Luke 6:12

¶ And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096} in {G1722} those {G5025} days {G2250}, that he went out {G1831} into {G1519} a mountain {G3735} to pray {G4336}, and {G2532} continued all night {G1273}{G2258} in {G1722} prayer {G4335} to God {G2316}.

It was around that time that Yeshua went out to the hill country to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.

In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God.

And it came to pass in these days, that he went out into the mountain to pray; and he continued all night in prayer to God.

Commentary

Luke 6:12 describes a crucial moment in Jesus' ministry, highlighting His profound reliance on God the Father through dedicated prayer. This verse serves as a powerful model for believers seeking divine guidance and strength.

Context

This verse sets the stage immediately before one of the most significant decisions in Jesus' earthly ministry: the selection of His twelve apostles. Prior to this, Jesus had been actively teaching, healing, and performing miracles, drawing large crowds but also increasing opposition from religious leaders. The atmosphere was charged with both excitement and tension. In light of the immense task ahead – establishing the core leadership team for His burgeoning movement – Jesus withdrew to a solitary place.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Dependence on God: Even as the Son of God, Jesus consistently demonstrated a deep reliance on His Father. His frequent retreats to solitary places for prayer, as seen here and elsewhere, underscore His complete dependence on divine wisdom and power.
  • The Primacy of Prayer: Jesus models that vital decisions and significant undertakings should be preceded by earnest, sustained prayer. He didn't just pray for a moment; He "continued all night in prayer," emphasizing the weight and importance of the upcoming choice.
  • Solitude and Communion: Going "out into a mountain" signifies seeking a private, quiet place away from the crowds and demands of ministry. This solitude facilitated uninterrupted communion with God, allowing for deep spiritual discernment.
  • Preparation for Ministry: This all-night prayer was not a casual act but a deliberate spiritual preparation for the monumental task of choosing the men who would carry on His work after His ascension.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "continued all night in prayer" in the Greek is dianyktereúō en tē proseuchē tou Theou (διανυκτερεύω ἐν τῇ προσευχῇ τοῦ Θεοῦ). The verb dianyktereúō literally means "to spend the night through" or "to pass the whole night." This emphasizes the unbroken and intense nature of Jesus' communion with God. It wasn't a brief petition but a sustained, dedicated outpouring of His heart and seeking of the Father's will.

Practical Application

Luke 6:12 offers a profound lesson for believers today. When faced with significant decisions, challenges, or new ventures, we are called to follow Jesus' example. This verse encourages us to:

  1. Prioritize Prayer: Make prayer, especially focused and sustained prayer, the first step before major decisions.
  2. Seek Solitude: Find dedicated time and space to be alone with God, free from distractions.
  3. Pray with Persistence: Learn from Jesus' "all night" prayer that some matters require prolonged and earnest seeking of God's face.
  4. Depend on God: Recognize that true wisdom and strength for life's challenges come from a deep and consistent reliance on our heavenly Father.
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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 5:7

    Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

  • Mark 6:46

    And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.

  • Mark 1:35

    And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

  • Matthew 14:23

    And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.

  • Matthew 14:25

    And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

  • Mark 14:34

    And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

  • Mark 14:36

    And he said, Abba, Father, all things [are] possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
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