Knowing The Word in Luke 6:12-16, The Twelve Apostles

Jesus’ opposition is increasing, and he knew one day they would kill him, so he turns to his Father in prayer to make appropriate plans he will share with his disciples. Disciples were people who attached themselves to a teacher and followed him. From a larger group of adherents, he chose 12, the number of tribes of Israel, to be called “apostles.” “Apostle” means “someone sent.” Luke uses the word six times while the other gospel writers only use it once. Surprisingly very few of these ordinary men Jesus used for his plans left a significant mark on church history. The four gospel writers do not agree on all twelve names. However, Bartholomew is probably Nathaniel and Judas son of James is probably Thaddaeus. If this is indeed the case, then the gospel writers are in much agreement.

12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. 13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15 and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Prayer: Give us grace, O Lord, to work while it is day, fulfilling diligently and patiently whatever duty thou appointest us; doing small things in the day of small things, and great labors if thou summon us to any; rising and working, sitting still and suffering, according to thy word. Go with us, and we will go, but if thou go not with us, send us not; go before us, if thou put us forth; let us hear thy voice when we follow. Hear us, we beseech thee, for the glory of thy great name.

Christina Rossetti, 1830-1894