The twelve men whom Jesus called to be His disciples weren't saints, scholars, or religious sages. In fact, among the group were a handful of uneducated fishermen, a hated tax collector, and a political zealot. Perhaps it is because of this mix in personalities that we find the twelve disciples so fascinating. After all, they represent personality types that we encounter today. They are approachable and real.

What's more, the Bible doesn't try to hide their faults and foibles. The impulsivity of Peter. The ambition and aggressiveness of James and John. The doubt of Thomas. These men are like people we meet in our modern age with the same qualities! They are relatable to us. We understand why they stumbled at times--and are inspired when we find them "getting it right."

Eleven of these men would take up Jesus' great commission to preach the gospel to the world. They devoted their lives to this passion and triumphed against overwhelming opposition. Despite their shortcomings, they are fitting role models, revealing what Jesus can do with a life completely surrendered to Him. Getting to know these men who were close to Christ will help us to better know Christ ourselves.

The Twelve Ordinary Men Workbook has been completely revised and updated. Each lesson includes:

• A chapter-by-chapter exploration of the key themes in the book
• Selected passages of Scripture with accompanying study questions
• Insights from church tradition and biblical scholars on the lives of each disciple
• Reflections from John MacArthur on what each disciple can teach us today

LESSONS

Lesson 1--Common Men with an Uncommon Calling

Lesson 2--Peter: The Apostle with the Foot-Shaped Mouth

Lesson 3--Andrew: The Apostle of Small Things

Lesson 4--James: The Apostle of Passion

Lesson 5--John: The Apostle of Love

Lesson 6--Philip: The Bean Counter

Lesson 7--Nathanael: The Guileless One

Lesson 8--Matthew and Thomas: The Tax Collector and the Twin

Lesson 9--James (the Less), Simon (the Zealot), and Judas (son of James): The Not-So-Well-Known Trio

Lesson 10--Judas: The Traitor