The Twelve Disciples Bible Study

By Rose Publishing

Jesus called twelve ordinary men—and turned their weaknesses into strengths, their faults into testimonies, and their doubts into faith. Who were these men who walked with Jesus? What can we learn from their lives? Find out with The Twelve Disciples Visual Bible Study.

From John and Peter to Matthew and Mark, enjoy digging deeper into the lives of each of Jesus' twelve disciples and learn more about:

• Their personalities
• Why Jesus called each of them
• How they served
• The lessons that we can learn from their mishaps and strengths
• And more!

All-Inclusive Ready-to-Use Bible Study on the Twelve Disciples Can Be Led By Anyone!

This highly visual and informative introduction to the twelve disciples shows how Jesus called the Twelve individually—and uniquely—for life with him. See how Jesus entrusted them with authority despite all their mishaps and failures. Discover how these men's lives were radically changed in the midst of Christ's life, death, and resurrection; and celebrate the global effect they had for generations to come. Features include:

• 6-session flexible Bible study
• Optional reading plan for people with more time who want to go deeper
• Leader's guide is contained within each study guide, so no extra book purchase is required
• Discussion questions for each session and lots of space for writing

Most Bible studies on the twelve disciples don't include visuals. Imagine having one that does!

Perfect for group and individual use, young adult study, homeschool, church library, to give to a friend, and more! 112 pages, 6 x 9 inches. Paperback, ISBN 978-1-62862-809-8.

5 Key Features of The Twelve Disciples Rose Visual Bible Study

1. Packed with Visuals & Graphics. Unlike other studies on the twelve disciples, which are mostly text, Rose's full-color visual Bible study is packed with full-color illustrations, timelines, and charts. Plus, it gives you all the key themes and important information at a glance!
2. Clear and Easy to Understand. It's never been easier to dig deeper and get a solid overview of how each disciple plays a key role in the New Testament.
3. Practical Life Applications. Start this life-changing Bible study today and discover the promises and blessings the Lord has for you in his Word.
4. Flexible & Easy-to-Use Format. Whether you want a 30-, 60-, or 90-minute study (3 plans included), this book is designed to help you dive into Scripture and retain information. The format of The Rose Visual Bible Study Series helps you focus on key takeaways, applications, and important lessons.
5. Anyone Can Lead This. Each Bible study contains a leader guide to help anyone guide their small group or church through discussions and important lessons. No additional purchase necessary! Packed with the do's and don'ts of leadership, group guidelines, 3 Bible study plans for flexibility, and more. This simple leader guide will get you and your group up and running in no time!

Enjoy Rose Visual Bible Study's Simple, Easy-to-Use Format

Each of the 6 sessions in every Bible study guides you (and your group) through the following sections:

• Introduction: Simple overview to get started.
• Read It: Key Bible passages and optional reading.
• Know It: Discussion questions with space for writing.
• Explore It: Summaries of key information, easy-to-read outlines, charts, full-color illustrations, and more.
• Live It: Devotional reading and life application questions, a short prayer, and space for note-taking and journaling.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
• Release date: May 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9781496488282

Book preview

Session 1

Discipleship

The Method

of the Master

Jesus began his public ministry by preaching a simple message: Repent and believe the good news! (Mark 1:15). However, speaking to large crowds was not his primary strategy. Instead, the gospels show him gathering a small group of responsive souls and intentionally training them. Follow Me, he told them, and I will make you become fishers of men (Mark 1:17

nasb

).

With this succinct invitation, Jesus revealed the comprehensive nature of discipleship.

In saying, Follow Me, Christ was saying, Come with me—literally. Watch what I do. Listen to what I say. Get to know me—and my teaching. I want you to understand what’s True with a capital T.

In saying, I will make you become, Jesus was communicating, As you walk with me and take my teaching to heart, I’ll transform you. You’ll actually become like me.

With the phrase, fishers of men, Jesus meant, Following me will mean you get to engage in heroic acts of love that will have an eternal impact on others.

The men went with Jesus.

Their lives—and the entire world—were never the same.

Read It Read It

Key Bible Passage

For this session, read Mark 1:14–20.

Optional Reading

Read the different lists of the twelve disciples/apostles in:

Matthew 10:2–4

Mark 3:16–19

Luke 6:14–16

Acts 1:13

Know It Know It

Before we begin this study, it might be fun to take stock of how well we actually know the twelve disciples—or think we do. Write down anything you’ve learned or heard about each man.

Simon Peter

Andrew

James

John

Philip

Bartholomew/Nathanael

Thomas

Matthew/Levi

James the son of Alphaeus

Thaddaeus/Judas

Simon the Zealot

Judas Iscariot

Why do you suppose Jesus embraced the strategy of investing primarily in a small group of followers—especially when he was so popular and was always able to draw such large crowds?

Mark 1:17 Chart

Explore It Explore It

The Twelve

Each of the first three gospels and the book of Acts includes an official list of the twelve disciples, although the order and descriptors vary. John doesn’t include a comprehensive list of the twelve in his gospel; he only mentions six of the disciples by name. Bible readers correctly note that the names in the lists are not identical. This is because some of the disciples were known by more than one name.

The Twelve ChartThe Twelve Chart 2

A Motley Crew

If the adjective motley means made up of a haphazard assortment of unlike things (and that is precisely what it means), then Jesus’ handpicked group of disciples was indeed a motley crew.

They had different backgrounds, occupations, and personalities. Peter, you could say, lived by the mantra of fire, ready, aim or maybe act and speak first . . . think later. His brother Andrew was friendly and easygoing—always seeking to connect things and people. The brothers James and John, possibly from a wealthy family, were—at least initially—fiery, judgmental, and ambitious. Thomas was a deep thinker and not afraid to voice his skepticism of things he couldn’t understand. Simon was a member of the radical Zealot party. The Zealots were a militant political group that advocated the use of any means to free Israel from Roman oppression. (Imagine Simon interacting with Matthew who had previously been a tax collector for the hated Romans!) And, of course, there was Judas Iscariot, who was greedy, deceitful, and treacherous. No wonder this little band was marked by tensions, disagreements, and lively conversations.

Disciples and Apostles

The word disciple means learner or student. In ancient times, a teacher would take one or more followers under his wing in a kind of master-apprentice relationship.