Jesus Selects the Twelve Disciples

Bible Study Lesson from Mark 3:13-19

14 He appointed twelve -- designating them apostles -- that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach

15 and to have authority to drive out demons.

16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter);

17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder);

18 Andrew, Phillip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot

19 and Judas Iscarlot, who betrayed him."

Jesus picks his twelve disciples

Names of the 12 Disciples

No, I couldn't name them all either. But, to refresh your memory - here are the names of the 12 disciples.

1. Simon - Now known as Peter
2. James son of Zebedee
3. John (James' brother)
4. Andrew
5. Phillip
6. Bartholomew
7. Matthew
8. Thomas
9. James son of Alphaeus
10. Thaddaeus
11. Simon the Zealot
12. Judas Iscarlot

Why Twelve?

Just a little background about the disciples. Why would Jesus pick 12 and not 5, 20, or even 1,000 disciples?

A footnote to this passage about the disciples is that Jesus had many disciples who followed him - those who went out and spread the word about his ministry but the twelve disciples were the "inner circle" so to speak.

Here is a Possible Answer

According to Matthew 19:28 the number 12 is very significant as it relates to the twelve tribes of Israel, and shows the relationship between the newness of Jesus' message and the old religious system under Jewish law.

Jesus had crowds of people following him, but he focused more on training the 12 chosen to be Apostles. An Apostle is someone who represents or is a messenger. Jesus needed people with the willingness to obey him.

How do We Compare to the Twelve Disciples?

We may be more talented, know more people, or show more leadership ability than many of the disciples but the key word in the scripture is Obey. Are we as eager as these 12 when it comes to obeying Christ when he calls us to do a task?

Love in Christ

- Bob

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