Mark 3:13-19

God chooses whomever He decides to do His will on this earth. Perfection is definitely not a criterion, only a willingness to accept His decision and to do whatever He asks. Nothing happens that is not preordained, even betrayal.


Jesus had a large group of followers. Even after the Twelve were appointed, He still had a large and continual following. Later Jesus sent out an additional 70 disciples. These twelve were Jesus’ apostles—a chosen group sent out to fulfill a particular mission. Christ gave power or authority to these twelve apostles. The apostle Paul called this authority “the signs of an apostle”. Christ and the apostles authenticated their ministry through signs, miracles, and wonders. Jesus gave Peter a new name because it was the Jewish custom to rename someone who had experienced a life-changing event.

Mark 3:13-19

13 And He went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him. 14 Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, 15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons: 16 Simon, to whom He gave the name Peter; 17 James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, “Sons of Thunder”; 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Cananite; 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. And they went into a house.