Shalom, and welcome to our study of the Word of God.
Among the people who followed the Lord Jesus, there were four distinct groups:
The Multitudes,The Disciples,The Twelve Apostles,The Pillars.
1. The Multitudes
This was the first group. They would gather only to hear the teachings of Jesus and receive healing for their diseases. Jesus often spoke to them in parables, and after the teachings or healings, they would return to their regular lives.
2. The Disciples
This group consisted of about 70 or slightly more. They followed Jesus, but not everywhere. These were people who chose to serve Him in many of the places He went, and they were also sent out to preach the gospel.
Luke 10:1 (NKJV):
“After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.”
3. The Twelve Apostles
These were chosen from among the 70 disciples.
Luke 6:13 (NKJV):
“And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.”
The apostles were much closer to Jesus than the disciples or the multitudes. They shared meals with Him, walked with Him, and were privileged to ask for explanations of parables in private—something the other groups could not do.
4. The Pillars
This final group was the most intimate with Jesus. It consisted of three apostles—Peter, James, and John—who were considered Pillars.
Galatians 2:9 (NKJV):
“And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.”
(“Cephas” is another name for Peter – see John 1:42.)
These three had a special relationship with Jesus. Whenever He wanted to go alone for deep prayer or to reveal divine mysteries, He took only them.
Example 1: The Mount of Transfiguration
Luke 9:27–30 (NKJV):
“But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God.”
“Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.”
“As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening.”
“And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah.”
Only these three saw this transfiguration and heard the voice from heaven saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Luke 9:35).
Example 2: In Gethsemane
Matthew 26:36–40 (NKJV):
“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, ‘Sit here while I go and pray over there.'”
“And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.”
“Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.'”
“He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, ‘O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.'”
“Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, ‘What! Could you not watch with Me one hour?'”
Jesus separated the other nine apostles and took only these three into His most sorrowful moment, showing their elevated spiritual intimacy.
Even after Pentecost, these three continued to be central. The Book of Revelation, filled with prophetic visions, was entrusted to John, one of the Pillars. This shows how close these men were to the Lord.
Why Were These Three Chosen as Pillars?
Because they loved Jesus deeply and wholeheartedly. God is not partial (Romans 2:11). The reason these men were closer to Jesus was their wholehearted devotion, meditation, service, and self-denial for His sake.
James 4:8 (NKJV):
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Peter boldly declared, “Even if all are made to stumble, I will never be made to stumble.” (Matthew 26:33) Though he had weaknesses, his love and courage set him apart.
James and John once asked to sit at Jesus’ right and left in His kingdom (Mark 10:35–37)—a request showing their great love and desire to be near Him.
John leaned on Jesus’ chest during supper (John 13:23–26), and it was to him alone that Jesus revealed Judas would betray Him, whispered in a voice only John could hear.
Their Intimacy Made Them Pillars
Their obedience, sacrifice, and eagerness made them candidates for deeper divine revelations. They were available for every mission Jesus had, even if it meant hardship. This commitment is what elevated them before God.
And this remains true today: if you desire to become a pillar in God’s house, draw closer to Him.
Revelation 3:12 (NKJV):
“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.”
Let us not be content with merely being believers or disciples—let us strive to become Pillars in the Kingdom of God.
The Lord bless you.
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Maranatha!