11 The twelve desciples

When Jesus grew up, he left Nazareth and moved to a town called Capernaum by Lake Gennesaret in Galilee . In those days the lake was sometimes also called the Sea of Galilee . So, the prophecy of Isaiah came true: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles - the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.“ From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.“ Many people from different places followed him. He taught them and healed those who were sick. These were the twelve he appointed: Simon, Andrew, John, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James, son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus. All the disciples were ordinary men, but God gave them the joy of being friends and disciples of Jesus Christ - God’s Son. Matthew 4:12-22; Mark 3:13-19.