Gospel of Mark Part 18: Jesus Appoints the Apostles [Small Group Discussion]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- May 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Title: Called, Chosen, and Commissioned
Scripture Focus: Mark 3:13–19 – “And He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve (whom He also named apostles) to be with Him, and to send them out to preach, and to have authority to cast out the demons. And He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom He gave the name Peter), and James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James (to them He gave the name Boanerges, which means, ‘Sons of Thunder’); and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.”
OPENING QUESTION
If Jesus personally called you by name to follow Him in a specific mission, how would you respond? What would you need to leave behind?
BACKGROUND
In this passage, Jesus appoints twelve men to be His apostles—a unique role in church history. They were handpicked, eyewitnesses of His ministry and resurrection, and given supernatural authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons. Their calling was foundational to the building of the church, as Ephesians 2:20 says, the church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone.” Today, while there are no biblical apostles, we are all called to be disciples who continue in their teaching and mission.
KEY POINTS
1. Witnesses for the Resurrection
Apostles were chosen to be eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection (Acts 1:21–22).
Their testimony forms the basis of our faith (John 17:20).
They endured suffering and martyrdom, proving their commitment (2 Corinthians 11:23–28).
2. Ambassadors for Christ
They were sent to proclaim the gospel (Mark 16:15–16).
Represented Christ in the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–20).
Warned of the consequences of rejecting the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7–9).
3. Teachers for the Disciples
The Holy Spirit revealed truth through them (John 14:25–26; John 16:13–14).
Their doctrine is the standard for the church (Acts 2:42).
No self-proclaimed “apostle” today meets their biblical qualifications.
4. Foundation for the Church
Christ is the cornerstone; the apostles laid the foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:19–22).
Their names are on the foundations of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:14).
Their words, recorded in Scripture, are our authority today.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Why do you think Jesus chose exactly twelve apostles?
What dangers arise when people claim the title of “apostle” today without meeting biblical qualifications?
How do the apostles’ willingness to suffer for their testimony challenge the modern church’s comfort level?
In what ways can we faithfully continue the apostles’ teaching in our homes, churches, and communities?
How does recognizing Christ as the cornerstone affect the way we view church leadership and authority?
APPLICATION
Stay Grounded in Apostolic Teaching: Commit to regular study of the New Testament, remembering these were eyewitness accounts of Christ.
Live as Ambassadors: Represent Christ in speech, conduct, and relationships, knowing you carry His message.
Endure Trials Faithfully: Remember the apostles’ example when facing opposition or inconvenience for your faith.
Guard Against False Authority: Test every teaching and leader against the Word of God, the true foundation.
MEMORY VERSE
Hebrews 2:1 – “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away.”
PRAYER FOCUS
Thank God for the faithful witness of the apostles and pray for boldness to carry forward their message of Christ’s death and resurrection with clarity, courage, and love.
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