Peter (Simon Peter): Peter, originally named Simon, was one of the most prominent apostles of Jesus Christ. He was a fisherman by trade, living in Bethsaida and later Capernaum, and was called by Jesus to become a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). Jesus gave him the name Peter, meaning "rock," signifying his foundational role in the early Church (John 1:42).

Peter is often seen as the leader of the twelve disciples. He was part of Jesus' inner circle, along with James and John, witnessing key events such as the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9) and the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46). Peter's boldness and impetuous nature are well-documented in the Gospels. He was the first to confess Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16), and Jesus responded by declaring, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church" (Matthew 16:18).

Despite his strong faith, Peter also experienced moments of weakness. He famously denied Jesus three times during the events leading up to the crucifixion (Matthew 26:69-75). However, after the resurrection, Jesus restored Peter, asking him three times, "Do you love Me?" and commissioning him to "Feed My sheep" (John 21:15-17).

Peter played a crucial role in the early Church, as recorded in the Book of Acts. He delivered the sermon at Pentecost, where about three thousand people were baptized (Acts 2:14-41). He also performed miracles, such as healing a lame man at the temple gate (Acts 3:1-10), and was instrumental in the inclusion of Gentiles into the Church, following his vision of the clean and unclean animals (Acts 10:9-48).

The Disciples (The Twelve Apostles): The twelve disciples, also known as apostles, were chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers and to carry on His mission after His ascension. Their names are listed in the Gospels: Simon Peter, Andrew (Peter's brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James's brother), Philip, Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael), Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus (also known as Judas, son of James), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus (Matthew 10:2-4).

The disciples were called to be with Jesus, to learn from Him, and to be sent out to preach and perform miracles (Mark 3:14-15). They witnessed Jesus' teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection, and were commissioned to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the apostles played a foundational role in the establishment of the early Church. They were filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, empowering them to preach the Gospel boldly (Acts 2:1-4). They faced persecution but remained steadfast in their mission, spreading the message of Christ throughout the Roman Empire.

Each apostle contributed uniquely to the early Church. For example, John, the beloved disciple, wrote the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation. Matthew authored the Gospel of Matthew, and Peter is traditionally associated with the authorship of the epistles of 1 and 2 Peter. The apostles' teachings and writings form a significant portion of the New Testament, providing guidance and doctrine for the Church throughout the ages.