Apostle

The Apostles are the twelve men whom Jesus chose from among his disciples, called by name, and sent out with his own authority to preach the Kingdom of God, to baptize, and to be the foundation of his Church. The word "apostle" comes from the Greek apostolos — one who is sent (CCC 551, 858).

The Twelve

Jesus chose twelve Apostles — a number corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying that he was founding the new Israel. Their names: Simon (Peter), Andrew, James son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (who betrayed him and was replaced by Matthias; CCC 551).

The Authority of the Apostles

Jesus gave the Apostles a unique authority: to preach in his name, to forgive sins, to celebrate the Eucharist, to ordain, and to govern the Church. This authority was not personal to them alone — it was transmitted to their successors the bishops through apostolic succession (CCC 858–860).

Peter's Primacy

Among the Twelve, Simon Peter holds a unique primacy — given explicitly by Christ ("You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church," Matthew 16:18). Peter speaks for the Apostles, confesses Christ first, and receives the keys of the Kingdom. His successors as Bishops of Rome — the Popes — exercise this primacy in the Church (CCC 552–553).

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Paul an Apostle? Yes — Paul calls himself an Apostle, grounding his claim in his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Galatians 1:1). He is not one of the Twelve but holds apostolic authority in his own right as the Apostle to the Gentiles (CCC 857).