Luke 6 13

Luke 6:13 kjv

And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

Luke 6:13 nkjv

And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles:

Luke 6:13 niv

When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:

Luke 6:13 esv

And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:

Luke 6:13 nlt

At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:

Luke 6 verses

Luke 6 13 Meaning

Luke 6:13 details a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry. After a night spent in prayer, Jesus summons His broader group of followers, His "disciples," and from within this larger assembly, He deliberately selects a specific group of "twelve." He then confers upon these chosen individuals the distinct title of "apostles," signifying their unique calling as authoritative representatives commissioned by Him. This act establishes the core leadership for the burgeoning kingdom movement, preparing them for their future roles in proclaiming His message and establishing His church.

Luke 6 13 Context

Luke 6:13 immediately follows Jesus' night of sustained prayer on a mountain (Luke 6:12). This deep engagement in prayer underscores the gravity and divine intentionality behind the subsequent choice. The verse precedes the "Sermon on the Plain" (Luke 6:17-49), where Jesus teaches a large multitude, including these newly designated apostles, about the principles of the Kingdom of God. The selection of the twelve from His larger group of disciples highlights the structured formation of leadership essential for Jesus' mission and the establishment of His future church. Historically, the number "twelve" carried profound significance for the Jewish audience, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. By choosing twelve, Jesus symbolically signified the re-establishment of a new Israel, a new covenant community, with these men as its foundational leaders.

Luke 6 13 Word analysis

• And when it was day: Denotes the specific time of this momentous event, occurring after the long night of prayer, indicating deliberate action in the new light of dawn.
• he called unto him (Greek: προσφωνέω, prosphōneō): Signifies Jesus initiating the summons. It means to call to oneself, to address, or speak to. This highlights His active role and authority in assembling His followers.
• his disciples (Greek: μαθηταί, mathētai): Refers to a broader group of learners or followers of Jesus. This distinguishes them from the general crowds and sets the stage for a further selection from this group.
• and of them: Specifies that the selection was made from within the existing body of disciples, not from outside. It highlights the principle of calling within a committed community.
• he chose (Greek: ἐκλέγομαι, eklegomai): To select out, pick out, elect, choose for oneself. This emphasizes Jesus' deliberate and sovereign act of selection. It is not an arbitrary choice but a divine one for a specific purpose.
• twelve: A highly symbolic number in Jewish tradition, representing the twelve tribes of Israel (Gen 49:28, Ex 24:4). Jesus choosing twelve foreshadows the establishment of a new, spiritual Israel—the Church—and these twelve will serve as its foundation.
• whom also he named (Greek: ὀνομάζω, onomazō): Implies conferring a new identity, authority, or designation. It's an act of naming to signify their specific function and role, rather than merely identifying them. This indicates formal appointment.
• apostles (Greek: ἀπόστολος, apostolos): Meaning "one who is sent out" or "messenger." It is distinct from a mere delegate. An apostolos is commissioned with the full authority and message of the one who sent them. This title immediately implies a mission and representation of Christ Himself. This also implicitly acts as a polemic against self-appointed religious leaders, as their authority comes directly from Christ.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve": This sequence emphasizes a structured process of selection. First, a larger pool of followers is gathered ("his disciples"). Then, a deliberate choice ("he chose") is made from within that pool, indicating exclusivity and intentionality. Not everyone called a disciple was chosen for this specific office.
• "whom also he named apostles": This phrase marks the transition from being merely "chosen ones" to being formally designated with a unique and authoritative office. The act of "naming" implies commission, empowerment, and official appointment, not just an identifier. They were not merely students but emissaries.

Luke 6 13 Bonus section

The act of choosing "twelve" from a larger group of "disciples" highlights that not all who follow Jesus are called to the same specific roles or offices. There is a general call to discipleship, but also specific callings within the body of believers. This specific event signifies the transition from an unorganized following to a divinely established, hierarchical structure with specific individuals tasked with particular authority and responsibilities. The selection of common men (fishermen, tax collector, etc.) further demonstrates God's pattern of choosing the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the wise, emphasizing that the power comes from God, not from the natural abilities or status of the chosen.

Luke 6 13 Commentary

Luke 6:13 is a foundational text in understanding the structure and authority within the early Church. It underscores Jesus' divine prerogative in establishing leadership. The decision was not made lightly, but came forth from a night of communion with the Father, emphasizing the divine wisdom and intentionality behind the selection. These twelve individuals, previously identified as "disciples" (learners/followers), were now set apart for a distinct office as "apostles" (those sent with authority). Their primary role would be to be with Him, witness His life, death, and resurrection, and then to be sent out as His official representatives, empowered to preach the Gospel, perform miracles, and establish the New Covenant community. This selective appointment demonstrates Christ's method of delegating authority and building His Kingdom through specially chosen and equipped individuals, laying the groundwork for the future church's mission and governance.