As a domain expert in biblical studies, I can provide an insightful look into the original twelve disciples, also known as the Twelve Apostles. These individuals were chosen by Jesus Christ to spread his teachings and to be the foundation of the early Christian church. The disciples were not only religious figures but also played a significant role in the development of Christianity as we know it today. Let's delve into the background and significance of each of the twelve.

1. Simon Peter: Known as Cephas or Peter, he was a fisherman from Bethsaida and is considered the leader of the apostles. He is often depicted as the rock upon which the church was built, with Jesus entrusting him with the keys to the kingdom of heaven.

2. Andrew: The brother of Peter, Andrew was also a fisherman from Bethsaida. He is noted for being the first disciple to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and is often associated with the cross on which he was crucified.

3. James the Greater: The son of Zebedee and brother of John, James was a prominent figure in the early church. He was known for his zeal and was nicknamed "Boanerges," which translates to "Son of Thunder."

4. John: Also known as the "Beloved Disciple," John was the author of several books in the New Testament, including the Gospel of John, the three Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation.

5. Philip: A native of Bethsaida, Philip was known for his role in the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand, where he questioned how they could feed such a large crowd with so little food.

6. Bartholomew: Also known as Nathanael, Bartholomew was known for his skepticism before becoming a follower of Jesus. He is often associated with missions in the East.
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Matthew: A tax collector before his call to discipleship, Matthew is the author of the Gospel that bears his name. He is often depicted with a money bag or coins, symbolizing his former occupation.
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Thomas: Known as "Doubting Thomas" for his skepticism about Jesus' resurrection, Thomas later became a missionary to the Parthians and is associated with the phrase, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
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James the Less: To distinguish him from James the Greater, he is often referred to as James the Less. He is believed to have been a short man or of lesser prominence in the group.
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Simon the Zealot: One of the lesser-known apostles, Simon was a member of the Zealots, a Jewish group that sought the violent overthrow of Roman rule in Judea.
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1. Judas Iscariot: The disciple who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, Judas is often portrayed as a figure of greed and betrayal. His actions led to the crucifixion of Jesus.
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2. Judas son of James: Also known as Thaddeus or Lebbaeus, he is one of the lesser-known apostles, with limited information available about his life and ministry.
The apostles were ordinary men chosen for an extraordinary mission. They were fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots, each with their own unique backgrounds and personalities. Their commitment to spreading the teachings of Jesus, despite facing persecution and martyrdom, laid the foundation for the Christian faith that has endured for over two millennia.

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The Twelve ApostlesSimon: called Peter (Bowen, Grk. ... Andrew: brother of Peter, a Bethsaida fisherman and disciple of John the Baptist, and also the First-Called Apostle. ( ... James - John's brother, son of Zebedee, Borgerges, son of Thunder (Matthew 10:2; Mark 3:17; Luke 6:14)More items...read more >>