The selection of the Twelve Apostles is a pivotal event in the New Testament, marking the establishment of a group of men who would become the primary messengers of Jesus Christ's teachings and the foundation of the early Church. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke, with additional insights found in the Gospel of John and the Acts of the Apostles.

Biblical Account

The Gospel of Luke provides a detailed account of the choosing of the Twelve Apostles. Before making this significant decision, Jesus spent the entire night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12-13 states, "In those days, Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles."

The Gospel of Mark also emphasizes the intentionality of Jesus' choice. Mark 3:13-14 records, "Then Jesus went up on the mountain and called for those He wanted, and they came to Him. He appointed twelve of them, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach."

The Twelve Apostles

The names of the Twelve Apostles are listed in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, as well as in the Acts of the Apostles. They are: Simon (whom He named Peter), Andrew (Peter's brother), James the son of Zebedee, John (James's brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew the tax collector, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus (also known as Judas, son of James), Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus.

Significance and Symbolism

The number twelve holds significant symbolic meaning, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. By choosing twelve apostles, Jesus symbolically reconstituted the people of God, establishing a new covenant community centered around His teachings and mission. This act signified the continuity and fulfillment of God's promises to Israel through the establishment of the Church.

Role and Mission

The apostles were chosen to be close companions of Jesus, to learn from Him, and to be witnesses to His life, death, and resurrection. They were given authority to preach the Gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons. In Matthew 10:1 , it is written, "Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness."

The apostles played a crucial role in the early Church, spreading the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. They were instrumental in the writing of the New Testament and in establishing Christian communities throughout the Roman Empire.

Judas Iscariot and His Replacement

Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus is a significant aspect of the apostolic narrative. After his betrayal and subsequent death, the remaining apostles sought to maintain the symbolic number of twelve. In Acts 1:24-26 , the apostles prayed for guidance and cast lots to choose Matthias as Judas's replacement, ensuring the continuity of their mission.

Conclusion

The choosing of the Twelve Apostles is a foundational event in Christian history, reflecting Jesus' divine authority and the establishment of a new covenant community. Through their witness and teachings, the apostles laid the groundwork for the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the early Church.