Luke 6:14

KJV

Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

KJV (with Strong's)

Simon {G4613},(whom {G3739} he also {G2532} named {G3687} Peter {G4074},) and {G2532} Andrew {G406} his {G846} brother {G80}, James {G2385} and {G2532} John {G2491}, Philip {G5376} and {G2532} Bartholomew {G918},

Complete Jewish Bible

Shim`on, whom he named Kefa; Andrew, his brother; Ya`akov; Yochanan; Philip; Bar-Talmai;

Berean Standard Bible

Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew;

American Standard Version

Simon, whom he also named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip and Bartholomew,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:14 marks a foundational moment in Jesus' earthly ministry, detailing the initial five individuals chosen from among His broader disciples to serve as apostles. This verse, following a night of fervent prayer by Jesus, lists Simon (who was also named Peter), Andrew his brother, James, John, Philip, and Bartholomew, thereby commencing the formal establishment of the core group entrusted with carrying forward the Gospel message and laying the groundwork for the nascent church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Jesus' profound act of spending [the entire night in prayer to God](/luke/6-12 "Luke 6:12 - Jesus Prays Before Choosing Apostles") on a mountain. This preceding act underscores the divine intentionality and solemnity of the decision to select these twelve men. Following His prayer, Jesus "called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles" ([Luke 6:13](/luke/6-13 "Luke 6:13 - Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles")), setting the stage for the specific naming of the first six in verse 14. The list of apostles continues in [Luke 6:15-16](/luke/6-15-16 "Luke 6:15-16 - The Remaining Apostles"), leading directly into the significant [Sermon on the Plain](/luke/6-17-49 "Luke 6:17-49 - The Sermon on the Plain"), where Jesus delivers core teachings to a large multitude, with these newly appointed apostles as His immediate audience and future emissaries.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 1st-century Jewish context, a rabbi would gather disciples (talmidim) who would learn from him and emulate his life. However, Jesus' selection of twelve apostles goes beyond this traditional model. The number twelve is highly symbolic, echoing the [twelve tribes of Israel](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Blessings on His Sons"), signifying the re-establishment of God's covenant people and the new spiritual Israel. This act was a deliberate formation of a leadership core for a new spiritual movement, distinct from the existing religious structures. The chosen men, primarily Galileans, represented a cross-section of ordinary society, including fishermen, tax collectors, and zealots, reflecting Jesus' inclusive approach and His intention to build His kingdom not on worldly power but on divine calling and transformation.
* **Key Themes:** The selection of the apostles in [Luke 6:12-16](/luke/6-12-16 "Luke 6:12-16 - Jesus Chooses His Apostles") highlights several key themes central to Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Election**, demonstrating that Jesus' choices are not arbitrary but divinely ordained and purposeful, stemming from direct communion with the Father. Secondly, it establishes the **Foundation of the New Community**, as these twelve men are commissioned to be the foundational pillars of the church, entrusted with the authoritative proclamation of the Gospel and the continuation of Jesus' ministry, as seen in passages like [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Thirdly, the renaming of Simon to Peter (meaning "rock") underscores the theme of **Transformation and Commissioning**, signifying a new identity and a specific, foundational role within God's redemptive plan, a theme further elaborated in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter, the Rock").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Simon (Greek, _Símōn'_):** This is a common Hebrew name (Shim'on), meaning "he has heard" or "hearing." In this context, it refers to Simon Peter, one of the most prominent disciples. His original name signifies his human identity before his divine calling and transformation.
* **named (Greek, _onomázō'_):** From _onoma_ (name), this verb means "to name, i.e., assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess." The act of Jesus "naming" Simon as Peter is not merely a descriptive act but a performative one, signifying a new identity, purpose, and authority bestowed upon him. It highlights Jesus' sovereign power to redefine and commission.
* **Peter (Greek, _Pétros'_):** This word means "a piece of rock" or "stone," distinct from _petra_ (a large rock or bedrock). As a name, it signifies the foundational role Simon would play. This renaming is a prophetic declaration of his future character and leadership, emphasizing his stability and foundational contribution to the early church.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Simon, (whom he also named Peter,)":** This clause immediately introduces the first and arguably most prominent of the apostles, Simon. The parenthetical addition "whom he also named Peter" is crucial, highlighting Jesus' deliberate act of bestowing a new name upon Simon. This renaming (from _Símōn_ to _Pétros_) signifies a profound shift in identity and destiny, marking him as a "rock" or "stone" upon which the church would be built, as further elaborated by Jesus in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church"). It underscores Jesus' authority to rename and redefine individuals for His purposes.
* **"and Andrew his brother,":** This introduces Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. The inclusion of their familial relationship emphasizes the human connections within the group, yet their calling transcends mere kinship. Andrew was one of the first disciples to follow Jesus, and he then brought his brother Simon to Jesus ([John 1:40-42](/john/1-40-42 "John 1:40-42 - Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus")), demonstrating an early evangelistic impulse and highlighting the ripple effect of discipleship.
* **"James and John,":** These two brothers, often referred to as the "sons of Zebedee," are consistently listed among the inner circle of Jesus' disciples, alongside Peter. They were given the nickname "Sons of Thunder" ([Mark 3:17](/mark/3-17 "Mark 3:17 - Jesus Names the Sons of Thunder")) by Jesus, hinting at their zealous and sometimes impetuous nature. Their inclusion here signifies their significant role and close relationship with Jesus, often being present at pivotal moments in His ministry.
* **"Philip and Bartholomew,":** This clause introduces the next pair of apostles. Philip is noted in John's Gospel as being from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter ([John 1:44](/john/1-44 "John 1:44 - Philip from Bethsaida")). Bartholomew is widely believed to be Nathanael, whom Philip brought to Jesus ([John 1:45-51](/john/1-45-51 "John 1:45-51 - Philip and Nathanael")). Their inclusion broadens the geographic and social representation of the chosen twelve, demonstrating Jesus' call extending beyond immediate family or close associates.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:14 employs several subtle but significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Nomenclature**, specifically the act of **Renaming**, as seen with Simon being named Peter. This renaming is not merely a descriptive detail but a prophetic act, imbuing Simon with a new identity and a future role, foreshadowing his foundational leadership. The consistent use of the conjunction "and" (`καί`, G2532) throughout the listing of names serves as a device of **Enumeration** and **Juxtaposition**, systematically presenting each chosen individual. This repetitive structure emphasizes the deliberate and sequential nature of Jesus' selection process. Furthermore, the selection itself, particularly the number twelve, functions as **Symbolism**, intentionally evoking the twelve tribes of Israel and signifying the establishment of a new covenant community, a spiritual Israel, under the leadership of these chosen men.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The selection of these apostles in Luke 6:14, following Jesus' night of prayer, highlights the profound theological truth that divine calling is rooted in divine initiative and purpose. These individuals, ordinary in their worldly standing, were specifically chosen and commissioned by Christ to be His authoritative representatives and the initial bearers of His message. Their appointment underscores the principle that God often chooses the "weak things of the world to shame the strong" ([1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Weak")) to accomplish His extraordinary purposes, demonstrating His power through human vessels. This foundational act sets the stage for the spread of the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of Spirit-empowered leadership and the continuity of Christ's mission through His chosen ones.

* [Mark 3:13-19](/mark/3-13-19 "Mark 3:13-19 - Jesus Appoints the Twelve")
* [Matthew 10:1-4](/matthew/10-1-4 "Matthew 10:1-4 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles")
* [Acts 1:21-26](/acts/1-21-26 "Acts 1:21-26 - Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:14 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's work is initiated and sustained by His divine wisdom and choice, often through seemingly ordinary individuals. Jesus' example of spending an entire night in prayer before making this crucial decision highlights the absolute necessity of deep, sustained communion with God when facing significant life choices or embarking on new ministries. It underscores that true leadership and spiritual effectiveness flow not from human strategy alone, but from divine guidance and empowerment. For us, this means that our callings, whether grand or seemingly small, are not accidental but are part of God's sovereign plan, requiring our humble submission and reliance on Him. We are encouraged to embrace our unique roles within the body of Christ, knowing that our sufficiency comes from God who equips us for every good work, just as He equipped these first apostles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' night of prayer before choosing the apostles influence your approach to making significant decisions in your own life or ministry?**
* **In what ways does the selection of ordinary individuals like fishermen and tax collectors for such a foundational role challenge your perceptions of who God can use?**
* **How does the renaming of Simon to Peter encourage you about God's ability to transform your identity and purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus choose twelve apostles, and what is the significance of that number?**

Answer: Jesus chose twelve apostles to symbolize the re-establishment of the new spiritual Israel, mirroring the [twelve tribes of Israel](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Blessings on His Sons") from the Old Testament. This number signifies the foundational nature of their role in God's new covenant community, representing the continuity of God's redemptive plan while inaugurating a new era. They were to be the authoritative witnesses to His life, death, and resurrection, and the initial leaders of the church, extending God's kingdom to all nations. The number twelve thus carries significant theological weight, marking them as the patriarchs of the new people of God.

**Were the apostles perfect individuals, and what does their selection teach us about God's choice of leaders?**

Answer: No, the apostles were not perfect individuals. The biblical narrative frequently highlights their human failings, misunderstandings, and moments of doubt, such as Peter's denial of Jesus ([Luke 22:54-62](/luke/22-54-62 "Luke 22:54-62 - Peter Denies Jesus")) or James and John's desire for prominent seats ([Mark 10:35-45](/mark/10-35-45 "Mark 10:35-45 - James and John's Request")). Their selection teaches us that God's choice of leaders is not based on inherent perfection or worldly qualifications, but on His sovereign grace and purpose. He chooses ordinary, flawed people and then equips them, transforms them, and uses them mightily for His glory, demonstrating that His power is made perfect in weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The selection of the twelve apostles in Luke 6:14 is a profoundly Christ-centered act, demonstrating Jesus' sovereign authority and His strategic establishment of the foundational pillars for His kingdom. These men were chosen not merely as disciples, but as "apostles," meaning "sent ones," directly commissioned by Christ to extend His redemptive work. This act foreshadows the ongoing mission of the church, which is the body of Christ, to carry His message to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission")). Just as Jesus chose and empowered these individuals, He continues to call and equip believers today through the indwelling Holy Spirit, enabling them to participate in His divine mission. The apostles' future role in bearing witness to Christ's resurrection ([Acts 2:32](/acts/2-32 "Acts 2:32 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")) and establishing the church ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone")) directly flows from this foundational moment, revealing Jesus as the ultimate Head of the Church, who builds His kingdom through His chosen and empowered people. Their lives and ministries, recorded in the New Testament, serve as a testament to the transformative power of Christ and the enduring nature of His call to discipleship and mission.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 1:13

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.

Matthew 4:21

And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

Matthew 4:18

¶ And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

John 1:40

One of the two which heard John [speak], and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

John 1:42

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

Luke 5:10

And so [was] also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

Luke 5:8

When Simon Peter saw [it], he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.