Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  7000 God's people  »  7600 History of God's people in NT  »  7630 Twelve, the  »  7631 Twelve, calling of

Jesus Christ's chosen companions, whom he called and trained to carry on his mission after his death and resurrection.

The calling of the Twelve

Their names

Matthew 10:1-4 pp Mark 3:14-19 See also Luke 6:12-16; Acts 1:12-13

Their selection was preceded by prayer

Luke 6:12-13

As Jesus Christ's companions, they were to share in his mission

Mark 3:14-15; Mark 6:7-13 pp Matthew 10:1 pp Matthew 10:9-14 pp Luke 9:1-6; Luke 8:1

Jesus Christ promised them authority at the final judgment

Matthew 19:28 pp Luke 22:30

After Judas' death the Twelve became the Eleven

Matthew 28:16; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:9,33; Acts 2:14

The Eleven became the Twelve again with the election of Matthias

Acts 1:26

The ministry of the Twelve after the resurrection supplemented by the appointment of deacons

Acts 6:2-3

The symbolic significance of the Twelve

The twelve tribes of Israel

Genesis 49:28; Ezekiel 47:13; Matthew 19:28 pp Luke 22:30 Twelve symbolises completeness and is associated with the rule of God.

See also

1654  numbers, 11-99
2354  Christ, mission
2555  Christ, resurrection appearances
6620  calling
7024  church, nature of
7239  Jerusalem
7266  tribes of Israel
7470  temple, significance
7620  disciples
7706  apostles
7948  mission