What does Luke 6:14 mean?

Explanation

Luke 6:14 lists the first few apostles that Jesus chose as his close followers and leaders of the early Christian church.

The verse signifies the moment when Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, and Bartholomew were formally selected as disciples.

Notably in this passage, Luke points out that Simon is also named Peter.

This is significant as the name Peter (Petros in Greek) means "rock," which is indicative of the role Peter would play in the church, a foundational one, as Jesus would later state that he would build his church on this "rock" (Matthew 16:18).

It's also important to note that while Andrew, James, and John were brothers, Philip and Bartholomew are mentioned without reference to family ties, suggesting the varied backgrounds of Jesus' disciples.

Historical Context

This verse is situated within the context of Jesus' ministry in the first-century Jewish setting of Galilee and Judea, under Roman occupation.

Jesus was gathering his inner circle of disciples, who would carry forward his teachings and lead the nascent Christian movement after his death, resurrection, and ascension.

This came in a deeply religious and politically charged environment where figures claiming to be Messiahs were common, yet Jesus' message would prove to be radically different and enduring.

Theological Insights

The selection of the apostles in Luke 6:14 provides rich theological insights.

For one, it signifies the beginning of the New Covenant, where Jesus is laying the foundation for his church.

Each apostle represents the fulfillment of Israel where the 12 tribes are replaced by 12 apostles.

This moment is often interpreted as Jesus’ intention to establish a new community that will carry on God's mission in a new era.

Additionally, from a Christian standpoint, this demonstrates that Jesus sees value in the varied nature of humanity and chooses to work through imperfect individuals, highlighting themes of grace and divine selection.

Practical Applications

From a practical standpoint, Luke 6:14 serves as a testament to the calling and equipping of ordinary individuals for extraordinary purposes.

It encourages believers to accept their roles within their communities of faith and underscores the importance of cooperation, humility, and diversity within the church.

It also provides a model for discipleship, illustrating that following Jesus involves a personal commitment and an entry into a community of believers with a shared mission.

Cross-References

• Matthew 10:2-4: "Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew, [and so on]"
• Mark 3:16-19: A parallel account of Jesus naming the twelve apostles
• Matthew 16:18: "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Language Study

The name "Peter" (Petros in Greek) is of particular linguistic interest as it translates to "rock" and signifies stability and foundational strength.

Also, the use of "also named" (prosagoreuo in Greek) is notable because it conveys a sense of conferred identity and purpose, as Jesus bestows a new name and with it, a specific role within the group of disciples.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The practice of a religious leader choosing followers is not unique to Christianity.

For instance, within Buddhism, Gautama Buddha selected disciples to continue his teachings.

The process of a teacher or leader choosing disciples who would then carry the message to others is a recurrent motif in various religious traditions.

The naming of followers is also seen in other cultures and traditions, often signifying a rite of passage or entrance into a particular community or role.

Scientific Perspectives

While the choice of apostles as depicted in Luke 6:14 does not directly engage with scientific questions, the principles of group formation and leadership seen here do intersect with the fields of social psychology and anthropology.

For example, research into the dynamics of small groups and the effects of leadership can offer insight into how figures like Jesus might have influenced their followers and created movements that outlast the physical life of the leader.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators offer various views on Luke 6:14:

• Some focus on the individual characteristics of each apostle and their roles in the early Church and Christian writings.
• Others interpret the verse as the explicit beginning of the Christian Church with a focus on Peter's foundational role.
• There is discussion on the diversity and ordinariness of Jesus' choices, emphasizing Jesus' mission to reach all aspects of society.
• Scholars often analyze the differences in the lists of apostles across the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) as well as their significance in the broader gospel narratives.