The bible gives us limited information about the backgrounds of Jesus’ disciples.

Simon Peter – Fisherman. 

Andrew (brother of Peter) – Fisherman. 

James (son of Zebedee) – Fisherman. 

John (brother of James, son of Zebedee) – Fisherman. 

Matthew (also called Levi) – Tax collector (publican). 

Philip – No occupation stated.

Bartholomew (often identified with Nathanael) – No occupation stated.

Thomas (also called Didymus) – No occupation stated.

James (son of Alphaeus) – No occupation stated.

Thaddaeus (also called Judas son of James or Lebbaeus) – No occupation stated.

Simon the Zealot (Simon the Canaanite) – Described as a “Zealot,” but no specific trade or profession is given. 

Judas Iscariot – No occupation stated 

Perhaps this is God’s way of telling us that it does not matter what we were or did before we gave up our former lives to follow Jesus.

Isaiah 54:4 “Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.”

The only one who keeps bringing up our past is Satan and his minions.

“Get thee behind me Satan.”