Luke 6:12
Verse
Context
The Twelve Apostles
11But the scribes and Pharisees were filled with rage and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.12In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God.13When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles:
Sermons
Alan Redpath
Charles Stanley
Leonard Ravenhill
George VerwerGeorge Verwer
Zac PoonenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In prayer to God - Or, in the prayer of God: or, in the oratory of God, εν τῃ προσευχῃ του Θεου. So this passage is translated by many critics; for which Dr. Whitby gives the following reasons: As the mountain of God, Exo 3:1; Exo 4:27; the bread of God, Lev 21:17; the lamp of God, Sa1 3:3; the vessels of God, Ch1 22:19; the altar of God, Psa 43:4; the sacrifices of God, Psa 51:17; the gifts of God, Luk 21:4; the ministers of God, Co2 6:4; the tabernacle of God, Ch2 1:3; the temple of God, Mat 21:12; the synagogues of God, Psa 74:8; are all things consecrated or appropriated to God's service; so προσευχη του Θεου must, in all reason, be a house of prayer to God; whence it is called τοπος προσευχης, a place of prayer, 1 Maccabees 3:46; and so the word is certainly used Act 16:13; and by Philo, in his oration against Flaccus, where he complains that αἱ προσευχαι, their houses for prayer were pulled down, and there was no place left in which they might worship God, or pray for Caesar; and by Josephus, who says the multitude was gathered εις την προσευχην, into the house of prayer: and so Juvenal, Sat. iii. v. 296, speaks to the mendicant Jew: - Ede ubi consistas; in qua te quaero proseucha? In what house of prayer may I find thee begging? See on Act 16:13 (note). But on this it may be observed, that as the mountains of God, the wind of God, the hail of God, the trees of God, etc., mean very high mountains, a very strong wind, great and terrible hail, very tall trees, etc., so προσευχη του Θεου, here, may be very properly translated the prayer of God; i.e. very fervent and earnest prayer; and though διανυκτερευων may signify, to lodge in a place for a night, yet there are various places in the best Greek writers in which it is used, not to signify a place, but to pass the night in a particular state. So Appian, Bell. Pun. Εν τοις ὁπλοις διενυκτερευϚε μεθ' ἁπαντων - He passed the night under arms with them all. Idem, Bell. Civ. lib. v. διενυκτερευον - They passed the night without food, without any regard to the body, and in the want of all things. See more examples in Kypke, who concludes by translating the passage thus: He passed the night without sleep in prayers to God. Some of the Jews imagine that God himself prays; and this is one of his petitions: Let it be my good pleasure, that my mercy overcome my wrath. See more in Lightfoot.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
THE TWELVE APOSTLES CHOSEN--GATHERING MULTITUDES--GLORIOUS HEALING. (Luke 6:12-49) went out--probably from Capernaum. all night in prayer . . . and when . . . day, he called, &c.--The work with which the next day began shows what had been the burden of this night's devotions. As He directed His disciples to pray for "laborers" just before sending themselves forth (see on Mat 9:37; Mat 10:1), so here we find the Lord Himself in prolonged communion with His Father in preparation for the solemn appointment of those men who were to give birth to His Church, and from whom the world in all time was to take a new mould. How instructive is this!
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when it was day,.... Or morning; having spent the whole night in prayer to God, no doubt for his disciples, whom he was about to send forth as his apostles, to preach his Gospel, and work miracles, and for their success therein: he called unto him his disciples; the whole company of them, as in Luk 6:17 all that were his followers, and professed to believe in him, or as many as he pleased; see Mar 3:13. And of them he chose twelve; and ordained them, and sent them out to preach, heal sicknesses, and cast out devils: whom he also named apostles; or "messengers", from their being sent by him on such important business; and their names are as follow.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In these verses, we have our Lord Jesus in secret, in his family, and in public; and in all three acting like himself. I. In secret we have him praying to God, Luk 6:12. This evangelist takes frequent notice of Christ's retirements, to give us an example of secret prayer, by which we must keep up our communion with God daily, and without which it is impossible that the soul should prosper. In those days, when his enemies were filled with madness against him, and were contriving what to do to him, he went out to pray; that he might answer the type of David (Psa 109:4), For my love, they are my adversaries; but I give myself unto prayer. Observe, 1. He was alone with God; he went out into a mountain, to pray, where he might have no disturbance or interruption given him; we are never less alone than when we are thus alone. Whether there was any convenient place built upon this mountain, for devout people to retire to for their private devotions, as some think, and that that oratory, or place of prayer, is meant here by hē proseuchē tou theou, to me seems very uncertain. He went into a mountain for privacy, and therefore, probably, would not go to a place frequented by others. 2. He was long alone with God: He continued all night in prayer. We think one half hour a great deal to spend in the duties of the closet; but Christ continued a whole night in meditation and secret prayer. We have a great deal of business at the throne of grace, and we should take a great delight in communion with God, and by both these we may be kept sometimes long at prayer. II. In his family we have him nominating his immediate attendants, that should be the constant auditors of his doctrine and eye-witnesses of his miracles, that hereafter they might be sent forth as apostles, his messengers to the world, to preach his gospel to it, and plant his church in it, Luk 6:13. After he had continued all night in prayer, one would have thought that, when it was day, he should have reposed himself, and got some sleep. No, as soon as any body was stirring, he called unto him his disciples. In serving God, our great care should be, not to lose time, but to make the end of one good duty the beginning of another. Ministers are to be ordained with prayer more than ordinarily solemn. The number of the apostles was twelve. Their names are here recorded; it is the third time that we have met with them, and in each of the three places the order of them differs, to teach both ministers and Christians not to be nice in precedency, not in giving it, much less in taking it, but to look upon it as a thing not worth taking notice of; let it be as it lights. He that in Mark was called Thaddeus, in Matthew Lebbeus, whose surname was Thaddeus, is here called Judas the brother of James, the same that wrote the epistle of Jude. Simon, who in Matthew and Mark was called the Canaanite, is here called Simon Zelotes, perhaps for his great zeal in religion. Concerning these twelve here named we have reason to say, as the queen of Sheba did of Solomon's servants, Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, that stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom; never were men so privileged, and yet one of them had a devil, and proved a traitor (Luk 6:16); yet Christ, when he chose him, was not deceived in him. III. In public we have him preaching and healing, the two great works between which he divided his time, Luk 6:17. He came down with the twelve from the mountain, and stood in the plain, ready to receive those that resorted to him; and there were presently gathered about him, not only the company of his disciples, who used to attend him, but also a great multitude of people, a mixed multitude out of all Judea and Jerusalem. Though it was some scores of miles from Jerusalem to that part of Galilee where Christ now was, - though at Jerusalem they had abundance of famous rabbin, that had great names, and bore a mighty sway, - yet they came to hear Christ. They came also from the sea-coast of Tyre and Sidon. Though they who lived there were generally men of business, and though they bordered upon Canaanites, yet there were some well affected to Christ; such there were dispersed in all parts, here and there one. 1. They came to hear him and he preached to them. Those that have not good preaching near them had better travel far for it than be without it. It is worth while to go a great way to hear the word of Christ, and to go out of the way of other business for it. 2. They came to be cured by him, and he healed them. Some were troubled in body, and some in mind; some had diseases, some had devils; but both the one and the other, upon their application to Christ, were healed, for he has power over diseases and devils (Luk 6:17, Luk 6:18), over the effects and over the causes. Nay, it should seem, those who had no particular diseases to complain of yet found it a great confirmation and renovation to their bodily health and vigour to partake of the virtue that went out of him; for (Luk 6:19) the whole multitude sought to touch him, those that were in health as well as those that were sick, and they were all, one way or other, the better for him: he healed them all; and who is there that doth not need, upon some account or other, to be healed? There is a fulness of grace in Christ, and healing virtue in him, and ready to go out from him, that is enough for all, enough for each.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:12 he prayed to God all night: See study note on 3:21. Jesus prayed before important events and decisions such as choosing the Twelve, who would carry on his ministry after him.
Luke 6:12
The Twelve Apostles
11But the scribes and Pharisees were filled with rage and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.12In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God.13When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles:
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God's Kind of Servant
By Alan Redpath5.8K59:49ServanthoodLUK 6:12ACT 13:4In this sermon, the speaker describes a family gathering where they read a chapter from the Bible and prayed for missionaries. The speaker emphasizes the importance of following God's will and being determined to do so, even when faced with obstacles. They also discuss the evidence of fruit in one's life as a result of their faith, and the importance of personal wholeness and transparency in being a witness for Jesus. The speaker warns of the dangers of money and sex, and encourages a total warfare against sin and a commitment to repentance. The sermon references Acts chapter 13 and the story of Jeremiah to highlight the power and adequacy of the Word of God.
Dealing With the Pressure of Time
By Charles Stanley4.8K1:01:01PressureMRK 1:35MRK 6:46LUK 6:12LUK 9:18LUK 19:1JHN 4:7EPH 5:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of making a choice regarding one's eternal existence. He warns against delaying the decision to accept Jesus Christ as personal Savior, as time is limited and uncertain. The preacher reminds the audience that everyone will be held accountable for how they have lived their lives and how they have spent their time. The sermon concludes with the reminder that the ultimate decision that determines one's eternal destination is what a person does with Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Beatitudes - Part 4
By Leonard Ravenhill3.0K1:11:20BeatitudesMAT 5:1MAT 5:4LUK 6:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the conditions and experiences of the apostle Paul as a minister of God. He highlights the various challenges and hardships that Paul faced, including afflictions, imprisonments, and distresses. The preacher emphasizes the importance of demonstrating patience, purity, knowledge, and kindness in serving God. He also mentions the power of the Holy Ghost, the word of God, and the armor of righteousness in Paul's ministry. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the joy, peace, and spiritual riches that come from knowing and serving God.
Judas Factor in Ministry (Time for Renewal Conference)
By Carter Conlon2.8K58:53JudasLUK 6:12LUK 13:4LUK 13:13JHN 6:64JHN 13:16JHN 13:20JHN 18:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the betrayal of Jesus by Judas and the role of Satan in influencing Judas' heart. The preacher emphasizes that everyone has the potential to betray Christ due to their fallen nature. He highlights the importance of staying focused on Christ and not allowing diversions or the desires of our own hearts to lead us astray. The sermon also emphasizes the example of Jesus washing the disciples' feet as a call to serve and humble ourselves before others.
(Om Orientation) Our Weapons Prayer - Part 2
By George Verwer2.5K23:35Spiritual WarfareLUK 6:12JHN 4:24ACT 2:41ACT 2:44In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the principles of Jesus Christ as seen in the book of Acts. He encourages believers to come together in love, prayer, unity, and one accord. The speaker highlights the need for believers to have a common purpose and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He also emphasizes the importance of waiting upon God, seeking His will, and sending forth laborers into the harvest. The sermon concludes with a call to pray for the Lord of the Harvest to send forth missionaries and for believers to engage in the ministry of sending out laborers.
(Om Orientation) Spiritual Reproduction - Part 1
By George Verwer2.3K21:22OrientationMAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 6:12In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the Great Commission found in the Gospel of Matthew. The two main goals of the Great Commission are worldwide evangelization and making disciples. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not only preaching the Gospel but also discipling new believers. He encourages listeners to follow the example of Jesus, who spent time with his disciples and taught them. The speaker challenges listeners to examine their own ministry and ensure they are truly following Christ's example.
Winning God's Approval - Part 8
By Zac Poonen2.0K55:18ApprovalMAT 7:23MAT 16:13LUK 5:3LUK 6:12In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the contrasting attitudes and actions of Peter and Judas. He starts by discussing the story in Luke 5 where Jesus teaches from Peter's boat and then asks him to go fishing despite a previous unsuccessful attempt. The preacher emphasizes Peter's humble obedience to Jesus' command, even though it went against his own reasoning. He then highlights Judas' response to Jesus' words in Matthew 26, where he immediately goes to betray Jesus for personal gain. The preacher concludes by discussing the importance of accepting correction and appreciating others, using examples from his own life and encouraging the audience to do the same.
Getting Life Under Control
By Jim Logan1.3K55:46ControlPSA 25:14MAT 14:13LUK 6:12JHN 15:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the passage in Isaiah 6 where the prophet sees a vision of heaven. He describes the scene of a throne, high and lifted up, with beings called cherubim surrounding it. These cherubim are singing the words "holy, holy, holy," which the preacher connects to a Baptist church service he attended. The preacher also mentions his own personal experiences with dyslexia and learning disabilities. He briefly mentions his Bible college and prayer ministry, as well as a book on becoming Christ-like that he recommends. The sermon ends with a mention of the book of Hebrews.
Prayer 04 a Praying Saviour
By Bob Clark1.2K37:14Prayer LifePSA 16:2MAT 6:6MAT 6:33MRK 1:35LUK 5:15LUK 6:12LUK 11:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of prayer in the life of a believer. He highlights how even Jesus, in his earthly ministry, demonstrated the significance of prayer by frequently engaging in it. The preacher emphasizes the need for believers to separate themselves and align their will with God's will. He also mentions the concept of baptism as a symbol of repentance and the remission of sins. Throughout the sermon, the preacher encourages listeners to prioritize prayer and seek a deeper connection with God.
Prayer 10 the Key to Victory
By Bob Clark1.1K41:44Victorious LivingPSA 32:8ISA 50:4MAT 6:33LUK 6:12EPH 6:17HEB 4:12HEB 4:16In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of possessing rest and inheritance as God's people. The Word of God is highlighted as a tool to reveal the spiritual and carnal aspects of one's life. The speaker emphasizes that the Word should not be used as a weapon against others but as a means of personal growth. Prayer is compared to winding a clock, stating that it is essential for the Christian armor to function effectively. The speaker expresses gratitude for the warm hospitality and musical contributions during their time with the congregation.
What He Did for Jesus, He'll Do for All His Children (Norwegian)
By Zac Poonen1.1K57:43MAT 7:14LUK 6:12ROM 8:29EPH 1:41PE 1:1
This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will through prayer, using Jesus' example of praying all night before choosing His apostles. It highlights the significance of making decisions that align with God's plan, especially for young individuals who may be called for eternal purposes. The sermon encourages living a life that reflects Christ, following His example of humility, love, and obedience, and trusting in God's guidance and provision for every aspect of life.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-05 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald82025:23True DiscipleshipMAT 5:3MAT 5:6LUK 6:12LUK 6:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of world evangelization and how it is often approached in modern Christianity. He criticizes the focus on financial and entertainment committees, suggesting that the message of the gospel should be the priority. The sermon then focuses on the teaching of Jesus to his disciples on a level place, which is similar to the sermon on the mount but with distinct differences. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a small group of dedicated and obedient followers who love and fear God above all else, suggesting that with such a group, the world could be evangelized in their generation.
if...
By Percy Trueblood81946:33PSA 51:7LUK 6:12ROM 14:17In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost as the true essence of the Kingdom of God. He references Psalm 51, where David, a backslider, repents for his sins of adultery and murder. The preacher emphasizes the need for discipline and a clean heart, as well as the danger of not abiding in Jesus and keeping His commandments. He also addresses the topic of eternal security and refutes the idea that salvation can be lost, emphasizing that salvation is from sin and is evidenced by a transformed life.
Prayer, Thanksgiving, Praise and Worship
By Zac Poonen7011:13:49ISA 50:4LUK 6:12JHN 4:23
This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God through prayer, thanksgiving, praise, and worship. It highlights the need to seek the Holy Spirit's filling, study God's Word diligently, give thanks for everything, praise God for who He is, and become true worshippers in spirit and truth.
Reproduction - Orientation
By Dale Rhoton64641:39MAT 6:33MAT 28:19LUK 6:12JHN 17:1ACT 8:13ACT 8:31In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the Great Commission found in the Gospel of Matthew. The two main goals of the Great Commission are worldwide evangelization and making disciples. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not only evangelizing but also ensuring that those who accept Christ are properly trained and discipled. Specific prayers answered and deepening one's love for Jesus are highlighted as transformative experiences in the lives of believers. The speaker also mentions the need to prioritize important tasks and not get caught up in less significant matters.
Prayer
By Hugh Morrison63044:251SA 12:23MRK 1:35LUK 5:16LUK 6:12ACT 6:4PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 5:16
This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving attention to prayer in ministry, highlighting the example of the early church in Acts chapter 6. It challenges listeners to adjust their thinking, priorities, and whole life to prioritize prayer, as it is commanded by God, leads to communion with Him, and results in the greatest good being done. The sermon calls for repentance, determination, and a set focus on prayer as God's way for effective ministry.
Mark - the Master's Master Plan
By J. Glyn Owen44940:43DiscipleshipMAT 9:36MAT 10:1MAT 28:19MRK 3:13MRK 6:7LUK 6:12LUK 9:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the calling of the twelve disciples by Jesus to constitute them as apostles. The preacher reads from Mark 3:13-15, where Jesus goes up a mountain and calls those whom he chooses to be with him. Jesus ordains them as twelve and sends them forth to preach, heal sicknesses, and cast out devils. The preacher emphasizes that this calling and training of the disciples is part of God's masterplan to bring salvation and redemption to the world through Jesus' sacrifice. The sermon encourages the listeners to commit themselves to Jesus and to follow his example.
The Twelve and the Sermon on the Mount (Lk. 6; Mt. 5-7)
By Mike Bickle231:18:38Kingdom LifestyleDiscipleshipLUK 6:12Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Jesus' selection of the twelve apostles and the importance of prayer in making pivotal decisions. He highlights the Sermon on the Mount as a comprehensive guide for discipleship, outlining key attitudes and behaviors that reflect a kingdom lifestyle. Bickle encourages believers to embrace the Beatitudes and resist negative behaviors while actively engaging in spiritual disciplines. He stresses that true greatness in the kingdom comes from living out these principles and teaching them to others, despite potential criticism and challenges. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to embodying and sharing the values of the kingdom as modeled by Jesus.
Prevailing Prayer
By Peter Brandon1329:02Spiritual WarfarePrevailing PrayerMAT 26:39LUK 3:21LUK 4:1LUK 6:12LUK 23:34JHN 17:1ACT 1:14ACT 2:42EPH 6:18COL 4:12Peter Brandon emphasizes the significance of prevailing prayer, drawing from Colossians 4:12, where Epaphras is described as fervently laboring in prayer for the believers. He illustrates how Jesus exemplified a life of prayer, from His baptism to His crucifixion, and how the early church was marked by steadfast prayer, leading to divine blessings and spiritual victories. Brandon encourages believers to adopt a consistent and fervent prayer life, likening it to a marathon runner striving for the finish line, and highlights the need for prayer warriors who combat spiritual challenges. He concludes by urging the church to seek a deeper understanding of prayer, as it is through prevailing prayer that God's will is accomplished and blessings flow.
Prayer - Speaking to God
By Zac Poonen0Fellowship With GodPrayerPSA 145:18MAT 6:6LUK 5:16LUK 6:12LUK 18:1LUK 22:44PHP 4:61TH 5:17HEB 5:7JAS 5:16Zac Poonen emphasizes that prayer is a two-way communication with God, where we first listen to Him through His Word before speaking to Him. He highlights that prayer should be a joyful fellowship with God, akin to a bride with her bridegroom, and outlines a disciplined approach to prayer that includes praise, confession, petitions, intercession, and thanksgiving. Poonen warns against allowing prayer to become a dry ritual, encouraging believers to engage in constant communication with God throughout their daily lives. He points to Jesus' intense prayer life as a model for us, urging us to overcome laziness and commit to being people of prayer. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a deeper, more faithful practice of prayer that aligns with God's burdens for others.
Deliberation Necessary to Largest Results From Prayer
By E.M. Bounds0The Power of PrayerSpiritual GrowthMAT 26:40LUK 6:12E.M. Bounds emphasizes the necessity of deliberate and extended prayer for spiritual vitality, arguing that hurried devotions lead to a weakened faith and superficial piety. He reflects on the experiences of biblical figures who engaged in prolonged prayer, illustrating that true communion with God requires time and calmness. Bounds warns against the dangers of short, rushed prayers, which can starve the soul and hinder spiritual growth. He calls for a return to dedicated private devotions, suggesting that more solitude and earlier hours can revive spiritual life. Ultimately, he asserts that the effectiveness of prayer is directly linked to the time and effort invested in it.
Prayer, the Great Essential
By E.M. Bounds0The Power of PrayerPreaching and PrayerMAT 21:22MRK 11:24LUK 6:12ROM 12:12EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:171TI 2:1JAS 5:16E.M. Bounds emphasizes the paramount importance of prayer in the life of a preacher, asserting that it must be the foundational force in every aspect of ministry. He argues that true prayer is not a mere routine but a deep, heartfelt connection with God that empowers preaching and transforms lives. Bounds highlights that without fervent prayer, sermons lack spiritual vitality and effectiveness, and he warns against the dangers of superficial praying. He calls on preachers to prioritize prayer, as it is essential for gaining God's presence and power in their ministry. Ultimately, Bounds insists that the mightiest preachers are those who prevail in prayer before they engage with their congregations.
The Perfect Man
By John Nelson Darby0The Humanity of ChristFeeding on ChristMAT 4:4MAT 26:39MAT 27:46LUK 6:12LUK 9:28LUK 22:40LUK 23:43LUK 24:39JHN 6:56PHP 2:8John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of Christ as the perfect man, highlighting how He serves as the sustenance for believers while they await His return. He contrasts the portrayals of Jesus in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, illustrating how Luke presents Jesus as a sinless man who, despite His suffering, remains above the circumstances, demonstrating perfect obedience and dependence on God. Darby encourages believers to feed upon Christ, understanding His humanity and divinity, and to bring their trials to God, following Christ's example of prayer and reliance on the Father. He concludes with a call to meditate on Christ's nature to grow in likeness to Him and experience the fullness of God's love and grace.
Prayer
By W.H. Griffith Thomas01SA 12:23PSA 42:1PSA 55:17MRK 1:35LUK 6:12ACT 6:4ROM 8:26ROM 12:12EPH 6:18HEB 7:25W.H. Griffith Thomas emphasizes the importance of prayer as the pure atmosphere necessary for a healthy spiritual life, just like food is essential for the body. He delves into the concept of continuance in prayer, highlighting that it goes beyond mere words, focusing on the soul's submission, desire, trust, and fellowship with God. Thomas explains how continuance in prayer makes God's presence, power, will, and service evident in the believer's life, ultimately leading to a deeper relationship with God and readiness for His work.
Much Time Should Be Given to Prayer
By E.M. Bounds0The Power of PrayerCommitment to GodMAT 26:40LUK 6:12E.M. Bounds emphasizes the necessity of dedicating significant time to prayer, illustrating that the greatest spiritual leaders throughout history have made prayer a priority in their lives. He cites examples of renowned figures like Bishop Andrews and John Wesley, who devoted hours daily to communion with God, demonstrating that deep and persistent prayer leads to a more profound relationship with the Lord. Bounds argues that short prayers are effective only when they are rooted in the long, earnest prayers that precede them, highlighting the importance of wrestling with God in prayer. He encourages believers to cultivate a habit of spending much time alone with God, as this is essential for spiritual growth and influence. Ultimately, Bounds calls for a commitment to prayer as a vital aspect of the Christian life.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In prayer to God - Or, in the prayer of God: or, in the oratory of God, εν τῃ προσευχῃ του Θεου. So this passage is translated by many critics; for which Dr. Whitby gives the following reasons: As the mountain of God, Exo 3:1; Exo 4:27; the bread of God, Lev 21:17; the lamp of God, Sa1 3:3; the vessels of God, Ch1 22:19; the altar of God, Psa 43:4; the sacrifices of God, Psa 51:17; the gifts of God, Luk 21:4; the ministers of God, Co2 6:4; the tabernacle of God, Ch2 1:3; the temple of God, Mat 21:12; the synagogues of God, Psa 74:8; are all things consecrated or appropriated to God's service; so προσευχη του Θεου must, in all reason, be a house of prayer to God; whence it is called τοπος προσευχης, a place of prayer, 1 Maccabees 3:46; and so the word is certainly used Act 16:13; and by Philo, in his oration against Flaccus, where he complains that αἱ προσευχαι, their houses for prayer were pulled down, and there was no place left in which they might worship God, or pray for Caesar; and by Josephus, who says the multitude was gathered εις την προσευχην, into the house of prayer: and so Juvenal, Sat. iii. v. 296, speaks to the mendicant Jew: - Ede ubi consistas; in qua te quaero proseucha? In what house of prayer may I find thee begging? See on Act 16:13 (note). But on this it may be observed, that as the mountains of God, the wind of God, the hail of God, the trees of God, etc., mean very high mountains, a very strong wind, great and terrible hail, very tall trees, etc., so προσευχη του Θεου, here, may be very properly translated the prayer of God; i.e. very fervent and earnest prayer; and though διανυκτερευων may signify, to lodge in a place for a night, yet there are various places in the best Greek writers in which it is used, not to signify a place, but to pass the night in a particular state. So Appian, Bell. Pun. Εν τοις ὁπλοις διενυκτερευϚε μεθ' ἁπαντων - He passed the night under arms with them all. Idem, Bell. Civ. lib. v. διενυκτερευον - They passed the night without food, without any regard to the body, and in the want of all things. See more examples in Kypke, who concludes by translating the passage thus: He passed the night without sleep in prayers to God. Some of the Jews imagine that God himself prays; and this is one of his petitions: Let it be my good pleasure, that my mercy overcome my wrath. See more in Lightfoot.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
THE TWELVE APOSTLES CHOSEN--GATHERING MULTITUDES--GLORIOUS HEALING. (Luke 6:12-49) went out--probably from Capernaum. all night in prayer . . . and when . . . day, he called, &c.--The work with which the next day began shows what had been the burden of this night's devotions. As He directed His disciples to pray for "laborers" just before sending themselves forth (see on Mat 9:37; Mat 10:1), so here we find the Lord Himself in prolonged communion with His Father in preparation for the solemn appointment of those men who were to give birth to His Church, and from whom the world in all time was to take a new mould. How instructive is this!
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when it was day,.... Or morning; having spent the whole night in prayer to God, no doubt for his disciples, whom he was about to send forth as his apostles, to preach his Gospel, and work miracles, and for their success therein: he called unto him his disciples; the whole company of them, as in Luk 6:17 all that were his followers, and professed to believe in him, or as many as he pleased; see Mar 3:13. And of them he chose twelve; and ordained them, and sent them out to preach, heal sicknesses, and cast out devils: whom he also named apostles; or "messengers", from their being sent by him on such important business; and their names are as follow.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In these verses, we have our Lord Jesus in secret, in his family, and in public; and in all three acting like himself. I. In secret we have him praying to God, Luk 6:12. This evangelist takes frequent notice of Christ's retirements, to give us an example of secret prayer, by which we must keep up our communion with God daily, and without which it is impossible that the soul should prosper. In those days, when his enemies were filled with madness against him, and were contriving what to do to him, he went out to pray; that he might answer the type of David (Psa 109:4), For my love, they are my adversaries; but I give myself unto prayer. Observe, 1. He was alone with God; he went out into a mountain, to pray, where he might have no disturbance or interruption given him; we are never less alone than when we are thus alone. Whether there was any convenient place built upon this mountain, for devout people to retire to for their private devotions, as some think, and that that oratory, or place of prayer, is meant here by hē proseuchē tou theou, to me seems very uncertain. He went into a mountain for privacy, and therefore, probably, would not go to a place frequented by others. 2. He was long alone with God: He continued all night in prayer. We think one half hour a great deal to spend in the duties of the closet; but Christ continued a whole night in meditation and secret prayer. We have a great deal of business at the throne of grace, and we should take a great delight in communion with God, and by both these we may be kept sometimes long at prayer. II. In his family we have him nominating his immediate attendants, that should be the constant auditors of his doctrine and eye-witnesses of his miracles, that hereafter they might be sent forth as apostles, his messengers to the world, to preach his gospel to it, and plant his church in it, Luk 6:13. After he had continued all night in prayer, one would have thought that, when it was day, he should have reposed himself, and got some sleep. No, as soon as any body was stirring, he called unto him his disciples. In serving God, our great care should be, not to lose time, but to make the end of one good duty the beginning of another. Ministers are to be ordained with prayer more than ordinarily solemn. The number of the apostles was twelve. Their names are here recorded; it is the third time that we have met with them, and in each of the three places the order of them differs, to teach both ministers and Christians not to be nice in precedency, not in giving it, much less in taking it, but to look upon it as a thing not worth taking notice of; let it be as it lights. He that in Mark was called Thaddeus, in Matthew Lebbeus, whose surname was Thaddeus, is here called Judas the brother of James, the same that wrote the epistle of Jude. Simon, who in Matthew and Mark was called the Canaanite, is here called Simon Zelotes, perhaps for his great zeal in religion. Concerning these twelve here named we have reason to say, as the queen of Sheba did of Solomon's servants, Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, that stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom; never were men so privileged, and yet one of them had a devil, and proved a traitor (Luk 6:16); yet Christ, when he chose him, was not deceived in him. III. In public we have him preaching and healing, the two great works between which he divided his time, Luk 6:17. He came down with the twelve from the mountain, and stood in the plain, ready to receive those that resorted to him; and there were presently gathered about him, not only the company of his disciples, who used to attend him, but also a great multitude of people, a mixed multitude out of all Judea and Jerusalem. Though it was some scores of miles from Jerusalem to that part of Galilee where Christ now was, - though at Jerusalem they had abundance of famous rabbin, that had great names, and bore a mighty sway, - yet they came to hear Christ. They came also from the sea-coast of Tyre and Sidon. Though they who lived there were generally men of business, and though they bordered upon Canaanites, yet there were some well affected to Christ; such there were dispersed in all parts, here and there one. 1. They came to hear him and he preached to them. Those that have not good preaching near them had better travel far for it than be without it. It is worth while to go a great way to hear the word of Christ, and to go out of the way of other business for it. 2. They came to be cured by him, and he healed them. Some were troubled in body, and some in mind; some had diseases, some had devils; but both the one and the other, upon their application to Christ, were healed, for he has power over diseases and devils (Luk 6:17, Luk 6:18), over the effects and over the causes. Nay, it should seem, those who had no particular diseases to complain of yet found it a great confirmation and renovation to their bodily health and vigour to partake of the virtue that went out of him; for (Luk 6:19) the whole multitude sought to touch him, those that were in health as well as those that were sick, and they were all, one way or other, the better for him: he healed them all; and who is there that doth not need, upon some account or other, to be healed? There is a fulness of grace in Christ, and healing virtue in him, and ready to go out from him, that is enough for all, enough for each.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:12 he prayed to God all night: See study note on 3:21. Jesus prayed before important events and decisions such as choosing the Twelve, who would carry on his ministry after him.