"He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."

Jesus Christ called twelve apostles. Who were they? What is an apostle? How did the Savior prepare them to go forth and preach the gospel?

These names of these twelve men are Simon, who is also called Peter, Andrew, his brother, James, John, his brother, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Lebbaeus, Simon, and Judas Iscariot. (Matthew 10:2-4)
Some things I found interesting about Peter, John, and Matthew:
-Simon, or Peter, though portrayed sometimes as having faults, was trusted by Jesus Christ to lead His church after His death, resurrection, and ascension, and through Peter, the gospel was opened up to the Gentiles.
-John, "the disciple whom Jesus loved," also known as Boanerges, or "the son of thunder," according to John 21:20-23, is going to live until Christ comes again.
- Matthew's main objective was to show that Jesus Christ is the Messiah of whom the Old Testament prophets spoke.

What is an apostle?
An apostle, literally meaning "one sent forth," is a special witness to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. An apostle attends to special administrative duties, and represents Christ to all of the world. There are twelve apostles today, and they serve and represent Christ in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Savior's teachings in Matthew 10:5-42 prepared His apostles to be sent forth to proclaim the gospel. The Savior told these chosen men to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, to serve as missionaries of Christ. He told the, to heal the sick, cleanse the leapers, raise the dead, and cast out devils, that as freely as they have been give, to freely give. He told them to bring nothing extra, but go to people in the places they go that are able to provide. He told them to be as wise as serpents, and as harmless as doves. To beware of men, and to spread peace to those worthy. Do not be above their master. Trust in the Lord, lose their life for Him, and testify of Him.

I could most definitely apply how the apostles acted to the Savior's call in my life. They, without hesitation, accepted their call. They didn't say "Let me finish my job," or "Let me talk to my wife about it first," they simply followed Him, without a moment's hesitation. Too often do I fear, too often do I doubt my purpose and the Lord's, more often do I need to fear not, doubt not, and follow without hesitaion.

The apostles called of God were, and are, great examples of serving the Lord without hesitation, no matter the earthly consequences.