The apostles were the group of twelve followers with whom Jesus began his preaching. Their names:
The Urantia Book gives detailed personal descriptions of each. [1] Most were married, and some had several children. [2] All except the Alphaeus twins were graduates of synagogue schools. [3] Most were rough fishermen. [4] They were not all the same in terms of schooling. [5] Many carried swords. [6] Many were martyred.
Their organization is detailed in The Urantia Book. [7] Andrew was the chief. [8] Peter, James, and John were Jesus' personal aids. [9] Philip was the apostolic steward. [10] Nathanael cared for the families of the apostles. [11] The itinerary was managed by Thomas. [12] Matthew was a fund-raiser. [13] Simon was in charge of diversion and relaxation. [14] The Alphaeus twins were the errand boys; those who took care of the multitudes. [15] Judas Iscariot was treasurer. [16] Matthias was chosen to take the place of Judas. [17]
They called Jesus “Master”. [18] They also called Jesus “Rabbi”. [19] The apostles were cheerfully ignorant of much of rabbinic learning and yet pious and righteous. [20] The term apostle designated the chosen family of advisers of Jesus from among all believers. [21] They had to study 3 hours each evening in preparation. [22] Whoever wanted to become apostles should disregard himself and take up his responsibilities daily. [23] On many occasions they were accompanied by the apostles of John the Baptist. [24] They had to work to keep their families cared for. [25] Matthew never openly solicited funds from multitudes. [26] Jesus forbade them to become embroiled in politics. [27] Jesus warned them that the enemy would try to drive them away from each other. [28] Jesus instructed them not to worry about the future because the Father supplies all the needs of the diligent. [29] He told them not to be anxious for their lives. [30] They considered Jesus their best friend. [31] Wednesdays were established by Jesus as days of rest for the apostles. [32] His moment of maximum ecstasy was with the healing of 683 people at sunset. [33] They urged Jesus many times to perform cures, something that was not in the purpose of Jesus. [34] Jesus asked them to dedicate themselves to ministering to the sick. [35] Andrew imposed strict rules on working with women that Jesus took it upon himself to modify. [36] On several occasions they feared for their own safety. [37] The twelve were often a serious, sober, and chastened group of disillusioned men. [38] Jesus' boldness terrified the apostles. [39] Attempted to dissuade Jesus from entering Judea. [40] Jesus accepted Judas, a Jew, telling him that they were all of one flesh. [41] The apostles are counted among the few who chose to fully receive Jesus. [42] They went several times through a rise and then a fall of faith in Jesus. [43] They did not help Jesus cleanse the temple. [44] Did not fully understand the teaching of Jesus. [45] Each taught his own vision of the gospel. [46] Personal loyalty to Jesus of the apostles transcended faith in the teachings. [47] They were very resentful of Judas for his betrayal. [48]
The apostles were blinded by the belief in the temporal, materialistic realm. They believed in the Messiah. [49] They deviated with their concept of the kingdom of heaven from the concept of Jesus. [50] They believed in the immediate second coming of Jesus. [51] For them Jesus was the Eternal Son. [52] They thought Jesus was immortal. [53] They believed that Jesus was the Messiah. [54] Their belief was that the Messiah would sit on the throne of David. [55] On several occasions the apostles asked Jesus for a preference. [56] They believed that women are not equal to men. [57] They were miracle-minded, believed in miracles. [58] Were offended when others taught in the name of Jesus. [59]
Jesus believed in the faith of the apostles. [60] Jesus trusted his apostles and loved them. [61] He required the apostles to dedicate all their possessions to the common cause. [62] He indicated to them that religion would be an exclusive matter for the apostles. [63] Jesus saw to it that the apostles had good relations with the apostles of John. [64] Sometimes he did not reveal his plans to the apostles. [65] He often sent them aside to pray. [66] He sent them to preach two by two. [67] He forewarned the apostles of Judas' betrayal. [68] He did not want the apostles to be present at his arrest. [69] He gave the apostles an authority over all temporal things with respect to the kingdom. [70] He kept the apostles in service by contact with the multitudes. [71] He taught them to share with the poor, but not to be fooled by social parasites or professional beggars. [72] He forced the apostles to comply with practices that reflected the ideals of Jesus. [73] He prayed for the apostles to keep them from evil and sanctify them in truth. [74] He prayed to be honored in the apostles as he honored his Father. [75] He realized how weak and ignorant his apostles were. [76] The apostles underwent repeated disappointments and trials. [77] He warned them not to endanger their lives. [78] He wanted unity among the apostles. [79]
On January 12, AD 27. [80] During the post-ordination consecration Jesus instructed them with a special charge. [81] Jesus proclaims them men separated from all other men on earth. [82] Jesus showed up again on the same mount of ordination in the 14th apparition. [83]
They refused to believe that Jesus had risen. [84] After the resurrection, Jesus left the apostles for only a few hours. [85]
After Pentecost, the apostles were valiant followers of the living Lord. [86] The apostles greatly increased their spiritual progress after Pentecost. [87] Turned the Roman Empire upside down. [88]
See also: UB 138; UB 145:4.1; UB 150:4; UB 158:0.2; UB 158:2.5; UB 172:5; UB 173:5.6; UB 184:2.2; UB 193:3.2.