Simon, Andrew, James, John, Philip and Bartholomew - Luke 6:14

The beloved physician Luke wrote, “it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles”, and in chapter six and verse fourteen of his book Luke shares how Jesus called, “Simon, Andrew, James, John, Philip and Bartholomew” where we read:

Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother,

James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

The verse reads, “Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, ...” Luke began with the word, “Simon” or “the Hebrew name which means a rock or stone”, “(whom he also named Peter)” which means “who Jesus even so and indeed called Peter which is Simon's Greek name that means “a little rock or stone” “and Andrew his brother” or “and Andrew whose name means manly who was Peter's brother”. Luke shared how “Simon Peter” and “Andrew” his brother were the first two “disciples” named whom Jesus “chose”.

The verse goes on to say, “... James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, ...” Luke continued with the word, “James” whose name means “supplanter and was the son of Zebedee” “and John” or “Jehovah is a gracious giver who was also the son of Zebedee”, “Philip” whose name means “lover of horses” “and Bartholomew” or “son of Tolmai”. Luke shared the names of four more men chosen by Jesus to be His “disciples” - “James, John, Philip and Bartholomew”.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn the names of the first six “disciples” Jesus chose to be with Him in His ministry. “Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip and Bartholomew” were given the ability to be close to Jesus and learn about the Kingdom of God. These men were given the special privilege of receiving directly from Jesus about God's intentions for the world. Those who submit themselves to Jesus Christ as their personal “Savior and Lord” are chosen to tell others about Jesus and His Kingdom, and as we learn what Jesus taught them, let us be mindful that we are His “students” as well and are to proclaim His “gospel” to the world.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus called, “Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,” , so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".