The Life And Teachings Of The Twelve Apostles

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other side of the coin, a tax collector, a man despised by those he would be teaching. The idea of such diversified individuals showed the people that it was not the person, but what the person could bring into the equation. Jesus wanted to show that anybody could teach the gospel, and that all would be welcome in the Kingdom of God, if only they believed.
Andrew was the first chosen Apostle. At 33 years of age, he was a year older than Jesus. Andrew was the oldest child in his family, unmarried and living with his brother, Simon Peter. His chosen profession at that time was a fisherman. Andrew was a very good organizer, and an accomplished administrator. He was more of a people person, than an effective preacher, who rendered a prompt decision on matters that were brought to his attention, unless he deemed it outside of his authority. In those cases, he would take the matter up with Jesus, allowing him to make the final decision. Of all the apostles, it would have to be said that Andrew was the best judge of men. He could feel when trouble was brewing among his ranks, such as Judas Iscariot, but decided to say nothing.
“Andrew was a man of clear insight, logical thought, and firm decision, whose great strength of character consisted in a superb stability” (Urantia Foundation, 1955, 3). After the apostles left Jerusalem, Andrew traveled through Armenia, Asia Minor, and Macedonia, bringing thousands into the kingdom of God. He was put to death on the cross in Patrae, where it took two days for him to die. Throughout all of this he never stopped proclaiming the glad tidings of the salvation of the kingdom of heaven.
Simon Peter was 30 years old when he became an apostle. At the time of his calling he was living at Bethsaida, near Capernaum and was married with three children. Simon Peter was considered an optimist and a man of strong feelings. He was a fluent speaker and an inspirational leader. He always had many ...