Mark 3:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 3:14 records a foundational moment in Jesus' ministry: the deliberate appointment of twelve men whom He called to be His apostles. This pivotal act established a core group for intimate discipleship, ensuring they would spend significant time in His presence, and simultaneously commissioned them for the outward mission of proclaiming the Gospel. This dual purpose—fellowship and proclamation—underscores Jesus' strategic design for the propagation of His Kingdom and the future leadership of His church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 3:14 is situated at a critical juncture in Jesus' Galilean ministry. Prior to this, Jesus has been actively demonstrating His divine authority through healing the sick, casting out demons, and teaching with unparalleled wisdom, drawing large crowds (e.g., [Mark 1:32-34](/mark/1-32-34 "Jesus Heals Many")). However, His growing popularity is paralleled by escalating opposition from the religious establishment, particularly the Pharisees and Herodians, who conspire against Him (e.g., [Mark 3:6](/mark/3-6 "Pharisees and Herodians Plot Against Jesus")). Recognizing the immense scope of the harvest and the intensity of the spiritual warfare, Jesus retreats to a mountain, a place often associated with divine revelation and significant decisions in biblical narratives (e.g., [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Mount Sinai and the Covenant")). It is from this elevated position of authority that He "calls to Him those whom He desired," signifying a sovereign, intentional selection, not a democratic vote. This act serves as a strategic response to both the expanding needs of the ministry and the intensifying opposition, laying the groundwork for a structured, enduring movement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The selection of "twelve" is profoundly significant within a Jewish context, immediately evoking the twelve tribes of Israel. This number symbolizes the reconstitution of God's people, signaling that Jesus is not merely reforming Judaism but inaugurating a new covenant community—the spiritual Israel. In the ancient Near East, and particularly in Jewish culture, a rabbi would gather disciples (talmidim) who would follow him, learn his teachings, and emulate his life. However, Jesus' method differs: He actively chooses His disciples, rather than them choosing Him, asserting His unique divine authority. The concept of "sending forth" (apostellein) was also familiar, as messengers or emissaries were vital for communication and representation. Jesus' "apostles" would serve as His authoritative representatives, carrying His message and embodying His presence, much like an ambassador represents a king. This formal commissioning on a mountain echoes significant covenant-making events in Israel's history, further emphasizing the gravity and divine nature of this appointment.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 3:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**. Jesus' act of "ordaining" (or "making" in the Greek) the twelve underscores His absolute prerogative in choosing and commissioning His workers. Their calling is not self-initiated but divinely bestowed, granting them legitimate authority to represent Him. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Discipleship as Relational Immersion**. The primary purpose, "that they should be with him," reveals that intimate fellowship, personal mentorship, and shared life with Jesus are foundational to effective ministry. Before they are sent, they must first learn to walk with Him, internalizing His teachings and observing His character. This theme of relational discipleship is central to the Christian life, echoing the call to abide in Christ found in [John 15:4-5](/john/15-4-5 "Abiding in Christ"). Thirdly, the verse establishes the theme of **Mission and Proclamation**. The secondary purpose, "and that he might send them forth to preach," defines their outward-focused calling. Their training is not an end in itself but preparation for active service in proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. This commission to preach the Gospel is a recurring motif in Mark, culminating in the Great Commission (e.g., [Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "The Great Commission")). Finally, this act foreshadows the **Foundation of the Church**, as these twelve, later empowered by the Holy Spirit, would become the pillars upon which the early Christian community would be built (e.g., [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Christ as the Cornerstone")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **ordained (Greek, _poiéō'_):** From G4160, meaning "to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)." In this context, it signifies Jesus' active and authoritative appointment or constitution of the twelve. It's not merely a passive selection but an intentional act of establishing them in a specific role and function. Jesus "made" them apostles, investing them with a new identity and purpose.
* **with (Greek, _metá'_):** From G3326, a primary preposition denoting accompaniment, "amid." Here, it emphasizes the intimate, personal fellowship and shared experience that was paramount to their training. It implies a close association, a living alongside Jesus, observing His life, listening to His teachings, and participating in His ministry. This "being with him" was the crucible of their formation.
* **to preach (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** From G2784, meaning "to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)." This word highlights the public, authoritative, and urgent nature of their mission. They were not merely to teach or discuss, but to proclaim a message with conviction and clarity, acting as heralds of God's Kingdom. It implies a message of divine origin and universal significance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he ordained twelve,"**: This opening clause establishes Jesus' sovereign initiative and authority in selecting a specific number of individuals. The verb "ordained" (or "made") indicates a deliberate, constitutive act, setting these twelve apart for a unique purpose. The number "twelve" is highly symbolic, immediately evoking the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the re-establishment of God's people around a new covenant.
* **"that they should be with him,"**: This is the primary and immediate purpose of their ordination. It emphasizes the necessity of intimate fellowship, personal mentorship, and shared life with Jesus. Before any outward mission, their foundational calling was to spend time in His presence, observing His character, learning His teachings, and internalizing His Spirit. This period of close association was crucial for their formation as His representatives.
* **"and that he might send them forth to preach,"**: This is the secondary yet equally vital purpose, flowing directly from the first. The Greek word for "send forth" (apostéllō) is the root of "apostle," meaning "one who is sent." Their intimate training was not an end in itself but preparation for an outward-focused mission: to publicly proclaim the good news (the Gospel). This highlights the dynamic tension and essential connection between inward formation and outward mission in Christian service.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 3:14 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Purpose Clause**, indicated by the repeated use of "that" (Greek: _hína_). This grammatical structure explicitly states the dual objectives behind Jesus' action: first, the disciples' intimate fellowship with Him ("that they should be with him"), and second, their subsequent mission ("and that he might send them forth to preach"). This clearly articulated purpose highlights Jesus' intentionality and foresight in establishing His ministry. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the number "twelve" is profound, immediately connecting Jesus' new community to the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying a spiritual restoration and the inauguration of a new covenant people. This numerical symbolism carries significant theological weight. Finally, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, pointing to the future ministry of the apostles after Jesus' ascension. Their initial training and commissioning anticipate their pivotal role in spreading the Gospel and establishing the early church, as recorded throughout the book of Acts and the Epistles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 3:14 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of Christian discipleship, ministry, and the church's mission. It reveals that true ministry flows from a deep, intimate relationship with Christ. The priority of "being with him" before being "sent forth" underscores that spiritual formation precedes effective service. This principle applies not only to the original apostles but to all believers: our capacity to represent Christ and proclaim His message is directly proportional to our communion with Him. The verse also highlights the divine initiative in calling and equipping individuals for service, emphasizing that all legitimate ministry is a divine appointment, not a human endeavor. The dual emphasis on fellowship and proclamation establishes a timeless paradigm for the church's life—a community rooted in Christ, yet outwardly focused on sharing His truth.

* [Matthew 10:1-4](/matthew/10-1-4 "Jesus Commissions the Twelve Apostles")
* [Luke 6:12-16](/luke/6-12-16 "Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles")
* [Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Gifts for the Church's Ministry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 3:14 provides a timeless blueprint for Christian life and ministry, challenging believers to prioritize intimacy with Christ as the wellspring of all effective service. In a world that often values outward activity and immediate results, Jesus' model reminds us that spiritual power and authentic proclamation emerge from a deep, abiding relationship with Him. We are called first to be His disciples, to sit at His feet, to learn from His life, and to internalize His teachings. Only then are we truly prepared to be His ambassadors in the world, equipped to share His message with both integrity and power. This verse encourages us to examine our own lives: are we prioritizing "being with Him" through prayer, Scripture, and worship, or are we rushing to "do" for Him without sufficient spiritual grounding? It also affirms that every believer, in some capacity, is called to participate in the Great Commission, whether through direct proclamation, living out the Gospel's truths, or supporting those who are sent.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on "being with him" challenge your current understanding or practice of discipleship?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper, more intentional "being with" Jesus in your daily life?**
* **How does your personal spiritual formation directly impact your ability to "preach" or share the Gospel in your sphere of influence?**
* **What specific steps can you take to better integrate personal fellowship with Christ and outward mission in your life?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus choose exactly twelve apostles?**

Answer: The choice of twelve is deeply symbolic and theologically significant. It deliberately echoes the twelve tribes of Israel (e.g., [Genesis 49](/genesis/49 "Jacob's Blessings for His Sons")), signaling that Jesus was not merely gathering a group of followers but was reconstituting God's people, establishing a new spiritual Israel. These twelve would serve as the foundational pillars of the new covenant community, representing the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament into the New. Their number underscores the comprehensive and representative nature of their future mission to the whole world, starting with the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (e.g., [Matthew 10:6](/matthew/10-6 "Jesus Sends Out the Twelve")).

**What is the significance of the dual purpose: "be with him" and "send them forth to preach"?**

Answer: This dual purpose highlights the essential balance and progression in Christian discipleship and ministry. "That they should be with him" emphasizes the priority of intimate relationship, personal formation, and deep learning from Jesus' life and teachings. It signifies that spiritual power and effective ministry flow from communion with Christ. "And that he might send them forth to preach" reveals the outward-focused, missional nature of their calling. Their training was not an end in itself but preparation for active proclamation of the Gospel. This sequence teaches that inward spiritual growth is foundational for outward service, and that true discipleship always culminates in a commission to share the Good News. It's a model for all believers: we are called to be with Christ so that we can be sent by Christ (e.g., [John 20:21](/john/20-21 "Jesus Sends His Disciples")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 3:14 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the ultimate "Apostle" and the one who perfectly embodies both "being with" and "being sent." Jesus, eternally "with" the Father (e.g., [John 1:1-2](/john/1-1-2 "The Word Was with God")), was Himself "sent" by the Father into the world to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God (e.g., [John 3:17](/john/3-17 "God Sent His Son")). The apostles, therefore, are not merely a leadership team but extensions of Christ's own mission, empowered by His Spirit to continue His redemptive work. Their "being with him" was a participation in His incarnate life, preparing them to bear witness to His death, resurrection, and ascension. Their "being sent forth to preach" was a commission to proclaim the very message that Jesus initiated—the message of salvation through His atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection. Thus, the apostles' call in Mark 3:14 is a direct participation in Christ's own divine sending, establishing the pattern for the church's ongoing mission until He returns (e.g., [Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "The Great Commission")).

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

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;)