The Appointing of the Twelve

During the first century AD, Jesus went up into a mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him (Mark 3:13). The text does not say exactly where this mountain was located in Galilee. He appointed twelve men, whom he also named apostles, so that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach. These twelve were granted authority to cast out demons (Mark 3:14-15).

Among the twelve appointed was Simon, to whom Jesus gave the name Peter. He also appointed James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, whom he surnamed Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder (Mark 3:16-17). The text does not say what the specific reaction of these men was or what dialogue occurred between them during the selection process on the mountain.

Additional members of the twelve included Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, and Matthew. The group also contained Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot (Mark 3:18). Finally, the text identifies Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve, noting that he was the one who betrayed Jesus. Following these appointments, they went into a house (Mark 3:19).