Jesus Chooses His 12 Apostles
The selection of the twelve apostles by Jesus of Nazareth is a pivotal moment in the New Testament narrative, marking the formal establishment of a group who would become foundational to the early church and the spread of the gospel. This event is recorded in all three Synoptic Gospels–Matthew, Mark, and Luke–and is alluded to in the Gospel of John. Theologically, the calling of the twelve reflects continuity with Israel’s history, particularly the twelve tribes, and reveals Jesus’ authority to constitute a new covenant community. This article explores the biblical account of the calling of the twelve apostles, their names, the significance of the number twelve, and the process by which Jesus chose them.
The Calling of the Twelve Apostles
The most detailed accounts of Jesus calling the twelve apostles are found in Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19, and Luke 6:12-16. Each of these passages provides a list of the twelve men whom Jesus appointed as apostles, though the order and some names vary slightly due to alternate names or titles.
Luke’s Gospel provides a particularly rich context for the selection. Luke 6:12-13 states, “In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles.” This passage reveals that Jesus had a larger group of disciples from which he selected the twelve. The term “disciple” (Greek: mathetes) refers broadly to a learner or follower, and many individuals followed Jesus during his ministry. However, from this broader group, Jesus chose twelve specific men to serve as apostles (apostoloi), meaning “sent ones,” who would be entrusted with unique authority and responsibility.
The Gospel of Mark emphasizes Jesus’ sovereign initiative in the selection: “And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons” (Mark 3:13-15). This passage highlights both the relational and missional aspects of apostleship: they were to be with Jesus, learning from him intimately, and they were to be sent out to proclaim the kingdom and exercise spiritual authority.
Matthew’s account, while briefer, also affirms the commissioning role of the twelve: “And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction” (Matthew 10:1). The following verses list their names.
The Names of the 12 Apostles
The lists of the twelve apostles in Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, and Luke 6:14-16 are largely consistent, though some apostles are known by more than one name. The twelve are:
Simon, who is called Peter
Andrew, Peter’s brother
James, the son of Zebedee
John, James’s brother
Philip
Bartholomew (also called Nathanael)
Thomas
Matthew, the tax collector (also called Levi)
James, the son of Alphaeus
Thaddaeus (also called Judas the son of James in Luke)
Simon the Zealot
These men came from diverse backgrounds–fishermen, a tax collector, a political zealot–yet Jesus called them into a unified mission. Their selection was not based on social status or religious training but on Jesus’ sovereign choice and purpose.
The Significance of the Number 12
The number twelve is not arbitrary. It carries deep theological and symbolic meaning rooted in the Old Testament. The 12 apostles correspond to the 12 tribes of Israel, signifying that Jesus is reconstituting the people of God around himself. Just as the 12 sons of Jacob became the patriarchs of the 12 tribes (Genesis 49), so the 12 apostles become the foundation of the new covenant community.
This connection is made explicit in Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:28: “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Here, Jesus affirms that the apostles will have a unique role in the eschatological restoration of God’s people. The Book of Revelation also reflects this symbolism: “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:14). The number twelve thus signifies continuity and fulfillment–Jesus is not discarding Israel’s heritage but fulfilling it in himself.
How Jesus Chose the Twelve Apostles
The process by which Jesus chose the twelve apostles is marked by divine intentionality and prayerful discernment. As noted in Luke 6:12, Jesus spent the entire night in prayer before selecting the twelve. This detail underscores the gravity of the decision and Jesus’ dependence on the Father’s will. The choice was not random or merely pragmatic; it was rooted in divine purpose.
Jesus’ selection also demonstrates his authority. In contrast to the rabbinic model of the time, where disciples chose their teachers, Jesus chose his disciples. This reversal highlights his unique role as the Messiah and the initiator of the kingdom of God. His call was effectual–those he called responded and followed him.
The Broader Group of Disciples
It is important to note that Jesus had more than twelve disciples. Luke 6:13 says he “called his disciples and chose from them twelve,” indicating a larger group. Later in Luke 10:1, Jesus appoints 70 (or 72) others and sends them out in pairs to preach and heal. This broader group of disciples participated in Jesus’ mission, but the twelve held a distinct and foundational role.
The term disciple in the New Testament is used broadly for anyone who follows Jesus, including women (Luke 8:1-3; Acts 9:36). However, the twelve apostles were uniquely commissioned as eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection (Acts 1:21-22), and they played a foundational role in the early church’s teaching and leadership (Ephesians 2:20).
Theological Implications of Jesus Choosing 12 Apostles
The calling of the twelve apostles reveals several key theological truths. First, it affirms Jesus’ identity as the Messiah who inaugurates the kingdom of God. By choosing twelve men to represent the new people of God, Jesus signals that he is fulfilling the promises of the Old Testament. The prophets had foretold a time when God would restore his people and establish a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:26-28). Jesus’ actions demonstrate that this restoration is taking place in and through him.
Second, the calling of the twelve underscores the grace of God in choosing unlikely individuals for his purposes. None of the apostles were religious elites; many were ordinary laborers. Yet Jesus called them, equipped them, and entrusted them with the gospel. This pattern continues throughout Scripture–God chooses the weak to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).
Third, the apostles’ role as witnesses and foundation of the church highlights the importance of apostolic teaching. The early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship” (Acts 2:42), and the New Testament writings are grounded in apostolic authority. The apostles were not merely followers; they were commissioned representatives of Christ.
Conclusion
The calling of the 12 apostles is a moment of profound theological and historical significance. Recorded in Matthew 10, Mark 3, and Luke 6, this event reveals Jesus’ authority, the continuity of God’s redemptive plan, and the foundation of the church. Jesus chose twelve men from a larger group of disciples, after a night of prayer, to be with him and to be sent out in his name. The number 12 reflects the reconstitution of Israel and the fulfillment of Old Testament promises. These apostles, though ordinary in background, were chosen by divine initiative to bear witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Their calling reminds us that God’s purposes are accomplished not through human strength, but through his sovereign grace and power.