How Many Disciples Did Jesus Have?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 16, 2020

Jesus had 12 disciples during his ministry, according to the BBC. The disciples were Andrew, Bartholomew, James, James the son of Alphaeus, John, Judas Iscariot, Matthew, Peter, Philip, Simon, Thaddaeus and Thomas.

Judas Iscariot is the disciple who took a bribe in exchange for betraying Jesus to the Romans, and the Bible notes that Judas hung himself in remorse. Peter is mentioned as a leader of the disciples, and the one who appointed Matthias to replace Judas Iscariot after Jesus’ death. Peter is considered the first pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Andrew and Peter were brothers, as were John and James, who is also known as James the Greater or James the son of Zebedee.