Blessings and Woes
Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Luke 6:14 · Berean Standard Bible
First was Simon, whom Jesus renamed Peter (meaning 'Rock'), and his brother Andrew. Then James and John, Philip and Bartholomew.
Each of these men left their lives behind to follow Jesus. They were fishermen, ordinary workers — not religious professionals.
Luke names the first six of Jesus' twelve chosen apostles.
Jesus renamed Simon 'Rock' — not because Peter was steady yet, but because of who he would become. Jesus sees your future, not just your present.
The list begins with Simōn, whom Jesus renamed Petros ("Rock/Stone"), followed by Andrew, James, John, Philip, and Bartholomew. The renaming of Simon signifies his appointed role in the community.
Luke's apostolic list follows a consistent pattern: Peter always heads the list across all four New Testament catalogs (Matt 10, Mark 3, Luke 6, Acts 1), reflecting his leadership role.
Luke provides the first portion of the apostolic list as selected by Jesus.
The naming of Simon as Peter represents a prophetic act — Jesus declares what Simon will become rather than what he currently is. The list pairs brothers and associates together.
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;
16Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.
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.
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