Symbols

of the Apostles

The Symbols of the Twelve Apostles are one way the church has passed on the faith. Their lives inspire us to follow in the footsteps of Christ. We imitate them in the same way that they imitated Christ. The church assists us in remembering their stories by assigning Symbols of the Apostles, and the symbols remind us of that disciple’s life. They are a church treasure that allows us to learn more about our history.

The symbols of the Apostles

Let us investigate the symbols that the church bestowed upon the twelve apostles and see how they aid in our understanding of our faith. The Symbols of the 12 Apostles are one way the church has passed on the faith. Their lives inspire us to follow in the footsteps of Christ. We imitate them in the same way that they imitated Christ.

Table Of Contents

Apostle Peter (Two crossed keys)
Apostle Andrew (Fish on a cross saltire)
Apostle James the Greater (Stalt and Scallop Shell)
Apostle John (Snake in a Chalice)
Apostle Philip (Basket, cross, and spear)
Apostle Bartholomew (Bible and a ﬂaying knife)
Apostle Matthew (3 money bags)
Apostle Thomas (carpenter’s square, rocks, arrow, and spear)
Apostle James The Less (stones and saw)
Apostle Simon (Fish on a Bible)
Apostle Jude ship (thought to be a fisherman), staff (missionary, pilgrim), square rule)
Apostle Matthias (Bible and Scimitar)
Summary Symbols of the Apostles
FAQ: The Twelve Apostles
Resources Symbols of the Apostles

The church assists us in remembering their stories by assigning symbols to each of the apostles, and the symbols remind us of that disciple’s life. They are a church treasure that allows us to learn more about our history. Let us investigate the symbols that the church bestowed upon the twelve apostles and see how they aid in our understanding of our faith. You will see that many of the symbols give clues to how the Apostles died.

Let us dive into the Symbols of the Apostles with explanations. Find the catholic saints’ symbol images for each apostle.

Apostle Peter (Two crossed keys)

Peter’s emblem depicts two crossed keys, which represent the Church’s founding confession of faith:

“You are the true Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).

Anyone who possesses the same faith that Saint Peter expressed so clearly and firmly has the keys to entering the Realm of God. The inverted cross represents how, during his crucifixion, Peter asked that his head be placed where his Master’s feet were nailed

Saint Peter Quick Fact: answered Jesus that he was Christ, the son of the living God. He is the rock upon which Jesus would build his Church

Saint Andrew Logo

Apostle Andrew (Fish on a cross saltire)

Saint Andrew accompanied his brother Peter to Jesus. The fish reveals that he transitioned from his previous occupation as a fisherman to his larger calling as a fisher of humanity.

The saltire cross, also known as St. Andrew’s Cross, is the traditional form of the cross on which he was crucified after preaching the Gospel in Greece.

Saint Andrew Quick Fact: Andrew was Peter’s brother, brought him to Jesus Christ & he recognized Christ at first sight.

Apostle James the Greater (Stalt and Scallop Shell)

In his preaching and teaching, Saint James the Greater walked a lot. The stalt, which can be seen on his emblem, was used in his pilgrimages.

The scallop shell on display was a simple dish with numerous applications. King Herod executed James with a sword that appears to cross the staff. James was so active and brave that even after his death, his accuser converted to Christianity.

Saint James the Greater Quick Fact: part of the prominent group (Peter, James, John). He was present at Jairus’ daughter’s rising, transfiguration, and the Agony in the Garden.

Apostle John (Snake in a Chalice)

According to legend, an attempt was made on John’s life by putting poison in his chalice. Saint John was the only one of the 12 to live to a ripe old age and die naturally. He is remembered as a beloved disciple who was close to Jesus and who looked after Jesus’ mother,

Saint John Quick Fact: was the first to see the grave & believe Jesus had risen, one of the 7 disciples who saw Jesus at the shore. His close relationship with God earned him the name “the disciple whom Jesus loved”.

Apostle Philip (Basket, cross, and spear)

The basket in Saint Philip’s emblem represents the feeding of the multitude, which was a major concern of his.

The Tau cross and spear represent the way he gave up his life for Him who is the Bread of Life.

Saint Philip Quick Fact: a disciple of John the Baptist, one of the Apostles. Mentioned only in New Testament in John, called by Jesus and brought Nathaniel/Bartholomew.

Apostle Bartholomew (Bible and a ﬂaying knife)

The Bible and a ﬂaying knife are signs of Saint Bartholomew. He had firm faith in the word of God, which he preached freely. He met his martyrdom by being ﬂayed alive.

Saint Bartholomew Quick Fact: also known as Nathaniel, converted Polymius to the King of Armenia.

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Apostle Matthew (3 money bags)

The emblem for Saint Matthew, the former tax collector, depicts three purses, a nod to his previous occupation

The battle-axe he was killed with is also depicted.

Apostle Matthew Quick Fact: invited Jesus for supper at his house with sinners and tax collectors, “I came not to call the just, but sinners.

Apostle Thomas (carpenter’s square, rocks, arrow, and spear)

Saint Thomas‘s emblem includes a carpenter’s square.

According to legend, he built a church in India while carrying on his ministry there. The rocks, arrows, and spear also depicted tell the story of a painful but valiant death.

Saint Thomas Quick Fact: known as doubting Thomas.

Apostle James The Less (stones and saw)

Saint James the Less was a brother of Jesus.

While little is known about him due to his retiring nature, it is known that he preached throughout Jerusalem until he was stoned to death and his body was sawn asunder, hence the stones and saw on his emblem.

Saint James the Less Quick Fact: author of the first Catholic epistle, son of Alphaeus and Mary, brother of the Lord, a witness of Resurrection, pillar of the Church.

Apostle Simon (Fish on a Bible)

Saint Simon the Zealot was the inspiring companion of Jude and was martyred in Persia on a missionary journey.

A relentless ﬁsher of humanity through the power of the Gospel, Simon is symbolized by a fish on a Bible.

Saint Simon the Zealot Quick Fact: he sometimes called Simon the Zealot because of his zeal for the Mosaic law.

Apostle Jude ship (thought to be a fisherman), staff (missionary, pilgrim), square rule)

A ship with a cross on the sails symbolizes heroic Jude on missionary expeditions accompanied by his friend Simon.

Saint Jude is sometimes known as Thaddaeus or Lebbaeus

Saint Jude Quick Fact: sought in desperate situations, letter in New. Testament, patron saint of desperate cases & hopeless causes.

Apostle Matthias (Bible and Scimitar)

The apostles chose Saint Matthias to take the place of Judas the traitor. Matthias was well-versed in the scriptures, as evidenced by the Bible depicted in his emblem. After a fearless service as a missionary in Judea, he was beheaded with a scimitar, which is also depicted on the emblem.

Saint Matthias Quick Fact: he was with Jesus since baptism by John the Baptist. Replaced Judas the traitor (either him or Barsabas) and became associated with the eleven apostles.

Summary Symbols of the Apostles

Christians have always used symbols to help us understand the faith. We have a long history of beautiful images with significant meanings, and many of us don’t understand them.

The symbolism of Christian saints has been used since the religion’s inception. Each saint is said to have lived an exemplary life, and symbols have been used to tell their stories throughout the Church’s history.

Iconography is the study of these in art history. They were especially used to help the illiterate recognize a scene and to give each of the saints a personality in art.

FAQ: The Twelve Apostles

Who were the Twelve Apostles?

The Twelve Apostles were the primary disciples of Jesus Christ, chosen by him to preach the Gospel and establish his Church.
They played a pivotal role in the early spread of Christianity.

What are the symbols associated with each Apostle and what do they represent?

Each Apostle is traditionally associated with a symbol that reflects their life, ministry, or martyrdom. For example:
Peter: Crossed keys, symbolising the authority given to him by Jesus to lead the Church.
Andrew: Saltire cross (X-shaped), the type of cross on which he was martyred.
James the Greater: Scallop shell, a symbol of pilgrimage, as he is believed to have preached in Spain.
John: Eagle, representing his soaring theological insights in his Gospel and Revelation.
Philip: Basket of loaves, recalling his role in the feeding of the 5,000.
Bartholomew: Flaying knife, the instrument of his martyrdom.
Matthew: Three money bags, representing his former profession as a tax collector.
Thomas: Carpenter’s square, possibly symbolising his role in building the early Church.
James the Less: Fuller’s club, a tool used for beating cloth, possibly signifying his role in disciplining the early Church.
Simon the Zealot: Saw, the instrument of his martyrdom.
Jude Thaddeus: Ship, symbolising the spread of the Gospel.
Matthias: Axe or lance, representing his role as a warrior for Christ.

What are some of the key events in the lives of the Apostles?

The Apostles witnessed many significant events during Jesus’ ministry, including his miracles, teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection. After Pentecost, they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel boldly. Some key events include:
Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah.
James the Greater’s martyrdom by Herod.
John’s exile to the island of Patmos.
Thomas’ initial doubts about the resurrection.
Paul’s conversion and his extensive missionary journeys.

What is the significance of the “Labors of the Apostles”?

The “Labors of the Apostles” refers to the missionary journeys and work undertaken by the Apostles after Jesus’ ascension. They travelled extensively, spreading the Gospel, establishing churches, and facing persecution. These labors were instrumental in the growth of early Christianity.

Are there common names today that are derived from the Apostles?

Yes, many common names are derived from the Apostles’ names. For example:
John: Giovanni, Johannes, Ian, Evan, Ivan, Jean, Sean, Shawn.
James: Jim, Jacques, Jacob, Jakob, Seamus, Giacomo.
Joseph: Guiseppe, Iosif, Josef, Jose, Osip.

What is the role of iconography in understanding the Apostles?

Iconography, the study of religious images and symbols, helps us to identify and understand the stories of the Apostles.
Their symbols, often depicted in art and sculpture, serve as visual reminders of their lives and ministries.

What are some resources for learning more about the Apostles?

The New Testament: The Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles provide detailed accounts of the Apostles’ lives and ministries.
Websites and online resources: Many websites offer information about the Apostles, their symbols, and their significance in Christian history.
Books and scholarly articles: Numerous books and articles delve into the history, theology, and impact of the Apostles.

Why are the Apostles still relevant today?

The Apostles’ lives serve as examples of faith, courage, and dedication to Christ. They remind us of the importance of spreading the Gospel, serving others, and remaining faithful in the face of adversity.
Their stories continue to inspire and challenge Christians today.

Resources Symbols of the Apostles

https://onedaysgrace.co.nz/blogs/news/symbols-of-the-12-apostles
https://quizlet.com/10956929/the-12-apostles-symbols-and-quick-facts-flash-cards/
https://ourlordstyle.com/blogs/christian-writings/classic-christian-symbols-and-their-meanings-the-twelve-apostles