What is the meaning of Mark 3:14? He appointed twelve of them Jesus had many followers, yet He deliberately chose twelve. • Mark 3:13 sets the scene: “He went up on the mountain and called those He wanted, and they came to Him.” • Twelve echoes the twelve tribes of Israel, signaling a new covenant community (Exodus 24:4; Revelation 21:14). • The initiative is entirely His—He appoints, they respond (John 15:16). • Their number and selection underscore that God’s plan is specific, purposeful, and rooted in redemptive history. whom He designated as apostles Apostle means a sent-one entrusted with authority. • Luke 6:13 clarifies: “He chose twelve of them, whom He also designated apostles”. • Their authority comes directly from Jesus (Matthew 10:1). • They will serve as eyewitnesses of His resurrection (Acts 1:21-22) and foundation stones of the church (Ephesians 2:20). • This title separates them from the wider crowd of disciples, highlighting a unique, God-given office. to accompany Him Before they preach, they must be with Him. • Relationship precedes ministry; time in His presence shapes character (John 15:4-5). • Mark records how often they traveled, ate, and rested with Him (Mark 4:35-41; 6:30-32). • Being “with Him” means learning His heart, witnessing His works, and embracing His priorities (1 John 1:1-3). • The pattern remains: effective service flows from abiding fellowship. to be sent out to preach The end goal of their calling is proclamation. • Mark 3:14–15 continues: “to be sent out to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons.” • Their message: “The kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 10:7). • Their mandate combines word and deed—preaching and delivering (Luke 9:1-2). • Romans 10:14-15 affirms the necessity: “How can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard?”. • Jesus still sends His followers: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15). summary Mark 3:14 shows Jesus intentionally forming a covenant community: He chooses twelve, names them apostles, draws them close, and then sends them out. Their authority and effectiveness rest on first being with Him. The pattern remains our blueprint—chosen by Christ, grounded in fellowship, and propelled into a world that needs the gospel. |
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