Who Were the Disciples | Biography for Kids

Who were the disciples? Teach your kids (ages 7-12) the answer to “Who were the 12 disciples of Jesus?” with a fun biography for kids.

Who Were the Disciples? | Christian Biography for Kids

How many times have you read through the Gospels? Yet, you probably feel that, save a few of the men–like Peter and John, the disciples of Jesus are a nebulous group of men who once lived. Am I right?

You wouldn’t be alone!

Your children can learn about the life of Jesus through the lives of his twelve apostles. Each man was chosen by Jesus. Each one had his own life-changing experiences. Many followed Jesus along with their mothers and sometimes other family members.

In Luke 6:40, ESV, Jesus said:

A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

Each one of Jesus’ 12 disciples was radically changed through their time with him. Your kids will love getting to know each one. As they meet the disciples, and see their interactions with Jesus, their faith and biblical understanding will deepen.

Who Were the Disciples?

Throughout history, God has often chosen the most ho-hum, ordinary lives with which to do the most extraordinary things. God’s marvelous work in history, you see, does not depend upon the amazingness of the people he chooses to work through. Rather, God’s astonishing work in history is all about how incredible he is.

Who Were the Disciples?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2025), page 7

The Twelve — the disciples of Jesus — were chosen by Jesus Christ as his closest friends.

These men loved Jesus. They followed him everywhere for three years, listening to him teach, witnessing the signs and miracles he did to show he is the promised Messiah, and being discipled to become his apostles. Eleven of these oh-so-ordinary men went on to become the apostles of Jesus, spreading the gospel across the known world. One betrayed Jesus.

Each one of the disciples found himself forever changed through his relationship with Jesus Christ. Every disciple struggled with the teachings of Jesus and the reality of who he is. Over the course of three years, Jesus changed their hearts and their character, just as he does for each Christian today.

Together, the disciples had amazing adventures. Apart, they impacted the world for Jesus and changed the course of history.

Who Were the Disciples? | Endorsement by Linda Lacour Hobar

The Who What Why series is the perfect way to teach your kids, ages 7-12, about the history of our faith!

Who Were the 12 Disciples of Jesus?

The “Twelve” were specifically chosen by Jesus. They:

Traveled with Jesus for three years during his ministry.
Were all Jewish.
Were convinced he is the Son of God, the Christ.
Sometimes brought their moms along!
Saved by grace, just as we are today.
Were ordinary men. There were fishermen, a tax man, and even a terrorist! All were changed by Jesus.
One disciple betrayed Jesus.
Witnessed Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and death. Eleven of the disciples witnessed his resurrection and ascension.
Eleven of the disciples went on to become the apostles of Jesus.
Had their own personalities. Some were timid and hesitant, while others were fiery and excitable.

Who Were the Disciples? tells the story of the twelve men who loved and followed Jesus. Kids will also learn about some of the women who followed Jesus. Through their stories, they will learn the story of Jesus, the promised Christ, our risen Savior.

Who What Why Resurrection Series | Endorsement by Israel and Brook Wayne

The Who What Why series is fun to read!

12 Disciples of Jesus Biography for Kids

Your kids can learn about the lives of the disciples, the historical times they lived in, their time with Jesus, and their work spreading the gospel after the resurrection of Jesus.

In a fun and engaging tone, the Christian biography Who Were the Disciples? will take your kids through the lives of Jesus’ twelve disciples.

Who Were the Disciples? chapters:

Chapter One: Calling the Fishers of Men
Chapter Two: Simon Peter, the Rock
Chapter Three: Andrew, the Bringer of People
Chapter Four: James, the Son of Thunder
Chapter Five: John, the Beloved Disciple
Chapter Six: Philip, the Slow of Heart
Chapter Seven: Nathanael Bartholomew, the True of Heart
Chapter Eight: Matthew Levi, the Tax Collector
Chapter Nine: Thomas, the Twin
Chapter Ten: James, the Younger
Chapter Eleven: Judas Lebbaeus Thaddaeus, not Iscariot
Chapter Twelve: Simon the Zealot
Chapter Thirteen: Judas Iscariot, the Betrayer
Timeline

Some people who heard Jesus speak were interested only in the miracles he did, while others hoped he would lead a violent revolution to free Israel from the rule of the Roman Empire. The Bible often calls the many sincere followers of Jesus his disciples. Yet, Jesus chose just twelve ho-hum, ordinary men to be his special disciples, whom the Bible often refers to as the “Twelve.”

Who Were the Disciples?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2025), pages 7-8

Fabulously illustrated by Martyn Smith, the Who What Why series books are each 95 pages long with 8-9 chapters (Who Were the Disciples? has 13 chapters), perfect for your middle grade (ages 7-12) readers. The fun narrative makes each book an engaging family read aloud, but kids will love, too, that they can read the books on their own.

In fun sidebars, your kids will also learn about:

What is a Disciple?
The Women Who Followed Jesus
Follow Jesus for Eternal Life

Who Were the Disciples? is a fun way for kids to learn about twelve men who followed Jesus. Eleven of the men became Jesus’ apostles, while one betrayed him.

Purchase Who Were the Disciples?

Who What Why | Resurrection FREE Printable Lapbooks

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Who What Why Series | Christian Biographies for Kids

Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids

“As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” – Psalm 16:3, ESV

Christian History Matters for Our Kids.

History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible.

Here’s why:

God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It’s important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings.
Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church.
Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God’s Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.
Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others–and on history.

Elementary-aged kids need middle grade resources that are fun, a little sassy, and that teach valuable lessons.

Who What Why Exodus Endorsement | Linda Lacour Hobar

The Who What Why Series is the perfect resource to teach your kids about history, while helping them apply biblical truths to their lives today.

Your kids will love the Who What Why Reformation series with illustrated narratives for 8-11 year olds. And, Martin Luther’s young adult historical fiction story makes the perfect family read aloud!
Grab the autographed Reformation Family Bundle!