Twelve, calling of

Jesus Christ's chosen companions, whom he called and trained to carry on his mission after his death and resurrection.

The calling of the Twelve

Their names

Matthew 10:1–4 parallel Mark 3:14–19 See also Luke 6:12–16; Acts 1:12–13

And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.

Their selection was preceded by prayer

Luke 6:12–13

As Jesus Christ's companions, they were to share in his mission

Mark 3:14–15, Mark 6:7–13 parallels Matthew 10:1, Matthew 10:9–14, Luke 9:1–6; Luke 8:1

Jesus Christ promised them authority at the final judgment

Matthew 19:28 parallel Luke 22:30

After Judas' death the Twelve became the Eleven

Matthew 28:16; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:9, Luke 24:33; Acts 2:14

The Eleven became the Twelve again with the election of Matthias

Acts 1:26

The ministry of the Twelve after the resurrection supplemented by the appointment of deacons

Acts 6:2–3

The symbolic significance of the Twelve

The twelve tribes of Israel

Genesis 49:28; Ezekiel 47:13; Matthew 19:28 parallel Luke 22:30 Twelve symbolises completeness and is associated with the rule of God.