This Sundayഈ ഞായറാഴ്ച

Group · 5 Sundays

The twelve apostles

പന്ത്രണ്ട് അപ്പൊസ്തലന്മാർ

“Ones who are sent”

In the readings on 5 Sundays so far.

Byzantine icon of the twelve apostles gathered together, early 14th century
Constantinople master, early 14th century

At a glance

In Malayalam
പന്ത്രണ്ട് അപ്പൊസ്തലന്മാർ
What the name means
“Ones who are sent”Apostle means “one who is sent”
In the readings
5 Sundays, 28 March 2027 to 1 August 2027
Gospel passages
Matthew 28:1–20 · John 15:1–14 · Matthew 10:5–16 · Luke 9:10–17 · Mark 6:7–13

Name meanings and role notes are drafted with each edition and waiting for review by a priest or editor.

Who the twelve apostles were

The twelve men Jesus chose from among his disciples to be with him and to be sent out as apostles. They witnessed his ministry, death and resurrection, and after Pentecost carried the Gospel to the nations.

Family
  • The twelve: Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John (sons of Zebedee), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot ScriptureMatthew 10:2–4
  • Chosen in place of Judas: Matthias ScriptureActs 1:26

  1. After a night of prayer on the mountain, Jesus chooses twelve and names them apostles.

    ScriptureLuke 6:12–16

  2. He appoints them to be with him and to be sent out to preach.

    ScriptureMark 3:14

  3. He sends them out two by two with authority over unclean spirits.

    ScriptureMark 6:7–13

  4. At the Last Supper he gives them the bread and the cup.

    ScriptureLuke 22:14–20

  5. Judas betrays him; the rest flee.

    ScriptureMark 14:43–50

  6. The risen Lord appears to them and sends them to make disciples of all nations.

    ScriptureMatthew 28:16–20

  7. Matthias is chosen to take Judas’ place.

    ScriptureActs 1:15–26

  8. At Pentecost the Holy Spirit comes on them.

    ScriptureActs 2:1–4

  9. Tradition says they went to many lands and most died as martyrs; Thomas came to India, as the Malankara Church holds.

    Tradition

Remembered in the Church year

  • Feast of the Twelve Apostles30 June

Read it in the Bible

  • Luke 6:12–16 The choosing
  • Mark 6:7–13 Sent out
  • Acts 1:12–26 Waiting and Matthias

Sources: The Holy Bible (World English Bible); Eusebius, Church History.

Drafted from the Bible and Church tradition. Each line says where it comes from; anything marked Tradition or History is not in Scripture itself. Waiting for review by a priest or editor.

Sundays with The twelve apostles

  1. Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

    Gospel: Mark 6:7–13

    As one of “The twelve”: Sent out in pairs for the first time in Mark.

    In the story

  2. Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

    Gospel: Luke 9:10–17

    As one of “The twelve”: Just back from their mission, tired, and asked to feed a crowd.

    In the story

  3. Second Sunday after Pentecost

    Gospel: Matthew 10:5–16

    Chosen from among the disciples and now sent out for the first time.

    In the story

  4. Pentecost

    Gospel: John 15:1–14

    As one of “The apostles”: Gathered in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost when the Spirit comes.

  5. Easter (Kyomtho)

    Gospel: Matthew 28:1–20

    As one of “The eleven”: The apostles without Judas, sent to all nations.

    In the story

Also in these readings

About the icon

The Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles. Constantinople master, early 14th century. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Everyone in the readings