Luke 6:14

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

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},

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

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

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

Commentary

Luke 6:14 introduces the first five names of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, a pivotal moment in the formation of His ministry and the early church. This verse lists Simon (whom Jesus renamed Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, and Bartholomew.

Context

Luke 6:14 immediately follows Jesus' significant decision to spend the entire night in prayer to God before making this crucial choice. This demonstrates the divine intentionality behind the selection of these men. Having prayed, Jesus then called His disciples and from among them, chose twelve, whom He also named apostles (Luke 6:13), signifying their special commission as 'sent ones'. This list sets the stage for the Sermon on the Plain that follows, where Jesus teaches and performs miracles before a large crowd, with these chosen apostles by His side.

Key Themes

  • Divine Election and Calling: The passage highlights Jesus' sovereign choice of these individuals. They were not self-appointed but divinely selected for a specific purpose. This underscores the concept of God's initiative in calling people to His service.
  • Foundation of the Church: These twelve men would become the foundational pillars of the early Christian movement, entrusted with spreading the Gospel after Jesus' ascension. Their role was critical in establishing the church and its teachings.
  • Diversity in Unity: The list, even within these first few names, hints at the diverse backgrounds of the chosen disciples, from fishermen (Simon, Andrew, James, John) to others. Despite their varied origins, they were united under Christ's leadership for a common mission.

Linguistic Insights

The most prominent linguistic insight in this verse is the renaming of Simon to Peter. The Greek word for Peter is Petros (Πέτρος), which means 'rock' or 'stone'. This name change, also given in other Gospels, signifies Simon's future role as a leader and a foundational figure in the nascent church, as further emphasized in Matthew 16:18. This renaming is not merely a nickname but a prophetic declaration of his character and destiny.

Significance of the Apostles

The individuals named here were not necessarily the most educated or influential by worldly standards. Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen, having already been called by Jesus to become 'fishers of men'. Philip and Bartholomew (often identified with Nathanael in John's Gospel) also represent early followers. Their selection underscores Jesus' method of choosing ordinary people and equipping them for extraordinary tasks. Their appointment was crucial for Jesus' mission to be with Him and to be sent out to preach and cast out demons.

Practical Application

Luke 6:14 reminds us that God often chooses and uses ordinary individuals for extraordinary purposes. It highlights the importance of prayer in making significant decisions, as exemplified by Jesus before choosing His apostles. For believers today, it serves as an encouragement that our background or perceived inadequacy does not disqualify us from God's calling. Instead, it is God's divine election and equipping that enables us to fulfill His purposes, whether in leadership, service, or simply living out our faith daily.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 1:13 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ΒΆ 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 (2 votes)

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

  • John 1:42 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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