The twelve apostles each have their own unique symbol that reflects their life and ministry. For example, St. Andrew is represented by a fish on a cross saltire, which symbolizes his role as a fisher of men. St. John is represented by a poisoned chalice, referring to the legend of an attempt to end his life. St. James the Great is associated with scallop shells, since they were abundant along the Spanish coast. Judas Iscariot’s symbol is a hangman’s noose or money purse with pieces of silver falling from it. Other symbols include a Bible and flaying knife for Bartholomew, an axe for Peter, and boat oars for Simon. Each apostle has its own unique symbolism that can be used to identify them in art and other forms of media.
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“The church historically has symbols for the twelve apostles that most Christians don’t recognize or even realize. Symbols of apostles give insight into these companions of Christ to identify them, several Christian saints are traditionally represented by a symbol or iconic motif associated with their lives, known as an attribute or emblem”.