And Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house.
Mark 3:19 closes the calling and ordaining of the twelve to the apostolate. The calling took place beneath the sheltering trees of a mountainside a short distance from the Sea of Galilee, with no costly sanctuary at command, and the sacred experiences of that day were forever linked in their minds with the beauty of mountain and vale and sea. That same mountainside was also where the sermon on the mount was given. The fields and hills were favorite resorts where much teaching was given under the open sky rather than in the temple or synagogues, chosen not only because no synagogue could have received the throngs that followed, but because each quiet retreat was loved as a sacred temple amid the scenes of nature. Jesus withdrew from the confusion of the city to the quiet of fields and hills as more in harmony with the lessons of self-abnegation to be taught, loving to gather people under the blue heavens on a grassy hillside or beach beside the lake where, surrounded by the works of His own creation, thoughts could be turned from the artificial to the natural and the principles of His kingdom taught from the growth and development of nature.
The setting apart of the twelve was the first step in the organization of the church that after His departure was to be His representative on earth. Those set apart were to stay with Him, learn from His teaching and work, witness His deeds, and be prepared to teach and work themselves so they could continue His mission and help lay the foundation of the Christian church. In choosing the twelve, disciples of diverse character were selected to work together so that their differences would complement one another and the work could be done well.
The verse places Judas Iscariot among the twelve chosen disciples. He was trusted with evangelistic work and granted power to heal the sick and cast out demons. Yet he did not fully surrender or give up worldly ambition and love of money.
Mark 3:19 closes the calling and ordaining of the twelve to the apostolate. The calling took place beneath the sheltering trees of a mountainside a short distance from the Sea of Galilee, with no costly sanctuary at command, and the sacred experiences of that day were forever linked in their minds with the beauty of mountain and vale and sea. That same mountainside was also where the sermon on the mount was given. The fields and hills were favorite resorts where much teaching was given under the open sky rather than in the temple or synagogues, chosen not only because no synagogue could have received the throngs that followed, but because each quiet retreat was loved as a sacred temple amid the scenes of nature. Jesus withdrew from the confusion of the city to the quiet of fields and hills as more in harmony with the lessons of self-abnegation to be taught, loving to gather people under the blue heavens on a grassy hillside or beach beside the lake where, surrounded by the works of His own creation, thoughts could be turned from the artificial to the natural and the principles of His kingdom taught from the growth and development of nature.
The setting apart of the twelve was the first step in the organization of the church that after His departure was to be His representative on earth. Those set apart were to stay with Him, learn from His teaching and work, witness His deeds, and be prepared to teach and work themselves so they could continue His mission and help lay the foundation of the Christian church. In choosing the twelve, disciples of diverse character were selected to work together so that their differences would complement one another and the work could be done well.
The verse places Judas Iscariot among the twelve chosen disciples. He was trusted with evangelistic work and granted power to heal the sick and cast out demons. Yet he did not fully surrender or give up worldly ambition and love of money.