13 people
Jesus and the Twelve
Jesus called twelve ordinary men to follow him: fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot and a few we know almost nothing about. They walked with him for about three years, misunderstood him often, and scattered when he was arrested. After the resurrection, all but one became the first witnesses who carried his story to the world.
Peter
The Loyalist
The bold one who failed loudly and was restored.
Andrew
The Helper
The quiet disciple who kept bringing people to Jesus.
James
The Challenger
A son of thunder who asked for a throne and was given a cup.
John
The Individualist
The son of thunder who became the apostle of love.
Philip
The Investigator
A practical man who kept bringing people to come and see.
Bartholomew
An honest skeptic, seen under the fig tree before he was called.
Matthew
A tax collector who got up from his booth and threw a dinner for sinners.
Thomas
The Loyalist
A loyal realist who would not believe until he saw, and then said the most.
James son of Alphaeus
A name on every list, and a man Jesus chose on purpose.
Thaddaeus
The other Judas, who asked one honest question.
Simon the Zealot
Known by one word, zeal, and then by the One he followed.
Judas Iscariot
Chosen, trusted, and close, yet he handed Jesus over.