Mark 3:13-19 - Homilies By J.j. Given

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 LIST OF NAMES . The order and meaning of the names require only a few remarks. The twelve are distributed into three classes. Simon, the Hearer, whom our Lord surnamed the Rock-man, heads the first class; next to him were James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, both of whom were surnamed Boanerges, "Sons of Thunder," that is, bene ( oa equivalent to e ) regesh ; and Andrew. The second class is headed by Philip; then comes Bartholomew, which means the son of Tolmai, the word being a patronymic—in all probability the person meant was Nathanael, the proper name of the same; also Matthew and Thomas. The third class begins with James the son of Alphaeus; then Judas, surnamed Thaddseus, or Lebbseus, the Courageous; and Simon the Kananite, that is, the Zealot, not a Canaanite; while Judas Iscariot, that is, the man of Kerioth, the traitor, is the last in every list.—J.J.G.