Jesus didn't just "appoint" the twelve; he named Simon "Peter," which means "rock." This wasn't just a nickname; it was a prophetic declaration of the foundational role Simon would play, foreshadowing his future strength and steadfastness for the nascent church.
He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is gathering a core group of followers, having just called out the twelve from the larger crowd of disciples. This selection is deliberate and foundational, setting the stage for their future ministry. After naming them, Jesus immediately highlights Peter, bestowing upon him a new name that signifies his future role and character.
Have you ever thought about how significant a name can be? Jesus didn't just call people by their existing names; he often gave new ones.
A Sign of Divine Authority
Jesus's act of giving new names, like renaming Simon to Peter, was more than just a nickname. It was a declaration of His divine authority and power. In the ancient world, giving someone a new name signified a profound change or a new relationship, often granted by someone in a position of great authority or a divine being.
A New Identity and Purpose
By renaming Simon 'Peter' (meaning rock or stone), Jesus wasn't just acknowledging a personality trait. He was imbuing Simon with a new identity and a specific purpose within His kingdom. This renaming was a public declaration of Peter's future role and the foundational strength Jesus intended him to embody.
Why did Jesus choose twelve specific men? It wasn't random; their selection was crucial for His mission.
A Foundation for the Kingdom
Jesus's selection of twelve men wasn't arbitrary. This number has deep significance, echoing the twelve tribes of Israel. By choosing twelve, Jesus was signaling the inauguration of a new covenant community, a spiritual Israel, that would carry His message to the world.
Companions, Preachers, and Healers
These twelve were appointed for specific reasons: to be Jesus, learning from Him directly, and then to be . Their mission included preaching the Good News, having authority to cast out demons, and healing diseases. They were chosen to be His witnesses and to extend His ministry.
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Understand the original words
epoiesen · Greek Verb
To choose, designate, or set apart a person for a specific office, ministry, or task, often implying divine authority and purpose.
Petron · Greek Noun
A title given by Jesus to Simon, meaning 'rock' or 'stone,' signifying his foundational role in the early church and his confession of faith in Christ.
Boanerges · Greek (transliterated Aramaic) Noun
An Aramaic designation given by Jesus to James and John, literally 'sons of thunder,' likely reflecting their passionate, fiery, or zealous temperament.
Kananaios · Greek Adjective
A term referring to a political and religious movement in 1st-century Judea that advocated for violent resistance against Roman occupation; used here to identify one of the twelve disciples.
Iskarioth · Greek Proper Noun/Adjective
A term referring to the disciple who acted as the adversary or traitor; in biblical theology, it highlights the capacity for human betrayal even within the inner circle of Jesus.
paredoken · Greek Verb
To act treacherously against a superior or covenant partner; specifically used to describe Judas handing Jesus over to the authorities.
The naming of Simon as Peter is more than just a nickname; it's a divine bestowal of a new identity and a prophetic glimpse into his future role as a foundational 'rock' for Jesus' church, despite his eventual weaknesses.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus Calls His First Disciples
Jesus begins his public ministry by calling individuals to follow him, including Simon Peter and Andrew. This marked the initial gathering of those who would become the core of his followers.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Spends a Night in Prayer
Before formally appointing the Twelve Apostles, Jesus withdraws to a mountain to pray all night. This highlights the prayerful and deliberate nature of his selection process.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Appoints the Twelve Apostles
Jesus officially chooses and commissions twelve men from his disciples to be with him and to be sent out to preach and exercise authority. This established the foundational leadership of the early church.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
The period of Jesus' active ministry, including the appointment and training of the Twelve. This culminates in his death and resurrection, which profoundly impacted the apostles' understanding of their calling.
c. AD 33
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
Following Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit empowers the apostles. This event solidifies their roles and equips them for their mission, building upon Jesus' initial appointment.
This passage directly shows Jesus giving Simon the name "Peter" (Cephas) when they first met, establishing the significance of this new identity before his official appointment as an apostle.
Matthew 10:2This verse also lists the twelve apostles, including Simon Peter, showing the consistency of this appointment across the Gospels and further detailing their mission.
Luke 6:13Similar to Mark, Luke records Jesus appointing the twelve and explicitly calls them 'apostles,' highlighting that this appointment was a formal designation for a specific role.
Matthew 16:18This passage records Jesus' significant declaration to Peter, 'On this rock I will build my church,' directly referencing the meaning of his new name and its foundational importance.
vincentMark 3:16: "And Simon he surnamed Peter;"
And Simon he surnamed PeterMark relates only his naming and not his appointment, leaving his appointment to be understood.
gillMark 3:16: "And Simon he surnamed Peter;"
And Simon he surnamed Peter. Or Cephas, which signifies a rock, or stone, because of his courage and constancy, his strength and fortitude, steadiness and firmness of mind: this name was imposed upon him, not at the time of his mission as an apostle; nor when he made that noble confession of his faith in Christ, as the Son of the living God, at which time this name was taken notice of; but when Christ first called him to be his disciple and apostle; see…
Jesus didn't just "appoint" the twelve; he named Simon "Peter," which means "rock." This wasn't just a nickname; it was a prophetic declaration of the foundational role Simon would play, foreshadowing his future strength and steadfastness for the nascent church.
Jesus is gathering a core group of followers, having just called out the twelve from the larger crowd of disciples. This selection is deliberate and foundational, setting the stage for their future ministry. After naming them, Jesus immediately highlights Peter, bestowing upon him a new name that signifies his future role and character.
Jesus is gathering a core group of followers, having just called out the twelve from the larger crowd of disciples. This selection is deliberate and foundational, setting the stage for their future ministry. After naming them, Jesus immediately highlights Peter, bestowing upon him a new name that signifies his future role and character.
"He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and T…" — Jesus didn't just "appoint" the twelve; he named Simon "Peter," which means "rock." This wasn't just a nickname; it was a prophetic declaration of the foundational role Simon would play, foreshadow…
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Last reviewed October 2026
