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Apostle means “one who is sent”. Jesus chose twelve Apostles. He sent them into the world to spread the “good news”. The following quiz will tell you how much you know about them.
Answer the following questions to test your knowledge about the Apostles. The answers are at the end of the list.
1 Which Apostle had a mother-in-law who was cured by Jesus?
2. Which Apostles were known as “Sons of Thunder”?
3. Which Apostle was shipwrecked?
4. Which Apostle lived the longest, dying a natural death?
5. To which Apostle did Jesus say “Do not doubt but believe?”
6. Which Apostle was a tax collector?
7. Who was the brother of Simon Peter?
8. Which Apostle betrayed Jesus?
9. Which Apostle said, “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders. It has become the cornerstone.”
10. Which Apostle tried to walk on water?
11. Which Apostles witnessed the Transfiguration?
12. On what day did the Holy Spirit descend upon the Apostles?
13. To whom did Jesus say, “Here is your mother?”
14. Which Apostle was present at the foot of the cross?
15. Which Apostle received the keys to the kingdom of heaven?
16. Which Apostle was blind for three days?
17. Which Apostle was chosen to replace the traitor?
18. To which Apostle did Jesus say, “Get behind me, Satan!”
19. Who is referred to as “The Beloved Disciple?”
20. Which Apostle was not present when Jesus first appeared to the other Apostles?
21. Which Apostle is mentioned the most in the gospels?
22. Who denied Jesus three times?
23. Which three apostles fell asleep while Jesus was praying in the garden?
24. To whom did Jesus say, “Feed my sheep?”
25. Can you name the twelve Apostles present at the Last Supper?
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St. Andrew, Apostle and Martyr
St. Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter. They were both fishermen and followers of John the Baptist when they were called to follow Jesus.
After the resurrection, St. Andrew preached in Greece. He was put to death on an X shaped cross to which he was tied, not nailed. He lived two days, still preaching to those around him.
He is the patron saint of fishermen and two countries; Russia and Scotland.
The feast day of St. Andrew is celebrated on Nov. 30.
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St. Bartholomew, Apostle and Martyr
St. Bartholomew was born in Galilee. Bartholomew was one of the original twelve Apostles and present at the Last Supper. He was also known as Nathanael. He witnessed the Ascension.
After the resurrection, Bartholomew preached in India, Ethiopia and Asia Minor. He was flayed and beheaded by King Astyages.
St. Bartholomew is the patron saint against neurological diseases and leather workers.
The feast day of St. Bartholomew is celebrated on Aug. 24.
St. James the Greater, Apostle and Martyr
St. James the Greater was one of the original twelve apostles. James the Greater was the brother to St. John the Apostle and a cousin to Jesus. He followed John the Baptist before following Jesus. He was a fisherman. He was present at the Last Supper. The two brothers. James and John were called the ‘Sons of Thunder”.
St. James preached in Samaria Judea and Spain after the resurrection. He was the first Apostle to be martyred. He was stabbed with a sword by King Heron Agrippa at Jerusalem.
St. James the Greater is the patron saint of arthritis sufferers, pharmacists and veterinarians.
The feast day of St James the Greater is celebrated on July 25.
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St. James the Lesser
St. James the Lesser was one of the original twelve apostles. The title Lesser probably meant he was younger than James the Greater. James was a cousin of Jesus and brother to St. Jude Thaddeus.
St James the Lesser was the first Bishop of Jerusalem. He was known for his devotion to the poor. He was beaten to death with a club while praying for his attackers.
St.James the Lesser is the patron saint of fullers and pharmacists.
The feast day of St. James the Lesser is celebrated on May 3.
St. John the Evangelist
St. John the Evangelist was the Son of Zebedee and Salome. He was the brother to James the Greater. The two brothers were called the “Sons of Thunder. They were both fishermen. John was a followers of John the Baptist before he was called by Jesus.
Peter, James and John were the only witnesses of the raising of Jairus daughter (Mark 5:37), the Transfiguration and the Agony of the Garden.
John and Peter were sent to the city to make preparations for the Last Supper. John become known as ‘The Beloved Disciple’.
John was the only Apostle to remain close to Jesus during the crucifixion. Jesus told him “This is your mother”. while hanging on the cross. (John 19: 27)
After Pentecost, John traveled with Peter and was put in prison. He preached with Peter in Samaria, Palestine and Asia Minor.
The fourth Gospel and the Book of Revelations is attributed to St. John the Evangelist.
St. John the Evangelist lived the longest of the Apostles, dying a natural death.
St. John the Evangelist is the patron saint of writers, editors and publishers.
The feast day of St. John the Evangelist is celebrated on Dec. 27.
Apostle and Traitor
Judas Iscariot, Apostle and Traitor
Judas Iscariot was called by Jesus to be one of the original twelve Apostles. He was present at the Last Supper. Judas went to the chief priest and said, “What will you give me if I betray him to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver. During the last supper Jesus said “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me”
When Judas saw that Jesus was condemned he repented and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders He said “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” But they said “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple he departed; and he went and hanged himself. (Mat 27:4-5)
Apostle and Martyr
St. Jude Thaddeus, Apostle and Martyr
St. Jude was one of the original twelve Apostles. He was the son of Cleohas, who died a martyr and Mary who stood at the foot of the cross. He was the brother of St. James the Lesser. and a cousin to Jesus. He was a fisherman. He was present at the Last Supper. He is not to be confused with Judas Iscariot, who was a traitor.
After the resurrection St. Jude preached in Syria and Persia with St. Simon. He was a healer and an exorcist. He was beaten to death with a club then beheaded in Persia. His relics are at St. Peter’s Basilica, in Rome.
St. Jude is known as the patron saint of impossible causes.
The feast day of St. Jude Thaddeus is celebrated on Oct. 28.
St. Mathias, Apostle and Martyr
St. Mathias was not one of the original twelve Apostles. He was not present at the Last Supper.
After the suicide by hanging of Judas Iscariot, the Apostles decided to choose either Mathias or Joseph called Barsabbas to replace Judas Iscariot. They prayed, saying. “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Acts (1:24) They drew lots and chose Mathias to replace him.
Mathias preached in Judea, Egypt and Ethiopia. Stories of his martyrdom vary. It is believed he was stoned and beheaded.
St. Mathias is the patron saint against alcoholism and smallpox. He is also the patron of carpenters.
The feast day of St. Mathias is celebrated on May 14.
St. Mathew, Apostle and Martyr
St. Mathew was one of the original twelve apostles. He was also known as Levi. He was present at the Last Supper and the Ascension of Our Lord. Before following Jesus, he was a tax collector.
St. Matthew is the author of the first Gospel. After the resurrection he preached to the Hebrews, probably in Ethiopia, Persia and Syria for 15 years. During this time he also wrote his Gospel in Aramaic.
Reports of his martyrdom vary a great deal. It is not certain if he was burned, stoned or beheaded.
St. Matthew is the patron saint of bankers.
The Feast day of St. Matthew is celebrated on Sept. 21.
St. Paul, Apostle of the GentilesSt.
St. Paul was not one of the original twelve Apostles. He persecuted the early Christians. He was present at the stoning of St. Stephen, the first martyr. On the road to Damascus, he was struck by a heavenly light. He heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He asked “Who are you Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city and you will be told what you are to do.” (Acts 9:4-6)
After three days of blindness, scales fell off his eyes. He joined the Apostles becoming known as the Apostle to the Gentiles.
St. Paul wrote many of the books in the New Testament. He was instrumental in the Council of Jerusalem His missionary journeys took him many places: Asia Minor, Macedonia, Jerusalem and Europe.
St. Paul suffered many hardships including three shipwrecks. (2 Cor. 111:20-32)
St. Paul died a martyr. He was beheaded in Rome in the year 65.
St. Paul is the patron saint of writers, publishers, musicians and evangelists.
The Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul is celebrated Jan 25.
The Feast of Sts. Peter and St. Paul is celebrated June 29
He died a martyr. His feast day is June 29.
Apostle and Martyr
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St. Peter, Apostle and Martyr
St. Peter was one of the original twelve Apostles. His name was Simon and he is the brother of Andrew. They were fishermen until Jesus.called them saying, “Come and I will make you fishers of men.”
When Jesus asked the Apostles who they believed he was, Peter said “You are the Messiah, the son of the Living God.” Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”(Matt 1515-19)
He is also known as Simon Peter. St. Peter was married and Jesus healed his mother-in-law who was suffering from a high fever. (Matt 8:14)
St. Peter is mentioned the most often in the Bible and considered the leader of the Apostles. His name is mention 182 times in the Bible.
When Jesus foretells his death, Peter responds by saying “God forbid it Lord! This must never happen to you.” But Jesus turned to Peter saying “Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.” (Matt 17: 23)
After asking Peter if he loved him Jesus told him “Feed my Sheep.” three times. (John 23:17)
Peter denied Jesus three time during the crucifixion, repenting afterwards. (Matt. 26:69)
St. Peter was crucified upside down in Rome.
St. Peter is the patron saint of fishermen.
The Feast day of Sts. Peter and Paul is celebrated on June 29.
St. Philip, Apostle and Martyr
St. Philip was one of the original apostles. He was born in Bethsaida, Galilee and a follower of John the Baptist. He was present at the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. He was also present at the Last Supper.
After the resurrection Philip preached in Greece and Syria.
St. Philip died a martyr. He was crucified upside down at Hiorapolis under Emperor Domitian.
St. Philip is the patron saint of cooks and bakers.
The feast day of St. Philip is celebrated on May 3.
St. Simon the Zealot, Apostle and Martyr
St. Simon was one of the original twelve Apostles. He was present at the Last Supper.
St. Simon was the second Bishop of Jerusalem. He preached in Egypt and Persia with St. Jude where both suffered martyrdom.
There are two stories of his death. The first has him dying by crucifixion in Samaria. The second has him sawed in half in Persia.
St. Simon is the patron saint of tanners.
The feast day of St. Simon is celebrated on Oct. 28.
Apostle and Martyr
St. Thomas, Apostle and Martyr
St. Thomas was also known as “Doubting Thomas”. After the resurrection Jesus appeared to the Apostles. Thomas was not there and did not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. When Jesus later appeared to him he said “Peace be with you. Do not doubt but believe.” (John 21:24)
St. Thomas also asked Jesus “How can we follow you, when we know not where you are going?” Jesus responded, “I am the way, the truth and the life. Whoever follows me will live forever.”
Thomas was one of the original twelve apostles. He was present at the Last Supper. He was also present when Jesus had the Apostles lower their nets and they miraculously caught many fish.
After the resurrection, St. Thomas was sent to evangelize the Parthians, the Persians and India. He is believed to have built the first church in India.
St. Thomas died a martyr’s death when at Calamine in India he was speared to death while praying.
St. Thomas is the patron saint of architects and the blind. The feast day of St. Thomas is July 3.
The Last Supper
All twelve Apostles whom Jesus chose were with him at the Last Supper.
Now during those days he went out to the mountain to pray; and he spent the night in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, and James, and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Simon,who was called the Zealot, and Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. (Luke 6:12-16)
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Pentecost
When the day of Pentecost had come they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 1:104)
The answers to the questions are the following:
1. The Apostle Peter was married. Jesus healed his mother-in-law.(Matt 8:14)
2. The Sons of Thunder were James the Greater and John the Evangelist
3. St. Paul was shipwrecked three times.(2 Cor. 11:20-32)
4. St.John the Evangelist lived the longest, dying a natural death.
5. St. Thomas, also known as ‘Doubting Thomas’ was told’“Do not doubt but believe” by Jesus.(John 21:24)
6. St. Mathew was a tax collector.
7. St. Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter.
8. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.(Matt. 26:47)
9. Peter while preaching said, “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders. It has become the cornerstone.” (Acts 4:11)
10. Peter tried to walk on water but faltered. (Mat: 14:28)
11. The Transfiguration was witnessed by Peter, John and James.
12. The Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles on Pentecost.
13. Jesus said “This is your mother” to St. John the Evangelist while he hung from the cross.(John 19:26)
14. St. John the Evangelist was the only Apostle who stayed near Jesus during the crucifixion.
15. St. Peter was given the ‘keys to the kingdom of heaven‘.(Matt 16:16)
16. St. Paul was blind for three days after seeing a light from heaven and hearing a voice asking in Hebrew,
“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 26:12)
17. St. Mathias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. (Acts 1:12)
18. Jesus was talking to Simon Peter when he said “Get behind me, Satan!” (Matt 16:21)
19. St. John the Evangelist was known as ‘The beloved disciple’.
20. When Jesus first appeared to the Apostles, Thomas was absent. He did not believe Jesus had risen. (John 21:24)
21. St. Peter is mentioned 93 times in the Gospels; 63 times in the remainder of the New Testament.
John is second, being mentioned 100 times in the Gospels and 30 in the remainder of the New Testament.
22. St. Peter denied Jesus three times during the crucifixion.(Matt 26:69)
23. While praying in the garden, Peter, James and John fell asleep. (Matt 26:36)
24. Jesus told Peter“Feed my Sheep.” three times. (John 21:17)
25. The original Twelve Apostles are the following:
- St. Andrew
- St. Bartholomew
- St. James the Greater
- St. James the Lesser
- St. John the Evangelist
- Judas Iscariot
- St. Jude Thaddeus
- St. Mathew
- St. Peter
- St. Philip
- St. Simon the Zealot
- St. Thomas
