The 12 Apostles and the 72 Disciples were both handpicked by Jesus, but they had very different roles. The 12 Apostles were Jesus’ inner circle—called to follow Him closely, learn from Him directly, and later lead the early Church. Their mission was ongoing and foundational, and they’re named repeatedly throughout the New Testament. In contrast, the 72 Disciples were a larger group sent out on a short-term mission to prepare towns for Jesus’ arrival. While their names are mostly unknown, they were empowered to heal and preach, and their work was still crucial to spreading Jesus’ message.
Understanding the difference between these two groups helps you see how Jesus built His ministry and mobilized people for different purposes. Whether you’re leading or supporting, both groups show that there’s a place for you in God’s plan. Keep reading for a deeper dive into who these followers were, what they did, and what it all means for your faith today.
If you’ve read the Gospels, you’ve probably come across both the 12 Apostles and the 72 Disciples. It’s easy to confuse them or assume they’re all the same group, but they’re not. These two groups had different roles, callings, and missions in Jesus’ ministry.
Let’s break down exactly who they were, what they did, and why it matters.
Who Were the 12 Apostles?
The 12 Apostles were Jesus’ closest followers. They were handpicked by Him and played a foundational role in the early Church.
Names of the 12 Apostles
The 12 are listed in multiple places in the New Testament (Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:13-16). Here’s the most common list:
- Peter (also called Simon)
- James (son of Zebedee)
- John (James’s brother)
- Andrew (Peter’s brother)
- Philip
- Bartholomew
- Matthew (the tax collector)
- Thomas (often called “Doubting Thomas”)
- James (son of Alphaeus)
- Thaddeus (also called Judas, son of James)
- Simon the Zealot
- Judas Iscariot (later replaced by Matthias after his betrayal)
These men weren’t just followers. They were apostles, which literally means “sent ones.” Jesus trained them personally and sent them out to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Mark 6:7-13).
What Did the 12 Apostles Do?
Their mission was clear:
- Spread the Gospel (Mark 16:15)
- Establish the Church (Ephesians 2:20)
- Bear witness to Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 1:21-22)
They weren’t perfect. Peter denied Jesus. Thomas doubted. Judas betrayed. But Jesus used them anyway. After the resurrection and Pentecost (Acts 2), they became leaders of the early Christian movement.
Who Were the 72 Disciples?
Now let’s talk about the 72 Disciples. This group appears in Luke 10:1-20. Jesus appointed them and sent them two by two into every town and place He planned to visit.
Here’s the key verse:
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.” — Luke 10:1 (NIV)
Some Bible translations say 70 instead of 72. This difference comes from variations in ancient manuscripts. But the idea’s the same—Jesus called a large group of followers beyond the 12.
What Did the 72 Disciples Do?
Their mission was similar to the 12’s, but more localized and temporary. They were sent out to:
- Prepare the way for Jesus (Luke 10:1)
- Heal the sick (Luke 10:9)
- Proclaim the Kingdom of God (Luke 10:9, 11)
Jesus gave them power over demons and authority to heal. When they returned, they were amazed:
“Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!” — Luke 10:17
Jesus responded with a powerful statement:
“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” — Luke 10:18
These disciples were part of a broader movement. They weren’t called apostles, and we don’t know most of their names. They played a vital role, but their mission was specific to that moment.
Key Differences Between the 12 Apostles and the 72 Disciples
Let’s get clear on the core differences. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | The 12 Apostles | The 72 Disciples |
| Chosen by | Jesus | Jesus |
| Number | 12 | 70 or 72 |
| Title | Apostles | Disciples |
| Mission Type | Ongoing, foundational | Temporary, preparatory |
| Authority | Long-term leadership | Short-term outreach |
| Known Names | All named | Mostly unknown |
| Biblical Focus | Prominent in Acts and letters | Mentioned only in Luke 10 |
Why the Numbers Matter
Numbers in the Bible are rarely random. The number 12 represents the 12 tribes of Israel. Choosing 12 Apostles was a symbolic way of saying, “This is the new people of God.”
The number 70 or 72 ties back to Genesis 10, which lists the nations of the world—traditionally numbered at 70. It’s also tied to Exodus 24:1, where Moses appoints 70 elders. This connects the 72 Disciples to the idea of reaching the nations and leading God’s people.
Did the 72 Become Apostles Later?
That’s a good question. Some early Christian traditions name a few of the 72, and say some became bishops or evangelists. For example:
- Barnabas (Acts 4:36) is often listed among the 72.
- Luke (the Gospel writer) is also sometimes included.
- Mark (who wrote the Gospel of Mark) is sometimes on the list too.
But in the Bible, none of them are called “Apostles” in the same way as the 12. Even Paul, who had a unique apostolic calling, had to defend his title (Galatians 1:1).
What’s the Takeaway for You?
Here’s what matters: Jesus doesn’t just call a few people to serve. He called the 12. He called the 72. He calls you, too.
You might not be building churches across the world, but your role in God’s mission matters. Whether you’re called to lead, serve, teach, or just share your story—He’s sending you, just like He sent them.
Jesus said:
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” — Luke 10:2
You’re part of that harvest team.
Final Thoughts
The 12 Apostles were the inner circle—leaders Jesus trained personally for long-term work. The 72 Disciples were a larger group of followers sent out for a specific mission. Both groups were important. Both were empowered. And both show us something vital:
Jesus doesn’t just work through big names—He works through faithful people willing to go where He sends them.
So whether you feel like a Peter or one of the 72 whose name we never learn, know this:
You’re part of God’s plan, too.
If you found this helpful, consider sharing it or bookmarking for later. And if you’re diving into Bible study, Luke 9 and 10 are great chapters to read together—they show both groups in action.
FAQs: The Difference Between the 12 Apostles and the 72 Disciples
1. What is the difference between the 12 Apostles and the 72 Disciples?
The 12 Apostles were Jesus’ core group of followers chosen for long-term leadership and to help establish the Church. The 72 Disciples were a larger group sent on a specific short-term mission to prepare cities for Jesus’ arrival.
2. Were the 12 Apostles also part of the 72 Disciples?
No, the 12 Apostles and the 72 Disciples were distinct groups. The Apostles had an ongoing leadership role, while the 72 were sent out temporarily for a specific evangelistic mission.
3. Where in the Bible are the 12 Apostles and 72 Disciples mentioned?
The 12 Apostles are listed in Matthew 10:2–4, Mark 3:16–19, and Luke 6:13–16. The 72 Disciples are mentioned in Luke 10:1–20.
4. Why did Jesus choose 12 Apostles?
The number 12 symbolized the 12 tribes of Israel. Jesus chose 12 Apostles to represent the new spiritual foundation of God’s people under the new covenant.
5. Why were there 72 Disciples?
The number 72 (or 70 in some manuscripts) connects to the 70 nations listed in Genesis 10, symbolizing a mission to the world. It also echoes the 70 elders Moses appointed in Exodus 24.
6. Did any of the 72 Disciples become Apostles later?
Some traditions say a few of the 72, like Barnabas or Luke, became prominent leaders. But biblically, none of them are officially called “Apostles” in the same way as the 12.
7. What was the mission of the 72 Disciples?
They were sent in pairs to towns Jesus planned to visit. Their job was to heal the sick, cast out demons, and proclaim that the Kingdom of God was near (Luke 10:1–11).
8. What authority did the 12 Apostles have that the 72 did not?
The 12 Apostles had long-term spiritual authority, including leadership over the Church, preaching, and writing Scripture. The 72 had short-term authority for their specific mission.
9. Do the 12 Apostles and 72 Disciples teach us anything today?
Yes. They show that God uses different people for different purposes. Some lead, some prepare the way, but all are essential to His work. There’s a role for everyone—including you.
10. Can we learn leadership lessons from the difference between the 12 Apostles and 72 Disciples?
Absolutely. The 12 show how Jesus trains and entrusts leaders, while the 72 show that faithful obedience and readiness to serve are just as powerful—even without public recognition.
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FAQs: The Difference Between the 12 Apostles and the 72 Disciples
1. What is the main difference between the 12 Apostles and the 72 Disciples?
The 12 Apostles were chosen for long-term leadership in the early Church, while the 72 Disciples were sent on a short-term mission to prepare towns for Jesus’ arrival.
2. Who were the 12 Apostles, and how do they differ from the 72 Disciples?
The 12 Apostles included Peter, James, John, and others who walked closely with Jesus and helped build the Church. The 72 Disciples were additional followers who spread the message but weren’t part of Jesus’ inner circle.
3. Why did Jesus appoint both 12 Apostles and 72 Disciples?
Jesus appointed the 12 Apostles to lead His ministry long-term and represent the 12 tribes of Israel. He appointed the 72 Disciples to carry out a specific evangelistic task during His earthly ministry.
4. Are the 72 Disciples mentioned by name like the 12 Apostles?
No, the Bible names all 12 Apostles in multiple passages, but the names of the 72 Disciples are not listed in Scripture.
5. Where in the Bible does it talk about the 12 Apostles and the 72 Disciples?
The 12 Apostles are listed in Matthew 10:2–4, Mark 3:16–19, and Luke 6:13–16. The 72 Disciples are mentioned in Luke 10:1–20.
6. Did any of the 72 Disciples later become part of the 12 Apostles?
No, the Bible doesn’t say any of the 72 Disciples became part of the 12 Apostles. They had separate roles and were chosen for different purposes.
7. How does the mission of the 72 Disciples differ from the 12 Apostles?
The 12 Apostles were commissioned to preach, heal, and establish the Church. The 72 were sent two-by-two to prepare towns for Jesus’ visits, preach repentance, and heal the sick.
8. What authority did the 12 Apostles have that the 72 Disciples didn’t?
The 12 Apostles had authority to lead the early Church, write Scripture, and teach doctrine. The 72 had temporary authority to preach and heal during their specific mission.
9. What do the differences between the 12 Apostles and the 72 Disciples teach us today?
They show that God uses different people for different roles. Some are leaders; others serve behind the scenes. All are important in God’s plan.
10. Why is understanding the difference between the 12 Apostles and the 72 Disciples important?
It helps you read the Bible with clarity and appreciate the different ways Jesus organized His ministry. It also highlights how everyone has a role in spreading the Gospel—just like they did.
