Many Christians are unable to give the names, or many details, of Jesus’ twelve disciples and yet we can learn many lessons from their lives. Each of them had his own personality but Jesus was able to change and use them in the service of the Kingdom of God. They had faults like we do. They were a mixed bunch of people, each with their own gifts and struggles. God calls all sorts of people, and we cannot forget that Jesus was selecting men for a leadership role in the early church. We can use the example of the apostles to inspire and teach us. This is a tremendously useful book that will have a place on many a minister’s bookshelf. From Andrew through to Judas, Ian Fleck’s survey is detailed but accessible and never dry. This is a timely book, coming at a time when many in the church are speaking of the need for discipleship, yet, all too often, little or nothing is ever said of the first disciples. This book opens up their lives to us. Rev. Dr. Paul Bailie Chief Executive, Mission Africa (Working in Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Chad and Kenya) Inspired by material concerning the Twelve disciples which he has assembled from the Four Gospels, and in interaction with other Scripture texts and some ancient traditions, Ian Fleck in this series of meditations has succeeded in deriving, from the lives of Jesus’ choses followers, challenging, inspirational and practical lessons for readers to apply in discipleship of Christ today. Rev Dr. Gordon Campbell Professor of New Testament, Union Theological College, Belfast