Mark 3:14 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

And he ordained twelve,— See Luke 6:12; Luke 6:49. Our Saviour ordained the twelve to be always with him, that they might learn from his mouth the doctrine which they were in due time to preach to the world;—that they might see his glory, John 1:14 the transcendent glory of the virtues which adorned his human life, and might be witnesses to all the wonderful works which he should perform, (Acts 10:39-41.) and by which his mission from God was to be clearly demonstrated. The twelve were thus to be qualified for supplying the people with that spiritual food which their teachers neglected to give them;—and that before and after their Master's death. Accordingly, when they had continued with Jesus as long as was necessary for this end, he sent them out by two and two into Judea on the important work of preparing the people for his reception, who was the true Shepherd. Hence he named them Apostles, that is, "Persons sent out." But their name was more particularly applicable to them, and their office was raised to its perfection, after Christ's ascension, when he sent them out into all the world with the doctrine of the Gospel, which he enabled them to preach by inspiration; givingthem power at the same time to confirm it by the most astonishing miracles. That this was the natureof the new dignity which Jesus now conferred on the twelve disciples, is evident from John 20:21 where we find him confirming them in the apostolical office; as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. "I send you upon the same errand, and with the same authority: I send you to reveal the will of God for the salvation of men; and I bestow on you both the gift of tongues, and the power of working miracles, that you may be able to preach the doctrine of salvation in every country, and to confirm it as divine, in opposition to all gain-sayers."After their election, the twelve accompanied Jesus constantly, lived with him on one common stock as his family, and never departed from him, unless by his express appointment.