Mark 3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 3:13-19 – Formation of Group of the Apostles

Mark 3:13-19 – Formation of Group of the Apostles

|| Matthew 10:1-4;[1] Luke 6:12-16

MK3:13 Then Jesus went up into the mountains and summoned those he wanted and they came to visit him. MK3:14 He appointed[2] twelve to be his close companions[3] and in order to send them forth to preach. MK3:15 Also, they would have authority to heal sicknesses and exorcise demons. MK3:16 And Jesus appointed: Simon (also called Peter), MK3:17 James and John of Zebedee (he called them “Boanerges” meaning “Sons of Thunder”), MK3:18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon of Canaan, MK3:19 and Judas Iscariot, who later betrayed him. Then he went home.

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[1] Matthew 10:1-4: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Appointed: Or, ordained.

[3] Close companions: Or, be with him, associate with him. In Luke 12:32 Jesus calls these his “little flock.”

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Preceding

Matthew 19:27-29 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: We Have Left Everything for You!

Mark 3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 3:1-6 – A Withered Hand Cured on the Sabbath

Mark 3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 3:7-12 – Crowds Follow Jesus

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Related

Mark 3:13-19 – Who were the twelve apostles?

Matthew 17:1-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Transfiguration Vision

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN:
A TRANSFIGURED SON AND AN EMPTY POCKET

[“Glory and Taxes”]
(Key word: “Listen!”)

Matthew 17:1-9 – Transfiguration Vision

|| Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36

MT17:1 Now after six days[1] Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John[2] (the brother of James) and ascended with them to a very secluded place on a tall mountain.[3] MT17:2 And right before them Jesus was metamorphosed[4] – his face illuminated like the sun[5] and his cloak as white light.[6] MT17:3 And, look! they could see Moses and Elijah[7] speaking with Jesus. MT17:4 Peter responded and said to Jesus, “Master, if you wish I shall make three tents[8] – one for you and Moses and Elijah.” MT17:5 Yet while Peter was talking, look! a shining cloud rested over them, and, look! a Voice came from the cloud,[9] saying, “This is my beloved Son whom I approve[10] – listen to him.”[11] MT17:6 Now, hearing this the disciples were frightened and fell on their faces. MT17:7 Jesus approached the disciples and touching them, he said, “Rise and do not be afraid.” MT17:8 But, when the disciples looked up they saw nothing but Jesus himself. MT17:9 Now while descending the mountain Jesus charged[12] the three disciples: “Tell no one[13] about the vision[14] until the Son of Humankind[15] is raised from among those dead.”[16]

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[1] After six days: Mark 9:2 agrees though Luke 9:28 says, “But it happened about eight days after…” Some see the transfiguration as the fulfillment of what the Nazarene said earlier (Matthew 16:28). It ought to be observed that there is nothing in the “vision” which speaks of the arrival of Jesus’ kingdom in power.

[2] Peter, James, and John: Are these the primary foundation stones of the Congregation? Note in Mark 13:3 Andrew is added to a select group among the apostles.

[3] A very secluded place on a tall mountain: Or, KJV: into an high mountain apart; KNX: where they were along; LB: a high and lonely hill. Some believe this is that 9,000-foot mountain nearest Caesar Philippi, Mount Hermon.

[4] Jesus was metamorphosed: The Greek is METAMORPHOTHE. Or, KJV: transfigured; RHM: transformed; WMS: his appearance was changed; PME: his whole appearance changed before their eyes. Note a form of the word at Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18. According to Luke 9:29 this occurred “as he was praying.”

[5] Face illuminated like the sun: Or KJV: his faced did shine as the sun. Compare Daniel 12:3; Matthew 13:43; Revelation 1:14. Note, Exodus 34:29: “Moses did not know that the skin of his face emitted rays.” (NW) It is impossible not to include as a cross reference 2 Corinthians 3:7, 10, 15, 18 and the relationship with the “new covenant.”

[6] His cloak as white light: Or, ASV: garment became white as the light; RIEU: white as light itself. Mark 9:3 adds: “… far whiter than any clothes cleaner on earth could whiten them.” (Revelation 1:16)

[7] Moses and Elijah: Some see these two as representing the Law and the Prophets pointing to Messiah. The three are called “prophets.” The three all fast for 40 days. All three hear the Voice of God. All three are associated with the Name of God. All three are involved in the saving acts of God. Compare Malachi 4:4, 5. See notes on Revelation 11:5, 6.

[8] I shall make three tents: We note the spontaneity of Peter. Perhaps he expects these three to remain during the chilly night. He may create an evening bivouac from boughs and limbs of trees.

[9] Voice came from the cloud: This is the second of three cases where the Voice of God is heard, all in the presence of Jesus (Matthew 3:17; John 12:28). Peter gives his own inspired interpretation of this event at 2 Peter 1:16-18. The Voice is “God the Father.” The main point is the revelation of the “power and presence (PAROUSIA)” of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some wish to make this the second coming or that Parousia future from the days of Jesus and the disciples. (Matthew 24:3; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 8; James 5:7, 8; 2 Peter 3:4; 1 John 2:28) Others see the parousia here as that first coming of the Nazarene.

[10] This is my beloved Son whom I approve: These are the words heard by John the Baptist and the Nazarene at his baptism (see notes at Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22). Peter records the Voice at 2 Peter 1:17. The phrase is similar to a conflate of Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1. Peter is to quote the context of Psalm 2:7 later at Acts 4:24; and, Paul Psalm 2:7 exactly at Acts 13:33, 34. Both apply Psalm 2 to that period upon the resurrection and ascension of Jesus to heaven as envisioned by Daniel 7:13. It is curious that this is witnessed only by three of the apostles and these are later told not to tell anyone (the other apostles?) of the vision (Matthew 17:9).

[11] Listen to him: Here is the main point of the whole episodic vision: to charge these three apostles to hear or listen in obedience to the Son (Note Hebrews 1:1). Matthew was not present on this occasion so must have learned the details from Peter, James, or John; and this after the resurrection of the Son of Humankind. “Listen” is a word occurring often in the Gospels: Matthew 11:15; 13:9, 18, 43; 15:10; Mark 4:3, 9, 20, 23, 33; 7:14; Luke 8:8, 18; 14:35; John 10:3, 16, 27.

[12] Jesus charged: Or, ASV: commanded; KNX: ward; MOF: ordered.

[13] Tell no one: We may assume this included the other nine apostles. What an awesome charge to confidence – a lesson for many an elder to keep confidentiality. On this matter compare Paul’s own at 2 Corinthians 12:4.

[14] The vision: The appearance of “Moses” and “Elijah” were visionary not the real persons alive. One may ask how these men recognized Moses and Elijah?

[15] Son of Humankind: Search or Find Son of Man or Son of Humankind.

[16] Raised from among those dead: Or, KJV: risen again from the dead; MON: raised from the dead. The dead themselves are not to be raised until, a) the Parousia of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:23); and, b) the end of the Thousand Years (1 Corinthians 15:24; Revelation 20:5).

 

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Preceding

Matthew 16:24-28 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: A Disciple Must Disown Self

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Related

1. “Listen to Him!”
2. Matthew Chapter A Day – 17
3. June 6, 2018 – Class: Matthew 17
4. Bible Study Notes on Matthew 17 – 20180126
5. Matthew 17丨C. H. Spurgeon
6. Peter and John — Matthew 17:1-13
7. Matthew 17 – The Mount of Transfiguration
8. Matthew 17:1-8 The Terrifying Transfiguration
9. Tip of the Day, September 19 Lessons of the Transfiguration
10. Monday Motivation: The Revealing of Glory
11. On a high mountain
12. On the Mountain
13. What Happened On The Mountain; Learning Under Jesus
14. Transfiguration
15. The Transfiguration
16. The Transfiguration the Feast of the Transfiguration,
17. Here We Read About The Wonderful Transfiguration Of Jesus!
18. The Transfiguration of Our Lord
19. Divine Glory and Sacrificial Love
20. God’s Voice is Heard at the Transfiguration
21. The Glory of Jesus Christ is Revealed at the Transfiguration
22. They Saw No One but Jesus Only
23. Does the Father affirm Jesus the Messiah is his Son?
24. She Reads Truth | Matthew 17 & 18
25. Transfiguration – Divinization and the Transmigration of Souls
26. Transfiguring Humanity—Reflections on the Transfiguration of Christ
27. Moses, Elijah and Jesus (Plus Four) Meet on a Mountain: The Feast of the Transfiguration
28. The Transfiguration of Christ
29. The Transfiguration of the Lord
30. 4. Witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus
31. Elijah & Elisha
32. How Not to Be Terrified
33. Acknowledge the Glory In You
34. The Disciples’ Response to the Transfiguration

Matthew 10:1-4 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Twelve Given Authority

CHAPTER TEN:
HARVEST WORKERS GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS
AND SENT OUT

Matthew 10:1-4 – The Twelve Given Authority

|| Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16; Acts 1:13

The call of Andrew and Peter – Harold Copping (1863-1932) from “Scenes in the Life of our Lord” published by Religious Tract Society 1907. Location of original painting unknown.

MT10:1 Now Jesus invited his twelve disciples[1] to approach him. He gave them authority over unclean spirits to exorcise them and to cure every disease and malady. MT10:2 The names of the twelve apostles[2] are these: first, Simon[3] the one called Peter[4] and his brother Andrew;[5] and, James[6] the son of Zebedee and his brother John;[7] MT10:3 and Philip,[8] Bartholomew,[9] Thomas.[10] Matthew[11] the tax-collector, James the son of Alphaeus,[12] Thaddaeus,[13] MT10:4 Simon the Cananaean,[14] and Judas Iscariot[15] (the one who turned Jesus over[16]).

[1] Twelve disciples: The number “twelve” in this context occurs 34 times in the Christian Bible (Matthew 10:1, 2, 5, 11; 19:28; 20:17; 26:14, 20, 47; Mark 3:14, 16; 4:10; 6:7; 9:35; 10:32; 11:11; 14:10; 14:17, 20, 43; Luke 6:13; 8:1; 9:1, 12; 18:31; 22:3, 47; John 6:67, 70, 71; 20:24; Acts 6:2; 1 Corinthians 15:5; Revelation 21:14). 1 Corinthians 15:5 shows the “twelve” became an official group whether all twelve were present or not.

[2] The names of the twelve apostles: Compare the other apostolic lists and note not all remain in their same places. Other than these parallel lists some apostles are never mentioned elsewhere. Tradition and church history has certain unknown apostles leaving to far lands to evangelize while others died as martyrs. On their history see The History of the Christian Church by Eusebius; or, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.

[3] Simon: The name means “Hear” and occurs 80 times in the Bible. Several are so named. There is another apostle named Simon. The father of Judas was named Simon. One of Jesus’ half-brothers was named Simon. The man who carried the cross (beam) for Jesus was also a Simon.

[4] Peter: See notes on Matthew 4:18. Peter is always first in the list and it is possible the Fisherman is the diamond (jasper stone) in the foundation of New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:19).

[5] Andrew: See notes on Matthew 4:18. This apostle moves to a lower number in the list of twelve.

[6] James: See notes on Matthew 4:21. This “James” is often mentioned as one of three among Peter and John (Matthew 17:1, 2; Luke 8:51; Mark 14:32-34; Mark 13:3, 4). James the apostle is always mentioned with John and often first (Matthew 4:21; 10:2; 17:1; Mark 1:19, 29; 3:17; 5:37; 9:2; 10:35, 41; 13:3; 14:33; Luke 5:10; 6:14; 8:51; 9:28, 54; Acts 1:13). James was also the name of one of Jesus’ brothers. It is this later James to whom Jesus appeared after his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:8) and who wrote the epistle after his name.

[7] John: See notes on Matthew 4:21. This John moves into one of the three third positions among the apostles. He is not mentioned after Acts 11:29 save in Galatians 2:9 where he is identified as a “pillar.” He outlived all the apostles and is thought to have lived into the second century. He is reckoned the author of the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation.

[8] Philip: The name means “Horse-lover” and occurs 35 times in the Christian Bible as the name of several men. The apostle Philip occurs only in the apostolic lists with John giving some details of his calling (John 1:40, 41, 43-49).

[9] Bartholomew: The name means “Son of Tolmai” and occurs 4 times, only in the apostolic lists. He is generally listed with Philip and most think he is the same as Nathanael (Matthew 10:3; Luke 6:14; John 1:45, 46). Nathanael means “God Has Given” and occurs 7 times only in Matthew and John. In the next centuries the “church fathers” use the names interchangeably for the same apostle. He is the first to call Jesus “King.” He was a man of outstanding character, without deceit or guileless, according to the Nazarene’s own judgment (John 1:43-51).

[10] Thomas: The name means “Twin” and occurs 13 times in the Christian Bible but not after the apostolic list in Acts. He is forever associated with vocal doubts (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; John 11:16). Despite this unjust reputation Thomas was willing to die with Jesus (John 11:16). He becomes an example to others to have faith without seeing (John 20:24-29).

[11] Matthew: See notes on Matthew 9:9-10. He is not mentioned after the ascension to heaven (Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16).

[12] James the son of Alphaeus: Alphaeus is thought to be the same as Clopas (Matthew 10:2, 3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13) He is called “the Less” possibly because of his age or height (John 19:25; Mark 15:40; Matthew 27:56).

[13] Thaddaeus: The name only occurs here and Mark 3:18. He is elsewhere called “Judas the son of James.” (Luke 6:16; John 14:22; Acts 1:13) There is a humbling lesson in some of these apostolic names that appear nowhere else. They served in blessed ways almost anonymous. There have been many millions of similar Christians whose names remain unknown until that day when the “Lamb’s scroll of life” is published for others to read.

[14] Simon the Cananaean: This designation also occurs at Mark 3:18.

[15] Judas Iscariot: Perhaps the most infamous name in the Bible. Few, if any, mothers since have named their son Judas. The name Judas is drawn from Judah (“Praise”) or Jew. The full name occurs 7 times in the Gospels. “Iscariot” is thought by some to mean he was from a town called Kerioth-hezron in Judah. It is highly possible that Judas was the only apostle who was not a Galilean. It is likely that initially Judas was a good choice as an apostle for we find him in charge of the contributions (John 12:6; Matthew 10:3). Judas betrayal made him a “devil” or “slanderer” (John 6:66-71). The Hebrew prophets foretold one who would betray Jesus (Psalm 41:9; 109:8; John 13:18, 19).

[16] The one who turned Jesus over: Or, KJV: betrayed; PME: turned traitor.

The Procession of the Apostles – By (James) Jacques-Joseph Tissot, French, 1836-1902. After a painting now in the Brooklyn Museum, New York; photogravure from “La Vie de Notre Seigneur Jésus Christ . . . . avec des notes et des dessins explicatifs par J. James Tissot” 1896-97.

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Preceding

Matthew 9:35-38 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: A Preaching Tour in a Great Harvest

Matthew 9:35-38 – Looking at Jesus our shepherd

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Related

1. The Apostles
2. The Prophets, The Apostles And The Saviour
3. The 12 Apostles
4. Phillip Medhurst’s Bible in pictures 131 The call of Andrew and Peter
5. Phillip Medhurst presents 206/392 the James Tissot Jesus c 1896 The Procession of the Apostles
6. Luke in the Phillip Medhurst Collection 611 Stephen and others are chosen to the diaconate Acts 6:5-6 Marillier
7. Luke in the Phillip Medhurst Collection 612 The synagogue disputes with Stephen Acts 6:9-10 Marillier
8. Jesus taking care of two of his apostles, like everyone else …
9. >Sermon: The Testing Of The Apostles by Origen
10. A Drowning Fisherman was Saved by a Carpenter
11. 10 Powerful Lessons We Learn from the Life of the Apostle Peter
12. The Magical Powers of the Apostle Peter’s Shadow
13. A word in season – The Apostle John
14. Daily Mass: St. John – Apostle & Evangelist
15. Carissimi: Today’s Mass; SS Simon & Jude, Apostles
16. Carissimi: Today’s Mass; Octave Day of St John the Evangelist, Apostle
17. St. John the Apostle
18. Little Faith apostle Thomas and how people often mislabel him as a doubter. But Thomas is not the only apostle who has been given a hard time for his moments of doubt.
19. Sermon: St. Andrew the Apostle
20. Who was St Andrew?
    Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle
21. Face Problems Like the Apostles
22. Apostolic authority: executive, advisory or what?
23. epistle, apostle
24. Matthew 23:13-39 BHT, Sorrows of Religious Authorities
25. Beginning Discipleship From the Apostles and Elders
26. A Fisherman to a Fisher of Men: How to Follow in the First Apostles’ Footsteps

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 4:18-22 – The Calling of the First Disciples

Matthew 4:18-22 – The Calling of the First Disciples

|| Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11; John 1:35-42

MT4:18 Walking by the Sea of Galilee Jesus saw two brothers, Simon[1] (who is also called Peter[2]) and Andrew[3] his brother. They were fishermen and were casting their fishing-nets into the sea. MT4:19 And Jesus said to them, “Come here and follow me, and I will make you fishers of humans.” MT4:20 And these immediately dropped their nets[4] and they followed Jesus. MT4:21 And leaving there, Jesus saw two other brothers, James[5] the son of Zebedee and John[6] his brother. They were in the fishing boat with their father Zebedee repairing their nets. Jesus called them. MT4:22 At once these left the boat and their father and they followed Jesus.

[1] Simon: The first disciple called or invited. The name means “Listen” and occurs 80 times in the Christian Bible. Others are also called by this name.

Simon Peter and Andrew with Christ. Mortier. In the Bowyer Bible in Bolton Museum, England. Print 3543. From “An Illustrated Commentary on the Gospel of Mark” by Phillip Medhurst. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

[2] Peter: The name means “Rock” and occurs 175 times (most often in the Book of Acts) in the Christian Bible. Peter is most often listed first in the list of the apostles.

[3] Andrew: The second called. The name means “Manly” and occurs 13 times in the Christian Bible.

[4] Immediately dropped their nets: It is possible these men were baptized disciples of John the Baptist. It is also possible Jesus had known these men as he had grown up in the area of Galilee. One notes how quickly they were willing to quit their trade and follow the Messiah.

[5] James: The names means “Surplanter” and equals Jacob and occurs 54 times in the Christian Bible. It is possible that James was a cousin or kinsman of Jesus of Nazareth.

[6] John: The name means “Yah Favors; God’s Gift” and occurs 140 times in the Christian Bible.

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Preceding

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 4:1-4 A Wilderness Temptation

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 4:5-7 – A Temptation to Test God

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 4:8-11 – A Temptation to Gain World Rule

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 4:12-17 – Galilee Saw A Great Light

Jehovah God Maker of the entire universe served by a well-trained army

Next:

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 4:23-25 – Kingdom Preaching and Healing Draws Crowds

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Additional reading

1. Counterfeit Gospels
2. Truth, doubt or blindness
3. Good Morning January 25 We are theologians
4. The Pastor Theologian
5. Perishable non theologians daring to go out to preach
6. A call easy to understand

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Further reading

1. Man’s true destiny
2. God’s Plumb Line
3. Surrender
4. Having Faith in God 
5. Scripture at Sunrise 2.7.2017
6. God’s Faithful Are Forever Blessed
7. Only Jesus Will Give You Eternal Life
8. Choose good over evil – February 01, 2017
9. What is your goal in publishing Christian Pharisees?
10. Our God is a Holy God
11. Two Selves: One Cannot Be Improved, the Other is Perfect in Christ (Part 1)
12. “Repent and Believe in the Good News”
13. Repent While You Can
14. Guilt — Why won’t it go away?
15. Jesus sends you out for your sake
16. Living in the Light
17. Why A Christian Should Not Say “This” To A Non-Christian – Part II
18. Do You Really Love Jesus?
19. Stones Into Bread
20. 3rd Sunday After Epiphany, January 22, 2017
21. Third Sunday of Epiphany 2017 – Matthew 4:21-22
22. 40 days
23. 40 days and 40 nights
24. Jesus Keeps Walking, God Keeps Moving
25. Light to the Nations?
26. Follow
27. Follow Me
28. Invited To Follow
29. Immediate
30. Repentance – Sermon on Matthew 4:12-23
31. Jesus calls his first disciples
32. Answering the Call (Mt 4:12-23)
33. Called Together
34. What Does ‘Fish for Men’ Mean?
35. Are You Really Following?
36. Faith & Fisherman
37. Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!

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Related articles

• Daily Mass: Following Christ in the face of opposition. Catholic Inspiration
• Sunday reflection: Matthew 4:12 – 23
• Distinguishing Between Biblical Vs Man-Made Doctrine

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