Twelve Apostles were a group of Jesus’ closest followers and disciples, who played a central role in the spread of Christianity in the years following Jesus’ death. The term “apostle” comes from the Greek word “apostolos,” which means “messenger” or “one who is sent.” The Twelve Apostles are named in the New Testament of the Bible, and they are traditionally considered to be the foundation of the Christian Church.
The Twelve Apostles were Simon, also known as Peter; Andrew, Peter’s brother; James and John, the sons of Zebedee; Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew, also known as Levi; James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot.
The meanings behind the apostles’ names are varied. Peter, for example, means “rock” in Greek, and he is known as the “rock” upon which Jesus built his Church. Andrew means “manly” or “warrior,” and James and John are both derived from Hebrew names meaning “supplanter” or “one who follows.” Philip means “lover of horses,” and Bartholomew means “son of Tolmai.” Thomas means “twin,” and Matthew means “gift of God.” James the son of Alphaeus means “he who supplants,” and Thaddaeus means “gazelle.” Simon the Zealot means “zealous one,” and Judas Iscariot means “man from Kerioth,” a town in Judea.
As for how the apostles died, the accounts of their deaths are varied and often conflicting. Some were martyred for their faith, while others died of natural causes.
Peter is said to have been crucified upside down in Rome, at his own request, because he did not feel worthy to be crucified in the same way as Jesus. Andrew was also crucified, but on an X-shaped cross, which later became known as the Saint Andrew’s cross. James the son of Zebedee was beheaded by King Herod Agrippa. John is said to have been the only apostle to die of natural causes, though he was also exiled to the island of Patmos. Philip was martyred in Hierapolis, Turkey, and Bartholomew was flayed alive in Armenia. Thomas was killed with a spear in India, and Matthew was martyred in Ethiopia. James the son of Alphaeus is said to have died a natural death in Jerusalem, and Thaddaeus was martyred in Edessa, Turkey. Simon the Zealot was crucified in Persia, and Judas Iscariot is said to have hanged himself after betraying Jesus.
The relics of the Twelve Apostles are believed to be scattered around the world, with some housed in churches and cathedrals, and others lost or destroyed. The remains of Peter, Andrew, and James the son of Zebedee are believed to be in Rome, while the remains of John are said to be in Ephesus, Turkey. The remains of Philip are believed to be in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Istanbul, Turkey, and those of Bartholomew are said to be in the Church of San Bartolomeo in Lipari, Italy. The remains of Thomas are believed to be in the Basilica of Saint Thomas in Ortona, Italy, and those of Matthew are said to be in the Church of Saint Matthew in Salerno, Italy. The remains of James the son of Alphaeus are believed to be in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Jerusalem, and those of Thaddaeus are said to be in the Church of St. Thaddeus in the city of Maku, Iran. The remains of Simon the Zealot are believed to be in the Church of St. Simon in Tiberias, Israel, and those of Judas Iscariot are said to have been lost or destroyed.
In addition to their importance as apostles, the Twelve have also been revered as saints in the Christian tradition. Many churches and cathedrals are named after them, and their feast days are celebrated in the liturgical calendars of various Christian denominations.
In conclusion, the Twelve Apostles were a group of Jesus’ closest followers who played a crucial role in the early spread of Christianity. Their names, meanings, and deaths are recorded in the New Testament and in various tradition, and their relics are believed to be scattered around the world. They have been revered as saints in the Christian tradition and have had a lasting impact on the history and teachings of the Church.