The Disciples of Yeshua and Their Legacy

IntroductionBetween 33 AD and 140 AD, the teachings of Yeshua (Jesus) spread across the known world through the efforts of His Twelve disciples, the Seventy-Two, and many others. This list records all known individuals from that time who played a role in the early movement. Some were true disciples, directly taught by Yeshua. Others later claimed authority or created new directions in His name. We list them all here—with clear markers of who stayed true to the Hebrew teachings and who diverged.

Section I: The Twelve Disciples and Closest Associates (33–70 AD)

✅ Direct Disciples of Yeshua

1. Shim’on Kepha (Simon Peter) ✅Mentor: Yeshua (30–33 AD)Role: Leader of the TwelveLegacy: Shaped early community, mentored MarkMartyrdom: Crucified in Rome (~64–67 AD)

2. Andreas (Andrew) ✅Mentor: YeshuaRole: Evangelized Scythia/GreeceMartyrdom: Crucified in Patras (~60–70 AD)

3. Ya’aqov bar Zavdai (James, son of Zebedee) ✅Mentor: YeshuaRole: Early leaderMartyrdom: Beheaded (44 AD)

4. Yochanan bar Zavdai (John the Apostle) ✅Mentor: YeshuaLanguage: Aramaic, later GreekLegacy: Oversaw churches in Ephesus; mentored Polycarp, IgnatiusDeath: Natural (~100 AD)

5. Pilippos (Philip the Apostle) ✅Mentor: YeshuaRole: Evangelized Samaria/PhrygiaMartyrdom: Crucified (~80 AD)

6. Bar-Talmai (Bartholomew/Nathanael) ✅Mentor: Yeshua; via PhilipRole: Preached Armenia/IndiaMartyrdom: Flayed (~60–70 AD)

7. Toma (Thomas) ✅Mentor: YeshuaRole: Evangelized Parthia/India; connected to EdessaMartyrdom: Speared (~72 AD)

8. Mattityahu (Matthew/Levi) ✅Mentor: YeshuaRole: Wrote Hebrew/Aramaic logia (possibly)Death: Uncertain

9. Ya’aqov bar Halfai (James, son of Alphaeus) ✅Mentor: YeshuaRole: Supported Jerusalem churchMartyrdom: Stoned (~62 AD)

10. Taddai (Thaddaeus/Jude) ✅Mentor: YeshuaRole: Preached in Edessa/Persia; possibly AddaiMartyrdom: Axed (~60–70 AD)

11. Shim’on ha-Qanna (Simon the Zealot) ✅Mentor: YeshuaRole: Preached in Persia/AfricaDeath: Uncertain

12. Yehudah Ish-Qriyot (Judas Iscariot) ⚠️Mentor: YeshuaRole: BetrayerDeath: Suicide (33 AD)

Matthias (Mattityahu) ✅Chosen to replace JudasRole: Preached in Ethiopia/CappadociaMartyrdom: Unknown

Section II: The Seventy-Two & Other Early Followers (33–70 AD)

✅ Mentored by Yeshua or the Twelve

Ya’aqov Tzaddiq (James the Just) ✅Mentor: Yeshua (post-resurrection), PeterRole: Leader of Jerusalem believersMartyrdom: Stoned (~62 AD)

Stephanos (Stephen) ✅Mentor: The TwelveRole: First martyr and deaconMartyrdom: Stoned (~34–35 AD)

Pilippos (Philip the Evangelist) ✅Mentor: The TwelveRole: Evangelized Samaria; baptized Ethiopian eunuchDeath: Unknown

Section III: Paul and His Disciples (35–70 AD)

⚠️ Diverged from Hebrew teachings; listed for historical record

Sha'ul (Paul of Tarsus) ⚠️Mentor: Claimed vision of YeshuaRole: Apostle to Gentiles (not of the Twelve)Legacy: Created a new path; influenced by Roman worldMartyrdom: Beheaded (~64–67 AD)

Markos (Mark/John Mark) ⚠️Mentor: Peter; also BarnabasLegacy: Wrote Gospel; founded Coptic ChurchMartyrdom: Dragged in Alexandria (~68 AD)

Luqas (Luke) ⚠️Mentor: PaulLegacy: Wrote Luke and Acts (disputed authenticity)Death: Unknown

Timotiyos (Timothy) ⚠️Mentor: PaulRole: Bishop of EphesusMartyrdom: Stoned (~97 AD)

Silas (Silvanus) ⚠️Mentor: Paul; later PeterLegacy: Assisted both Paul and PeterDeath: Unknown

Priscilla & Aquila ⚠️Mentors: Paul; possibly PeterLegacy: Taught Apollos; tentmakers and house-church leadersDeath: Unknown

Section IV: The Second Generation (70–140 AD)

Polycarp of Smyrna ✅Mentor: John the ApostleRole: Bishop of SmyrnaMartyrdom: Burned (~155 AD)

Yochanan (John the Elder) ⚠️Mentor: John the Apostle or earlier disciplesLegacy: Possibly wrote 2 John, 3 John, Revelation (disputed)Death: ~130 AD?

Papias of Hierapolis ⚠️Mentors: John the Apostle; John the ElderRole: Bishop, tradition keeperDeath: ~130–140 AD

Ignatius of Antioch ⚠️Mentor: John the ApostleRole: Bishop of Antioch; wrote lettersMartyrdom: Eaten by lions (~107 AD)

Clement of Rome ⚠️Mentors: Peter; also PaulRole: Bishop of Rome; wrote 1 Clement (~96 AD)Death: Drowned or natural (~99–101 AD)