Mark 3:14-15

MARK—NOTE ON Mark 3:14 Jesus appointed the twelve, whom he called out of the larger crowd that had been following him (vv. Mark 3:7). The Twelve have a specific task: (1) that they might be with him, and (2) that he might send them out (Mark 1:17; Mark 9:37). This is why they were called apostles (which means “sent out”; see note on Rom. 1:1). They were to (1) preach about the kingdom of God (Mark 1:14, Mark 1:39; Mark 6:12), (2) cast out demons (Mark 1:34, Mark 1:39), and (3) heal the sick (Mark 6:13). The fact that Jesus chose 12 apostles is probably related to the 12 tribes of Israel (Revelation 21:14).