The 12 apostles
- Andrew (Simon Peters brother [2])
- Simon Peter (Andrwes brother [1])
- John (James brother [4])
- James (John's brother [3])
- Philip
- Nathanael (Bartholomew)
- Matthew
- Judas (Thaddaeus)
- Simon (of Cana)
- Thomas (Alphaeus) (cousin of Jesus)
- James (Alphaeus) [James the less] (cousin of Jesus)
- Matthias (who replaced judas iscarriot the traitor) [*]
[*] Acts 1:24-26 ...designate which one of these two men you have chosen 25 to take the place of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas deviated to go to his own place.” 26 So they cast lots over them, and the lot fell to Mat·thi′as, and he was counted along with the 11 apostles.
According to the Templar Church, Paul is not considered an Apostle, since there can not be more then 12, as Acts 1 indicates. He is however a respected, devout preacher and teacher of the early church, and increased the growth/extend/influence of the Church far beyond israel, but is none the less, not an Apostle. The Apostles esteemed him highly and respected him, however, nowhere in the Bible does it say that the twelve counted Paul as one of them.
Qualities one had to have to be an apostle:
Acts 1:21-22 It is therefore necessary that of the men who accompanied us during all the time in which the Lord Jesus carried on his activities* among us, 22 starting with his baptism by John until the day he was taken up from us, one of these men should become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
- accompanied Jesvs during all his activites here on earth
- seen Jesvs baptism
- seen Jesvs resurection
- seen Jesvs accention to heaven