APOSTLES
The Twelve Apostles were the closest disciples chosen by Jesus Christ during His ministry in Israel. They witnessed His teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection, and later became the first messengers of Christianity to the world.
Although the New Testament records many key moments of their lives, historical traditions and early Christian writings provide additional information about their journeys, missionary work, and martyrdom. After the resurrection of Jesus, the Apostles spread the Gospel across the Roman Empire and beyond, laying the foundations of Christian communities throughout the ancient world.
Below you will find brief historical biographies of each Apostle — including their origins, how they first met Jesus, their role in the early Christian church, and the traditions surrounding their later lives and deaths. Their stories form an essential part of the history of Israel, the Bible Land, and the beginnings of Christianity.
Peter, c. AD 1 – c. AD 64–68
Place of birth: Bethsaida, Galilee (in present-day Israel).
Age when he met Jesus: Approximately 25–30 years old.
Place and circumstances of meeting Jesus: Introduced to Jesus by his brother Andrew near the Jordan River after Andrew had been following John the Baptist (John 1:40–42).
His fate after the execution of Jesus: Became a leading figure in the early Christian church, preached widely, and helped establish the church in Jerusalem and later in Rome.
Family of the apostle: Brother Andrew; married (Jesus healed his mother-in-law, Matthew 8:14).
Age and place of death: Around 64–68 AD in Rome; traditionally believed to have been crucified upside down during the persecution under Emperor Nero.
John (son of Zebedee), c. AD 6 – c. AD 100
Place of birth: Probably Bethsaida, Galilee.
Age when he met Jesus: Approximately 18–22 years old.
Place and circumstances of meeting Jesus: Called by Jesus while fishing with his father Zebedee and brother James (Matthew 4:21).
His fate after the execution of Jesus: Became a major leader of the early church, traditionally associated with the churches of Asia Minor and the city of Ephesus; author of the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation.
Family of the apostle: Son of Zebedee and Salome; brother of James.
Age and place of death: Around 100 AD in Ephesus; traditionally believed to have died of natural causes.
Matthew (Levi), c. AD 5 – c. AD 60–70
Place of birth: Probably Capernaum, Galilee.
Age when he met Jesus: Approximately 25–30 years old.
Place and circumstances of meeting Jesus: Called by Jesus while working as a tax collector in Capernaum (Matthew 9:9).
His fate after the execution of Jesus: Preached the gospel and is traditionally credited as the author of the Gospel of Matthew.
Family of the apostle: Son of Alphaeus (traditionally); no details about marriage.
Age and place of death: Around 60–70 AD; traditions place his death in Ethiopia or Persia.
Thaddeus (Jude, son of James), c. AD 5 – c. AD 65–80
Place of birth: Possibly Galilee.
Age when he met Jesus: Approximately 25–30 years old.
Place and circumstances of meeting Jesus: Chosen by Jesus among the twelve apostles (Luke 6:16).
His fate after the execution of Jesus: Traditionally believed to have preached in Syria, Mesopotamia, and Persia.
Family of the apostle: Identified as the son (or brother) of James in the New Testament.
Age and place of death: Traditionally believed to have died as a martyr in Persia.
Andrew, c. 5 BC – c. AD 60
Place of birth: Bethsaida, Galilee.
Age when he met Jesus: Approximately 25–30 years old.
Place and circumstances of meeting Jesus: Originally a disciple of John the Baptist; followed Jesus after John declared Him the Lamb of God (John 1:35–40).
His fate after the execution of Jesus: Preached the gospel in regions around the Black Sea, Greece, and Asia Minor.
Family of the apostle: Brother of Simon Peter; no record of marriage.
Age and place of death: Around 60 AD in Patras, Greece; traditionally said to have been crucified on an X-shaped cross.
Philip, c. AD 10 – c. AD 80
Place of birth: Bethsaida, Galilee.
Age when he met Jesus: Approximately 20–25 years old.
Place and circumstances of meeting Jesus: Personally called by Jesus shortly after Peter and Andrew (John 1:43–44).
His fate after the execution of Jesus: Preached in Asia Minor and possibly Greece.
Family of the apostle: The New Testament does not mention his parents or marital status.
Age and place of death: Around 80 AD in Hierapolis (modern Turkey); traditionally believed to have been martyred.
Thomas (Didymus), c. AD 5 – c. AD 72
Place of birth: Possibly Galilee.
Age when he met Jesus: Approximately 25–30 years old.
Place and circumstances of meeting Jesus: Called as one of the twelve disciples early in Jesus’ ministry (Matthew 10:3).
His fate after the execution of Jesus: Known for missionary work in the East; strong traditions link him to the spread of Christianity in India.
Family of the apostle: Not mentioned in the New Testament.
Age and place of death: Around 72 AD in Mylapore, India; traditionally believed to have been martyred by spear.
Simon the Zealot, c. AD 5 – c. AD 65–75
Place of birth: Probably Galilee.
Age when he met Jesus: Approximately 25–30 years old.
Place and circumstances of meeting Jesus: Called by Jesus as one of the twelve apostles (Luke 6:15).
His fate after the execution of Jesus: Traditions say he preached in Egypt, North Africa, and Persia.
Family of the apostle: No family details recorded in the New Testament.
Age and place of death: Traditionally believed to have died as a martyr in Persia.
James (son of Zebedee), c. AD 3 – AD 44
Place of birth: Probably Bethsaida or Capernaum, Galilee.
Age when he met Jesus: Approximately 20–25 years old.
Place and circumstances of meeting Jesus: Called by Jesus while fishing with his father Zebedee and brother John on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:21–22).
His fate after the execution of Jesus: Became one of the leaders of the early Jerusalem church.
Family of the apostle: Son of Zebedee and Salome; brother of John the Apostle.
Age and place of death: Around 44 AD in Jerusalem; executed by the sword under King Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:1–2).
Bartholomew (Nathanael), c. AD 5 – c. AD 68
Place of birth: Cana in Galilee (traditionally believed).
Age when he met Jesus: Approximately 25–30 years old.
Place and circumstances of meeting Jesus: Introduced to Jesus by Philip; Jesus described him as “an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile” (John 1:45–49).
His fate after the execution of Jesus: Traditionally believed to have preached in Armenia, India, and other eastern regions.
Family of the apostle: No details recorded in the New Testament.
Age and place of death: Around 68 AD, traditionally in Armenia; said to have been martyred.
James (son of Alphaeus), c. AD 5 – c. AD 62
Place of birth: Probably Galilee.
Age when he met Jesus: Approximately 25–30 years old.
Place and circumstances of meeting Jesus: Chosen by Jesus as one of the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:3).
His fate after the execution of Jesus: Served in the early church; historical traditions about his later life vary.
Family of the apostle: Son of Alphaeus; possibly related to Matthew according to some traditions.
Age and place of death: Around 62 AD; traditions place his death in Jerusalem.
Judas Iscariot, c. AD 5 – AD 30–33
Place of birth: Kerioth in Judea (likely origin of the name “Iscariot”).
Age when he met Jesus: Approximately 25–30 years old.
Place and circumstances of meeting Jesus: Chosen by Jesus as one of the twelve apostles and served as the group’s treasurer (John 12:6).
His fate after the execution of Jesus: Betrayed Jesus to the authorities; afterward he experienced remorse and took his own life (Matthew 27:3–5).
Family of the apostle: Son of Simon Iscariot (John 6:71).
Age and place of death: Around AD 30–33 near Jerusalem
ISRAEL
Israel is a fiery blend of leisure, tourism, and pilgrimage.
Israel is the historic Bible Land where the story of Christianity began and where the lives of Jesus Christ and His Apostles unfolded. Here, among the hills of Galilee, the ancient streets of Jerusalem, and the shores of the Jordan River, the events described in the New Testament took place. For millions of Christians around the world, Israel is not only a country but also a living landscape of the Gospel.
In the first century, this land became the center of a spiritual movement that would eventually transform the world. Jesus of Nazareth walked through towns and villages of Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering His closest followers — the Twelve Apostles. These men, coming from different backgrounds such as fishermen, tax collectors, and ordinary workers, became witnesses of His ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Many of the most important places connected with the Apostles are located in northern Israel around the Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Kinneret. The fishing villages of Bethsaida and Capernaum were home to several Apostles, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Here Jesus called them to follow Him and become “fishers of men,” beginning the mission that would later spread Christianity far beyond the borders of Israel.
The Jordan River also holds a special place in the story of the Apostles. Near these waters, Jesus was baptized, and later His disciples began their ministry of preaching and baptizing new believers. From this region the message of the Gospel began its journey across the ancient world.
Jerusalem, the spiritual heart of Israel, became the central stage for the final events of Jesus’s earthly life. Here the Apostles witnessed the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the birth of the early Christian church. After the resurrection of Christ and the events of Pentecost, the Apostles started to carry the message of Christianity to distant lands — to Asia Minor, Greece, Rome, Persia, India, and beyond.
Today, Israel preserves many places connected with the lives of the Apostles and the early history of Christianity. Pilgrims visit the Sea of Galilee, walk through Jerusalem, pray near the Jordan River, and explore ancient cities that still preserve memories of the first disciples of Christ.
For anyone interested in the origins of Christianity, Israel is more than a travel destination — it is the historical landscape where the faith of the Apostles was born and where the foundations of the Christian world were laid.
Israel is a unique seaside destination that satisfies the most diverse interests and preferences of travelers.
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the country’s main coastal attractions. Popular resorts such as Tel Aviv, Netanya, and Herzliya offer wide sandy beaches, modern infrastructure, and vibrant nightlife. The Mediterranean appeals to those who enjoy beach vacations, water sports, and peaceful relaxation by the sea.
In the south of Israel lies the famous Eilat, on the shores of the Red Sea. This is the perfect destination for those who love the underwater world and active water adventures. The Red Sea is renowned for its coral reefs, rich marine life, and crystal-clear waters, making it one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. Visitors to Eilat can also enjoy shopping, restaurants, and cultural events.
The Dead Sea is a unique natural phenomenon and a world-famous wellness resort, known for its healing properties. Its waters and mud are rich in minerals that benefit both health and skin. The Dead Sea attracts those looking for a calm retreat combined with wellness and relaxation. It is especially popular among travelers seeking rejuvenation and inner balance.
Beyond the seas, Israel also offers inland tourism at the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret). This freshwater lake, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, is ideal for family vacations and pilgrimage. Kinneret appeals to nature lovers, fans of water activities, and those interested in historical and biblical sites.
Israel is a country where seaside leisure blends harmoniously with cultural and wellness experiences.
Where to Relax by the Sea in Israel?
Israel is a country with a diverse climate, making it attractive to visit year-round.
However, the best month to travel depends on the traveler’s preferences and planned activities. Israel can be divided into several climate zones: the Mediterranean coast, the desert areas in the south, the mountain regions, and the Dead Sea area.
Spring is one of the best seasons to visit Israel. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F) along the coast and in central regions. It’s the ideal time for active tourism, walking tours, and excursions, especially in cities like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Nazareth. Nature in Israel comes alive: hills and fields turn green and bloom with flowers. March and April are also popular for pilgrimages as they coincide with major religious holidays.
Summer in Israel is quite hot, especially in desert regions and around the Dead Sea, where temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F). On the Mediterranean coast, in Tel Aviv and other seaside cities, summer is the season for beach vacations, with sea temperatures perfect for swimming. If you plan to visit Israel in July or August, it’s best to stay near the coast or spend more time in the mountains for cooler weather.
Autumn, like spring, is considered one of the best times to travel to Israel. September and October bring a welcome relief after the summer heat, with average temperatures around 25°C (77°F) — ideal for excursions and city walks. By November it gets cooler, but the waters of the Mediterranean and Red Sea are still warm enough for swimming. Autumn is also a great season for visiting national parks and attending cultural events.
Winter in Israel means mild temperatures along the coast and cooler conditions in the mountains, where it can drop to about 10°C (50°F). This is the best season to explore the Negev Desert and the Dead Sea region, where the weather remains comfortable and rainfall is rare. Winter is also marked by major holidays such as Hanukkah and Christmas, adding a festive atmosphere to your trip.
The optimal months to visit Israel are spring (March–April) and autumn (September–October).
These seasons offer mild weather, warm seas, fewer tourists, and perfect conditions for all types of travel — from beach holidays to excursions and pilgrimages.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Israel?
During the current conflict in Gaza and Lebanon, many travelers naturally wonder about safety when visiting Israel. It is important to know that Israel makes significant efforts to maintain security throughout the country, especially in popular tourist areas.
Tel Aviv – a vibrant, cosmopolitan city of skyscrapers and beaches, famous for its cafés, bars, nightlife, and cultural attractions. The city enjoys a high level of safety thanks to advanced air defense systems, making Tel Aviv one of the most popular destinations for visitors. In addition, the headquarters of the Israel Defense Forces is located here, which ensures that the skies above the city remain protected from potential threats.
Jerusalem – the holy city of three world religions, attracting pilgrims and travelers year-round. In the Old City, where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque are located, strict security measures are in place, and a strong police presence is visible. Tourists generally feel comfortable as long as they avoid the eastern Arab neighborhoods and do not attempt to enter private homes or mosques.
Eilat, on the Red Sea, is a resort city known for its tourist infrastructure, large hotels, and diving opportunities. Eilat is considered one of the safest places in Israel, where tourists can peacefully enjoy their seaside vacation. The city is located far from the northern borders with Lebanon, and both the skies and the sea are heavily guarded against potential threats.
Northern cities such as Acre (Akko), Haifa, and Nazareth also offer a calm and safe atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy beautiful landscapes, explore national parks, visit churches, monasteries, and historic sites linked to the Crusades.
Basic safety recommendations for travelers in Israel:
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Avoid areas where protests or demonstrations are taking place, especially those involving religious schools.
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Stay updated with the news (for Russian speakers, one of the largest news portals is Vesty; many Telegram channels also provide timely updates).
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Ask your hotel administration about the safety measures in place in case of an air raid alert.
All tourist sites and holy places in Israel are under strict protection, and both tourists and pilgrims can travel freely, enjoying all that this remarkable country has to offer.
Where Is It Safe in Israel?
Weather
The rainy season in central Israel, including Tel Aviv and the Sharon Plain, stretches from November to April. It is the period when the Mediterranean climate fully reveals its character. After months of dry, golden summer heat, the landscape softens under clouds, the air fills with moisture, and the city adopts a quieter, more introspective rhythm.
Rain in Israel rarely falls as a gentle drizzle. More often it arrives in short, dramatic bursts: heavy showers, rolling thunder, sudden wind from the sea. Between storms, the skies clear to a vivid blue, and the low winter sun illuminates wet stone, olive groves, and city parks washed clean of summer dust. Even familiar places — cactus gardens, cypress avenues, coastal promenades — gain a new texture, as raindrops cling to branches and the ground darkens with fresh water.
Though Tel Aviv never becomes cold by European standards, temperatures drop noticeably. Daytime averages hover between 12–20°C, while nights can fall to 8–10°C. Humidity rises, but the rain cools the air, creating a refreshing contrast to the long dry months. Locals often describe this period as “the real Israeli winter” — not freezing, but alive with weather.
For nature lovers, this is the most rewarding time of year. Fields around the Yarkon River turn green; wildflowers begin to appear in January; and parks across the region — from Ramat Aviv to Herzliya — fill with new scents of wet earth and pine. Even desert plants, like the tall cacti and succulents of Tel Aviv’s botanical parks, respond to the season: their colors deepen, the soil around them darkens, and the entire landscape feels newly awake.
The rainy months also carry practical significance. Israel depends on winter storms to refill its aquifers, reservoirs, and the Sea of Galilee. Each rainfall is part of a delicate balance that sustains the country’s agriculture and water supply.
For travelers, visiting Tel Aviv in winter offers a different experience:
quieter beaches, dramatic skies, and warm cafés filled with people sheltering from sudden showers. The city becomes softer and more intimate, while its natural surroundings turn greener and more vibrant than at any other time of the year.
From November to April, Tel Aviv is shaped by rain — and the brief, bright renewal it brings to the Mediterranean coast.
The Rainy Season in Israel: Tel Aviv from November to April
What Is a Khamsin- the Hot Desert Wind of Israel
A khamsin is a weather phenomena in Israel and across the Eastern Mediterranean. These hot, dry desert winds blow from the Sahara and the Arabian Peninsula, usually during spring and autumn, though they can appear at any time of year.
The term hamsin comes from the Arabic word for “fifty”, referring to the roughly fifty days a year when such conditions may occur. When a hamsin arrives, the air temperature rises sharply — sometimes by 10–15°C in just a few hours — while humidity drops to desert levels. The wind often carries fine dust, giving the sky a pale yellow or hazy appearance.
During a hamsin, the air becomes unusually still and heavy. Plants and animals also respond:
• flowers close to protect moisture
• birds fly lower
• and the landscape takes on a muted, golden hue.
In the Tel Aviv area and the coastal plain, hamsin events are most common:
• March–May
• September–October
They can last from a few hours to several days, until cooler Mediterranean air returns and the sky clears.
