Depicted with wings; feast day on September 21.

• St. Thomas

  • Known as "Doubting Thomas," doubted Jesus' resurrection.
  • Met a martyr's death by being speared; feast day on July 3.

• St. Simon

  • Referred to as Simon the Zealot, from the Cananean tribe.
  • Feast day on October 28; believed to have been sawed into two.

• Judas Iscariot

  • Infamous for betraying Jesus with a kiss; ended his life by hanging from a tree.
  • Served as the group's treasurer; betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver; replaced by St. Matthias.

Role of the Apostles

• The twelve apostles symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel and play a vital role as witnesses of Jesus' mystery.
• Jesus commissioned them to:
  • Make disciples of all nations.
  • Baptize using the trinitarian formula.
  • Teach all the commandments given by Christ.