My ongoing paraphrase of the AB Bruce classic: The Training of the Twelve
The selection of the twelve from the broader
band of disciples is an important turning point in the Gospels. It divides the
ministry of Jesus into two parts that are equal in duration, but unequal in
terms of importance. In the earlier period, Jesus was the laborer. For the most
part, He labored single-handedly and his miracles were confined to a limited
area. His teaching was elementary and consisted of foundational truth about the
coming Kingdom.
By the time the twelve were chosen, the work of the Kingdom had
grown to such a point that it required a greater division of labor. Jesus’
teaching was also beginning to be deeper and more challenging. His ministry was
taking on a broader scope. The selection of this small number of people to be His
close and constant companions had become a necessity to Christ because of the
fruitfulness of the ministry. His followers had become so numerous that they
impeded his movements.
It was starting to become impossible for everyone who believed in
Him to follow Him everywhere, so Jesus decided that He would select certain men
who would be with Him at all times and in all places. They would be His
travelling companions, witnessing all His work and serving alongside Him. And
so as Mark puts it, Jesus called The Twelve that they would be with
Him.
Of course, these twelve were to be more than travelling companions.
They became His students and fellow laborers. Eventually they would be His
chosen agents for the advance of the Gospel throughout the whole earth. Indeed,
from this time forward, the twelve entered into a regular apprenticeship. Here they
would learn what they should be, do, believe, and teach, as His witnesses and
ambassadors to the world. From this point forward, the training of these men
was to be a constant and prominent part of Christ's personal work.
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