In these first disciples was presented a marked diversity. They were to be the world's teachers, and they represented widely varied types of character. There were Levi Matthew the publican, called from a life of business activity, and subservience to Rome; the zealot Simon, the uncompromising foe of the imperial authority; the impulsive, self-sufficient, warmhearted Peter, with Andrew his 86 brother; Judas the Judean, polished, capable, and mean-spirited; Philip and Thomas, faithful and earnest, yet slow of heart to believe; James the less and Jude, of less prominence among the brethren, but men of force, positive both in their faults and in their virtues; Nathanael, a child in sincerity and trust; and the ambitious, loving-hearted sons of Zebedee.

Disse første disciple var påfaldende forskellige. De skulle være lærere for verden, og de repræsenterede vidt forskellige karakterejendommeligheder. Der var tolderen Levi Mattæus, der blev kaldet fra et travlt forretningsliv i underdanighed over for Rom; der var zeloten Simon, den ubøjelige fjende af den kejserlige myndighed; den impulsive, selvsikre, varmhjertede Peter med sin broder Andreas; judæeren Judas, med et slebent væsen, dygtig og fej; Filip og Tomas, trofaste og alvorlige, men alligevel langsomme til at tro; Jakob den Yngre og Judas, der var mindre fremtrædende blandt brødrene, men stærke mænd, der var afgjorte både i deres fejl og deres gode sider; Natanael, der var barnlig i sin oprigtighed og sin tillid; og de ærgerrige, varmhjertede sønner af Zebedæus.