Luke 6:13
And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This wasn't just a random selection; Jesus spent the entire night in prayer before choosing these twelve men, indicating the immense weight and divine counsel behind appointing His closest emissaries. Luke uniquely highlights that Jesus named them "apostles," a term meaning "sent ones," emphasizing their official commission as ambassadors for the kingdom.
After spending a whole night in prayer, Jesus gathered his many followers and deliberately selected twelve of them to be his closest companions and messengers. This momentous choice, the foundation for spreading his message, followed his deep communion with God, highlighting the divine guidance behind this pivotal moment.
Ever wonder why these twelve men? Jesus’ choice wasn’t random. It followed a profound night of prayer.
Before Jesus made one of the most pivotal decisions in history – choosing the twelve who would launch His church – He spent the entire night in prayer.
A Task Requiring Divine Counsel
This wasn't just a casual selection. The weight of entrusting the salvation of the world to a few men was immense. Luke emphasizes Jesus’ humanity and His reliance on His Father, presenting Him as our perfect example. This night of prayer wasn't just for Jesus; it was to show us the crucial role of prayer in significant decisions.
More Than Just 'Friends'
Jesus had many disciples, but He chose twelve specifically. This wasn't a popularity contest or based on worldly qualifications. It was a deliberate, Spirit-led selection, as He sought counsel from God the Father.
These weren't just Jesus' buddies; they were given a powerful, official title. What did it truly mean to be an 'apostle'?
The term 'apostle' (from Greek 'apostolos') literally means 'one who is sent.' Think of an ambassador or an envoy representing a king or government.
Sent with Authority
When Jesus named these twelve 'apostles,' He was commissioning them. They were officially sent out by Him, carrying His authority and His message. They weren't just students; they were representatives of the King of Kings.
Humble Beginnings, World-Changing Mission
Most of these men were ordinary, uneducated fishermen and tradespeople. They had no idea of the monumental impact their commission would have on the world. Yet, despite their humble origins, they were entrusted with the core task of spreading the Gospel and establishing the early church.
Understand the original words
mathētēs · Greek Noun
Literally 'learner' or 'pupil.' It refers to those who follow Jesus, listen to His teaching, and are committed to His way of life.
apostolos · Greek Noun
Literally 'one who is sent.' It refers to a specific group appointed by Jesus as His official representatives, endowed with authority to preach and perform signs.
The choice of the Twelve wasn't a casual decision; it was the result of intense prayer and divine consultation, highlighting the immense importance of these men as the foundational leaders of the early church.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins in Galilee
Following his baptism and temptation, Jesus begins his public ministry, gathering disciples and teaching throughout the region of Galilee.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus Prays All Night
Before making the crucial decision of choosing the twelve, Jesus spends an entire night in prayer to God, seeking divine guidance for this momentous task.
Early 1st century AD
The Twelve Apostles Are Chosen
Jesus selects twelve men from his larger group of disciples to be his closest companions and specially commissioned emissaries, officially naming them apostles.
Early 1st century AD
The Sermon on the Plain
Immediately following the selection of the Twelve, Jesus delivers a significant teaching known as the Sermon on the Plain, outlining the ethics and expectations of his kingdom.
Just as Moses was called up the mountain by God to choose leaders for Israel, Jesus called his disciples to a mountain to select the twelve.
1 Samuel 16:6-12This passage shows God choosing David from among his brothers, highlighting that God's choices aren't always based on outward appearances but on His divine selection, similar to Jesus choosing the twelve.
John 15:16Jesus directly tells his disciples, 'You did not choose me, but I chose you,' which echoes the deliberate selection of the twelve from the larger group of disciples mentioned in Luke.
Acts 1:24-26After Judas fell away, the remaining apostles prayed and cast lots to choose a replacement, demonstrating the continued importance of God's direct involvement and selection process for apostolic leadership.
pulpitLuke 6:13: "And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;"
Verse 13. - And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve. St. Luke frequently alludes to Jesus spending periods of time in prayer. He would have the readers of his Gospel never lose sight of the perfect humanity of the Saviour, and, while ever keeping in view the higher objects of his earthly mission, still is careful always to prese…
jfbLuke 6:13: "And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;"
13-16. (See on [1583]Mt 10:2-4.)
This wasn't just a random selection; Jesus spent the entire night in prayer before choosing these twelve men, indicating the immense weight and divine counsel behind appointing His closest emissaries. Luke uniquely highlights that Jesus named them "apostles," a term meaning "sent ones," emphasizing their official commission as ambassadors for the kingdom.
After spending a whole night in prayer, Jesus gathered his many followers and deliberately selected twelve of them to be his closest companions and messengers. This momentous choice, the foundation for spreading his message, followed his deep communion with God, highlighting the divine guidance behind this pivotal moment.
After spending a whole night in prayer, Jesus gathered his many followers and deliberately selected twelve of them to be his closest companions and messengers. This momentous choice, the foundation for spreading his message, followed his deep communion with God, highlighting the divine guidance behind this pivotal moment.
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c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry occurs with his death on the cross and his subsequent resurrection, validating his mission and the authority of his apostles.
c. AD 33
The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit is poured out upon the apostles, empowering them to fulfill their commission to spread the Gospel throughout the known world.
"And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:" — This wasn't just a random selection; Jesus spent the entire night in prayer before choosing these twelve men, indicating the immense weight and divine counsel behind appointing His closest emissaries…
