The Mission of the Twelve: Discipleship in Early Christianity
This work has been verified by our teacher: 1.02.2026 at 16:18
Homework type: Essay
Added: 30.01.2026 at 10:55
Summary:
Discover the mission of the twelve disciples in early Christianity and learn how their journey shaped principles of discipleship and Christian mission today.
The Significance of Sending Out the Twelve Disciples: Discipleship and Early Christian Mission
The twelve disciples, chosen by Jesus from among his followers, stand out as foundational figures in the narrative of early Christianity. These men were not merely pupils or passive onlookers; they were called to share in Jesus’ ministry, entrusted with his message, and ultimately sent as his representatives into a turbulent and expectant world. Among the notable moments of Jesus’ time with his disciples, the occasion when he dispatched them to minister in pairs marks a significant turning point. This act, recorded in the Gospels—most notably in Mark 6:7-13 and Luke 9:1-6—not only broadened the reach of Jesus’ Kingdom message but also laid down fundamental principles of discipleship. The sending out of the twelve encapsulates the ideals of community, entrusted authority, responsible action, observance of the law, and the blueprint for Christian mission. This essay will explore the layers of meaning within this episode and discuss its enduring relevance within the United Kingdom’s Christian context today.
1. Historical and Religious Context of the Sending Out
To fully appreciate the significance of Jesus sending out the twelve, it is essential to consider the landscape of 1st-century Judea. The region was under Roman occupation, resulting in an environment shaped by foreign power and growing discontent. Jewish society was alive with expectation for a Messiah—a deliverer who would restore the fortunes of Israel and fulfil the hopes rooted deeply in the tradition of the twelve tribes. The number twelve, therefore, was not arbitrary: it symbolised the reconstitution of Israel, hailing back to the nation’s foundational ancestors, as discussed in Genesis and Exodus.By selecting twelve disciples, Jesus evoked this symbolic restoration, positioning his followers as representative leaders of a renewed community. When Jesus sent them out “two by two,” he once again drew from the Hebrew Scriptures, specifically the requirement in Deuteronomy 19:15 that two or more witnesses are necessary to establish testimony. This method provided not only practical support but also legitimised their authority in Jewish eyes, reinforcing that theirs was both a credible and communal witness. In this act, Jesus was tapping into a rich religious tradition, offering a new vision rooted in the old—a hallmark of his ministry.
2. The Concept of Discipleship As Seen in Jesus’ Instructions
At the heart of this episode is the very nature of discipleship itself. In the context of Jesus’ ministry, to be a disciple was to be more than a learner; it involved wholeheartedly embracing his teachings and embodying his way of life. Unlike traditional rabbinic learners in Jewish culture, these disciples were to take their teacher’s message far and wide, practising what they had received.Jesus’ instructions were notably counter-cultural. He told his disciples to travel lightly—no bread, bag, or money for the journey (Mark 6:8). This requirement imbued a sense of vulnerability, compelling them to rely on the hospitality of strangers and the provision of God. Humility, dependence, and detachment from material security were thus embedded from the outset.
Crucially, their mission was not a solo venture. Sending them in pairs fostered a culture of accountability and support, resonating with the values found in the book of Ecclesiastes: “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). This principle endures today, visible in the teamwork central to modern mission work and leadership development initiatives within UK churches and Christian youth movements such as Scripture Union or the Church of England’s leadership training. Furthermore, being sent with another reaffirmed the relational core of Christian faith—discipleship is lived out in community rather than isolation.
3. Authority Given to the Disciples: Spiritual and Practical Dimensions
Jesus did not merely send the twelve empty-handed; he imparted to them what the Gospels call “authority.” They were entrusted with the power to heal, to exorcise unclean spirits, and to proclaim the Kingdom—a threefold mission encompassing both word and deed. This delegation of authority was radical and, in many ways, subversive. Rather than claiming power solely for himself, Jesus shared it, highlighting trust as a prerequisite for authentic discipleship.This authority, as historic church figures such as St Augustine later observed, was not for personal elevation but for service. It imposed a solemn responsibility upon the disciples to act in accordance with the character and mission of Jesus. If abused or misrepresented, the authority would become empty or even dangerous.
Moreover, early Christian communities in the UK—monastic orders, reformers, and missionary societies—often reflected this tension between power and service. The Church of England’s episcopal structure or the ethos of Methodism, for instance, both stress accountable leadership devoted to communal and societal good. Ultimately, the authority given to the twelve was both a privilege and a calling to embody the servant-hearted leadership that remains central to Christian identity.
4. The Role of Rules and Law in Discipleship
Another theme emerging from the sending out is the interplay between obedience to divine commandments and adherence to societal norms. The disciples were still Jews within a Jewish society; they kept the law and respected local customs, which underpinned their credibility. Jesus’ instructions—such as staying only where welcomed, shaking off dust from rejected towns (a symbolic act from Jewish tradition), and not accumulating unnecessary possessions—revealed a discipline rooted in both flexibility and fidelity.The insistence that two should go together applied the legal tradition of valid witness, ensuring that their testimony about Jesus was just and realistic. This stress on truthfulness and justice mirrors the legal and ethical priorities found in British institutions, where witness and the reliability of testimony are vital for the functioning of society and the courts.
Yet, the disciples’ mission also involved risk: proclaiming a message seen as radical, even subversive, in some circles. Here, upholding moral and legal standards added weight to their message, distinguishing their actions from mere rebellion or fanaticism. The struggles of later British Christian figures—such as William Wilberforce campaigning for abolition, John Wesley advocating for the poor, and modern chaplains supporting young offenders—echo this challenge of living out radical values while respecting legal frameworks.
5. The Sending Out as a Model for Christian Mission
From the outset, the sending of the twelve established a template for what would later become the worldwide Christian missionary endeavour. It married the proclamation of the Good News with concrete acts of service; preaching and healing went hand in hand. The approach was collaborative, rooted in reliance on God, but also on the kindness and hospitality of ordinary people.Today, many UK-based mission organisations, such as the Church Mission Society or Tearfund, mirror these values. Their emphasis on partnership, advocacy for the vulnerable, and practical assistance testify to the enduring appeal of the mission model Christ initiated. There remains, however, a constant tension: how to innovate and adapt to changing times while remaining faithful to the core traditions and ethical standards established at the outset.
This expansion of ministry beyond Jesus’ immediate presence set a precedent: faith is not only a personal conviction but a shared project to be lived out in public, requiring courage, adaptability, and humility.
6. Psychological and Emotional Aspects of Sending the Disciples
The emotional reality facing the disciples must not be overlooked. Jesus’ decision to send them in pairs was not simply strategic—it betrayed a deep pastoral care. The dangers they faced were real: isolation, rejection, and the ever-present threat from both religious leaders and Roman authorities.The comfort and encouragement that came from companionship contributed to their ability to persevere. UK Christian history offers many echoes—whether it is the mutual support within Victorian Methodist classes, or the camaraderie among Quaker anti-slavery advocates, the strength derived from Christian fellowship has always undergirded mission and service.
Discipleship, as demonstrated by the twelve, was not for the faint-hearted. The call to face uncertainty and adversity demanded resilience of both mind and spirit—a truth readily acknowledged in today’s UK Christian communities working in challenging social contexts.
Conclusion
The sending out of the twelve disciples stands as a formative moment in the evolution of Christian mission and discipleship. Through this act, Jesus modelled a vision that emphasises community, shared authority, responsible living, respect for established law, and faith-infused action. The legacy of this episode extends far beyond the first century, inspiring new generations in the United Kingdom to reflect on what it means to live with both conviction and compassion, with courage and humility. In a world still wrestling with questions of authority, responsibility, and mission, the experience of the twelve offers a rich resource—a living tradition that challenges, guides, and inspires.---
Personal Reflection: In contemporary UK society, where faith is often lived out against the background of secularism and increasing pluralism, the example of the twelve raises meaningful questions. What does it mean to be sent, to rely on others, to lead with humility, and to hold fast to truth and justice in a complex world? The call to discipleship remains as relevant as ever, urging each believer to consider: how can I, too, participate in this ongoing story?
Rate:
Log in to rate the work.
Log in