Gospel of Mark Bible Part 18: Jesus Appoints the Apostles [Bible Study]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- May 18
- 2 min read
Bible Study Title: Jesus Appoints the Apostles – The Foundation of the Church
Scripture Focus: Mark 3:13-19
Opening Prayer
Lord, thank You for the faithful witness of the apostles You appointed. Help us honor their teaching, stay grounded in Your Word, and continue in the faith they proclaimed.
Introduction
Jesus personally chose twelve men to be His apostles, giving them authority to preach, cast out demons, and lay the foundation for His church. These men were not self-appointed, nor chosen by popular vote—they were handpicked by the Lord. Understanding their unique role helps us avoid false claims of apostleship today and remain anchored to the foundation they laid.
Bible Reading
Read Mark 3:13-19, then compare with Luke 6:12-16 and Acts 1:21-26.
Section 1 – The Call of the Apostles
Chosen by Jesus Himself (Mark 3:13; Luke 6:13).
Given a mission – to be with Him, preach, and cast out demons (Mark 3:14-15).
Apostleship required:
Being with Jesus during His earthly ministry.
Being an eyewitness to His resurrection (Acts 1:21-22).
Being appointed directly by Christ (Galatians 1:1).
Confirming their calling through signs and wonders (2 Corinthians 12:12).
Discussion Questions:
Why do you think Jesus chose ordinary men for such an extraordinary mission?
How do these requirements show that no one today can truly be an apostle?
Section 2 – The Role of Apostles
Eyewitnesses of the Resurrection – Their testimony is the foundation of our faith (Acts 2:32; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
Ambassadors for Christ – Representing Him to the world and preaching the gospel of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
Teachers for the Church – Guided by the Holy Spirit to reveal “all truth” (John 14:26; John 16:13).
Their writings form the authoritative teaching of the New Testament (Acts 2:42).
Reflection: How does the apostles’ eyewitness testimony strengthen your faith in Christ?
Section 3 – No Apostles Today
The foundation of the church has already been laid (Ephesians 2:20).
Modern claims of apostleship fail the biblical requirements.
Authority today comes from the Word of God, not from self-given titles or church traditions (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Discussion Questions:
What dangers can come from people falsely claiming to be apostles?
How can we ensure our faith is built on the Word, not on personalities?
Section 4 – The Foundation for the Church
Christ is the Cornerstone (Acts 4:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:11).
The apostles and prophets form the foundation (Ephesians 2:19-22).
Our faith, doctrine, and hope are all grounded in their teaching (2 Peter 1:16-18; Ephesians 3:5-6).
Revelation 21:14 depicts their names on the foundation stones of the New Jerusalem.
Reflection: How can we remain “steadfast in the apostles’ teaching” today?
Memory Verse
Ephesians 2:20 – “…having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone.”
Closing Challenge
The apostles’ role was unique, unrepeatable, and essential to the faith we hold today. Our responsibility is to remain devoted to their teaching, preserved in the New Testament, and to continue the mission of making disciples as Christ commanded.
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