The term Thenashara is derived from the Hebrew language and simply means “twelve.” Rather than just saying “twelve people,” the Bible sometimes refers to this number with distinction, especially when it comes to people or groups of spiritual significance. For instance, instead of saying twelve tribes, Scripture often says, “The twelve tribes” (cf. James 1:1), or instead of twelve months, it might be rendered “the twelve months” (1 Kings 4:7).
However, the most theologically significant use of the term Thenashara is when it refers to the twelve disciples that Jesus personally selected and appointed. These men became known as “The Twelve”—a unique title that signified both their number and their divinely appointed role.
The Appointment of the Twelve
Mark 3:16–19 (ESV) tells us:
“He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.”
These men were not just casual followers. Jesus called them by name, appointed them, and later sent them as apostles—messengers with authority to preach, heal, and cast out demons (Mark 3:14–15; Matthew 10:1–8).
Why Are They Called “The Twelve”?
The title Thenashara distinguishes these men from the broader group of disciples Jesus had. According to Luke 10:1, Jesus also appointed seventy (or seventy-two, depending on the manuscript) other disciples and sent them out two by two:
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go.”
This means that while many followed Jesus, only twelve were chosen for this special role—to be trained closely by Him, to witness His miracles and teachings firsthand, and to be the foundation of the Church (Ephesians 2:20).
A Unique Role in Redemptive History
These twelve disciples symbolize more than just a number. In Scripture, the number twelve often represents God’s people. There were twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament, and in the New Testament, the twelve apostles become the spiritual counterpart—representing the new people of God, the Church.
Jesus promised them a unique role in the coming Kingdom:
“Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28, ESV).
Thus, their calling was not only historical—it was eschatological, pointing toward the coming Kingdom of God.
You’ll find references to the Twelve in many New Testament passages, such as:
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Matthew 26:14–16 (Judas agrees to betray Jesus)
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Mark 4:10 (Jesus explains parables to “those around him with the Twelve”)
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Mark 9:35 (Jesus teaches the Twelve about servanthood)
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John 20:24 (Thomas, “one of the Twelve,” doubts the resurrection)
Are You a Disciple of Jesus?
Being a disciple isn’t just about following Jesus in name—it means repenting from sin, surrendering your life, and bearing your cross daily.
Jesus said:
“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27, ESV).
To be a disciple is to live under the Lordship of Christ, to obey His commands, and to walk in His footsteps—even when the path is difficult.
Final Exhortation
So, the question for you today is: Are you truly a disciple of Jesus? Have you repented, believed, and taken up your cross?
Maranatha—The Lord is coming!