Mark 3:14

And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

And {G2532} he ordained {G4160} twelve {G1427}, that {G2443} they should be {G5600} with {G3326} him {G846}, and {G2532} that {G2443} he might send {G649} them {G846} forth {G649} to preach {G2784},

He appointed twelve to be with him, to be sent out to preach

He appointed twelve of them, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach,

And he appointed twelve, that they might be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

Mark 3:14 records a pivotal moment in Jesus' earthly ministry: the formal appointment of the twelve apostles. This verse provides insight into Jesus' strategy for spreading the Gospel and establishing His church.

Context

Leading up to this verse, Jesus had been actively engaged in healing the sick, casting out demons, and teaching throughout Galilee. His ministry was drawing large crowds, but also increasing opposition from religious leaders, as seen in Mark 3:6. Recognizing the immense scope of His mission and the limited time He had, Jesus retreated to a mountain to select a core group who would carry on His work. This was not a casual decision but a deliberate act of divine appointment, laying the foundation for His future church.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appointment and Authority: The word "ordained" (Greek: epoiesen, meaning "he made" or "he appointed") signifies Jesus' sovereign authority in choosing and commissioning these individuals. It underscores that their role was not self-assumed but divinely bestowed, giving them legitimate authority to represent Him.
  • Discipleship and Training: The primary purpose stated, "that they should be with him," emphasizes the crucial role of personal mentorship and intimate fellowship. Before being sent out, they needed to spend significant time learning from Jesus directly—observing His life, listening to His teachings, and understanding His heart. This highlights that true ministry flows from a deep relationship with Christ. This foundational training is echoed in Jesus' call to make disciples in the Great Commission.
  • Mission and Proclamation: The secondary purpose, "and that he might send them forth to preach," reveals the outward-focused nature of their calling. The Greek word for "send forth" is apostellein, from which we get "apostle" – meaning "one who is sent." Their training was not an end in itself, but preparation for active service in proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. This mission of preaching the Gospel is central to the Christian faith, as seen in Mark 16:15.
  • The Foundation of the Church: By appointing these twelve (whose names are listed in Mark 3:16-19), Jesus was laying the groundwork for the future church, establishing a leadership structure that would continue His work after His ascension.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound lessons for believers today. Firstly, it teaches the priority of being with Jesus before being sent by Jesus. Our effectiveness in ministry is directly related to the depth of our relationship and understanding of Christ. Secondly, it reminds us that every believer is called to a form of discipleship and, subsequently, to participate in the mission of sharing the Gospel, whether through direct proclamation or living out its truths. Just as the apostles were equipped for a specific task, God equips us for the work He calls us to do.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 15:16

    Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

  • Acts 1:8

    But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

  • Luke 9:1

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

  • Luke 9:6

    And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.

  • Luke 10:1

    ¶ After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.

  • Luke 10:11

    Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

  • Galatians 1:1

    ¶ Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

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