Mark named the Twelve Disciples in Chapter 3 of the Gospel he wrote and also defined Jesus plan for this group. In Mark 3:14-15 we learn that Jesus appointed the twelve so that (1) they might be with him, (2) that he might send them out to preach, and (3) to have authority to drive out demons.

Mark then named the Twelve Disciples that Jesus appointed. Some of the disciples went by more than one name, so I did a little research and included their other names well. The first name in the list below came from Mark 3:16. Perhaps the added information will save some confusion as you read the rest of the New Testament. If you’re not already following a Bible reading plan you may wish to follow the “5x5x5 New Testament Bible Reading Plan” by Navigators with me.

The Twelve Disciples

1. Simon Peter
2. James, son of Zebedee, one of the “sons of thunder”
3. John, son of Zebedee, one of the “sons of thunder”
4. Andrew, brother of Peter
5. Philip
6. Bartholomew also known as Nathanael
7. Matthew also known as Levi
8. Thomas Didymus, both names mean “twin”
9. James (the younger), son of Alphaeus, brother of Thaddaeus
10. Thaddaeus also known as Judas (not Judas Iscariot), Jude, or Lebbeus. Brother of James the younger
11. Simon the Zealot
12. Judas Iscariot

An excellent post about the Twelve Disciples: Who Were The 12 Disciples Of Jesus?

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