The Apostles | Abrahamic Tapestry

The Twelve

Jesus chose twelve apostles to be his inner circle, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. After Judas Iscariot's betrayal and death, Matthias was chosen to replace him (Acts 1:26).

Andrew

saint crucified in Patras, according to tradition

Bartholomew

saint Martyred by flaying in Armenia (tradition)

James (son of Zebedee)

James the Greater

saint executed by Herod Agrippa I

James son of Alphaeus

saint Martyred by stoning or being sawn in two (tradition)

John (son of Zebedee)

The Beloved Disciple

saint natural causes in Ephesus, only apostle not martyred

John the Apostle

evangelist, prophet, saint Only apostle not martyred; died of natural causes in Ephesus

Matthew

saint Unknown (martyred according to tradition)

Matthias

saint Martyred by stoning and beheading (tradition)

Peter

saint crucified in Rome, tradition says upside down

Philip the Apostle

Philip of Bethsaida

saint Martyred by crucifixion in Hierapolis (tradition)

Simon the Zealot

Simon the Canaanite

saint Martyred by being sawn in two in Persia (tradition)

Thaddaeus

saint Martyred with an axe in Persia (tradition)

Thomas

saint Unknown (~72 CE in India, according to tradition)

The Betrayer

Originally one of the Twelve, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, leading to Jesus's arrest and crucifixion. He is no longer counted among the Twelve.

Judas Iscariot

Other Apostles

While not among the original Twelve, Paul and Barnabas were also called apostles for their missionary work spreading the gospel to the Gentiles.

Barnabas

Joseph of Cyprus

saint Unknown (~61 CE, martyred in Cyprus according to tradition)

Paul

saint beheaded in Rome under Nero