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.”

“I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”

Paul quotes Isaiah to Romans.

It is very unlikely that Romans had access to the writings of God’s prophets.

It is possible that Paul’s words might have been received with understanding because God can and does choose the time and place to let His presence be known.

Paul quotes the prophets right after he writes “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Here is how a girl witnessed to me “Come and join us for some fun.” The way she looked at me was as if she was piercing my soul. No girl had ever looked at me like that before. I wanted more of whatever she was offering.

I followed her into a church where God made Himself known to me. 

God knew how to get my attention.