Mark 6:30

The Apostles Return From Their Mission (6:30-34).

‘And the Apostles gather themselves together to Jesus, and they told him all things, whatever they had done and whatever they had taught.'

‘The Apostles.' This is remarkably the only reference to ‘the Apostles' in Mark. But that it carries all the full meaning of the title we cannot doubt, for by the time that he was writing the title had become a settled one (he could just as easily have called them ‘the disciples of Jesus' in contrast with those of John - Mark 6:29, but then it could have included more than the twelve. These were the original ‘sent out ones'). Mark would not have used it without having its meaning to the churches in mind. Indeed it is an indication that he sees here their improved and permanent status after their successful ministry. They have proved that they are genuine Apostles and can now bear the title. After this he falls back on the word ‘disciples' because he is indicating that they have much to learn before they can successfully carry into effect their new status. He tells us no more about their further ventures.

The word Apostle was given a new meaning by Jesus (compare Luke 6:13). In classical Greek it had come to signify ‘the fleet, the armada' and had earlier been used of expeditions. It was only rarely used of representatives, although it would be used by Paul of ‘apostles (messengers/ambassadors) to the churches'. On the other hand some have related it to the Hebrew ‘shaliach' and its Aramaic equivalent. But while that word does mean an authorised agent or representative, such a position was temporary for a particular occasion. It was never seen as permanent. There can, however, be no question that Jesus intended their appointment to be seen as permanent. Thus if He did use ‘shaliach' or its equivalent it was with a new significance. They were not the normal type of shaliach who acted merely as a proxy. The two terms and their functions cannot be equated. ‘Apostle' was given a unique position of its own.

‘They told Him all things.' They reported back in detail, both as regards actions and words. They wanted His approval and they wanted His guidance. All who have ever begun preaching will be aware of their need for both. They had much to learn. Given their expectancy of an earthly kingdom (Mark 10:37; Matthew 20:20; Luke 22:24; Acts 1:6) it might also have concerned Him as to quite what they had been saying.