7632 Twelve, diverse characters of

The Twelve were men of varied background, gifts and character.

The varied backgrounds of the Twelve

The varied roles of the Twelve

Some took a prominent role in the group Gal 2:9

Some played minor but significant roles See also Jn 1:40-42 Andrew brought Peter to Jesus Christ; Jn 1:45-46 Philip brought Nathanael; Jn 12:20-22 Philip and Andrew brought the Greeks to Jesus Christ.

The varied temperaments of the Twelve

Mt 14:28 Peter was impetuous; Lk 9:54 James and John were fiery; Lk 22:4 Judas Iscariot was a traitorous loner; Jn 20:25 Thomas was cautious.

The Twelve had a common call to discipleship and witness

Ac 1:21-22

The fallibility of the Twelve

Mk 8:31-33 Peter misunderstood; Mk 16:14 Jesus Christ rebuked the Eleven for not believing reports of his resurrection; Lk 9:12-13 Jesus Christ tested their reaction to human need; Jn 14:8-9 Philip asked the way to the Father.

Jesus Christ gave the Twelve special teaching

Mk 4:10-11 about his parables; Mk 9:35 about power and position; Lk 18:31 about his destiny

Jesus Christ spent his last days and hours with the Twelve

Mk 11:11 after the triumphal entry into Jerusalem; Mk 14:17 at the Last Supper

The Twelve failed Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ’s concern that they would leave him Jn 6:67-70

Judas betrayed him Mt 26:14-16 pp Mk 14:10 pp Lk 22:3-4

They failed to support him in his final agony of prayer Mt 26:40-41 pp Mk 14:37-38 pp Lk 22:45-46

Peter disowned Jesus Christ Mt 26:74-75 pp Mk 14:71-72 pp Lk 22:60-61

All abandoned Jesus Christ Mt 26:56 the exception was “the disciple whom Jesus loved”, present at the crucifixion (Jn 19:25-27)

See also