Mark 3:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach

NIV: He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach

NASB: And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach,

CSB: He appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles, to be with him, to send them out to preach,

NLT: Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach,

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

NKJV: Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach,

The Bible doesn't say why Jesus chose twelve disciples, but it's probably to reflect the number of tribes of Israel. In Revelation, the New Jerusalem is described as having twelve gates, for the twelve tribes (Revelation 21:12), and twelve foundations, for the twelve apostles (Revelation 21:14).

The phrase "whom he also named apostles" is not found in some manuscripts in Mark 3, but it is found in Luke 6:13. Matthew 10:1 adds "heal every disease and every affliction" to their job description.

In modern language, it's common to refer to this particular dozen men as "The Disciples," but in reality Jesus had hundreds of disciples. "Disciples" is from the Greek root word mathetes and merely means a learner or someone who tries to emulate their teacher. An apostle is from the Greek root word apostolos and means a delegate or representative. Apostles are specifically commissioned by Jesus to preach the gospel. They will do so in Mark 6:7–13.

Although the apostles, to later include Paul and Matthias, are specially chosen by Jesus to preach, we are all called to spread the gospel (Matthew 28:19–20). Jesus' work on the cross is sufficient for salvation, but the news of what He has done must still be spread. Paul talks about this when he says, "… I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church" (Colossians 1:24). Paul isn't saying his own suffering is necessary to save people, but that it appears to be necessary to get the news of Jesus to people.

To take on such significant leadership positions will require serious training, which Jesus will provide as the apostles travel with Him and learn from Him over the next few years. This method of discipleship is the blueprint for the Christian walk, as Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2. One lesson the twelve will learn is that to be a leader under Jesus' authority means to be a servant to all (Mark 9:35).

Mark 3:13–21 is the third story about the reactions people had to Jesus' ministry. Here, we establish which men Jesus chooses to be in His inner circle. Jesus separates ''the twelve'' for special training so they can be equipped to heal (Matthew 10:1), cast out demons, and spread the gospel. Other than Peter's mother-in-law (Mark 1:30–31), there is no record that Jesus performed miracles of healing for them. But they have witnessed Jesus' power and authority, and are willing to dedicate themselves to His teaching. This is a stark contrast to Jesus' own family. This account is also recorded in Matthew 10:1–4 and Luke 6:12–16.

The bulk of chapter 3 deals with how different people react to Jesus' teaching and His assumption of authority. The Pharisees' confusion transitions into plotting. The crowds that continually follow Jesus for healing become more frenetic and dangerous. Jesus' own family, afraid for His sanity, try to pull Him away. But true followers also show themselves. Twelve join together to become a core group, while a slightly bigger crowd, more interested in Jesus' teaching than miracles, earn the honor of being called His true family.

The Gospel of Mark emphasizes both Jesus' servanthood and His role as the promised Messiah: the Son of God. This is done through a concise, action-packed style. Mark provides relatively few details, instead focusing on actions and simple statements. This relates to the Gospel's authorship, which is believed to be based on the memories of the apostle Peter. These include many of Jesus' miracles, in contrast to other Gospels which include many more of Jesus' teachings and parables. Mark also makes frequent mention of Jesus' ministry being misunderstood by others.