How Old Were the Disciples?

The disciples of Jesus were likely young men mostly in their late teens to early twenties, with some possibly older. Jesus began his public ministry around age 30, and disciples in Jewish culture were usually younger than their teacher.

Since many disciples, like James and John, were fishermen able to leave their families' work, they were at least teenagers. Peter was married, indicating he was older, likely in his mid to late twenties or early thirties. The youngest disciple was probably John, often thought to be a teenager around 15.

By the time the Gospels were written (60s to 90s AD), the disciples would have been older but still active. This age range fits cultural practices of the time for students of a rabbi and early church leaders.