The appointment of the Twelve Apostles is a significant event in the New Testament, marking the formal selection of Jesus Christ's closest followers who would be entrusted with spreading His teachings and establishing the early Church. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19, and Luke 6:12-16.

Context and Setting

The appointment occurs during Jesus' Galilean ministry, a period characterized by His teaching, preaching, and performing miracles. The growing number of disciples and the increasing demands of His ministry necessitated the selection of a core group of followers who would receive special instruction and authority.

The Selection Process

According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus spent the night in prayer before choosing the Twelve, highlighting the spiritual significance and divine guidance involved in this decision. "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" (Luke 6:12-13).

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus were:

1. Simon Peter · Often considered the leader of the apostles, Peter was a fisherman by trade and is frequently mentioned in the Gospels for his boldness and faith.

2. James the son of Zebedee · Known as James the Greater, he was the brother of John and part of Jesus' inner circle.

3. John · The brother of James, John is traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and the Book of Revelation.

4. Andrew · The brother of Peter, Andrew was also a fisherman and one of the first disciples called by Jesus.

5. Philip · Known for his role in bringing Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Jesus.

6. Bartholomew (Nathanael) · Recognized for his initial skepticism about Jesus, which turned into faith upon meeting Him.

7. Matthew (Levi) · A former tax collector, Matthew is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel that bears his name.

8. Thomas (Didymus) · Often remembered for his initial doubt about Jesus' resurrection, which transformed into a profound declaration of faith.

9. James the son of Alphaeus · Sometimes referred to as James the Less, distinguishing him from James the son of Zebedee.

10. Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James) · Also known as Jude, he is traditionally associated with the Epistle of Jude.

11. Simon the Zealot · Known for his zealous nature, possibly linked to the Jewish nationalist movement.

12. Judas Iscariot · Infamously known for betraying Jesus, leading to His arrest and crucifixion.

Authority and Mission

Jesus granted the apostles authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons, as recorded in Matthew 10:1: "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" . This empowerment was essential for their mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God and continue Jesus' work after His ascension.

Significance

The appointment of the Twelve Apostles is foundational to the establishment of the Christian Church. These men, despite their diverse backgrounds and personalities, were unified in their mission to spread the Gospel. Their selection underscores the importance of divine calling and the transformative power of discipleship in the life of a believer.