Chapter 16 - The Chosen Twelve

The Call and Ordination of the Twelve Apostles

Scriptural References

  • Matthew 10:1-4
  • Mark 3:13-19
  • Luke 6:12-16

Background Context

  • The event of the apostles' calling and ordination took place after the Lord spent the preceding night in solitary prayer. This act of seclusion emphasizes the significance of the upcoming event and showcases the Lord's devotion to divine guidance.
  • As dawn approached and many people were gathering to hear the gospel, Jesus called forth from his disciples those he would choose as apostles.

Selection of the Twelve Apostles

  • Lucas 6:12-13 indicates Jesus named and ordained twelve individuals as apostles during this gathering.
      - Comparison: Refer to John 15:16 and Acts 1:22 for further insights on the apostles’ authority and selection.
  • Prior to being named apostles, these individuals were numbered among the general disciples and had not received specific appointments or authority.
  • Seven of these disciples had received a preliminary call, namely:
      - Andrew
      - John
      - Simon (Peter)
      - Philip
      - Nathaniel (Bartholomew)
      - James (son of Zebedee)
      - Levi (Matthew)
Listed Order of Apostles
  • Mark’s Order (noted for the prominence of the first three):
      - Simon Peter
      - James, son of Zebedee
      - John, brother of James
      - Andrew, brother of Peter
      - Philip
      - Bartholomew (Nathaniel)
      - Matthew
      - Thomas
      - James, son of Alpheus
      - Judas (Thaddeus)
      - Simon Zelotz (the Canaanite)
      - Judas Iscariot

Individual Apostles: Overview

Simon Peter
  • Name Origin: Given to him by the Lord at their first meeting (John 1:42)
  • Background: Son of Jonah, a fisherman, partnered with James, John, and Andrew.
  • Home: Originally from Bethsaida, later moved to Capernaum.
  • Family Status: Married and economically successful, indicating he was not uneducated or impoverished.
  • Temperament: Impulsive, shown to have human weaknesses but later became the leader among the apostles.
  • Death: Tradition states he was martyred by crucifixion, likely under Nero’s reign, possibly between 64 A.D. and 68 A.D.
  • Posthumous Role: An essential figure in the restoration of the Melchizedek priesthood in the latter days (D&C 27:12).
James, Son of Zebedee
  • Identity: Often referred to as James the Greater.
  • Significance: First apostle to be martyred (beheaded by King Herod Agrippa, Acts 12:1-2).
  • Relationship: Brother of John, known for their shared zeal as “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17).
John
  • Background: Brother of James, often called the disciple whom Jesus loved.
  • Prominence: Witnessed key events (e.g., the Transfiguration, crucifixion, and resurrection appearances).
  • Ministerial Responsibility: Tasked with caring for Jesus' mother after the crucifixion (John 19:25-27).
Andrew
  • Relation: Brother of Simon Peter and former follower of John the Baptist.
  • Role: Brought Peter to Jesus and participated in key events (e.g., the feeding of the 5000).
Philip
  • Call: Possibly the first called, recognized Jesus as the Messiah immediately.
  • Notable Event: Briefly tested by Jesus on providing food for the 5000 (John 6:5-7).
Bartholomew (Nathaniel)
  • Scrutiny: Assumed to be the same person as Nathaniel in John's account.
  • Significance: Known for skepticism but recognized as an honest man by Jesus (John 1:47).
Matthew (Levi)
  • Background: Tax collector by profession, indicating monetary familiarity and social status.
  • Contribution: Authored the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing his experiences post-ordination.
Thomas (Didymus)
  • Characteristics: Known for his doubt (Doubting Thomas) but displayed loyalty and courage in uncertain circumstances (John 11:16).
  • Key Event: Significantly recognized Jesus after expressing doubt about the resurrection (John 20:24-29).
James, Son of Alpheus
  • Identity Issues: Uniqueness in his name causes confusion among historians and theologians about his presence in the scriptures and the nature of his apostleship.
Judas (Thaddeus)
  • Unique Identification: Addressed as Judas (not Iscariot) in the scriptures to distinguish his identity.
Simon (Zelotz or Canaanite)
  • Distinction: Known for his enthusiasm and possibly affiliation with the zealots, a faction of fervent Jews.
Judas Iscariot
  • Role: Known as the treasurer, infamous for betrayal of Jesus.
  • Death: Committed suicide after betraying Jesus, signifying a tragic downfall (Matthew 27:5).

General Characteristics of the Twelve Apostles

  • Unity in Belief: All individuals chosen had been close followers of Jesus, though their understanding of his true mission varied.
  • Educational Background: None held rabbinical or scholarly titles, suggesting a focus on ordinary men of faith.
  • Theological Implications: While they believed in Jesus, their conceptions of his role often aligned with contemporary Jewish expectations of a political messiah.
The Apostolic Office
  • Recognized as a sacred calling bestowed with the responsibility to be witnesses of Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
  • Authority Implications: Apostles acted in direct extension of Jesus' ministry, responsible for preaching and establishing church authority after Jesus's ascension.
D&C Clarification Notes
  • Apostolic Role: Defined in D&C 107:23 as a specific calling, distinguishing it from general discipleship which serves a broader meaning of followership.

These notes provide a comprehensive understanding of the call, selection, and characteristics of the twelve apostles as illustrated in the selected scriptural passages and theological reflections from the text. Each apostle holds an individual significance and represents a portion of Jesus' ministry and teachings, leading to the foundation of the Christian Church.