Knowing The Word in Luke 6:12-16

The Twelve Apostles

12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. 13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15 and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Comments

Jesus’ opposition kept increasing, and he knew one day his detractors would kill him. He turned to his Father in an overnight prayer session to make appropriate plans for the future.

Disciples were people who attached themselves to a teacher and followed him. From a larger group of adherents, Jesus chose twelve followers whom he called “apostles.” “Apostle” means “someone sent.” Luke uses the word six times while the other gospel writers only use it once. The number of apostles must relate to the twelve tribes of Israel. Does this indicate that Jesus was establishing a "true" Israel? This seems to be the case, but the number may be more symbolic than actual.

Surprisingly, very few of the apostles left a significant mark on church history, as should be the case. They were ordinary men that Jesus used for his plans to make his Name known, not theirs. The four gospel writers do not agree on all twelve names. However, Bartholomew is probably Nathaniel and Judas son of James is probably Thaddaeus. With that understanding, all the gospels come into agreement on the names of the apostles.

Application

Consider the importance of the apostles not making a name for themselves. Instead of focusing on their own ministry, they focused on Jesus, sharing what he taught, following his Great Commandment: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you (Matthew 28:19-20).” How do you help make new disciples for Jesus? Do you have an action plan? Have you ever considered spending a long time in prayer to make plans with God?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me set aside a significant amount of time to spend in prayer with you sometime during the coming month that together we may make some more disciples for Jesus.