Simon Peter was Jesus' closest companion and the first among the apostles. After the resurrection, Jesus appointed him 'rock' on which the Church would be built. He initially resisted accepting Gentiles but received a vision that changed his mind. He founded the church in Antioch and eventually went to Rome where tradition says he was martyred.

Paul was a Jewish Pharisee who violently persecuted Christians until he encountered the risen Jesus on the Damascus Road. This conversion transformed him into Christianity's greatest missionary and theologian. He traveled throughout the Mediterranean establishing churches and writing letters (Epistles) that form most of the New Testament. His theology emphasized justification by faith and grace.

James, one of Jesus' favorite disciples, was called the 'Son of Thunder' with his brother John. He was with Jesus at key moments - the Transfiguration and Gethsemane. After Pentecost, he led the church in Jerusalem and was one of the first martyrs, executed under King Herod Agrippa I.

John was one of Jesus' favorite disciples and part of His inner circle. He reclined on Jesus' breast at the Last Supper, earning the title 'the beloved disciple.' He stood faithfully by Jesus at the crucifixion. According to tradition, he lived the longest of any apostle, eventually settling in Ephesus where he ministered and wrote.

Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist who became one of Jesus' first apostles. He was the brother of Simon Peter and is mentioned as introducing people to Jesus. After Pentecost, he traveled to spread the Gospel, reportedly preaching throughout Asia Minor and Greece.

Philip was one of Jesus' first called disciples from Bethsaida. His main characteristic is that when people came asking about Jesus, Philip would bring them to meet Him. He asked Jesus the famous question 'Show us the Father' during the Last Supper.

Matthew was a tax collector for the Roman government when Jesus called him. Tax collectors were despised by Jews as collaborators with Rome. Jesus' choice of Matthew scandalized the Pharisees. Matthew became one of the Twelve and is credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew.

Thomas is famous for his doubt about Jesus' resurrection - hence 'Doubting Thomas.' Yet when he encountered the risen Jesus, he made the profound confession 'My Lord and my God!' He is also remembered for his courage, saying he would die with Jesus. Ancient tradition credits him with extensive missionary work in India.

Simon is listed among the Twelve Apostles but appears infrequently in the Gospels. The epithet 'Zealot' may indicate he was a member of the Zealot party (revolutionary nationalist movement against Rome). He may have been initially attracted to Jesus' kingdom message.