According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus chose twelve apostles. The number is stated especially clearly in Mark, Matthew, and Luke, which describe Jesus selecting twelve followers for a distinctive role in his ministry.
The twelve included Simon Peter, James and John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot in the traditional Gospel lists. The lists are not identical in every name, because Thaddaeus is also associated with Judas son of James.
The number twelve likely recalls the twelve tribes of Israel and symbolized a renewed people of God. After Judas Iscariot’s death, Acts describes the apostles choosing Matthias to join the remaining eleven. The New Testament also uses broader language for other disciples and messengers, so “the Twelve” refers to a specific group rather than every follower of Jesus.