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Mark 3:16

Mark 3:16 in Multiple Translations

These are the twelve He appointed: Simon (whom He named Peter),

And Simon he surnamed Peter;

and Simon he surnamed Peter;

To Simon he gave the second name of Peter;

These are the twelve he chose: Simon (whom he called Peter),

And the first was Simon, and hee named Simon, Peter,

And he put on Simon the name Peter;

Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter);

And Simon he surnamed Peter.

And to Simon he gave the name Peter:

These were the twelve men he appointed: Simon, to whom he gave the new name Peter; his younger brother Andrew;

These are the names of those 12 men that Jesus picked out, – Simon. Jesus gave him another name. He called him Peter. – James and John. They were Zebedee’s sons, and they were loud men, so Jesus gave them another name. He called them Thunder men. – Andrew – Philip – Bartholomew – Matthew – Thomas – James. He was the son of Alfius. – Thadius – Simon. He used to be one of the mob that wanted to fight the Roman government bosses. – Judas Iscariot. Some time later he turned against Jesus.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Mark 3:16

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Mark 3:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK και επεθηκεν τω σιμωνι ονομα πετρον
και kai G2532 and Conj
επεθηκεν epitithēmi G2007 to put/lay on Verb-AAI-3S
τω ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSM
σιμωνι Simōn G4613 Simon Noun-DSM
ονομα onoma G3686 name Noun-ASN
πετρον Petros G4074 [mother-in-law of Peter] Noun-ASM
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Greek Word Reference — Mark 3:16

και kai G2532 "and" Conj
And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.
Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.
επεθηκεν epitithēmi G2007 "to put/lay on" Verb-AAI-3S
This word means to put or lay something on someone, like in Matthew 27:29 where a crown of thorns was placed on Jesus.
Definition: ἐπι-τίθημι [in LXX for נָתַן, שָׁוָה, etc. ;] __1. to lay, set or place upon: with accusative of thing(s), before ἐπί, with accusative of thing(s), Mat.23:4, Luk.15:5, Jhn.9:6 (WH, txt. Jhn.9:15), Act.15:10 28:3; ἐπί, with genitive of thing(s), Mat.27:29; ἐν, ib.; with dative of person(s), σταυρόν, Luk.23:26; στέφανον, Jhn.19:2; ὄνομα, Mrk.3:16-17; πληγάς, Luk.10:30, Act.16:23; ἐπί with accusative of person(s), Rev.22:18; of the laying on of hands, τ. χεῖρα (-ας), before ἐπί with accusative of person(s), Mat.9:18, Mrk.16:13, Act.8:17 9:17; with dative of person(s), Mat.19:13, 15, Mrk.5:23 6:5 7:32 8:23, Luk.4:40 13:13, Act.6:6 8:19 9:12 13:3 19:6 28:8, 1Ti.5:22. Mid., __(a) to provide: Act.28:10 (RV, put on board; cf. Field, Notes, 149); __(b) to throw oneself upon, attack: with dative of person(s), Act.18:10. __2. to add to: Rev.22:18 (see supr., and cf. Swete, in l).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 40 NT verses. KJV: add unto, lade, lay upon, put (up) on, set on (up), + surname, X wound See also: 1 Timothy 5:22; Luke 13:13; Revelation 22:18.
τω ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
σιμωνι Simōn G4613 "Simon" Noun-DSM
Simon is a Greek name used in the Bible for several Israelites, including Simon Peter and Simon the Zealot. It appears in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts. Simon was also the name of one of Jesus' brothers and the father of Judas Iscariot.
Definition: Σίμων, -ωνος, ὁ a Greek name (transliterated סִימוֺן in Heb.) used as a substitute for Συμεών (which see), Simon __1. Simon Peter: Mat.17:25, Mrk.1:29, al. __2. Simon the Zealot (see: ζηλωτής, Καναναῖος): Mat.10:4, Mrk.3:18, Luk.6:15, Act.1:13. __3. One of the Brethren of our Lord (see: ἀδελψός): Mat.13:55, Mrk.6:3. __4. The father of Judas Iscariot, himself surnamed Ἰσκαριώτης (which see): Jhn.6:71 12:4 (Rec.) 13:2,26 __5. Simon the Cyrenian: Mat.27:32, Mrk.15:21, Luk.23:26. __6. Simon the Pharisee: Luk.7:40, 43-44. __7. Simon of Bethany, surnamed ὁ λεπρός: Mat.26:6, Mrk.14:3. __8. Simon Magus, a Samaritan sorcerer: Act.8:9, 13 8:18, 24. __9. Simon the tanner, of Joppa: Act.9:43 10:6, 17 10:32 (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 70 NT verses. KJV: Simon See also: Acts 1:13; John 21:16; Matthew 27:32.
ονομα onoma G3686 "name" Noun-ASN
A name refers to a person's character or authority, as in Matthew 10:2 and John 18:10. It represents who someone is or what they are known for. Jesus taught about the importance of a good name and reputation.
Definition: ὄνομα, -τος, τό, [in LXX chiefly for שֵׁם ;] __1. in general, the name by which a person or thing is called: Mat.10:2, Mrk.3:16, Luk.1:63, Jhn.18:10, al.; ἄνθρωπος (etc.), ᾧ (οὗ) ὄ. (τ. ὄ), sc. ἦν or ἐστίν (BL, §30, 3), Mrk.14:32, Luk.1:26, 27; with same ellipsis, καὶ τ. ὄ. αὐτοῦ, Luk.1:5, Jhn.1:6, al.; ὀνόματι, before nom. prop., Mat.27:32, Mrk.5:22, Luk.1:5, Act.5:1, al.; accusative absol. (Bl., §34, 7), τοὔνομα (= τ. ὄνομα), Mat.27:57; ὄ. μοι (sc. ἐστίν; cf. Hom., Od., ix, 366), Mrk.5:9 (cf. Luk.8:30); ἔξειν ὄ., Rev.9:11; καλεῖν (ἐπιτιθέναι) ὄ. (Bl., §33, 1), Mat.1:21, Mrk.3:16; τ. ὄ. ἐν (τ.) βίβλῳ ζωῆς (cf. Deiss., LAE, 121), Php.4:3, Rev.13:8, cf. Luk.10:20 (ἐν τ. οὐρανοῖς); ὄ. βλασφημίας, Rev.13:1; the name as opposite to the reality, Rev.3:1 (cf. Hdt., vii, 138); as a title: Eph.1:21, Php.2:9, 10 (Lft., in l.). __2. By a usage similar to that with ref. to Heb. שֵׁם (Lft., Notes, 106f.), but also common in Hellenistic (M, Pr., 100; Bl., §39, 4; Deiss, BS, 146f., 196f.; LAE, 123:4, of all that the name implies, of rank, authority, character, etc.: of acting on one's authority or in his behalf, ἐν (εἰς) ὄ., with genitive of person(s) (see reff. supr.), Mat.10:41 21:9 28:19, Mrk.11:9, Luk.13:35, Jhn.5:43, Act.8:16, 1Co.1:13; of the name Christian, 1Pe.4:16; esp. of the name of God as expressing the divine attributes: ἁγιάζειν (ἅγιον) τὸ ὄ. (τ. Πατρός, Κυρίου), Mat.6:9, Luk.1:49 11:2; ψάλλειν (ὁμολογεῖν) τῷ ὀ., Rom.15:9, Heb.13:15; δοξάζειν (φανεροῦν, φοβεῖσθαι) τὸ ὄ., Jhn.12:28 17:6, 26 Rev.11:18 15:4; βλασφημεῖν, Rom.2:24, 1Ti.6:1, Rev.13:6; similarly, of the name of Christ: τ. καλὂν ὄ. (Deiss., LAE, 276); πιστεύειν τῷ ὀ., 1Jn.3:23; π. εἰς τ. ὄ. (Bl., §39, 4), Jhn.1:12 2:23 3:18; ὀνομάζειν τὸ ὄ., 2Ti.2:19; κρατεῖν, Rev.2:13; οὐκ ἀρνεῖσθαι, Rev.3:8; ἐν τ. ὀ. (see reff. supr.), Mrk.9:38 16:[17], Luk.10:17, Jhn.14:13 16:23, 24 20:31, Act.3:6 4:12, Eph.5:20, 1Pe.4:14, al.; εἰς τ. ὄ. συνάγεσθαι, Mat.18:20; ἕνεκεν τοῦ ὀ., Mat.19:29; διὰ τὸ ὄ., Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, al.; διὰ τοῦ ὀ., 1Co.1:10; ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀ., Act.9:16, Rom.1:5, al.; id. absol., Act.5:41, 3Jo.7; πρὸς τὸ ὄ., Act.26:9. __3. cause, ground, reason (in cl., usually in bad sense, pretext): Mrk.9:41 (Swete, in l.; Dalman, Words, 305f.). __4. In late Greek (Deiss., BS., 196f.), an individual, a person: Act.1:15, Rev.3:4 11:13. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 214 NT verses. KJV: called, (+ sur-)name(-d) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; John 16:23; 1 Peter 4:14.
πετρον Petros G4074 "[mother-in-law of Peter]" Noun-ASM
This is the name Peter, which means a rock or stone. Jesus gave this name to Simon, one of his apostles, in Matthew 16:18. Peter became a key leader in the early Christian church.
Definition: Πέτρος, -ου, ὁ (i.e. a stone, see: πέτρα, Κηφᾶς), Simon Peter, the Apostle: Mat.4:18 10:2, Mrk.3:16, Luk.5:8, Jhn.1:41, 43, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 157 NT verses. KJV: Peter, rock See also: 1 Peter 1:1; John 18:17; Matthew 26:75.

Study Notes — Mark 3:16

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 John 1:42 Andrew brought him to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter).
2 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.
3 Matthew 16:16–18 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by My Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
4 1 Corinthians 1:12 What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”
5 Galatians 2:7–9 On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted to preach the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. For the One who was at work in Peter’s apostleship to the circumcised was also at work in my apostleship to the Gentiles. And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John—those reputed to be pillars—gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.
6 2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
7 1 Corinthians 9:5 Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?
8 Matthew 10:2–4 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; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.
9 Mark 1:16 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
10 1 Corinthians 3:22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future. All of them belong to you,

Mark 3:16 Summary

In Mark 3:16, Jesus gives Simon the name Peter, which means 'rock', to show that he will be an important leader in the church. This is similar to how God gave new names to people in the Bible, like Abraham in Genesis 17:5, to show their new identity and purpose. Jesus chose twelve apostles to be His closest followers and to help Him spread the Good News, as seen in Mark 3:14-15. By studying this verse, we can learn about the importance of community and teamwork in following Jesus, and how we can be part of His mission to love and serve others, just like the apostles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jesus give Simon the name Peter?

Jesus gave Simon the name Peter, which means 'rock', to signify his importance in the foundation of the church, as seen in Matthew 16:18 where Jesus says 'you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church'

What is the significance of Jesus appointing twelve apostles?

The twelve apostles represent the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing Jesus' mission to restore and redeem Israel, as prophesied in Genesis 49:28 and fulfilled in Revelation 21:12-14

How did Jesus' appointment of the twelve apostles relate to His ministry?

Jesus appointed the twelve apostles to accompany Him, preach, and have authority to drive out demons, as stated in Mark 3:14-15, demonstrating His intention to establish a community of followers to continue His work

What can we learn from Jesus' relationship with His apostles?

Jesus' relationship with His apostles, as seen in Mark 3:16, shows that He values personal connection and friendship, as well as the importance of community and teamwork in ministry, as emphasized in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for Jesus to give someone a new name, and how does this relate to our identity in Christ?
  2. How does Jesus' appointment of the twelve apostles reflect His plan for the church and our role in it?
  3. What can we learn from Simon Peter's example about humility and servant-leadership in the church?
  4. How can we, like the apostles, be empowered to carry out Jesus' mission in our own lives and communities?

Gill's Exposition on Mark 3:16

And Simon he surnamed Peter. Or Cephas, which signifies a rock, or stone, because of his courage and constancy, his strength and fortitude, steadiness and firmness of mind: this name was imposed upon

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Mark 3:16

And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. For the exposition, see the notes at Luke 6:12-19.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Mark 3:16

Ver. 16-19. Matthew nameth the apostles upon his relating the history of their mission, or sending out; Mark nameth them upon their election, or first choice. Both these evangelists agree with Luke in their names, saving that Luke calleth him Judas whom Matthew calls Lebbaeus, and Mark, Thaddaeus, so that he had three names. Christ changeth the name of Simon, whom he called Cephas, or Peter, ; we have the reason, ; he also changed the names of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, calling them Boanerges, about the etymology of which name critics must dispute. The evangelists tell us it signifieth Sons of thunder, thereby minding them of their duty, to cry aloud, and to preach the gospel as on the housetops; or perhaps declaring what he knew was in the fervour and warmth of their spirits. We must not here inquire too narrowly into the secret counsels of God, in suffering a son of perdition to come into the number of his first ministers: Christ did it not because he did not know what was in his heart, for before that he showed himself a devil, by informing against his Master, Christ told his disciples that he had chosen twelve, and one of them was a devil; nor yet because he had no others to send, he had multitudes of disciples, and he who of stones could have raised up children to Abraham, could easily have fitted out a person for this service; nor yet did he do it to let in any sots and scandalous persons into the ministry, for we read of no scandal in Judas’ s life. We ought to believe that God had wise ends in the permission of this, and that Christ did out of infinite wisdom do this, though we possibly are not able to give a satisfactory account in the case. What if we should say that Christ by this: 1. Instructed those that after his ascension should have the care of the church, not to pretend to judge of secret things, but only to judge as man ought to judge, according to the outward appearance, leaving the judgment of the heart to God alone. 2. God by this arms his people against the scandal of wicked ministers, such in whom corruption may break out after their entrance into that holy function, though before no such thing appeared, that they may not think the ministerial acts performed by them to have been nullities. 3. God by this also lets us know, that the efficacy of the ordinance doth not depend upon the goodness of the spiritual state of the minister that administers. A bell may call others to hear the word, though itself receives no benefit by it. In the mean time here is no warrant either for people to choose, or the governors of a church to ordain, lewd and visibly scandalous persons.

Trapp's Commentary on Mark 3:16

16 And Simon he surnamed Peter; Ver. 16. And Simon he surnamed Peter] Not now, but after that famous confession of his, Matthew 16:16.

Ellicott's Commentary on Mark 3:16

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

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Mark 3:16

Verse 16. Simon, &c.] See Clarke on Matthew 10:2, &c.

Cambridge Bible on Mark 3:16

16. and Simon] We have in the New Testament four lists of the Apostles: (a) Matthew 10:2; (b) Mark 3:16; (c) Luke 6:14; (d) Acts 1:13. The position of some of the names varies in the lists, but in all four the leaders of the three groups are the same, Peter, Philip, and James, the son of Alphæus, while in all four Judas Iscariot is placed last. According to St Mark’s catalogue they may be arranged in three groups: (i) 1 Peter. 2 James. 3 John. 4 Andrew. (ii) 5 Philip. 6 Bartholomew. 7 Matthew. 8 Thomas. (iii) 9 James the Less. 10 Thaddæus. 11 Simon the Cananite. 12 Judas Iscariot. (a) Group i i. Simon. The name of Simeon (Acts 15:14) or Simon, a “hearer,” the son of Jonas (John 1:42; John 21:16), whom our Lord surnamed Peter or Cephas, the Rock-man, stands first in all the four lists. He was brought up in his father’s occupation, as a fisherman on the Galilean lake, and lived originally at Bethsaida, and afterwards in a house at Capernaum (Mark 1:21; Mark 1:29). His earliest call came to him through his brother Andrew, who told him the Messias, the “Anointed One,” had been found in the Person of the Lord (John 1:43). His second call took place on the lake near Capernaum, where he and the other three in this group were fishing. He is specially prominent on various occasions before the rest of the Apostles. Sometimes he speaks in their name (Matthew 19:27; Luke 12:41); sometimes answers when all are addressed (Matthew 16:16; Mark 8:29); sometimes he is addressed as principal, even among the favoured Three by our Lord Himself (Matthew 26:40; Luke 22:31); sometimes he is appealed to by others as representing the rest (Matthew 17:24; Acts 2:37). After the Ascension he assumes a position of special prominence (Acts 1:15; Acts 2:14; Acts 4:8; Acts 5:29).

Whedon's Commentary on Mark 3:16

16. Surnamed Peter — Meaning rock. Mark seems to name the apostles very much in couples. See notes on Matthew 10:2-4.

Sermons on Mark 3:16

SermonDescription
David Servant Jesus Chooses Twelve Apostles Mark 3:7-19 by David Servant David Servant preaches about Jesus' fame spreading far and wide, drawing spiritually hungry people seeking healing and deliverance. Despite being the Son of God, Jesus operated as
J. Glyn Owen From Simon to Peter #25 - the Holy Spirit and Peter's Personality by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Peter and his journey from fear to boldness. The speaker highlights Peter's native timidity and fear, which was evident in h
J. Glyn Owen From Simon to Peter #06 - Called to Be Fishers of Men #1 by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of becoming fishers of men, as mentioned in the Bible. The speaker highlights three main points: the task to which Simon and his fol
Ian Murray John 1 by Ian Murray In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel to make disciples. He highlights that the gospel is all about Jesus and encourages believers to share
G.W. North Gospel of John (Study 22 of 24, Chap 10 Cont, 11 Start) by G.W. North In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of understanding and embracing the truth that once we belong to God, our minds are no longer tormented or controlled by the d
St. John Chrysostom John 1:41-42 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of companionship and unity among believers, highlighting the benefits of dwelling together in love and mutual support as opposed to isolat
Marcus Dods A New Name by Marcus Dods Marcus Dods preaches about Jesus' encounter with Simon, where Jesus sees beyond Simon's current state and names his future identity as Peter, the Rock. This encounter signifies Jes

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