The 12 Disciples of Jesus: Names, Ages, Professions, Deaths, and Families
There were 12 disciples, or apostles, who were Jesus Christ’s core followers. Today let’s take a look at their non-Anglicized names, ages, professions, deaths, and family details about wives and kids. It’s a challenge to get much info about these men in the New Testament, especially about their families. With that in mind, I will blend biblical accounts with early Christian traditions, and cultural context. I must use other sources. Because of the sparse records, some family details are speculative, but they’re in line with Jewish social norms of the time.
Names, Ages, Deaths, Wives, and Children
Because they’re from Israel or Greece. They had Israeli and Greek names. I used the social norms for men in ancient Israel where men began taking on significant roles in their families between early to late teens until their thirties. All 12 except for John, who was exiled to Patmos Island were martyred in horrendous ways, but that is for another time. in biblical the bible is pretty quiet on any family life of the disciples . However socially speaking a man needed to be married by the age of 20..
- Shim’on (Peter): Hebrew, “he has heard.” ~25–35. Fisherman (Matthew 8:14). Crucified upside-down in Rome, ~64–68 CE (Eusebius). Wife: Concordia or Perpetua (tradition); Children: Possibly daughter Petronilla.
- Andreas (Andrew): Greek, “manly.” ~25–33. Fisherman. Crucified on X-shaped cross, Patras, ~60–70 CE. Wife/Children: Likely unmarried, no records.
- Ya’akov (James, Son of Zebedee): Hebrew, “supplanter.” ~20–30. Fisherman. Beheaded, Jerusalem, ~44 CE (Acts 12:2). Wife/Children: Likely unmarried, no records.
- Yochanan (John): Hebrew, “God is gracious.” ~20–30. Fisherman. Died naturally, Ephesus, ~90–100 CE. Wife/Children: Likely unmarried, no records.
- Filippos (Philip): Greek, “lover of horses.” ~20–30. Martyred, Hierapolis, ~80 CE, possibly crucified. Wife/Children: Possibly daughters Marianne, Hermione (Acts of Philip); wife unnamed.
- Bar-Talmai (Bartholomew/Nathanael): Aramaic, “son of Talmai.” ~20–30. Flayed, beheaded, Armenia/India, ~70 CE. Wife/Children: Likely unmarried, no records.
- T’oma (Thomas): Aramaic, “twin.” ~20–30. Speared, Mylapore, India, ~72 CE (Acts of Thomas). Wife/Children: Likely unmarried, no records.
- Mattityahu (Matthew/Levi): Hebrew, “God’s gift.” ~25–35. Tax collector (Matthew 9:9). Martyred, Ethiopia/Persia, ~60–70 CE. Wife/Children: Possibly married, names unknown.
- Ya’akov (James, Son of Alphaeus): Hebrew, same as James. ~20–30. Stoned/clubbed, Jerusalem/Persia, ~62 CE. Wife/Children: Likely unmarried, no records.
- Taddai/Yehudah (Thaddaeus/Jude): Aramaic/Hebrew, “breast”/“praise.” ~20–30. Martyred, Persia/Syria, ~65 CE. Wife/Children: Likely unmarried, no records.
- Shim’on (Simon the Zealot): Hebrew, same as Peter. ~20–30. Likely Zealot. Crucified/sawn, Persia/Samaria, ~65 CE. Wife/Children: Likely unmarried, no records.
- Yehudah Ish-Kerioth (Judas Iscariot): Hebrew, “praise”; “Ish-Kerioth” means “man of Kerioth.” ~20–30. Possibly treasurer (John 12:6). Suicide, hanging (Matthew 27:5) or falling (Acts 1:18). Wife/Children: Likely unmarried, no records.
- Mattityahu (Matthias): Hebrew, same as Matthew. ~25–35. Replaced Judas. Stoned, beheaded, Jerusalem/Colchis, ~80 CE. Wife/Children: Possibly married, names unknown.
fitting their radical mission. Family details are limited, as scripture prioritizes ministry. Marriage was common by 20, but many disciples likely remained unmarried due to their itinerant lives. When the Lord called them to their new work they were not rich men they were fishermen, thieves, revolutionaries, and zealots. This is the most accurate description of what each disciple did for a living when called by Christ.
Professions of the Disciples
The disciples’ occupations show Jesus’ appeal across social strata in Galilee and Judea.
- Shim’on (Peter), Andreas, Ya’akov, Yochanan: Fishermen (Matthew 4:18–22),
- Mattityahu (Matthew): Tax collector, wealthy but despised (Matthew 9:9).
- Shim’on (Simon the Zealot): Likely a Zealot, anti-Roman revolutionary (Luke 6:15).
- Yehudah Ish-Kerioth (Judas): Possibly treasurer, with administrative skills (John 12:6).
- Filippos, Bar-Talmai, T’oma, Ya’akov (Son of Alphaeus), Taddai/Yehudah, Mattityahu (Matthias): I couldn’t find any trustworthy source for these disciples professions. However they were likely farmers, carpenters, or merchants;
Jesus’s by calling people from all professions was not by mistake by doing this our Lord Jesus highlighting His unifying call.
Legacy of the Disciples
There aren’t many details about the Twelve, but their names, ages, professions, deaths, and sparse family records set Christianity up. Their transformation from ordinary men into evangelists, often martyred, proves their faith’s power. Their non-Anglicized names connect them to their Jewish and Hellenistic roots. Despite their limited family details, their sacrifices inspired billions, fueling Christianity’s spread.
If you are interested in more information the New Testament, Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History, and apocryphal texts like the Acts of Philip offer insights. However, family details remain speculative… for now. Archaeologists find new things every day. They may find a census scroll somewhere.
Until Next time: Courage and God Bless
