Mark 3:13-19
13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him.
14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach
15 and to have authority to drive out demons.
16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter),
17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”),
18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot
19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Mark 3:13-19: Verse-by-Verse Analysis
Verse 13: “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him.”
Jesus chose a mountainside for this significant moment. Mountains often symbolize a place of revelation in the Bible. He called specific individuals, showing intentionality in his selection. They responded to his call, indicating their willingness to follow.
Verse 14: “He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.”
Jesus appointed twelve disciples. The number twelve is symbolic, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Their primary role was to be with Jesus, learning from him. He also intended to send them out to preach, spreading his teachings.
Verse 15: “and to have authority to drive out demons.”
Jesus gave the twelve authority over demons. This authority was a sign of their divine commission. It demonstrated the power of Jesus’ message and the kingdom of God.
Verse 16: “These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter),”
Simon, renamed Peter, is listed first. The name Peter means “rock,” signifying his foundational role in the early church. This renaming indicates a new identity and mission.
Verse 17: “James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”),”
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were given the name Boanerges. This name means “sons of thunder,” possibly reflecting their zealous and passionate nature. It highlights their distinct personalities.
Verse 18: “Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot”
The list continues with Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot. Each disciple had a unique background and role. Simon the Zealot’s name indicates his previous political activism.
Verse 19: “and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.”
Judas Iscariot is mentioned last, with the note that he betrayed Jesus. This foreshadows his future actions. His inclusion shows that Jesus’ group was not without internal conflict and betrayal.
This passage highlights the intentional selection and diverse backgrounds of Jesus’ disciples. It sets the stage for their future mission and the unfolding narrative of the Gospel.