Historical, Theological, and Contemporary Reflections
The calling of Jesus’ disciples encapsulates one of the most pivotal moments in the New Testament narrative and Christian history. The process by which Jesus called his disciples, the significance of his selection of a select few for deeper fellowship and mission, the identities and roles of the twelve apostles and the inner circle of three, and the enduring meaning of discipleship for believers today are questions that have shaped Christian theology and spiritual practice.
Historical Context: Discipleship in First Century Judaism
To understand the calling of Jesus’ disciples, it is essential to situate the event within the context of first-century Judaism. Discipleship (Greek: mathetes) was a well-established practice, with rabbis gathering students to learn Torah and emulate their way of life. However, Jesus’ approach was distinctive. Unlike most rabbis, who waited for students to seek them out, Jesus often took the initiative, calling individuals to follow him directly.[1] This reversal of expectation is evident in the Gospels, where Jesus approaches fishermen at their work (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20), a tax collector at his booth (Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:13-14), and others from varied backgrounds.
The selection of twelve disciples was not arbitrary but deeply symbolic, corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel.[2] In choosing twelve, Jesus was signaling the inauguration of a renewed people of God, rooted in Israel’s history yet oriented toward the fulfillment of God’s redemptive purposes in Christ.
How Did Jesus Call His Disciples to Follow Him?
The Gospels provide multiple accounts of Jesus calling of his disciples, each highlighting his sovereign initiative and the radical nature of the summons. In Matthew 4:18-22, Jesus calls Simon Peter and Andrew, saying, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately, they leave their nets and follow him. The same pattern is seen with James and John, who leave their father and their boat at once. In Matthew 9:9, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, who rises and follows him without hesitation.
Jesus’ call was not merely an invitation to learn, but a summons to total allegiance and transformation. The immediacy of the disciples’ response underscores the compelling authority of Jesus’ word. Jesus called them to an intimate relationship, often taking the initiative rather than waiting for them to seek him out. This initiative is further emphasized in John’s Gospel, where Jesus tells his disciples, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit” (John 15:16).
The Order and Nature of the Calling
The order in which the disciples were called is reconstructed from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The first called were Simon Peter and Andrew, followed by James and John, the sons of Zebedee (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20). Philip and Nathanael (Bartholomew) are introduced in John 1:43-51. Matthew (Levi) is called in Matthew 9:9, while the calling of others, such as Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, is not narrated in detail but their names appear in the lists of apostles (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16).
The calling was both individual and corporate. Jesus called each disciple personally, yet he also formed them into a community with a shared mission. Jesus chose twelve disciples from a larger group of followers to be his apostles, a decision preceded by an entire night of prayer. This underscores the gravity and intentionality of Jesus’ selection, as he sought the Father’s will before appointing those who would become the foundation of the church.
Who Were the Twelve Apostles and the Inner Circle of Three?
The twelve apostles, as listed in the Gospels, are: Simon Peter, Andrew, James the son of Zebedee, John, Philip, Bartholomew (Nathanael), Matthew (Levi), Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus (Lebbaeus/Judas son of James), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (later replaced by Matthias, Acts 1:26). These men came from diverse backgrounds–fishermen, a tax collector, a political zealot–reflecting the inclusivity and transformative power of Jesus’ call.[3]
Within the twelve, three disciples–Peter, James, and John - formed an inner circle, sharing in Jesus’ most important moments. They alone witnessed the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:37), the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9), and Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane (Mark 14:33). This inner circle was not a sign of favoritism but of deeper responsibility and intimacy, preparing them for unique roles in the early church.[4]
Theological Significance: Apostleship and the Foundation of the Church
The calling of the twelve apostles was foundational for the establishment of the early church. These men were chosen not for their special abilities or status, but to fulfill a unique role in founding the early church. The authority of the disciples was derived not from personal merit but from Jesus’ commission and empowerment.
The apostles were commissioned to extend Jesus’ kingdom ministry, given authority to preach, heal, and drive out demons. In Matthew 10:1, Jesus “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.” Their mission was to proclaim the arrival of God’s kingdom, embodying the message through word and deed.
The selection of the twelve also had eschatological significance. Jesus told them, “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” (Matthew 19:28). The apostles thus represented the renewed Israel, anticipating the consummation of God’s purposes.
What Is the Calling of the Twelve Disciples?
The calling of the twelve disciples was multifaceted. They were called to be with Jesus (Mark 3:14), to learn from him, to be transformed by his teaching and example, and to be sent out as his representatives. Their calling involved sacrifice–leaving family, occupation, and security (Luke 18:28-30)–and embracing a new identity as “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).
The apostles were commissioned to extend Jesus’ kingdom ministry, given authority to preach, heal, and drive out demons. They were instructed to rely completely on God for their needs during their missions. This radical dependence on God was a hallmark of their calling, as they were sent out with minimal provisions, trusting in God’s provision and the hospitality of those who received their message (Luke 9:1-6; 10:1-12).
Eyewitnesses and the Preservation of Jesus’ Teachings
A crucial aspect of the apostles’ calling was their role as eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection. The Twelve served as eyewitnesses to Jesus’ ministry and resurrection, playing a crucial role in preserving his teachings, which became the basis for the New Testament.[5] This apostolic witness was foundational for the transmission of the gospel and the formation of Christian doctrine (Acts 1:21-22; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
The reliability of the New Testament rests in part on the testimony of those who walked with Jesus, heard his words, and saw his works. The apostles’ willingness to suffer and die for their testimony further attests to the authenticity and transformative power of their encounter with the risen Christ.
What Does It Mean to Be Called as a Disciple of Jesus Today?
The calling of the original disciples provides a paradigm for Christian discipleship in every age. While the apostolic office was unique, the call to follow Jesus, learn from him, and participate in his mission remains central to Christian identity. Today, being called as a disciple of Jesus involves following his teachings and participating in the mission to spread the gospel.
To be called as a disciple today is to respond to Jesus’ invitation, “Follow me,” with wholehearted commitment. It means embracing a life of learning, transformation, and mission. Jesus’ Great Commission to his followers–“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19)–extends the call to every believer, inviting participation in God’s redemptive work.
Discipleship entails both cost and reward. Jesus warned, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Yet he also promised, “Whoever loses his life for my sake will save it” (Luke 9:24). The path of discipleship is marked by self-denial, sacrificial love, and the hope of eternal life.
What Does the Bible Say About Jesus Calling His Disciples?
The biblical witness to Jesus’ calling of his disciples is rich and varied. The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) emphasize the immediacy and authority of Jesus’ call, the radical response of the disciples, and the formation of a new community. John’s Gospel highlights the personal encounters and confessions of faith that marked the beginning of discipleship (John 1:35-51).
The call narratives reveal several key themes:
Divine Initiative: Jesus calls whom he wills, often surprising those chosen.
(John 15:16)
Total Commitment: The disciples leave everything to follow Jesus.
(Mark 1:18, 20)
Transformation: Jesus promises to make them “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19), indicating a new purpose and identity.
Community: Discipleship is lived in relationship with Jesus and with others.
(Mark 3:14)
These themes continue to shape Christian understanding of vocation and mission.
What Is the Order of the Calling of the Disciples?
While the Gospels do not provide a strict chronological order for the calling of all twelve disciples, the earliest calls are those of Peter, Andrew, James, and John (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20). Philip and Nathanael follow in John 1:43-51. Matthew (Levi) is called in Matthew 9:9. The remaining disciples are listed in the apostolic rosters (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16), with Judas Iscariot’s replacement, Matthias, chosen after the resurrection (Acts 1:26).
This progression reflects both the historical unfolding of Jesus’ ministry and the theological emphasis on personal encounter and communal formation.
What Are Two Moral and Spiritual Lessons on the Call of the Disciples?
The call of the disciples offers numerous moral and spiritual lessons. Two stand out for their enduring relevance:
Obedience and Surrender: The disciples’ immediate response to Jesus’ call exemplifies the virtue of obedience. They leave behind their livelihoods, families, and security to follow Jesus, trusting in his promise and authority. This teaches the importance of surrendering personal ambitions and attachments in order to embrace God’s will (Matthew 4:20, 22).
Humility and Dependence: The disciples were not chosen for their social status or abilities but for their willingness to be transformed and used by God. Their reliance on God’s provision during their mission (Matthew 10:9-10) underscores the virtue of humility and the necessity of depending on God rather than on human resources or strength.
These lessons continue to challenge and inspire believers to live lives marked by faith, humility, and wholehearted devotion to Christ.
Contemporary Application: Discipleship in the Modern Church
Jesus calling his disciples is not merely a historical event but a living reality for the church today. Every believer is called to be a disciple, to learn from Jesus, to be transformed by his Spirit, and to participate in his mission. The church, as the community of disciples, is tasked with making disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:19-20).
This calling requires intentionality, sacrifice, and perseverance. It involves cultivating spiritual disciplines, engaging in community, serving others, and bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed. The example of the apostles, with all their strengths and weaknesses, offers encouragement and guidance for the journey of faith.
Conclusion - Jesus Calling His Disciples
The calling of Jesus’ disciples is a foundational narrative that continues to shape Christian identity, theology, and practice. Jesus’ initiative in calling ordinary individuals to extraordinary purpose, the formation of the twelve as a renewed Israel, the commissioning of the apostles for mission, and the enduring call to discipleship all testify to the transformative power of God’s grace.
Today, being called as a disciple of Jesus involves following his teachings and participating in the mission to spread the gospel. The challenge and privilege of discipleship remain as vital now as in the first century. May the church continue to heed the call, embody the message, and extend the kingdom of God in every generation.
Endnotes
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J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays, Living God’s Word: Discovering Our Place in the Great Story of Scripture, Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2021), 146.
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Timothy W. Brock, Sessions with Luke: Following Jesus on the Journey to Christian Character, The Sessions Series (Macon, GA: Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Incorporated, 2005), 48.
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Bruce Barton et al., Life Application New Testament Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 2001), 152.
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Michael Keene, Lion Access Guides: Jesus (Oxford: Lion Publishing plc, 2002), 65.
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R. Douglas Geivett and Holly Pivec, God’s Super-Apostles: Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014), 18.