Many people followed Jesus throughout His ministry, both men and women, but Jesus called twelve special men to be His constant companions. These hand-picked followers were called disciples. He first called Peter, Andrew, James and John by the Sea of Galilee. These first four immediately left their fishing nets and followed Jesus. Then He called Phillip, Thomas, and Bartholomew. Next Jesus called Matthew, a despised tax collector, who left his money behind and followed Jesus. Then Jesus called James-the-less, Simon, and Thaddeus to be His disciples. Jesus also called the traitor, Judas Iscariot, to be His disciple. After three years of watching Jesus preach, heal, and work miracles, Judas would betray his master into the hands of His enemies.