Key Takeaways
1. Jesus chose ordinary men to be His disciples
God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.
Unlikely choices. Jesus deliberately selected common, unrefined men from Galilee as His disciples. These men were not from the religious elite or aristocracy, but were mostly fishermen and laborers. Their ordinariness highlights God's preference for using the humble and lowly to accomplish His purposes.
Divine strategy. By choosing unremarkable individuals, Jesus ensured that the success of His mission would be attributed to God's power rather than human ability. This approach confounds worldly wisdom and demonstrates that God's strength is made perfect in weakness.
- Characteristics of the disciples:
- Lacking formal education
- No special social status
- Prone to misunderstanding and failure
- Transformed by Christ's teaching and the Holy Spirit's power
2. Peter: The impulsive leader transformed by Christ
"Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."
Natural leader. Peter was bold, outspoken, and often acted before thinking. His impulsiveness led to both moments of great insight and embarrassing failures. Jesus saw Peter's potential and worked to shape his character, renaming him from Simon to Peter ("Rock").
Gradual transformation. Christ patiently molded Peter, teaching him valuable lessons through experiences like walking on water, denying Jesus three times, and being restored after the resurrection. Peter's journey from impetuous fisherman to steadfast apostle illustrates the transformative power of Christ's love and guidance.
- Key moments in Peter's development:
- Confessing Jesus as the Christ
- Witnessing the Transfiguration
- Denying Jesus and subsequent restoration
- Preaching at Pentecost
- Leading the early church
3. Andrew: The quiet disciple who brought others to Jesus
He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.
Personal evangelist. Andrew, often overshadowed by his brother Peter, excelled at introducing individuals to Jesus. He consistently sought opportunities to connect people with Christ, demonstrating the power of personal relationships in spreading the gospel.
Behind-the-scenes faithfulness. Though not as prominent as some other disciples, Andrew's quiet dedication and willingness to serve in the background were invaluable to Jesus' ministry. His example reminds us that seemingly small acts of bringing people to Christ can have far-reaching impacts.
- Examples of Andrew's evangelistic efforts:
- Bringing Peter to Jesus
- Introducing the boy with loaves and fish
- Helping Greeks meet Jesus
4. James and John: Sons of Thunder molded by the Master
But Jesus answered and said, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"
Fiery temperaments. James and John, nicknamed "Sons of Thunder" by Jesus, were known for their zeal and ambition. Their request to call down fire on a Samaritan village and desire for prominent positions in Christ's kingdom revealed their passionate yet immature faith.
Transformed by Christ. Jesus patiently worked to channel their fervor into more constructive outlets. Through His teaching and example, He taught them the importance of humility, servanthood, and sacrificial love. Their transformation is evident in their later ministries and willingness to suffer for the gospel.
- Lessons learned by James and John:
- Humility in service
- Patience and compassion
- Courage in the face of persecution
- Love as the foundation of ministry
5. Philip and Nathanael: From skepticism to unwavering faith
Philip answered Him, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little."
Initial doubts. Philip and Nathanael represent disciples who struggled with skepticism and limited vision. Philip's pragmatic nature often focused on practical limitations rather than divine possibilities. Nathanael's initial prejudice against Jesus' hometown of Nazareth nearly prevented him from meeting the Messiah.
Growth in faith. Jesus patiently worked with both men, challenging their assumptions and expanding their understanding of His power and mission. Their journey from doubt to conviction illustrates the importance of personal encounters with Christ and the transformative nature of following Him.
- Key moments in their faith development:
- Philip's struggle to see beyond material limitations
- Nathanael's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God
- Learning to trust in Christ's supernatural provision
- Growing in their roles as apostles and evangelists
6. Matthew: A despised tax collector redeemed by grace
As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him.
Radical transformation. Matthew's calling demonstrates the power of Christ to redeem even those considered societal outcasts. As a tax collector, Matthew was despised by his fellow Jews, yet Jesus saw his potential and invited him to become a disciple.
From outcast to evangelist. Matthew's immediate response to Jesus' call and his subsequent hosting of a banquet for other "tax collectors and sinners" reveal his enthusiasm for sharing the good news of Christ's acceptance. His background as a social pariah uniquely positioned him to reach others on the fringes of society.
- Implications of Matthew's calling:
- No one is beyond the reach of God's grace
- Christ came to call sinners, not the self-righteous
- Personal transformation leads to evangelistic zeal
- Diverse backgrounds enrich the body of Christ
7. Thomas: The doubter who became a devoted believer
Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"
Struggle with doubt. Thomas is often remembered for his skepticism about Jesus' resurrection, insisting on physical proof before he would believe. This moment of doubt, however, should be viewed in the context of Thomas's overall character, which included loyalty and a willingness to die with Christ.
Faith affirmed. Jesus' gentle response to Thomas's doubts, allowing him to touch His wounds, led to one of the most powerful confessions of Christ's deity in the Gospels. Thomas's journey from skepticism to unwavering faith encourages believers to honestly wrestle with their doubts and seek answers from Christ.
- Lessons from Thomas's experience:
- Doubt can be a stepping stone to deeper faith
- Jesus meets us in our uncertainties
- Personal encounters with Christ dispel doubts
- Honest confession of faith follows genuine belief
8. James the Less, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James: Obscure yet faithful
James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; Judas the son of James ...
Diverse backgrounds. These less-known disciples represent the variety of personalities and backgrounds Christ called to follow Him. From the obscure James the Less to the politically radical Simon the Zealot, Jesus formed a diverse team united in their commitment to His mission.
Faithful service. Though little is known about their individual ministries, these disciples played crucial roles in the early church's expansion. Their relative anonymity in Scripture reminds us that faithful service to Christ, even when unrecognized, is valuable in God's kingdom.
- Characteristics of these lesser-known disciples:
- James the Less: Humble and unassuming
- Simon the Zealot: Passionate and politically engaged
- Judas son of James: Tender-hearted and inquisitive
- Their example teaches:
- God uses a variety of personalities in His work
- Faithful service matters more than recognition
- Unity in Christ transcends personal differences
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FAQ
What's Twelve Ordinary Men about?
- Focus on Apostles: The book explores the lives of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, highlighting their ordinary backgrounds and the extraordinary calling they received.
- Transformation and Growth: It emphasizes how Jesus transformed these common men into powerful leaders who spread the gospel after His resurrection.
- Spiritual Lessons: Each chapter provides insights into the apostles' unique traits and the spiritual lessons that can be learned from their lives.
Why should I read Twelve Ordinary Men?
- Inspiration from Ordinary Lives: The book illustrates how God can use anyone, regardless of their background or abilities, to accomplish His purposes.
- Deepens Understanding of Scripture: By examining the apostles' lives, readers gain a deeper understanding of the New Testament and the early church's formation.
- Practical Application: The lessons drawn from the apostles' experiences are applicable to modern life, offering guidance on faith, leadership, and personal growth.
What are the key takeaways of Twelve Ordinary Men?
- God Uses the Ordinary: The apostles were not extraordinary individuals; they were common men who became instruments of God’s work.
- Transformation through Christ: True transformation comes from a relationship with Jesus, as seen in the apostles' evolution from ordinary fishermen to bold leaders.
- Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The transformation of the apostles was ultimately due to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing reliance on God for strength.
What are the best quotes from Twelve Ordinary Men and what do they mean?
- "God's strength is made perfect in weakness.": This emphasizes that God often uses those who are weak or ordinary to demonstrate His power and glory.
- "Love does not parade itself.": This underscores the importance of humility and service in love, reflecting the teachings of Christ.
- "You did not choose Me, but I chose you.": This highlights the idea of divine election, reminding readers that God initiates the relationship and calling.
How does John MacArthur describe the calling of the apostles in Twelve Ordinary Men?
- Personal Selection by Christ: Jesus chose the apostles personally, knowing their flaws and weaknesses, which illustrates His grace and purpose.
- Phased Calling: The calling occurred in stages: first to follow Him, then to be trained, and finally to be sent out as apostles.
- Empowerment for Ministry: The apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out their mission, demonstrating that success in ministry comes from God.
What role did Peter play among the apostles according to Twelve Ordinary Men?
- Leader and Spokesman: Peter is depicted as the primary leader of the apostles, often speaking on behalf of the group and taking initiative.
- Transformation Journey: His journey from impulsive fisherman to a bold preacher at Pentecost illustrates the transformative power of Christ.
- Example of Human Weakness: Peter's failures, such as denying Christ, serve as reminders of human frailty and the need for reliance on God.
How does Andrew's character differ from Peter's in Twelve Ordinary Men?
- Quiet and Humble: Andrew is portrayed as a humble figure who prefers to work behind the scenes, in contrast to Peter's boldness.
- Bringer of Individuals: He is known for bringing people to Jesus, emphasizing the importance of personal evangelism over public preaching.
- Contentment in Service: Andrew's lack of desire for recognition highlights a servant's heart, making him a model for those in ministry.
What lessons can be learned from the life of Peter in Twelve Ordinary Men?
- Leadership and Impulsiveness: Peter's journey illustrates the balance between leadership and impulsiveness, showing how God can use even flawed individuals for His purposes.
- Faith and Doubt: His experience walking on water highlights the tension between faith and doubt, reminding readers that even strong believers can struggle.
- Courage in Adversity: Peter's boldness in preaching after Pentecost exemplifies the courage that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit.
How does John MacArthur portray the character of John in Twelve Ordinary Men?
- Apostle of Love: John is referred to as the "Apostle of Love," emphasizing his writings that focus on love for Christ and one another.
- Transformation Over Time: The book discusses John's evolution from a fiery, ambitious disciple to a mature leader who balanced truth with love.
- Boldness in Truth: Despite his emphasis on love, John remained steadfast in proclaiming the truth, demonstrating that love and truth must coexist in the life of a believer.
What is the significance of Judas Iscariot's character in Twelve Ordinary Men?
- Warning Against Hypocrisy: Judas serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hypocrisy and the consequences of a heart not truly committed to Christ.
- Lost Opportunity: The book emphasizes that Judas had every opportunity to embrace faith but chose to pursue greed instead.
- Sovereignty and Free Will: Judas's actions demonstrate the tension between divine sovereignty and human choice, showing that while God’s plan cannot be thwarted, individuals are still responsible for their choices.
How does the book address the theme of ambition and humility?
- Ambition without Humility: The book discusses how ambition can become sinful when not tempered by humility, using the example of James and John who sought positions of power.
- Christ's Example: Jesus is presented as the ultimate model of humility, demonstrating that true greatness in the kingdom of God comes from serving others.
- Spiritual Maturity: The book encourages readers to pursue both ambition and humility in their spiritual lives, highlighting that true maturity involves a balance of both qualities in service to God and others.
How does MacArthur illustrate the transformation of the apostles throughout Twelve Ordinary Men?
- From Ordinary to Extraordinary: The book chronicles the apostles' journey from ordinary men to extraordinary leaders, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ in their lives.
- Lessons from Failure: MacArthur highlights the failures of the apostles as critical learning experiences that shaped their character and faith.
- Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The apostles' transformation is ultimately attributed to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, illustrating that true change comes from reliance on God rather than personal effort.
Review Summary
Twelve Ordinary Men received mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its insightful portrayal of the disciples' lives and personalities. Many found it educational and encouraging, appreciating how MacArthur emphasized the ordinariness of the disciples. Some criticism focused on perceived speculation and repetitiveness. Readers valued the biblical references and historical context provided. The book was noted for its readability and ability to make the disciples relatable. Overall, it was seen as a worthwhile read for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Jesus' closest followers.
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Other books by John F. MacArthur Jr.
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