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The concept of Twelve apostles in Christianity

The Twelve Apostles, according to Christianity, refers to the group of twelve disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to spread His teachings. This group, which includes prominent figures like Simon Peter, Andrew, and John, was integral to Jesus' ministry and participated in significant events such as the Last Supper. They played a foundational role in the early Christian community, tasked with preaching and sharing Christ's message. The term symbolizes completeness and bears religious significance in various Christian traditions.

Synonyms: Disciples, Followers, Missionaries, Apostles, Devout men, Twelve disciples., Emissaries

In Swedish: Tolv apostlar; In Malay: Dua belas rasul; In Spanish: Doce apóstoles; In Finnish: Kaksitoista apostolia; In Dutch: Twaalf apostelen; In German: Zwölf Apostel; In French: Douze apôtres

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Twelve apostles'

Christianity Books

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) This refers to the group of people to which John was appointed, always being named as one of the first four in the lists of the Twelve.[1] (2) This group included Thomas, and the earlier Evangelists mentioned them by name, but St. John provided more detail about their lives.[2] (3) The twelve Apostles is a group that included Judas, the son of James, and this individual is mentioned as one of the members.[3] (4) The number twelve is established for the tribes, and its currency and that of its multiples were thus further extended, with examples like the twelve Apostles and the 144,000 of the Apocalypse.[4] (5) The twelve Apostles were natives of Galilee, and the region served as the principal theatre of Christ’s life and work, shaping its religious significance.[5]

From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature

(1) This refers to the group of religious figures, with James, the son of Alphaeus, being one of the members.[6] (2) This is a group of people who sat down with Jesus, during the supper, according to the accounts from Matthew and Mark.[7] (3) The twelve apostles are mentioned in the context of Simon Zelotes, and the text refers to him as one of the twelve, providing context to his role in the narrative.[8] (4) This group of individuals, including Judas, held expectations for their Master's elevation to the throne, and the text explores whether Judas's actions were driven by a desire to hasten this outcome.[9] (5) One of the twelve apostles, a follower of Jesus from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter, who was among the earliest disciples of John the Baptist and subsequently attached himself to Jesus, the promised Messiah.[10]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) These are the disciples who returned from their trial journey, and their return contributed to the reasons for Jesus's withdrawal to temporary retirement.[11] (2) The primary group of disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to spread His teachings and testify about His resurrection.[12] (3) The primary disciples of Jesus who were sent out to teach and spread His message.[13] (4) The group of Jesus' closest followers who partook in the Last Supper with Him.[14] (5) The twelve chosen disciples of Jesus Christ who were appointed to spread His teachings.[15]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) This refers to the group of disciples of Christ, of whom John was one, according to the text discussing the authorship of Revelation.[16] (2) Philip is mentioned in the text as being part of the twelve apostles, along with other individuals mentioned.[17] (3) Judas was placed last among the twelve apostles because of his subsequent treachery, even though he was previously in the group of four lowest in respect to zeal, faith, and love.[18] (4) The official group of twelve men chosen by Jesus to preach His teachings and minister during His earthly ministry.[19] (5) Group of Jesus' closest followers, which includes Bartholomew.[20]

From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus

(1) The group of twelve disciples called by Jesus, including Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, and others, who are highlighted in the text.[21] (2) The group of disciples that were Jesus's closest followers and participated in the Last Supper.[22]

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This refers to a group of individuals who placed a holy body upon a couch and carried it, participating in a sacred event.[23] (2) The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles is one of the documents found within the collection of manuscripts, offering important insights.[24] (3) This phrase refers to a group of religious figures, and the text mentions one of them by name.[25] (4) The text uses this term to describe the group who rely on Christ's power, and through their voice, the earth experiences the glory and grace of God.[26] (5) After Christ's passion, the twelve apostles, along with Paul, were chosen to spread the message of repentance and faith, and to guide people towards salvation.[27]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Kebra Nagast

(1) The word of the Twelve Apostles is mentioned as something that shall be changed and perverted by a king in Rome and his associated archbishop, who will cast it aside.[28] (2) The chosen followers of the beloved, appointed to spread His teachings and uphold His legacy.[29] (3) The group of disciples chosen by Jesus who are believed to be raised up to pass judgement.[30] (4) The group chosen by Jesus to spread His teachings and establish the church, signifying the formation of early Christian belief.[31]

From: The Book of the Cave of Treasures

(1) The group of twelve leaders chosen by Jesus Christ to spread his teachings, including Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, and others.[32]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: The Little Flowers of St. Francis

(1) The original disciples of Jesus who were chosen to spread his teachings; compared to St. Francis's selection of his companions.[33]

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) Refers to the twelve apostles to whom promises were made, symbolizing those who follow them.[34]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Eastern Orthodoxy (or the Eastern Orthodox Church):
Eastern Orthodoxy Books

From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite

(1) A group of disciples chosen by Jesus Christ to spread his teachings, referenced in the context of Christian doctrine.[35]

Eastern Orthodoxy, or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Christianity. It consists of independently governed churches with strong cultural ties to Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Eastern Orthodox theology focuses on the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers strive for theosis, or becoming closer to God, through grace and spiritual practices.  

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) The text mentions the twelve apostles being chosen by Christ to be heralds of his grace in Judea, indicating a specific group selected for a religious purpose.[36]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.