And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus didn't just pick twelve random guys; he appointed them specifically "so that they might be with him." This intimate time of discipleship was the crucial first step, preparing them to be sent out, highlighting that deep connection and learning with Jesus himself is the foundation for ministry.
And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus had just been teaching in a synagogue and healing a man, which caused a stir and led to plots against him. He then withdrew to the sea, with a large crowd following him, and as he prayed on a mountain, he called out the men he wanted to be with him. He then appointed twelve of these disciples to be apostles, so they could learn from him and later be sent out to preach and have authority over demons.
Jesus didn't just pick a team; He chose them for a specific, two-part purpose. What were these two essential elements?
Mark 3:14 lays out the foundational reason for Jesus choosing the twelve: "so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach."
Two Halves of the Same Coin
This dual purpose highlights that true ministry flows from a deep relationship with Christ. We can't effectively share what we haven't first experienced and learned in His presence.
Jesus actively chose these twelve. What does this tell us about why they were chosen, and what it means for us?
The wording in Mark 3:14, particularly "he appointed twelve," points to a deliberate, sovereign choice by Jesus.
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Understand the original words
apostolos · Greek Noun
One who is chosen or commissioned by Jesus to be a special messenger, bearing His authority and representative of the foundation of the Church.
kēryssō · Greek Verb
Public proclamation of the Gospel; the act of heralding the news of God's kingdom and the salvation found in Jesus Christ.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Following his baptism and temptation, Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering followers.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Withdraws to Pray
Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray. This period of prayer preceded significant decisions, like the selection of the Twelve.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Selection of the Twelve Apostles
Jesus deliberately chose twelve men from his larger group of disciples to be his closest companions and to be sent out with his authority.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
After a period of training and being with Jesus, the Twelve were eventually commissioned and sent out by Jesus to preach and heal.
This passage lists the twelve apostles by name, echoing Mark's account of Jesus appointing them. It also directly links their appointment to their future mission of preaching and healing.
Luke 6:12-13Similar to Mark, Luke describes Jesus spending the night in prayer before selecting and naming the twelve apostles, highlighting the intentionality and divine guidance in their selection.
Exodus 24:1-2This Old Testament passage shows Moses appointing twelve tribal representatives to go up the mountain to meet God, providing a thematic parallel to Jesus establishing twelve core followers to represent His new covenant community.
John 15:16Jesus tells His disciples, 'You did not choose me, but I chose you,' which directly informs the appointment of the twelve in Mark 3:14, emphasizing that their calling was initiated by Christ, not by their own merit.
pooleMark 3:14: "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,"
See Poole on "Mark 3:13"
gillMark 3:14: "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,"
And he ordained twelve,.... Or made, constituted, and appointed twelve men, out of those he called to him. The Arabic version adds, "and called them apostles"; which seems to be taken out of Luke 6:13 . That they should be with him; constantly, in private and in public; be taken into his family, and reckoned such; be his familiars, and privy to all his affairs; hear all his discourses…
Jesus didn't just pick twelve random guys; he appointed them specifically "so that they might be with him." This intimate time of discipleship was the crucial first step, preparing them to be sent out, highlighting that deep connection and learning with Jesus himself is the foundation for ministry.
Jesus had just been teaching in a synagogue and healing a man, which caused a stir and led to plots against him. He then withdrew to the sea, with a large crowd following him, and as he prayed on a mountain, he called out the men he wanted to be with him. He then appointed twelve of these disciples to be apostles, so they could learn from him and later be sent out to preach and have authority over demons.
Jesus had just been teaching in a synagogue and healing a man, which caused a stir and led to plots against him. He then withdrew to the sea, with a large crowd following him, and as he prayed on a mountain, he called out the men he wanted to be with him. He then appointed twelve of these disciples to be apostles, so they could learn from him and later be sent out to preach and have authority over demons.
"And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach" — Jesus didn't just pick twelve random guys; he appointed them specifically "so that they might be with him." This intimate time of discipleship was the crucial first step, preparing them to be sent ou…
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Last reviewed October 2026