From the Greek apostolos; Apostle is someone who is sent, or one commissioned.
In Hebrews 3: "Jesus Our Apostle and High Priest
The Twelve Original Apostles
- Simon Peter and Andrew (Sons of Jonah) Bethsaida
- James and John (Sons of Zebedee)
- Philip and Bartholomew
- Thomas and Matthew
- James (son of Alphaeus)
- Thaddaeus
- Simon the Zealot
- Judas Iscariot
Additional Apostles
Let’s start counting. Yes, there were the twelve chosen by Jesus (see Acts 1:13). Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, was replaced by Matthias (Acts 1:26). Revelation 21:14 confirms “the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” Counting both Judas and Matthias brings us to 13 apostles.
But it doesn’t end there. Ephesians 4:11–13 speaks of ascension-gift apostles given by Christ “until we all attain to the unity of the faith.” That implies the apostolic ministry continues today.
📖 Additional Apostles in Scripture
| Name(s) | Reference(s) |
|---|---|
| James (Jesus’ brother) | Galatians 1:19 |
| Barnabas | Acts 14:14 |
| Paul | Acts 14:14, etc. |
| Apollos | 1 Corinthians 4:6–9 |
| Timothy & Silvanus | 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2:6 |
| Epaphroditus | Philippians 2:25 |
| Two unnamed brothers | 2 Corinthians 8:23 |
| Andronicus & Junia (disputed) | Romans 16:7 |
| Jesus Christ | Hebrews 3:1 |
“Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession.” – Hebrews 3:1
🧮 Total Count
Including everyone listed—even debated figures like Junia—we arrive at a total of 25 apostles named in the New Testament.
Andrew Peter and Philip were born in Bethsaida
James, John, and Matthew were born in Capernaum also little James
Nathanael was born in Cana
Simon the Zealot was born in Gamla, or Cana
Judas Iscariot was born in Kerioth 1,2
Thadeus was born in Korazin
Thomas was born in Arbel
Matthias was born in Jerusalem