---
title: The Twelve Apostles of Christianity
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20015/the-twelve-apostles-of-christianity/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2025-02-12
---

# The Twelve Apostles of Christianity

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![The Twelve Apostles of Christianity](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/20015.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/20015.png)

## Image Caption

According to Christian tradition, the Twelve Apostles (ΟΙΔΩΔΕΚΑΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΟΙ in [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/), meaning "messengers" or "ones who are sent") were the closest followers of [Jesus Christ](https://www.worldhistory.org/Jesus_Christ/), chosen to spread his teachings and establish the early Christian Church.

They 12 Apostles are traditionally named as:

- Peter
- Andrew
- James (the Greater)
- John
- Philip
- Bartholomew
- Matthew
- Thomas
- James (the Lesser)
- Thaddeus (or Jude)
- Simon the Zealot
- [Judas Iscariot](https://www.worldhistory.org/Judas_Iscariot/)

Historically, much of what is known about them comes from the [New Testament](https://www.worldhistory.org/New_Testament/), with limited external evidence for some, such as Peter and John, in sources like [Josephus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Flavius_Josephus/) and early Church writings. The apostles are considered foundational figures in [Christianity](https://www.worldhistory.org/christianity/), credited with spreading the faith across the [Roman Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Empire/) and beyond, though their historical roles remain intertwined with religious tradition.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2025, February 12). The Twelve Apostles of Christianity. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20015/the-twelve-apostles-of-christianity/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "The Twelve Apostles of Christianity." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 12, 2025. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20015/the-twelve-apostles-of-christianity/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "The Twelve Apostles of Christianity." *World History Encyclopedia*, 12 Feb 2025, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/20015/the-twelve-apostles-of-christianity/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 12 February 2025. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.