These are the twelve He appointed
This phrase introduces the significant moment when Jesus selects His closest followers, the twelve apostles. The number twelve is symbolic, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating a new spiritual foundation for God's people. The Greek word for "appointed" (ἐποίησεν, epoiesen) suggests a deliberate and purposeful action by Jesus, emphasizing His authority and intentionality in establishing a new covenant community.

Simon
Simon is the given name of the apostle who would become one of the most prominent figures in the early Church. The name Simon is derived from the Hebrew "Shim'on," meaning "he has heard." This reflects the Jewish heritage and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. Simon's calling signifies the beginning of a transformative journey from a simple fisherman to a foundational leader in the Christian faith.

(whom He named Peter)
The act of renaming Simon to Peter is profound. The name Peter comes from the Greek "Petros," meaning "rock." This renaming signifies a new identity and mission. In the cultural and historical context, a name change often indicated a change in destiny or purpose. Jesus, by calling Simon "Peter," foreshadows his role as a steadfast leader and the "rock" upon which the Church would be built, as further elaborated in Matthew 16:18. This highlights the transformative power of Christ's call and the new creation that believers become in Him.

(16-19) And Simon he surnamed.--On the list of the Apostles see Notes on Matthew 10:2-4.

Verses 16, 17. - And Simon he surnamed Peter. Our Lord had previously declared that Simon should be so called. But St. Mark avoids as much as possible the recognition of any special honor belonging to St. Peter; so he here simply mentions the fact of this surname having been given to him, a fact which was necessary in order that he might be identified. All the early Christian writers held that Peter was virtually the author of this Gospel. Simon, or Simeon, is from a Hebrew word, meaning "to hear." James the son of Zebedee, so called to distinguish him from the other James; and John his brother. In St. Matthew's list, Andrew is mentioned next after Peter, as his brother, and the first called. But here St. Mark mentions James and John first after Peter; these three, Peter and James and John, being the three leading apostles. Of James and John, James is mentioned first, as the eldest of the two brothers. And them he surnamed Boanerges, which is, Sons of thunder. "Boanerges" is the Aramaic pronunciation of the Hebrew B'ne-ragesh; B'ne, sons, and ragesh, thunder. The word was not intended as a term of reproach; although it fitly expressed that natural impetuosity and vehemence of character, which showed itself in their desire to bring down fire from heaven upon the Samaritan village, and in their ambitious request that they might have the highest places of honor in his coming kingdom. But their natural dispositions, under the Holy Spirit's influence, were gradually transformed so as to serve the cause of Christ, and their fiery zeal was transmuted into the steady flame of Christian earnestness and love, so as to become an element of great power in their new life as Christians. Christ called these men "Sons of thunder" because he would make their natural dispositions, when restrained and elevated by his grace, the great instruments of spreading his Gospel. He destined them for high service in his kingdom. By their holy lives they were to be as lightning, and by their preaching they were to be as thunder to rouse unbelievers, and to bring them to repentance and a holy life. It was no doubt on account of this zeal that James fell so early a victim to the wrath of Herod. A different lot was that which fell to St. John. Spared to a ripe old age, he influenced the early Church by his writings and his teaching. His Gospel begins as with the voice of thunder, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." Beza and others, followed by Dr. Morisen, have thought that this distinctive name was given by our Lord to the two brothers on account of some deep-toned peculiarity of voice, which was of much service to them in impressing the message of the Gospel of the kingdom upon their hearers.

Parallel Commentaries ...


[These are] the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

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.

He appointed:
ἐποίησεν (epoiēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

Simon
Σίμωνι (Simōni)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4613: Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites.

(whom He named
ἐπέθηκεν (epethēken)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2007: To put, place upon, lay on; I add, give in addition. From epi and tithemi; to impose.

Peter),
Πέτρον (Petron)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.


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NT Gospels: Mark 3:16 Simon to whom he gave the name (Mar Mk Mr)