And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:
English Standard Version (ESV)
Luke highlights that Jesus chose the Twelve from his disciples, meaning they weren't plucked from nowhere, but were already part of his following. And by naming them "apostles"—those "sent out"—Jesus immediately sets the stage for their divine commission and future mission.
And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:
English Standard Version (ESV)
After spending the entire night in prayer, Jesus gathered his larger group of followers. From this larger circle, he deliberately selected twelve men to be his closest companions and to be specifically sent out with his authority, giving them the distinct title of apostles. This pivotal moment, following his intense communion with God, marked the establishment of the core leadership for his mission.
Jesus just spent an entire night in prayer. Why such intense devotion before making a crucial decision?
Luke highlights that the selection of the twelve happened after Jesus spent the night in prayer. This isn't just a detail; it's a profound principle. Jesus, fully God, still relied on His Father through prayer for major decisions.
These twelve men weren't just 'students'; they were given a specific, powerful title. What did it really mean?
Jesus didn't just 'choose' twelve men; He named them apostles. This title, which means 'one who is sent,' was not just a label but an official commission.
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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 apostles wasn't a casual decision; it was a weighty moment that followed a night of intense prayer, highlighting Jesus' reliance on God's wisdom for establishing the foundation of His Church.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus ministers in Galilee
Jesus begins his public ministry, gathering disciples and teaching in towns around the Sea of Galilee. Many people are drawn to his message and miracles.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus retreats for prayer
Jesus often withdraws to solitary places to pray. Before making significant decisions or embarking on new phases of his ministry, he spends extended periods in communion with God.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus chooses the Twelve Apostles
After a night of prayer, Jesus selects twelve men from his larger group of disciples to be his closest companions and specially commissioned messengers. He officially names them 'apostles,' meaning 'those who are sent.'
Early 1st century AD
The Twelve are commissioned
These twelve men, later known as the apostles, are given authority and sent out by Jesus to preach the message of the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection
The climax of Jesus' earthly ministry, followed by his resurrection, which validates his mission and the authority of his chosen apostles.
c. AD 33 onwards
The early church spreads
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the apostles become the foundational leaders of the early Christian church, spreading Jesus' message throughout the Roman world.
Just as Moses was called up the mountain to receive God's instructions and choose leaders, Jesus retreats to the mountain to select His core group, highlighting a divine appointment for leadership.
1 Samuel 16:1-13This passage shows God choosing David as king through Samuel, underscoring that God's selection is often unexpected and based on inner qualities rather than outward appearance, much like Jesus choosing His disciples.
John 15:16Jesus tells His disciples, 'You did not choose me, but I chose you,' directly echoing the theme of His intentional selection of the twelve, not the other way around.
Acts 1:24-26After Judas's betrayal, the remaining apostles prayed for God to choose a replacement, demonstrating the ongoing importance and divine nature of the apostolic office Jesus established.
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.)
Luke highlights that Jesus chose the Twelve from his disciples, meaning they weren't plucked from nowhere, but were already part of his following. And by naming them "apostles"—those "sent out"—Jesus immediately sets the stage for their divine commission and future mission.
After spending the entire night in prayer, Jesus gathered his larger group of followers. From this larger circle, he deliberately selected twelve men to be his closest companions and to be specifically sent out with his authority, giving them the distinct title of apostles. This pivotal moment, following his intense communion with God, marked the establishment of the core leadership for his mission.
After spending the entire night in prayer, Jesus gathered his larger group of followers. From this larger circle, he deliberately selected twelve men to be his closest companions and to be specifically sent out with his authority, giving them the distinct title of apostles. This pivotal moment, following his intense communion with God, marked the establishment of the core leadership for his mission.
"And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:" — Luke highlights that Jesus chose the Twelve from his disciples, meaning they weren't plucked from nowhere, but were already part of his following. And by naming them "apostles"—those "sent out"—Jes…
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Last reviewed October 2026