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Book of Luke - Chapter 6 - Verse 13

6:13
And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

Meaning

In this verse from the Bible, Jesus is depicted as calling his disciples to him in the daylight. He selects twelve of them to be his closest followers and gives them a special designation as apostles. The word "apostle" comes from the Greek word "apostolos" which means "one who is sent out." These twelve men were chosen by Jesus to be his representatives, spreading his message and teachings to others. The selection of the twelve apostles is significant as it symbolizes the establishment of a new community centered around Jesus and his teachings. Each apostle played a key role in the early Christian church, spreading the gospel and establishing the foundation for what would become one of the largest religions in the world. The act of Jesus choosing these twelve disciples as apostles also reflects his authority and power as the Son of God, shaping the course of Christianity for centuries to come.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the theological interpretation focuses on the significance of Jesus choosing twelve disciples and naming them apostles. The number twelve holds great significance in the Bible, representing the twelve tribes of Israel and symbolizing completeness and unity. By choosing twelve disciples, Jesus is establishing a new covenant and a new community. The act of naming them apostles also carries theological weight as apostle means "one who is sent", indicating that they were chosen by Jesus to be his messengers and representatives. This demonstrates Jesus' intention to spread his message and establish his kingdom on earth through the work of these twelve men. Additionally, the word "disciples" implies that they were learners or followers of Jesus, highlighting the importance of learning from Jesus and being committed to his teachings. Overall, this verse lays the foundation for the ministry and mission of the apostles as they are called to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations.

American Standard Version

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