Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,
Simon.
Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
John 1:40-42 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother…
John 21:15-20 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs…
Andrew.
Matthew 4:18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
John 6:8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,
James.
Luke 5:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
Matthew 4:21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
Mark 1:19,29 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets…
Philip.
Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
John 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
John 6:5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
and his brother Andrew
Andrew, originally a disciple of John the Baptist, was one of the first to follow Jesus (John 1:40). He is known for bringing others to Christ, including his brother Peter (John 1:41-42). Andrew's role highlights the importance of personal evangelism and the impact of bringing family members to faith. His name, of Greek origin, suggests a Hellenistic influence, reflecting the diverse cultural context of Galilee.
James and John
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were fishermen by trade and were called by Jesus while mending their nets (Mark 1:19-20). Known as the "Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17), they were part of Jesus' inner circle, witnessing key events such as the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-3). Their fiery temperament is seen in their request to call down fire from heaven (Luke 9:54). James would become the first apostolic martyr (Acts 12:2), while John is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation.
Philip and Bartholomew
Philip, from Bethsaida like Peter and Andrew (John 1:44), is known for his practical nature, as seen in the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:5-7). He brought Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Jesus, demonstrating the importance of personal testimony (John 1:45-46). Bartholomew, often identified with Nathanael, is noted for his initial skepticism about Jesus being from Nazareth, which turns to faith upon meeting Him (John 1:47-49). This encounter underscores the theme of recognizing Jesus' divine nature through personal revelation.
• Luke intentionally puts Simon first, underscoring the leadership Jesus would give him: “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas (which means Peter)” (John 1:42).
• The new name, “Rock,” signals a transformed identity—fisherman to foundational apostle (Matthew 16:18).
• Peter’s quick obedience (Luke 5:4-11) and later bold preaching (Acts 2:14-41) embody the purpose of Luke 6:14: Christ chooses ordinary people to do extraordinary kingdom work.
• His inclusion here reminds us that God’s call precedes our perfection; Peter’s failures (Luke 22:54-62) are already known to the Lord who calls him.
• Mentioned second, Andrew highlights the relational nature of discipleship; he first followed Jesus, then brought Peter (John 1:35-42).
• Andrew models quiet, behind-the-scenes faithfulness—bringing the boy with five loaves and two fish (John 6:8-9) and later introducing Greeks to Jesus (John 12:20-22).
• Luke’s pairing of brothers (Peter-Andrew, James-John) hints at the missionary principle of going two by two (Mark 6:7).
• Andrew’s presence assures us that every servant, visible or not, is essential in Christ’s plan.
• These sons of Zebedee leave their nets “immediately” when called (Mark 1:19-20), illustrating wholehearted surrender.
• Nicknamed “Boanerges” or “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17), they reveal that zeal, when shaped by Christ, becomes powerful love—John eventually writes of love more than any other apostle (1 John 4:7-12).
• James is the first apostle martyred (Acts 12:1-2), showing the cost of discipleship hinted at even in this early list.
• John, the last surviving apostle (Revelation 1:1; John 21:20-23), demonstrates perseverance. Together they bookend apostolic witness from Pentecost to Patmos.
• Philip meets Jesus personally (“Follow Me,” John 1:43) and promptly invites Bartholomew (also called Nathanael, John 1:45-49), reflecting the evangelistic ripple effect of genuine encounter.
• Philip’s question, “Lord, show us the Father” (John 14:8-9), lets Jesus clarify His divine identity; Luke’s list reminds us that honest seekers are welcome in the Twelve.
• Bartholomew’s transparency (“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” John 1:46) meets Christ’s omniscience (“I saw you under the fig tree,” John 1:48-49), illustrating grace that meets skepticism with revelation.
• Tradition places Bartholomew taking the gospel far beyond Israel (cf. Acts 1:8), fulfilling Jesus’ global vision embedded in the apostolic call.
Luke 6:14 is more than a roll call; it is a snapshot of how Jesus forms a new covenant community. By naming specific, imperfect men—paired brothers, bold leaders, quiet connectors—He shows that His mission advances through real people who respond to His voice. Each name carries a story of transformation and purpose, confirming that when Christ calls, He equips, redeems, and sends for His glory.
(14-16) Simon, (whom he also named Peter).--For the list of the Twelve Apostles see Notes on Matthew 10:2.The only special points in St. Luke's list are (1) that he gives Simon Zelotes, obviously as a translation, for Simon the Cananite, or Cananaean, of the other two lists, and gives James's Judas, leaving it uncertain whether he means that the latter was son or brother of the former. His use of the same formula in the genealogy of Luke 3 is in favour of the former relationship.
Verse 14. - Simon, (whom he also named Peter). The Master had already, reading as he did the future, bestowed upon this often erring, but noble and devoted servant. the surname, Cephas, literally, a "mass of rock." And Andrew. One of the first believers, and reckoned among the four whose office placed them in closest relation to their Master, and yet for some - to us - unexplained reason, Andrew did not occupy that position of intimacy shared by Peter, James, and John. He was apparently the intimate friend and associate of Philip, the first of the second "four." James and John. Well-known and honoured names in the records of the first days. Mark adds a vivid detail which throws much light on the character and fortunes of the brothers; he calls them Boanerges, "sons of thunder." The burning enthusiasm of James no doubt led to his receiving the first martyr-crown allotted to "the glorious company of the apostles," while the same fiery zeal in the loved apostle colours the Apocalypse. Philip. John 6:5 may be quoted to show that the Lord was on terms of peculiar friendship with this first of the second four. Bartholomew; Bar-Tolmai: son of Tolmai, He therefore must have been known also by some other name. In St. John's Gospel Bartholomew is never mentioned, but Nathanael, whose name appears in the Fourth Gospel among the apostles, and who is not alluded to in the memoirs of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, evidently represents the same person. The real name of the son of Tolmai, then, would appear to have been Nathanael.