We often imagine the twelve
apostles as saintly icons — polished, perfect, and somehow not like us. But
in truth, they were a dynamic mix of personalities: thinkers and feelers,
introverts and extroverts, planners and doers.
And when we apply the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) to their lives,
we uncover a deeply human portrait — one that shows how Jesus
builds greatness not from perfection, but from potential. [DOWNLOAD PDF
AT THE END OF ARTICLE].
So, what if Peter was an ESTP? Or John an INFP?
And what if seeing yourself in one of these ancient personalities helps you
walk more confidently in your purpose today?
Let’s dive into the MBTI of the apostles — and perhaps,
discover yourself along the way.
MBTI 101: The Four Dimensions
The MBTI is built on four pairs of traits:
- Introversion
(I) vs. Extraversion (E) – Where you focus your energy
- Sensing
(S) vs. Intuition (N) – How you gather information
- Thinking
(T) vs. Feeling (F) – How you make decisions
- Judging
(J) vs. Perceiving (P) – How you organize your world
These combine into 16 distinct types. Let’s explore how these
showed up in the lives of the apostles — and what we can learn from them.
Meet the Apostles Through the MBTI
Peter – ESTP ("The Dynamo")
Bold, impulsive, and action-oriented. Peter was a natural
leader, unafraid to speak (or act) first — whether stepping onto water or
drawing his sword. Like a classic ESTP, he had to learn restraint and spiritual
depth through trial and transformation.
Life lesson: Passion without purpose is unstable. But passion guided by
love changes the world.
John – INFP ("The Idealist")
Reflective, tender-hearted, and deeply spiritual. John was
Jesus’ closest emotional companion — attuned to love, mystery, and inner truth.
He embodied the INFP’s soulful pursuit of deeper meaning.
Life lesson: Don’t underestimate quiet strength. The most poetic hearts
often carry the greatest revelations.
Thomas – ISTJ ("The Inspector")
Loyal, cautious, and truth-focused. Thomas wasn’t a doubter —
he was a realist. As an ISTJ, he needed proof and structure, but once
convinced, he stood firm, even unto death.
Life lesson: God honours honest questions that seek real truth.
Matthew – INTJ ("The Mastermind")
Strategic, analytical, and internally driven. Once a tax
collector, Matthew turned his mind toward kingdom purpose. His Gospel reveals
the clarity and structure that INTJs thrive on.
Life lesson: Great vision must be anchored in truth and transformed
motives.
Andrew – ISFJ ("The Nurturer")
Supportive, steady, and service-oriented. Andrew wasn’t
flashy, but he was always bringing others to Jesus — like his brother Peter.
The ISFJ shines in loyalty and love expressed through quiet service.
Life lesson: Behind every world-changer is someone faithfully holding
them up.
Philip – ISTP ("The Craftsman")
Practical, curious, and sometimes hesitant. Philip wanted
things to make sense — “Show us the Father and it will suffice.” His ISTP
nature sought clarity before commitment.
Life lesson: Even logical minds can grow into bold faith.
Simon the Zealot – ENTJ ("The Commander")
Driven, passionate, and mission-focused. Simon once burned
for political revolution — then he burned for the kingdom. ENTJs are powerful
visionaries, and in Christ, Simon found a cause worth everything.
Life lesson: God redirects strong will into sacred service.
James (Son of Zebedee) – ESTJ ("The Executive")
Decisive, outspoken, and structured. James was a man of
action and accountability, likely a leader among leaders. ESTJs are efficient
and dependable — just what the early church needed.
Life lesson: Leadership is most powerful when it’s rooted in obedience.
Bartholomew (Nathanael) – INFJ ("The Advocate")
Thoughtful, spiritual, and idealistic. “A man in whom there
is no guile,” Jesus said. As an INFJ, Bartholomew likely lived with quiet
depth, devoted to causes of truth and divine purpose.
Life lesson: Pure hearts can carry powerful missions.
James (Son of Alphaeus) – ISFP ("The Composer")
Gentle, humble, and faithful. Little is recorded about him,
yet his presence was constant. ISFPs love quietly, act kindly, and reflect
beauty in simple loyalty.
Life lesson: You don’t need the spotlight to shine.
Judas (Son of James) – ENFP ("The Campaigner")
Joyful, enthusiastic, and people-oriented. Judas Thaddeus was
likely a warm encourager and bridge-builder — the kind of person who made
others feel seen.
Life lesson: A joyful spirit is a doorway to hearts.
Judas Iscariot – INTJ (Shadowed)
Brilliant, strategic, but misguided. Judas may also have been
an INTJ — but unlike Matthew, he let logic override love. This shows how
personality without surrender can lead us astray.
Life lesson: Intelligence and influence must be redeemed by trust and
humility.
What’s YOUR Type in the Kingdom?
Understanding the MBTI doesn’t just help us know the apostles
better — it helps us know ourselves. We all bring something to the table:
- The bold
voice like Peter
- The quiet
depth like John
- The structured
logic like Matthew
- The gentle
loyalty like Andrew
- The honest
questioning like Thomas
You are a vital thread in the tapestry of God’s work. Your
type isn’t a box — it’s a starting point for transformation.
Final Thought: Jesus Calls All Types
Jesus didn’t ask the apostles to be the same. He didn’t need
twelve Peters or twelve Johns. He needed diversity of strength, uniqueness
of calling, and unity of heart.
He still does.
So whether you’re an ENFP or an ISTJ, whether you feel loud
or invisible, certain or unsure — you’re exactly the kind of person Jesus
calls.
The question is: will you follow?
