Luke 6:13

Luke 6:13, in plain English

When morning came, Jesus called all His followers together and chose twelve of them to be His apostles — His inner circle, His 'sent ones.'

Why it's here

After a whole night of prayer, this was the result. Jesus hand-picked twelve ordinary men to change the world.

Who's speaking

Jesus makes His selection at daybreak after His night of prayer.

Where it sits in the story

Twelve ordinary people chosen to carry an extraordinary mission. Jesus didn't pick the most qualified — He picked the ones the Father showed Him. Your calling isn't about your resume.

The scholarly reading

From the larger group of mathētai ("disciples/learners"), Jesus selects twelve and designates them apostolous ("apostles" — "sent ones"). The number twelve symbolically represents the reconstituted twelve tribes of Israel.

Language and setting

The distinction between disciples (broader group) and apostles (commissioned leaders) establishes a structured hierarchy within Jesus' movement, echoing Israel's tribal organization.

Voice

Jesus acts decisively at daybreak, calling His disciples and choosing twelve as apostles.

Significance

The selection of twelve is both practical and symbolic: Jesus forms an inner circle for leadership while simultaneously signaling the reconstitution of Israel around Himself as the new center of God's covenant people.

11But the scribes and Pharisees were filled with rage and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.

12In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God.

13When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles:

14Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew;

15Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot;

Read all of Luke 6 — Blessed are the poor; woe to the rich. Jesus delivers his version of the great sermon and demands a love so radical it includes your enemies.