Mark 3:13-15

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 3:13

Into a mountain ; literally, into the mountain ( εἰς τὸ ὄρος ). Similarly, St. Luke ( Luke 6:12 ) says," He went out into the mountain to pray." The use of the definite article might either point to some well-known eminence, or to the high table-land as distinguished from the plain, and in which there would be many recesses, which would explain the use of the preposition Tradition indicates Mount Hatten as the place, about five miles to the west of the Sea of Galilee. The summit... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 3:13-14

The helpers of Jesus. Our Lord was fulfilling the prophecy Simeon had uttered concerning him. From the cradle to the cross he was "set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel,… that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." As a new element introduced into a chemical solution will detect and separate the elements already there, so did Christ appear in the moral world. With growing distinctness his foes and friends became separate communities. "He called unto him" those who were... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 3:13-19

The twelve. Some of these twelve had been "called" by the Master long ago, and had already been much in his company. Others had been, for a shorter time and less intimately, associated with him. This formal appointment and commission took place upon the mount, and immediately before the delivery of the ever-memorable sermon to the disciples and the multitude. The passage is suggestive of great general truths. I. CHRIST THOUGHT FIT TO EMPLOY HUMAN AGENTS IN THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 3:13-19

The choosing of the apostles. I. THE RELATION BETWEEN CHRIST AND HIS SERVANTS WAS DELIBERATELY ENTERED UPON AND VOLUNTARY IN ITS NATURE . 1 . It was formally commenced in retirement. We may suppose a season of devotion. The absence of public excitement or external interference was evidently desired. 2 . The utmost freedom existed on both sides. He called "whom he himself would: and they went unto him? There was no coercion. The highest principles... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 3:13-19

The need of missionaries. I. POPULARIZERS OF GREAT DOCTRINES ARE NECESSARY in every branch of science, art, literature, religion. Where would the sublime doctrine we call the gospel have been, as an influence, had there not been found men to make it "current coin"? II. SECOND - HAND INSTRUMENTALITY PLAYS A LARGE PART IS THE SPIRITUAL WORLD . Few are the leaders or generals, many the officers, multitudinous the rank and file; but every soldier who is in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 3:13-19

Parallel passages: Matthew 10:2-4 ; Luke 6:12-19 .— The choosing of the twelve. I. THE CHOICE AND ITS OBJECT . The Saviour ascends the mountain that was near at hand, probably Karun Hattin , " and calls to him whom he wished." At once they went off away ( ἀπό ), leaving other things, and turning to him as their sole object. Of these he appointed, or ordained—though the original word is more simple, viz. "he made "—twelve for a threefold purpose: II. THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Mark 3:14-15

Out of those who thus came to him, he ordained twelve literally, he made or appointed twelve. They were not solemnly ordained or consecrated to their office until after his resurrection. Their actual consecration (of all of them at least but one, namely, Judas Iscariot) took place when he breathed on them and said, "Receive ye the Holy Ghost" ( John 20:22 ). But from this time they were his apostles "designate." They were henceforth to Be with him as his attendants and disciples. They... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Mark 3:13-19

For an account of the appointment of the apostles, see the notes at Matthew 10:1-4.And calleth unto him whom he would - Those whom he chose; whom he was about to appoint to the apostleship. See the notes at John 15:16.Mark 3:14He ordained twelve - The word rendered “ordained” here does not express our notion of ordination to the ministry. It means, literally, “he made” - that is, he “appointed” twelve to be with him.Twelve - The reason why “twelve” were chosen was, probably, that such a number... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Mark 3:13

Mark 3:13. He goeth up into a mountain Thus Luke also represents him as retiring to a mountain for solemn prayer, and indeed continuing all night in that duty, before he made choice of twelve out of his disciples, and appointed them to be apostles: thereby showing, that much consideration and prayer ought to precede and accompany the choice and ordination of persons for ministers, and that nothing in so important a business should be done rashly. And calleth unto him whom he would With... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Mark 3:14-16

Mark 3:14-16. He ordained, Gr. εποιησε , he made, constituted, or appointed, twelve The word is elsewhere used for appointing to an office. See 1 Samuel 12:6 Greek; Hebrews 3:2. Henry thinks our Lord appointed them by imposition of hands, but of this there is no proof. Indeed, this appointment seems to have been made some time before they were sent out to preach, or entered properly on their office. They were now called and appointed merely to be with him, that is, not only to attend... read more

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