“When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles…” (Luke 6:13).
Previous chapters in Luke’s Gospel recorded Jesus calling a number of people to follow Him (Luke 5:10-11).
Some are mentioned by name as they were being called: James and his brother John; Andrew and his brother Peter (v.); Levi/Matthew (Luke 5:27-29); Philip (John 1:43).
These, we are told, left everything and followed Jesus.
Others are listed as the twelve who accompanied Jesus in His earthly ministry (Luke 6:13-14; Mark 3:14-19; Matthew 10:1-4).
Why did Jesus call people to follow Him?
Mark gives the best answer to the above question: ”He (Jesus) appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons” (Mark 3:14-15).
The time they spent with Jesus was a time of learning. They observed Jesus – His way of life and work and were instructed regarding the mysteries (hidden things) of God’s kingdom (John 17:6).
On this occasion (Luke 6:12), Jesus took some time off in solitude. He spent the night in prayer. “When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles…”
Jesus selected twelve of His followers and “designated” (NIV) those as apostles…raised their status, if you wish, to that of an apostle.
Until now they were following Jesus, now they could be sent by Jesus to perform some work.
They could function as His representatives – with/under His authority.
The twelve apostles stand apart as a “special” group of followers being selected by Jesus to be His “ambassadors” and personal witnesses to His life, work, death and resurrection.