Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Mark 3:13

Καὶ�. As between Mark 2:28 and Mark 3:1, Mk indicates no interval of time; and, as in Mark 1:35, the place is not very definite.

εἰς τὸ ὄρς. The hill-country round the Lake is meant (Mark 6:56; cf. Mark 5:5). As in Mark 2:16; Mark 4:3, etc., A.V. ignores the art. Lk. tells us that He went up to pray and continued all night in prayer. The momentous crisis of choosing His Apostles is at hand, and this vigil is the preparation for it,—“the first Ember night” (Swete). It is the first act in organizing the Church which is to convert the world.

προσκαλεῖται. The verb is freq. in Mk, Mt., Lk., Acts; elsewhere only James 5:14. It was not until this vigil was over that He gave this summons.

οὓς ἤθελεν αὐτός. The αὐτός is emphatic. The crowd of listeners are sifted according to His pleasure, not theirs; He does not invite any who like to follow Him, to do so. This is clear both in Mk and Lk.

ἀπῆλθον πρὸς αὐτόν. They came away unto Him, implying that they left something in order to come. These are not casual listeners or spectators, but attached disciples, and out of their number. He selects the Twelve.

Continues after advertising

BibliaPlus

Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Mark 3:13

Old Testament

New Testament