Mk 3:13-19
13[Jesus] went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. 14He appointed twelve [whom he also named apostles] that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach 15and to have authority to drive out demons: 16[he appointed the twelve:] Simon, whom he named Peter; 17James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; 18Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, 19and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.
JESUS APPOINTED TWELVE: There were three main types of people who followed Jesus. The least organized and stable were the crowds who thronged around Jesus to listen to him and to benefit from his powerful deeds. The second group was more attached to Jesus, followed him for a period of time, and even supported him and his intimate group out of their means. The closest to Jesus were the twelve he appointed to be with him and whom he would later send.
Later on, this company would be known as a distinct group—the Twelve (Greek dodeka), with or without the addition “apostles.” The number twelve has a clear redemptive and historical symbolism. The Twelve represent in a new form the people of the twelve tribes of Israel—the Chosen People. In the selection of the Twelve, Jesus is forming a new community of God, not just as represented by them, but formed through them as they continue the mission of Jesus.
The Twelve apostles, under the leadership of Simon Peter, will be the pillars of the community of believers after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven. Here, Mark gives us the list of their names. They are called “apostles” because they are sent in the name or authority of Jesus. John, who does not use the word “apostle” for the disciples in deference to Jesus who is “the one whom the Father has consecrated and sent into the world” (Jn 10:36), nonetheless knows the company known as the Twelve (Jn 6:70).
The Twelve are Jesus’ closest collaborators. To them is entrusted the authority of leadership in the community of disciples, the new Chosen People, just as the twelve sons of Jacob were to Israel.