Luke 6:13

And when it was day, he called [unto him] his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

And {G2532} when {G3753} it was {G1096} day {G2250}, he called {G4377} unto him his {G846} disciples {G3101}: and {G2532} of {G575} them {G846} he chose {G1586} twelve {G1427}, whom {G3739} also {G2532} he named {G3687} apostles {G652};

When day came, he called his talmidim and chose from among them twelve to be known as emissaries:

When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles:

And when it was day, he called his disciples; and he chose from them twelve, whom also he named apostles:

Commentary

Luke 6:13 KJV records a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry: the formal selection and commissioning of His closest followers. This verse marks the transition from a general group of disciples to a specially appointed core leadership team.

Context

This significant event follows a night of intense prayer by Jesus on a mountain (Luke 6:12). This demonstrates the profound importance Jesus placed on His decision, seeking divine guidance for the establishment of His earthly ministry's foundational leadership. From the broader group of those who followed Him (His "disciples"), Jesus specifically chose twelve individuals to fulfill a unique role.

Key Themes

  • Divine Selection and Appointment: The verse highlights Jesus' sovereign authority in choosing these men. It was not a democratic process but a deliberate, divine appointment for a specific purpose. This act underscores God's intentionality in establishing leadership for His kingdom.
  • The Birth of the Apostolic Office: By naming them "apostles," Jesus inaugurated a new office. This group would serve as eyewitnesses to His life, death, and resurrection, and would be uniquely commissioned to carry forth His message and establish His church. Their role was foundational, as later described in Ephesians 2:20, where the church is built "upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets."
  • Symbolism of Twelve: The number twelve carries deep significance in Jewish tradition, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This choice symbolized the new spiritual Israel that Jesus was establishing, indicating a continuity of God's covenant people, but now under the new covenant.

Linguistic Insights

  • Disciples (Greek: mathētēs): This term generally refers to a "learner" or "follower." Many people were Jesus' disciples in a broad sense, attending to His teaching.
  • Apostles (Greek: apostolos): This crucial term means "one who is sent forth" or "an envoy." It implies a commission and authority to represent the sender. The apostles were not merely learners but empowered agents sent by Jesus with a specific mission to preach, heal, and cast out demons, as detailed in parallel accounts like Mark 3:14-15 and Matthew 10:1-4.

Practical Application

Luke 6:13 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Importance of Prayer in Decision-Making: Jesus' all-night prayer before making this crucial choice serves as a powerful model. It reminds us to seek God's will diligently, especially when making significant decisions or appointing leaders.
  • God's Call to Service: While not all are called to be apostles in the foundational sense, every believer is called to a specific service within God's kingdom. This verse highlights that God sovereignly chooses and equips individuals for His purposes.
  • The Nature of Christian Leadership: The apostles were chosen not for personal gain or prestige, but for a mission of service and sacrifice. True Christian leadership is characterized by being "sent" by Christ to represent Him and carry out His work in the world.
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Cross-References

  • Mark 3:13 (6 votes)

    ¶ And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth [unto him] whom he would: and they came unto him.

  • Mark 3:19 (6 votes)

    And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.

  • Revelation 21:14 (4 votes)

    And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

  • Matthew 9:36 (4 votes)

    But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

  • Matthew 10:4 (4 votes)

    Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

  • Mark 6:7 (4 votes)

    ¶ And he called [unto him] the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;

  • Luke 9:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.