Luke 6:13
New International Version
When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:

New Living Translation
At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles. Here are their names:

English Standard Version
And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles:

Berean Standard Bible
When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles:

Berean Literal Bible
And when it became day, He summoned His disciples, also having chosen out from them twelve, whom also He named apostles:

King James Bible
And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

New King James Version
And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles:

New American Standard Bible
And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles:

NASB 1995
And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles:

NASB 1977
And when day came, He called His disciples to Him; and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles:

Legacy Standard Bible
And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles:

Amplified Bible
When day came, He called His disciples and selected twelve of them, whom He also named apostles (special messengers, personally chosen representatives):

Christian Standard Bible
When daylight came, he summoned his disciples, and he chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When daylight came, He summoned His disciples, and He chose 12 of them—He also named them apostles:

American Standard Version
And when it was day, he called his disciples; and he chose from them twelve, whom also he named apostles:

Contemporary English Version
The next morning he called his disciples together and chose twelve of them to be his apostles.

English Revised Version
And when it was day, he called his disciples: and he chose from them twelve, whom also he named apostles;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When it was day, he called his disciples. He chose twelve of them and called them apostles.

Good News Translation
When day came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he named apostles:

International Standard Version
When daylight came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also called apostles:

Majority Standard Bible
When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles:

NET Bible
When morning came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles:

New Heart English Bible
When it was day, he called his disciples, and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles:

Webster's Bible Translation
And when it was day, he called to him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named Apostles;

Weymouth New Testament
When it was day, He called His disciples; and He selected from among them twelve, whom He also named Apostles.

World English Bible
When it was day, he called his disciples, and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles:
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and when it became day, He called near His disciples, also having chosen twelve from them, whom He also named apostles:

Berean Literal Bible
And when it became day, He summoned His disciples, also having chosen out from them twelve, whom also He named apostles:

Young's Literal Translation
and when it became day, he called near his disciples, and having chosen from them twelve, whom also he named apostles,

Smith's Literal Translation
And when it was day, he called to his disciples: and having chosen twelve from them, and he named them, the sent;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when day was come, he called unto him his disciples; and he chose twelve of them (whom also he named apostles):

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when daylight had arrived, he called his disciples. And he chose twelve out of them (whom he also named Apostles):

New American Bible
When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named apostles:

New Revised Standard Version
And when day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles:
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And at daybreak, he called his disciples; and he chose twelve from them, whom he called apostles;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And when it was dawn he called his disciples and he chose twelve of them, whom he named Apostles:
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And when it was day, he called to him his disciples; and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles:

Godbey New Testament
And when it was day, He called His disciples to Him: and having chosen twelve from them, whom He also named apostles;

Haweis New Testament
And when it was day, he called his disciples to him; and elected from them twelve, whom he named Apostles:

Mace New Testament
when it was day, he called his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom he stiled missionarys: Simon,

Weymouth New Testament
When it was day, He called His disciples; and He selected from among them twelve, whom He also named Apostles.

Worrell New Testament
And when it became day, He called His disciples; and, having selected twelve from them, (whom He also called apostles):

Worsley New Testament
And when it was day, He called his disciples to Him: and chose out twelve from among them, whom He also named his apostles:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Twelve Apostles
12In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. 13 When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles: 14Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew;…

Cross References
Matthew 10:1-4
And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness. / These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; / Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; ...

Mark 3:13-19
Then Jesus went up on the mountain and called for those He wanted, and they came to Him. / He appointed twelve of them, whom He designated as apostles, to accompany Him, to be sent out to preach, / and to have authority to drive out demons. ...

Acts 1:13
When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.

John 15:16
You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.

Acts 1:2
until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.

John 6:70
Jesus answered them, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!”

Acts 1:24-26
And they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen / to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.” / Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles.

Ephesians 4:11
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,

John 13:18
I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’

Acts 9:15
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.

1 Corinthians 12:28
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

Matthew 19:28
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Revelation 21:14
The wall of the city had twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!”

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”


Treasury of Scripture

And when it was day, he called to him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

when.

Luke 9:1,2
Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases…

Matthew 9:36-38
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd…

Matthew 10:1-4
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease…

twelve.

Luke 22:30
That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Matthew 19:28
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Revelation 12:1
And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

apostles.

Luke 11:49
Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:

Ephesians 2:20
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Ephesians 4:11
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

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Apostles Chose Chosen Country Designated Disciples Hill Morning Night Occasion Prayer Selection Time Turning Twelve
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Apostles Chose Chosen Country Designated Disciples Hill Morning Night Occasion Prayer Selection Time Turning Twelve
Luke 6
1. Jesus reproves the Pharisees;
12. chooses apostles;
17. heals the diseased;
20. preaches to his disciples before the people: the beattitudes;
27. Love your Enemy
37. Do not Judge
43. A Tree and Its Fruit
46. The House on the Rock














When daylight came
This phrase sets the scene for a significant moment in Jesus' ministry. The mention of "daylight" symbolizes clarity, revelation, and the beginning of a new phase. In the Jewish context, daylight was often associated with divine activity and new beginnings. The Greek word for "daylight" (ἡμέρα, hēmera) emphasizes the transition from night, a time of rest and preparation, to day, a time of action and fulfillment of God's purposes.

He called His disciples to Him
The act of calling is significant in the biblical narrative. The Greek word for "called" (προσφωνέω, prosphōneō) implies a personal and intentional summoning. Jesus' call to His disciples is not just a physical gathering but a spiritual invitation to participate in His mission. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God calling individuals to Himself for a specific purpose, as seen throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

and chose twelve of them
The number twelve holds deep historical and theological significance. It echoes the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing a new covenant community that Jesus is establishing. The Greek word for "chose" (ἐκλέγομαι, eklegomai) indicates a deliberate and purposeful selection. This choice underscores Jesus' authority and the intentionality behind His mission to restore and expand God's kingdom.

whom He also designated as apostles
The term "apostles" (ἀπόστολος, apostolos) means "sent ones" and signifies a special role and authority given by Jesus. This designation marks a transition from being mere followers to being official representatives of Jesus' teachings and works. Historically, apostles were seen as foundational to the early Church, tasked with spreading the Gospel and establishing Christian communities. This highlights the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament apostles, emphasizing the Church's mission to the world.

(13) And when it was day.--In the place which he assigns to the choice of the Twelve, St. Luke agrees more closely with St. Mark than with St. Matthew, who makes it precede the narratives of the disciples plucking the ears of corn, and the healing of the withered hand, which here it follows. A precisely-harmonised arrangement seems here impossible, and is, happily, unimportant. We must be content to admit the possibility, whether accidental or intentional, of one or other of the Gospels, possibly of all three, arranging facts in some other order than that of chronological sequence. The point to which St. Luke's record was obviously intended to give prominence is that the choice of the Twelve came as the result of the night of prayer, just as the prominent thought in St. Matthew (Matthew 9:36) is that it grew out of our Lord's compassion for the multitude that were as sheep without a shepherd.

Verse 13. - And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve. St. Luke frequently alludes to Jesus spending periods of time in prayer. He would have the readers of his Gospel never lose sight of the perfect humanity of the Saviour, and, while ever keeping in view the higher objects of his earthly mission, still is careful always to present him as the Example of a true life. This is why he mentions so often the prayers of Jesus. This time the Master continued in prayer all night. It was a momentous task which lay before him on the following morning - the choice of a few men, the measureless influence of whose life and work we, though we live eighteen centuries after the choice was made, and see already how the twelve have moved the world, are utterly unable to apprehend. In these solemn hours of communion with the Eternal, we may in all reverence suppose that the Blessed One took counsel with his Father, presenting, as Godet phrases it, one by one to the All-seing, while God's finger pointed out those to whom he was to entrust the salvation of the world. Whom also he named apostles. The literal meaning of this term is "one who is sent," but in classical Greek it had acquired a distinct meaning as "envoy or ambassador" of a sovereign or of a state. These favoured men, then, received this as the official designation by which they were ever to be known. Unknown, unhonoured, and for the most part unlearned men, they with all their love and devotion for their Master who had called them, little recked that morning on the mountain-side to what they were called, and of whom they were the chosen envoys! The four lists of the apostles copied above vary very slightly. There was evidently in the matter of the holy twelve an unerring tradition at the time when Luke wrote these chronicles at Rome or Alexandria, at Ephesus or at Antioch, - all knew every detail connected with the great first leaders of the faith. The bare list of names was enough. The Church of the first days knew a hundred facts connected with these famous men. The Church of the future needed no details of private history. These apostles, great though they were, were only instruments in the Master's hand; what they did and suffered was, after all, of little moment to those who should come after. In the four bare skeleton lists, though, certain points are noticeable.

(1) Each catalogue fails into three divisions containing four names. In each of these divisions the same name always stands first, as though some precedence or authority was deputed to this one over the other three forming the division. This, in the absence of any further notice, must not be pressed. It is, however, a very probable inference. The names of these three are Peter, Philip, James.

(2) The twelve were thus divided into three distinct companies, of which the first (this is clearly borne out by the gospel story) stood in the closest relation to Jesus. Of the twelve, the first five came from Bethsaida on the lake, and they all apparently with the exception of Judas the traitor, who came from a town in Judaea - were Galileans. The names are all Hebrew (Aramaic) with the exception of Philip and Andrew, which are Greek. It was, however, at that time by no means uncommon for Jews to possess Greek names, so widely did Hellenic influence extend over Egypt, Syria, and the Mediterranean-washed countries of Asia.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
When
ὅτε (hote)
Adverb
Strong's 3753: When, at which time. From hos and te; at which too, i.e. When.

daylight
ἡμέρα (hēmera)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

came,
ἐγένετο (egeneto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

He called
προσεφώνησεν (prosephōnēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4377: From pros and phoneo; to sound towards, i.e. Address, exclaim, summon.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

disciples {to Him}
μαθητὰς (mathētas)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

chose
ἐκλεξάμενος (eklexamenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1586: To pick out for myself, choose, elect, select. Middle voice from ek and lego; to select.

twelve
δώδεκα (dōdeka)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1427: Twelve; the usual way in which the Twelve apostles of Jesus are referred to. From duo and deka; two and ten, i.e. A dozen.

of
ἀπ’ (ap’)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

them,
αὐτῶν (autōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

whom
οὓς (hous)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

He also designated as
ὠνόμασεν (ōnomasen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3687: From onoma; to name, i.e. Assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess.

apostles:
ἀποστόλους (apostolous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 652: From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.


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NT Gospels: Luke 6:13 When it was day he called his (Luke Lu Lk)
Luke 6:12
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