How Well Do You Know the Catholic Apostles?

By: Heather Cahill
Estimated Completion Time
3 min
How Well Do You Know the Catholic Apostles?
Image: Wiki Commons by Juan de Juanes

About This Quiz

You've spent a great amount of time reading the Bible. You know all of the people, places and things that happen, even down to the minor details! You're in church every Sunday and make sure to always leave some space for Jesus in your life. You're a true Catholic, after all! It's only right that you know your fair share about the apostles who stuck by Jesus throughout his life, and the one who didn't.

There's 12 to know and there's a lot to know about them. You'll have to dig deep and remember things like where they're from, what they did in their lives and even how they were martyred. Some of it is tough material to read about, but very important to know at the same time. Names are also important, but many were changed and can make things a little more confusing. But remember, most names were given for a purpose, if you can remember why they were given, then you're one step ahead!

So, you've studied up and you've got all of the knowledge on the apostles of Jesus. If you're ready to prove that you could teach it all to someone, then it's time to take this quiz!

Thomas the Apostle
Pascal Deloche/Stone/Getty Images
Thomas was known to be interested in what activity?
Fishing
Knitting
Exercise
Swimming
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Like a few of his counterparts, Thomas enjoyed his fair share of fishing. Though that wasn't his job, if the others set out on the boat, it was often noted that Thomas tagged along with them.

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Christ giving the Keys of Heaven to St. Peter
Wiki Commons by Pietro Perugino
Following Jesus meant some big responsibilities at times. Simon/Peter was given which of the following items to protect by Jesus?
The keys to the kingdom of Heaven
The Virgin Mary
The food of the Last Supper
A robe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A very important responsibility was placed on Peter, and that was to guard the Keys of Heaven. In fact, you can find the keys that he was entrusted with on the Holy See, where they cross over one another.

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Bartholomew the Apostle
Wiki Commons by Jastrow
Many of the disciples found themselves to be martyred. How was Bartholomew martyred?
Flayed by knives
Crucifixion
Guillotine
He was not martyred.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While there are a few different theories on this, the most commonly accepted theory is that he was flayed by knives. A gruesome way to go ... many apostles suffered horrible fates which included crucifixion most commonly.

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Philip the Apostle
Wiki Commons by Peter Paul Rubens
Everyone needs a home. Can you name Philip's hometown?
Bethlehem
Zanoah
Judea
Bethsaida
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bethsaida wasn't just home to Philip, but also Peter and Andrew. It was part of the Roman Empire and located along the Jordan River. While it doesn't appear to be much now, you can still visit it today.

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Simon the Zealot
Wiki Commons by Peter Paul Rubens
Do you know which of the apostles was martyred by a saw?
Jude
Thomas
Andrew
Simon the Zealot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One account says Simon the Zealot saw his martyrdom by a saw, although other accounts disagree, saying he was crucified or even died peacefully. His feast day is celebrated at the end of October just before All Saint's Day.

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Jesus calling Saint Peter and Saint Andrew
duncan1890/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images
Can you name the two apostles who were brothers?
Thomas/Philip
Bartholomew/Simon the Zealot
James/Jude
Simon(Peter)/Andrew
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The two were not only brothers, but they also both took on the trade of being fishermen. When it came to Jesus, Andrew was the one who introduced Simon/Peter to him, sparking the start of their friendship.

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Calling of the Apostles
Wiki Commons by Domenico Ghirlandaio
Jesus had to start somewhere when choosing his disciples. Who was the first to join the Lord?
Andrew
Thomas
Judas
John
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Andrew gets the bragging rights to becoming the first of the disciples! Not only was he one of Jesus' disciples, but he was a follower of Saint John the Baptist before that. He later became a firm believer and a loyal follower of Jesus.

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James the Apostle
Wiki Commons by Guido Reni
Zebedee was the father of which of the apostles?
James
Bartholomew
Matthew
Thomas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Just as Simon/Peter and Andrew, James was brothers with another apostle, John. They both shared the same father, who was Zebedee. Throughout the Bible, he was often associated with boats or fishing.

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Jesus resurrected
Pascal Deloche/Stone/Getty Images
Known for his skepticism, what ultimately made Thomas believe that Jesus was resurrected?
His wounds from his crucifixion
When he spoke to Thomas after
He saw Jesus giving a speech.
He felt that it was the truth.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Doubting Thomas sure had his doubts about many things. While it may not have been a bad thing, not believing Jesus as one of his disciples may be looked down upon. That is how he got his name, after all!

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Bartholomew the Apostle 2
Fred De Noyelle /GODONG/Stone/Getty Images
Often, the disciples were renamed by Jesus. Bartholomew also goes by which name?
Zebeedee
James
Nathaniel
Peter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bartholomew is known by both names, but Nathaniel was used when he was introduced to Jesus. Within the New Testament, he was most commonly referred to by this name in relation to his work.

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John the Apostle
Wiki Commons by Peter Paul Rubens
Can you name the apostle who was entrusted as the guardian of Jesus' mother Mary?
John
Andrew
Simon the Zealot
Bartholomew
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jesus cared deeply about everyone, but very much of his mother. That's why he entrusted one of his disciples who he also cared deeply for to take care of his mother after his crucifixion.

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James the Less
Wiki Commons by Peter Paul Rubens
James the Less was the first of which of the following within Jerusalem?
Tax Collector
Bishop
Messiah
Saint
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

James the Less was a bishop in Jerusalem who was often mentioned to be the brother of Jesus. As a bishop, he would have had many duties within his church. They would include teaching those who visit about Jesus and the church.

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John the Apostle 2
Wiki Commons by Domenichino
Which apostle was thought to have written the Book of Revelation?
John
Simon the Zealot
Andrew
Judas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For a long time, the Book of Revelation was thought to be written by John the Apostle, but has since been attributed to other Johns. While it's not entirely clear which John it is, it's definitely one of them!

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Philip the Apostle 2
Wiki Commons by Jastrow
They acted as an ambassador for their people. Who introduced the Greeks to Jesus?
Simon/Peter
Thomas
Philip
Judas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Philip was an ambassador to the Greeks who asked if they could meet Jesus. He obliged and along with Andrew decided to tell Jesus of their wishes. Philip conducted his work as an apostle in Greece.

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Jude the Apostle
Wiki Commons by Anthony van Dyck
Jude is thought to be related to Jesus, but do you know what Jude would be to Him?
His cousin
His brother
His father
His son
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jude and Jesus are thought to be cousins, but sometimes they are also referred to as brothers. Despite being related, Jesus did not call upon his cousin to be an apostle but rather he became one later on.

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Various saints
Wiki Commons by Fra Angelico
As soon as Halloween is over, Nov. 1 celebrates what day?
Christmas Day
Passover
All Saints' Day
The Resurrection of Jesus
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

All Saints' Day is quite self-explanatory in what is being celebrated, but it's specifically a celebration for the saints. The day after Halloween, it often takes on nicknames from this occasion as well.

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Saint Jude the Apostle (Judas Thaddaeus)
Wiki Commons by Jastrow
What other name is Jude known by?
Thomas
Nathaniel
Thaddeus
Abraham
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Thaddeus can be used as a stand-alone name for Jude, or it can be accompanied by it. In many cases, it can sound much like a nickname, as it is known that Jude is in fact the apostle's real name.

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Simon Peter the Apostle
Wiki Commons by Marco Zoppo
Which of the apostle's names did Jesus change due to his past?
Andrew
John
Judas
Simon, son of Jonah
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The name change took place upon Simon/Peter becoming one of the disciples. The meaning of the name "Peter" was "rock," which Jesus felt was fitting as he had a plan to build up his church, starting with Simon/Peter as the foundation.

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St. Bartholomew
rob castro/Moment Open/Getty Images
It wasn't just Jesus who could perform miracles! Who was known for their miracles involving weight?
Bartholomew
James
Judas
Simon the Zealot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Bartholomew is credited with being able to change the weight of a statue as one of his many miracles. In doing this, he was also able to save everyone within the town due to this miracle. Without this miracle, many people would have been killed.

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The Last Supper
ZU_09/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images
Peter and John were tasked with doing what famous act for Jesus?
Deal with his crucifixion
Write the Bible
Preparing the Last Supper
Recruit new apostles
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In one part of the Bible, it is unknown which two disciples Jesus sent to prepare, but eventually, it is revealed. Peter and John are said to have gone to Mary, the mother of John's house, where it was prepared.

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St John the Evangelist
Wiki Commons by Vladimir Borovikovsky
When is John the Apostle's feast day celebrated?
Dec. 27
Feb. 6
May 19
Sept. 1
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Right after Christmas is the time to celebrate John the Apostle on his feast day. In addition to his title as an apostle, he is also often called an Evangelist. He is one of the few apostles who died in peace.

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The Incredulity of Saint Thomas
Wiki Commons by Hendrick ter Brugghen / Public domain
Since he was often known for this, which disciple commonly has "doubting" before his name?
Thomas
James
Philip
John
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Because of his skeptical nature, he was known as "Doubting Thomas." One large example is when he did not believe that Jesus was resurrected. In order for him to fully believe something, he had to experience it for himself.

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Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
ivan-96/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images
Known for his many introductions, Philip introduced which disciple to Jesus?
Thomas
James
Simon the Zealot
Bartholomew
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Without Philip, Bartholomew may have never met Jesus and become an apostle. When Bartholomew was mentioned, he was commonly found alongside Philip, even outside the introduction. They may have been best friends!

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St John the Evangelist 2
Wiki Commons by Alonso Cano
This is used to represent him. St. John is symbolized by what?
A money bag
A crown
A horse
A chalice
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The chalice is important when it comes to Saint John, as it holds significance toward the Last Supper. If you look closely, you'll often also find a snake slithering around inside of the chalice that St. John holds.

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Judas Iscariot retiring from the Last Supper
Wiki Commons by Carl Bloch
Of the following, which person was not one of the four disciples Jesus called?
John
Peter
Judas
Andrew
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While John, Peter and Andrew were all called on by Jesus, one other person is missing. James is the fourth disciple to be called on. Judas, however, was not called on, but still chosen to be a disciple, despite Jesus knowing that he would betray him.

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Matthew the Apostle
Wiki Commons by Jean Bourdichon
Do you know when to celebrate St. Matthew's feast day?
Jan. 4
March 18
Dec. 9
Sept. 21
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This date was chosen by the church in celebration of St. Matthew, who was known for many things, such as his Gospel. On his day, it is common for readings to be done in church especially about him.

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St John the Evangelist 3
Wiki Commons by Jean Bourdichon
John the Apostle is not which of the following?
A brother to James
Mentioned in the Bible
A saint
Martyred
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While many of the apostles were martyred, John the Apostle's martyrdom is questionable. It's assumed that he is not martyred as it was never spoken of within the Bible. However, there are some images depicting his martyrdom.

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James, son of Alphaeus
Wiki Commons by El Greco
There is more than one James the Apostle. Which one was brothers with Jude?
The son of Philip
The song of Zebedee
The son of Alphaeus
The son of Jonah
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

James the Less is Jude's brother as they both share the same father. The other apostle named James is known as James the Greater. These identifiers help keep the two apostles less confusing!

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The Arrest of Christ (Kiss of Judas)
Wiki Commons by Giotto di Bondone
While many didn't have last names and used other identifiers, What was the last name of Judas?
The Less
Abraham
Iscariot
Messiah
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The one apostle who betrayed Jesus was Judas Iscariot. He was the son of Simon Iscariot, where his last name came from. While it is not set in stone what the meaning of his last name was, it is important for identifying him among the other people named Judas within the Bible.

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Saint Peter in Tears
Wiki Commons by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
Which apostle was crucified upside down out of respect for Jesus?
Andrew
Bartholomew
Simon/Peter
Judas
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though a gruesome death as many other apostles experienced, it was apparently a request by Simon/Peter. The reasoning is that he did not want to die exactly the same as Jesus did out of respect.

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Judas being paid the 30 pieces of silver
Wiki Commons by Berrucomons
Do you remember what Judas received for betraying Jesus?
30 silver pieces
Food
A gold necklace
A horse
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In one of the most famous stories in the Bible, Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 silver pieces. His betrayal meant the capture of Jesus by a group of soldiers. The story is so well-known that calling someone a "Judas" has come to mean they are traitorous.

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Simon the Zealot 2
Wiki Commons by Sailko
Who is also known as "the Canaanite?"
Peter
Thomas
Simon
Jude
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Once being a member of the Zealots before he became a disciple, Simon inherited this name for his past. Another way that you might know Simon is by his other name, Simon the Canaanite, which was also used to identify him.

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Saint Jude Thaddeus Procession
Wiki Commons by Miguel Angel Chong
Feeling hopeless? Which apostle would you pray to in this case?
Jude
Andrew
Bartholomew
Philip
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Saint Jude is who to turn to when it feels as though there's nothing more that you can do. There are a few different prayers that can be said. In fact, partaking in some charity work on his behalf can make St. Jude help you out in your time of need as well, according to Catholic doctrine.

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Saint Peter's statue
Wiki Commons by Raffaele pagani
Simon/Peter is the son of which person in the Bible?
Joseph
Caleb
Andrew
Jonah
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As there were two Simons in the Bible, there are a few ways to identify the correct Simon. One is by referencing the father, in this case, Jonah. The other is to reference Peter, which is another way to refer to this specific Simon.

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Matthew the Apostle 2
Massimo Merlini/E+/Getty Images
Often, saints represent something. Who is Matthew the saint of?
Fishermen
Bakers
Tax collectors
Blacksmiths
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Matthew was a tax collector, not the most popular of people in any age. Often, many questioned why Jesus wanted him to be one of his apostles. However, he was not a horrible person as some groups believed.

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You Got:
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Wiki Commons by Juan de Juanes