The Twelve Disciples

How Time with Jesus Changes Everything

In only three years, Jesus molded a dozen fearful, faithless men into the pillars of a worldwide movement—the church.

Despite this brief window, the time the twelve disciples spent in in Jesus's presence had a transforming effect on each of them, and they were forever changed. Through studying the lives of Jesus's disciples, you too can be transformed by Jesus. He can take the most fearful and faithless among us and transform our lives, empowering us to become confident witnesses of his grace to the world.

As you study how Jesus made disciples, you too can grow as a disciple and answer Jesus's call to follow him.

This 10-Session LifeGuide® Bible study features:



- A guide to getting the most out of the study, including suggestions for how to participate in individual or group study

- Leader's notes for preparation and leading a group through the study

- "Now or Later" section following each session to help you act on what you learn



About LifeGuide Bible Studies

Presented in a convenient workbook format and featuring the inductive Bible study approach, LifeGuide Bible Studies are thoroughly field-tested prior to publication. They are proven and popular guides for digging into Scripture on your own or with a small group.

For over 30 years, LifeGuide Bible Studies have been your trusted companion for thoughtful, Scripture-based exploration—helping individuals and groups engage deeply with God's Word. With over 15 million copies sold, this beloved series has guided countless Christians through books of the Bible and meaningful topics, offering timeless insights and practical application.



Douglas Connelly (MDiv and MTh, Grace Theological Seminary) is senior pastor at Davison Missionary Church near Flint, Michigan, after serving twelve years as senior pastor at Parkside Community Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan. A writer and speaker, he has written seventeen LifeGuide Bible Studies as well as several books, including The Bible for Blockheads and Angels Around Us. He and his wife Karen have three adult children and six grandchildren.

Getting the Most Out of The Twelve Disciples


1 Andrew: Bringing Others to Jesus - John 1:35-42


2 Simon Peter: Defending (and Rebuking) the Savior - Mark 1:16-20; 8:27-38


3 Matthew: Drawing in the Outcast - Matthew 9:9-13


4 James: Hating Our Enemies - Luke 9:51-56; Acts 12:1-2


5 Philip: Learning to Trust - John 6:1-13


6 John: Seeking to Be the Greatest - Matthew 20:20-28


7 Thomas: Leaving Doubt Behind - John 20:19-29


8 Nathanael: Developing Spiritual Insight - John 1:43-51


9 Judas Iscariot: Turning Away - Matthew 26:14-30, 47-50; 27:1-10


10 Three Others: Faithful to the End - Luke 18:18-34


Leader's Notes