New Testament
Luke 6:13
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When morning came, he called his disciples together and chose 12 of them, whom he named apostles:
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And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
What Luke 6:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus takes a significant step in his ministry by selecting twelve of his disciples to be apostles. This choice is made after a night of prayer, indicating the importance of this decision. The term 'apostle' means 'one who is sent out,' highlighting their role in spreading Jesus' teachings. By choosing twelve, Jesus is also symbolically connecting to the twelve tribes of Israel, suggesting a new beginning for God's people. This moment marks the transition from being followers to being sent out as leaders and messengers. The apostles would later play a crucial role in establishing the early church and sharing the message of Jesus with the world. This selection emphasizes the importance of leadership and the need for dedicated individuals to carry on the mission of faith.
How to apply Luke 6:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek God's guidance in our decisions, especially when choosing leaders or mentors. It reminds us of the importance of prayer and discernment in our lives, as we strive to fulfill our own roles in our communities and share our faith with others.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Choosing the Twelve (Luke 6:12–16)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Luke 6:13
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Why did Jesus pray before choosing the apostles?
Jesus prayed before choosing the apostles to seek divine guidance and wisdom. This act emphasizes the importance of prayer in making significant decisions. It shows that even Jesus, in his ministry, relied on prayer to align with God's will, highlighting the need for discernment and spiritual insight when selecting leaders or making important choices in our own lives.
What is the role of an apostle according to Luke 6:13?
In Luke 6:13, the role of an apostle is defined as 'one who is sent out.' This indicates that apostles are not just followers but are commissioned to actively spread Jesus' teachings and establish the church. Their mission involves leadership, teaching, and guiding others in faith, making them crucial figures in the early Christian community.
How does Luke 6:13 relate to leadership in the church today?
Luke 6:13 serves as a foundational example of leadership in the church today by illustrating the importance of prayerful selection and the calling of dedicated individuals. It encourages current church leaders to seek God's guidance in their leadership roles and to recognize the significance of empowering others to share the faith and fulfill the church's mission.
What can we learn from Jesus' selection of the apostles?
From Jesus' selection of the apostles, we learn the importance of intentionality in leadership and the need for a diverse group of individuals to carry out a mission. It teaches us to value prayer and discernment in our decisions, to recognize the potential in others, and to understand that leadership involves sending others out to serve and spread the message of faith.
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