And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus didn't just pick twelve followers; he "made" them apostles, emphasizing that this was an active appointment, not just a passive selection. This foundational time "with him" was crucial training, preparing them for the future mission he'd send them on, so they weren't just students but apprentices in 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 and have authority to cast out demons.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before this, Jesus had been dealing with growing crowds and opposition, even facing attempts on his life. Now, he withdraws to a mountainside and calls to himself those he chose, specifically selecting twelve men from his disciples to be set apart. These twelve are appointed not just for a future mission but to be in constant communion with him, learning from him so they might later be equipped to preach and exercise authority.
Before they were sent out, Jesus first appointed the Twelve to simply be with him. What does that foundational time look like?
Jesus' first intention in choosing the twelve was not to equip them for immediate ministry, but to bring them into his inner circle. This period of 'being with him' was crucial for their formation.
Learning Through Proximity
Being with Jesus was the preparation for a specific mission. What was that mission, and what equipped them for it?
The Twelve were chosen with a future purpose: to be sent out. This sending involved two key elements mentioned in the text: preaching and healing (implied by the scholarly context as having authority to cast out devils and heal diseases).
The Dual Mandate
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This wasn't just about announcing a message; it was about demonstrating its power and showing the compassionate nature of God's work.
Why specifically twelve? This number wasn't arbitrary. It carried profound meaning for God's people.
The choice of exactly twelve men was deeply symbolic. It intentionally connected Jesus' new work with the history and identity of Israel.
A New Israel
This choice highlighted Jesus' authority to reconstitute God's people.
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.
exousia · Greek,originalWord: Noun
The legal right and power to act; in a biblical context, it is delegated power from God to perform signs, wonders, or spiritual tasks.
daimonion · Greek,originalWord: Noun
Spiritual entities under the control of the devil; they are agents of evil that seek to harass, possess, or deceive humanity, all of whom are subject to the power of Jesus.
This selection wasn't just about picking a team; it was a deliberate process of discipleship, setting the stage for the foundational work of the early church.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Jesus Calls and Appoints the Twelve
Jesus selects twelve men from his followers to be his closest companions and to be trained for a future mission.
c. 30 AD
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
Jesus commissions the Twelve, giving them authority to preach and to heal, and sends them out on a specific mission.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ministry with the Twelve
Throughout his public ministry, Jesus continually teaches, trains, and leads the Twelve, preparing them for their post-resurrection roles.
c. 33 AD
Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus is crucified, but then resurrected, a pivotal event that confirms his identity and mission, and that of his apostles.
c. 33 AD
The Great Commission
After his resurrection, Jesus expands the mission of the apostles, sending them to preach the gospel to all nations.
c. 33 AD - 70 AD
Apostolic Ministry and Writings
The apostles, empowered by the Holy Spirit, spread the Gospel, establish churches, and their testimonies are recorded in the New Testament.
This passage directly parallels Mark 3:14 by detailing Jesus sending out the twelve apostles, highlighting the purpose for which they were chosen: to preach and heal.
Luke 6:13Luke's account emphasizes that Jesus 'named them apostles,' underscoring the specific calling and authority given to this select group, which is foundational to their later mission.
Exodus 24:1This Old Testament account shows God calling elders to ascend Mount Sinai with Moses, providing a precedent for God selecting a specific group for a sacred purpose and a foundational experience with Him.
John 15:16Jesus' own words, 'You did not choose me, but I chose you,' powerfully reinforce the theme of divine election present in the appointment of the twelve, emphasizing that their calling was not based on their own merit but on Christ's sovereign choice.
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 followers; he "made" them apostles, emphasizing that this was an active appointment, not just a passive selection. This foundational time "with him" was crucial training, preparing them for the future mission he'd send them on, so they weren't just students but apprentices in ministry.
Just before this, Jesus had been dealing with growing crowds and opposition, even facing attempts on his life. Now, he withdraws to a mountainside and calls to himself those he chose, specifically selecting twelve men from his disciples to be set apart. These twelve are appointed not just for a future mission but to be in constant communion with him, learning from him so they might later be equipped to preach and exercise authority.
Just before this, Jesus had been dealing with growing crowds and opposition, even facing attempts on his life. Now, he withdraws to a mountainside and calls to himself those he chose, specifically selecting twelve men from his disciples to be set apart. These twelve are appointed not just for a future mission but to be in constant communion with him, learning from him so they might later be equipped to preach and exercise authority.
"And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons." — Jesus didn't just pick twelve followers; he "made" them apostles, emphasizing that this was an active appointment, not just a passive selection. This foundational time "with him" was crucial training…
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Last reviewed October 2026