These are the twelve He appointed:This phrase introduces the selection of the twelve apostles, a significant moment in Jesus' ministry. The number twelve is symbolic, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating a new spiritual leadership for God's people. This selection marks a pivotal point where Jesus begins to establish a foundational group for the early Church. The act of appointing signifies Jesus' authority and intentionality in choosing those who would carry forward His mission.
Simon (whom He named Peter),
Simon, a common Jewish name, is given a new name by Jesus: Peter, meaning "rock" in Greek. This renaming signifies a transformation and a new role. Peter is often seen as a leader among the apostles, and his name change foreshadows his future role in the early Church, as seen inMatthew 16:18, where Jesus declares Peter the rock upon which He will build His Church. This act of renaming is reminiscent of God changing Abram's name to Abraham, indicating a new covenant and purpose.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe central figure of the New Testament, who appoints the twelve apostles. His authority and divine mission are evident in His selection of the apostles.
2.
Simon PeterOriginally named Simon, he is renamed Peter by Jesus. The name "Peter" (Greek: Petros) means "rock," signifying his foundational role in the early church.
3.
The Twelve ApostlesA group of twelve men chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers and to carry on His mission. They represent the new spiritual leadership of God's people.
4.
GalileeThe region where Jesus conducted much of His ministry and where He called many of His disciples, including Peter.
5.
The Appointment EventThis marks a significant moment in Jesus' ministry, where He formally establishes His core group of followers who will be instrumental in spreading the Gospel.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Names and IdentityIn biblical times, names often signified character and destiny. Jesus renaming Simon as Peter indicates a transformation and a new purpose. As believers, we are given a new identity in Christ.
Divine Appointment and CallingJesus' selection of the apostles shows that God calls individuals for specific purposes. We should seek to understand and fulfill our God-given roles.
Leadership and ResponsibilityPeter's role as a leader among the apostles teaches us about the responsibilities that come with leadership in the church. Leaders are called to be foundational, steadfast, and faithful.
Transformation through ChristJust as Simon became Peter, we are transformed by our relationship with Jesus. This transformation empowers us to fulfill our calling.
Community and FellowshipThe appointment of the twelve apostles underscores the importance of community in the Christian faith. We are called to work together in unity for the advancement of the Gospel.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Mark 3:16?
2.Why did Jesus appoint Simon as Peter in Mark 3:16?
3.How does Simon's name change reflect his role in the early Church?
4.What Old Testament figures experienced name changes, and why?
5.How can we embrace our God-given identity like Peter?
6.What qualities of Peter should we emulate in our faith journey?
7.What is the significance of Jesus appointing the twelve in Mark 3:16?
8.How does Mark 3:16 reflect Jesus' authority in choosing His disciples?
9.Why is Simon named Peter in Mark 3:16, and what does it symbolize?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 3?
11.What did Jesus pray for during His ministry?
12.Who were Jesus' closest disciples?
13.Mark 2:14 – Given the uncertainty around “Levi” and “Matthew,” could this naming discrepancy indicate a historical or textual inconsistency?
14.Mark 3:14-19: Why do details about the calling and naming of the Twelve differ in other Gospels, raising questions about inconsistencies in the biblical text?What Does Mark 3:16 Mean
These are the twelve•Mark 3:16 opens with the clear declaration, “These are the twelve…”, identifying the specific group Jesus set apart from the larger body of disciples.
• Twelve is not an arbitrary number; it mirrors the twelve tribes of Israel (cf.Matthew 19:28;Revelation 21:12–14). Jesus is signaling the formation of the renewed people of God under the New Covenant.
• By listing the Twelve here—and again inMatthew 10:2–4;Luke 6:13–16;Acts 1:13—Scripture affirms that the apostolic foundation is historical, deliberate, and unchanging.
• For believers today, the fixed number underscores continuity: the God who formed Israel now forms the Church on the unbreakable testimony of eyewitnesses (Ephesians 2:20).
He appointed• The verb stresses Jesus’ sovereign initiative. He does not merely discover gifted men; He authoritatively designates them (Mark 3:14;John 15:16).
• Appointment carries purpose:
– to be with Him for intimate discipleship (Acts 4:13)
– to preach with His authority (Luke 9:1–2)
– to drive out demons and push back darkness (Mark 3:15)
• This choosing highlights grace over merit. None qualified themselves; Christ’s call qualified them (1 Corinthians 1:26–29).
• Today, every believer’s service flows from the same pattern—called first to Jesus, then sent for Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Simon (whom He named Peter)• Simon’s given name links him to his family and past; “Peter” (“rock”) signals a Spirit-shaped future (John 1:42).
• The change is prophetic: Jesus foresees Peter’s role as a stabilizing leader in the early church (Matthew 16:18;Acts 2:14).
• Scripture never hides Peter’s failures—impulsiveness, denial—but showcases how grace refines raw material into dependable faithfulness (Luke 22:31–32;John 21:15–17).
• For us, Peter’s story confirms that Christ’s naming defines us more than our past. What He speaks over a life becomes reality.
summaryMark 3:16 records more than a roster; it unveils Christ’s purposeful creation of a new covenant community. He selects twelve men to reflect Israel’s tribes, appoints them by His sovereign authority, and begins with Simon—renamed Peter—to illustrate transformation. The verse assures us that Jesus still calls, commissions, and re-creates ordinary people for extraordinary, kingdom-advancing service.
(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 ...
Greek
[These are] theτοὺς(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.twelveδώδεκα(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.SimonΣίμωνι(Simōni)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4613:Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites.(whom He namedἐπέθηκεν(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) 
