John MacArthur has written an excellent book focusing on the lives of these twelve disciples of Jesus, bringing to light excellent insights on their personalities, characteristics, and backgrounds. He brings up the question at the outset, why would Christ choose a group of unlearned, self-centered, common men? Perhaps it was to show that His strength is made perfect in weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9).MacArthur noted that every time in Scripture, the twelve disciples are listed in three groups of four, listed in the order of their closeness of friendship. Peter, Andrew, James, and John formed the first group; Philip, Nathanael, Matthew, and Thomas; made the second; James the Less, Simon the Zealot, Judas, and Judas Iscariot were the third group. Consequently, there is more in the Bible recorded about those in the first two groups than those in the final group, as they were the ones asking questions or doing special tasks for the Master.
Peter was the spokesman for the group—perhaps because he had the biggest (foot-shaped) mouth and the least control over it. No one speaks as often as Peter in the New Testament (aside from Jesus, of course), and as such Jesus had the most words of correction or admonition for Peter over any other person. Names mean a lot, especially in the Bible. The very first time Jesus met Peter, He gave him a new name of "Rock" to remind him to be steadfast—not to be double-minded or give up. Any time Peter messed up, Jesus addressed him by his old name, Simon. Throughout his time with Christ, Peter exemplified qualities of a leader that helped him rise to the inner circle of Jesus' followers: inquisitiveness, initiative, and courage. He was an all-or-nothing individual.
Andrew's forte was in bringing people to Jesus. He had a special ability to see value in individuals and a zeal for showing them the way to Christ. Andrew most often served in the background, but his moves were bold and deliberate. He was the one that set the stage for the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 by bringing the lad with the 5 loaves and 2 small fish to Jesus.
James and John, brothers like Peter and Andrew, were passionate men. Their fiery disposition earned them the nickname, Sons of Thunder. Both were part of Christ's inner circle, and John was also known as the apostle of love. These traits come out very clearly in John's writing style in his gospel account as well as his letters to the Church. His writing is often in stark contrasts or absolutes: "He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him" (1 John 2:9-10).
Phillip was expectant and ready to follow the Messiah as soon as he found him. Actually, it was Jesus who found Phillip, but still Phillip had the choice to get up and follow. That he did is significant, because Phillip's personality was one of by-the-books, facts and figures, and very pragmatic. His friend, Nathanael, also was willing to "come and see" and take an honest look at objective reality when faced with the truth. Nathanael was familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures and could recognize Jesus' fulfillment of the prophesies immediately.
Matthew, the former tax collector, was part of the social outcasts of his day. Working for the Romans put him at odds with his fellow Jews and effectively made him a religious outcast as well. He stands as a prime example that Christ came to rescue sinners if they will just acknowledge their sin and look to Him for grace.
Thomas is often remembered for his doubting tendencies and slightly pessimistic outlook, but through his moodiness, his love for Christ stayed true. Christ knew Thomas' heart and invited him to touch the wounds and be transformed from his tendencies of doubt.
James, Simon, and Judas (also called Thaddeus), though not talked about much in the Scriptures, reveal through other recorded history that God uses ordinary people in remarkable ways. Each one of the original 12 (except for Judas Iscariot) took the Gospel to the entire world and were persecuted and killed for their faith.
The last disciple in every list of the 12 is Judas Iscariot. He stands as an example of the evil potential of spiritual carelessness and hardness of heart as he betrayed the Lord for a bag of money, which he didn't really want anyways. He began as the others did, but unlike them did not internalize Christ's teachings. God's sovereign plan cannot be overthrown, and Judas Iscariot was the one the devil used to actually bring about God's plan of salvation.
This post has become longer than I intended it to be, but if you've made it this far, no doubt you'll agree with me that the work John MacArthur put into this book has resulted in a phenomenal wealth of insights into the lives of twelve men, who apart from Christ's calling probably would have continued in their lives of relative obscurity, but after Jesus' call became world changers. I highly recommend this book—or the audiobook as I used—for anyone who wants to increase their faith and become more like the Teacher.
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