The calling and commissioning of the Twelve Apostles is a pivotal event in the New Testament, marking the formal establishment of Jesus Christ's closest group of disciples who would play a foundational role in the early Church. This event is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—and is alluded to in the Gospel of John.

Selection of the Twelve

The selection of the Twelve Apostles is a deliberate and prayerful act by Jesus. According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before choosing the Twelve from among His disciples: "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). This underscores the significance of their calling, as it was made with divine guidance and purpose.

The List of the Twelve

The names of the Twelve Apostles are consistently listed in the Synoptic Gospels, though with slight variations in order. They are: Simon (whom He named Peter), Andrew (Peter's brother), James the son of Zebedee, John (James's brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas the son of James (also known as Thaddaeus), and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed Jesus (Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16).

Commissioning and Authority

The commissioning of the Twelve Apostles involves granting them authority and sending them out to preach and perform miracles. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gives them specific instructions: "These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: 'Do not go on the road to the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, preach this message: "The kingdom of heaven is near." Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give'" (Matthew 10:5-8). This mission underscores their role as heralds of the Kingdom of God, equipped with divine authority to authenticate their message through miraculous works.

Role and Significance

The Twelve Apostles hold a unique and foundational role in the history of Christianity. They are not only witnesses to Jesus's life, death, and resurrection but also the primary agents through whom the early Church was established. Jesus's choice of twelve men is symbolic, reflecting the twelve tribes of Israel and signifying the continuity and fulfillment of God's covenantal promises.

Training and Teaching

Throughout the Gospels, the Apostles receive direct teaching and training from Jesus. They are privy to His parables, miracles, and private explanations of His teachings. This intimate discipleship prepares them for their future roles as leaders and teachers in the nascent Church. Jesus's investment in their spiritual formation is evident in His patience and correction, as seen in various Gospel accounts.

Challenges and Failures

Despite their privileged position, the Apostles are not without faults. The Gospels candidly portray their misunderstandings, doubts, and failures, such as Peter's denial of Jesus and the disciples' desertion at His arrest. These accounts highlight the humanity of the Apostles and the transformative power of Christ's grace and forgiveness.

Post-Resurrection Commission

After His resurrection, Jesus reaffirms the Apostles' mission with the Great Commission, instructing them to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This universal mandate expands their mission beyond Israel to the entire world, laying the groundwork for the global spread of the Gospel.

Legacy

The legacy of the Twelve Apostles is enduring, as they are considered the foundation of the Church, with their teachings and witness forming the core of the New Testament. Their lives and ministries continue to inspire and instruct believers, serving as models of faith, obedience, and dedication to the mission of Christ.