Who Were the Disciples?
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Who What Why Series | The New Testament
The New Testament in the Bible covers important history, from the Incarnation of Jesus through the letters of the apostles.
Jesus, who is God the Son, became fully God and fully human, taught us how to live for his glory, then took the punishment of all believers on himself on the Cross. He died, was buried, and rose from the dead, then ascended to heaven. One day, believers will also be resurrected to live forever with Jesus on the new earth.
Teach your kids about the New Testament with fun narrative and important biblical truth through the Who What Why series from Danika Cooley and Christian Focus Publications.
Who Were the Disciples?
Throughout history, God has often chosen the most ho-hum, ordinary lives with which to do the most extraordinary things. God’s marvelous work in history, you see, does not depend upon the amazingness of the people he chooses to work through. Rather, God’s astonishing work in history is all about how incredible he is.
Who Were the Disciples?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2025), page 7
The Twelve -- the disciples of Jesus -- were chosen by Jesus Christ as his closest friends.
These men loved Jesus. They followed him everywhere for three years, listening to him teach, witnessing the signs and miracles he did to show he is the promised Messiah, and being discipled to become his apostles. Eleven of these oh-so-ordinary men went on to become the apostles of Jesus, spreading the gospel across the known world. One betrayed Jesus.
Each one of the disciples found himself forever changed through his relationship with Jesus Christ. Every disciple struggled with the teachings of Jesus and the reality of who he is. Over the course of three years, Jesus changed their hearts and their character, just as he does for each Christian today.
Together, the disciples had amazing adventures. Apart, they impacted the world for Jesus and changed the course of history.
Who Were the 12 Disciples of Jesus?
The "Twelve" were specifically chosen by Jesus. They:
- Traveled with Jesus for three years during his ministry.
- Were all Jewish.
- Were convinced he is the Son of God, the Christ.
- Sometimes brought their moms along!
- Saved by grace, just as we are today.
- Were ordinary men. There were fishermen, a tax man, and even a terrorist! All were changed by Jesus.
- One disciple betrayed Jesus.
- Witnessed Jesus' teachings, miracles, and death. Eleven of the disciples witnessed his resurrection and ascension.
- Eleven of the disciples went on to become the apostles of Jesus.
- Had their own personalities. Some were timid and hesitant, while others were fiery and excitable.
Who Were the Disciples? tells the story of the twelve men who loved and followed Jesus. Kids will also learn about some of the women who followed Jesus. Through their stories, they will learn the story of Jesus, the promised Christ, our risen Savior.
12 Disciples of Jesus Biography for Kids
Your kids can learn about the lives of the disciples, the historical times they lived in, their time with Jesus, and their work spreading the gospel after the resurrection of Jesus.
In a fun and engaging tone, the Christian biography Who Were the Disciples? will take your kids through the lives of Jesus' twelve disciples.
Who Were the Disciples? chapters:
- Chapter One: Calling the Fishers of Men
- Chapter Two: Simon Peter, the Rock
- Chapter Three: Andrew, the Bringer of People
- Chapter Four: James, the Son of Thunder
- Chapter Five: John, the Beloved Disciple
- Chapter Six: Philip, the Slow of Heart
- Chapter Seven: Nathanael Bartholomew, the True of Heart
- Chapter Eight: Matthew Levi, the Tax Collector
- Chapter Nine: Thomas, the Twin
- Chapter Ten: James, the Younger
- Chapter Eleven: Judas Lebbaeus Thaddaeus, not Iscariot
- Chapter Twelve: Simon the Zealot
- Chapter Thirteen: Judas Iscariot, the Betrayer
- Timeline
Some people who heard Jesus speak were interested only in the miracles he did, while others hoped he would lead a violent revolution to free Israel from the rule of the Roman Empire. The Bible often calls the many sincere followers of Jesus his disciples. Yet, Jesus chose just twelve ho-hum, ordinary men to be his special disciples, whom the Bible often refers to as the "Twelve."
Who Were the Disciples?, Danika Cooley (Christian Focus Publications, 2025), pages 7-8
Fabulously illustrated by Martyn Smith, the Who What Why series books are each 95 pages long with 8-9 chapters (Who Were the Disciples? has 13 chapters), perfect for your middle grade (ages 7-12) readers. The fun narrative makes each book an engaging family read aloud, but kids will love, too, that they can read the books on their own.
In fun sidebars, your kids will also learn about:
- What is a Disciple?
- The Women Who Followed Jesus
- Follow Jesus for Eternal Life
Who Were the Disciples? is a fun way for kids to learn about twelve men who followed Jesus. Eleven of the men became Jesus' apostles, while one betrayed him.
Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids
"As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight." - Psalm 16:3, ESV
Christian History Matters for Our Kids.
History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible. Here's why:
- God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It's important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings.
- Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
- Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church.
- Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God's Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.
- Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others--and on history.
Elementary-aged kids need middle grade resources that are fun, a little sassy, and that teach valuable lessons.
The Who What Why Series is the perfect resource to teach your kids about history, while helping them apply biblical truths to their lives today.
“Who Were the Disciples? by Danika Cooley brings to life the personalities and the purpose of Christ’s specially chosen disciples. With line art, maps, and a timeline, Danika helps young readers better know and more greatly appreciate the ordinary (and exceptional) men whom God called to be “fishers of men.” Christian families will greatly enjoy this title as part of Danika’s Who, What, Why series." Linda Lacour Hobar, Author of The Mystery of History | Chronological, Christian, Complete World History for All Ages
"As a Christian parents of eleven children, one of our priorities is ensuring they know the Bible and can defend their faith. The Who, What, Why? series helps equip middle grade students with a sound grasp of some of the central themes of the New Testament. Learning about the meaning of the cross, the resurrection, and life sketches of the disciples, helps to provide a great 'box top' for the Biblical puzzle, so they know how all the pieces fit together. Danika has done it again with another home-run resource for Christian families." Israel and Brook Wayne, Authors and Conference Speaker, Founders, Family Renewal
"I decided to review Who What Why The Gospels as a group because that’s how to best talk about them. They are a good middle grade Bible study for young Christians learning what their faith is. It’s a good addition to your bible lessons. So let’s talk about each of these books and how I would use them to help kids grow in their life." Ticia Messing
"Just sat down to continue reading through these with my boys. (That’s them in the background, living their best army-men-and-building-blocks life. 😉) You guys, I love how gospel-rich and engaging these books are! We’ve been enjoying them, and I’m so pleased with the Christ-centered focus. These books are such a solid resource for discipling our kids. You’ll get clear truths, bite-sized learning, and great springboards for gospel conversations. 💛 👉 Clear Presentation of the Gospel 👉 Biblical Worldview and Solid Theology 👉 Engaging Read-Aloud Style 👉 Discipleship-Focused Content 👉 Great for Multi-Age Learning This is a win for the Christian family, mamas!" Tauna Meyer, Proverbial Homemaker
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"Use these Christian Biographies for Kids as part of your history curriculum in your homeschool or as family read-alouds. Add them to your Morning Time basket or your bedtime devotions. Hand them to your elementary-aged children to read on their own – I think they are great for children from preschool through middle school. However you choose to use them, I know they will bless your family!" Clarissa R. West
"History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible. The aim of this special series is to help kids, ages 7-12, learn about Christian history. Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God’s Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation. ...I highly recommend you to check these books out!" Fill Your House With Books
"The cross isn’t just a symbol—it’s the turning point of history, the very moment our salvation was purchased. But how do you explain something so profound to kids in a way they can understand? That’s where What Was the Cross? from the Who, What, Why Series comes in. Designed for ages 7–12, this book takes children through the biblical account of the cross, why Jesus died, and what that means for us today." Dana, The Art Kit
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"My kids loved learning about the 12 disciples through this book, and I did too. It’s not just facts thrown on a page; Danika Cooley has such a great way of explaining biblical history in a way that just makes sense to kids. And the best part? It’s organized beautifully with a chapter dedicated to each disciple, so kids can really get to know them as individuals." Dana, The Art Kit
"Danika Cooley is one of my favorite authors for kids because she makes hard concepts easy to understand and fun to read about! Her newest books in the Who What Why series explore the greatest and most important story in the world – the story of Jesus." Bonnie Rose, Write Bonnie Rose
"Whether you’re a homeschool parent, Sunday school teacher, or children’s church leader, these books will equip your kids with biblical truth, a deeper understanding of the gospel, and a clearer picture of who Jesus is. These books are gospel-rich, doctrinally sound, visually engaging, and spiritually meaningful. What more could you ask for?" Ellen, Homeschooling Highway
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Customer Reviews
I just love how engaging and gospel-rich the books in Danika’s Who What Why series are. And the book Who Were the Disciples? is a great addition! It’s a great read-aloud. It clearly explains what a disciple is and gives a character profile for each of the 12 disciples. Woven throughout are important biblical themes such as redemption and grace, the power of the gospel, and how we, too, can be disciples of Christ. This is a fantastic book to have in your family library!
Each chapter covers a different disciple and if there isn't much known about that disciple then the author explains more of what life would have been like and things we know the disciples experienced. There is a key focus on the difference Jesus made in each one's life.
Who Were the Disciples? by Danika Cooley introduces kids to the twelve men who followed Jesus in a special way while He lived and ministered on Earth. It is a fun and exciting look at how God uses regular, everyday people who often make mistakes and messes of things and does extraordinary things through them. It is a great encouragement to trust in God’s awesomeness and not your own strengths, and it shows kids the importance of leading others to know Jesus.
Danika Cooley has done it again! I have been looking for a resource to use with my kids that looks at each of the individual disciples, and I was pleasantly surprised that this is it! Not only that, but she weaves other important parts of the gospel and biblical principles into the disciples' stories. For example, she tells about where Jesus was born as a connection to where Nathaniel was born and uses the disciples' stories to talk about repentance. Cooley is gifted in writing Christian history for kids!
A great book for all ages!
This book shows you what it was like to be one of Jesus' disciples. It is packed with information about each disciple, with a chapter dedicated to each one. Danika has a great way of explaining and talking about the disciples that just makes sense. It's written with ages 7-12 in mind and all my kids loved it. If you have kids, I highly recommend this book! The font is easy to read, there are fantastic line drawings inside, and it's organized well. Bible verses, a timeline, and a map are included as well.
My kids love all of the books from the Who What Why series - as do I! Danika makes it so easy to learn about history and the Bible.
I love the step by step of who each disciple was, how they changed because of Jesus, and what happened to them (handled appropriately for the age).
This would be perfect to read after studying the Gospels OR after finishing up Acts when kids are wondering what happened to all the people they've been reading about.
I love this series so I was excited when I learned more books were coming out! This one is about the disciples and gives a great overview of each one. From biographical aspects to general historical content based around the disciples, it's very interesting and informative! I love using this to teach my children history through stories. Exactly the way I prefer to teach history in our homeschool!
