Throughout the Bible, Jesus picked many disciples to follow him, but he chose only 12 to be his closest followers. This may seem like a random number, but it holds great significance. In this article, we will explore why Jesus only picked 12 disciples and what their role was in his ministry.
Who were the 12 Disciples?
Before we dive into why Jesus chose only 12 disciples, let’s first look at who they were. The 12 disciples were Simon Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John (brother of James), Philip, Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael), Thomas, Matthew (also known as Levi), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus (also known as Judas son of James), Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot.
Why Did Jesus Only Pick 12 Disciples?
There are several reasons why Jesus chose only 12 disciples. One reason is that the number 12 had great significance in Jewish culture.
The nation of Israel had 12 tribes and in choosing 12 disciples, Jesus was symbolically reconstituting Israel around himself. By having these twelve men join him in his ministry, Jesus was demonstrating that he was the new Israel.
Another reason for choosing only 12 disciples was that it allowed for a more intimate relationship between them and Jesus. Instead of having a large group of followers that would be difficult to manage and mentor properly, Jesus chose a smaller group that he could invest more time and energy into.
The Role of the Disciples
The role of the disciples was to learn from Jesus and carry on his teachings after he ascended into heaven. They were chosen to be witnesses to his life, death, and resurrection. They were also given authority over unclean spirits and power to heal every disease and affliction.
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the disciples went on to spread the gospel throughout the world. They were instrumental in establishing the early Christian church and their teachings still serve as the foundation for Christianity today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus’ decision to choose only 12 disciples was not a random one. It was symbolic of him reconstituting Israel around himself and allowed for a more intimate relationship between him and his followers.
The disciples were chosen to learn from Jesus, witness his life, death, and resurrection, and carry on his teachings after he ascended into heaven. Their role in establishing the early Christian church cannot be overstated and their teachings still shape Christianity today.