The disciples of Jesus were indeed ordinary men, and their selection and transformation by Jesus is one of the most remarkable aspects of their story. Jesus chose His disciples not from the religious elite, scholars, or powerful leaders of society, but from humble, everyday people. Their ordinariness highlights the power of God’s grace, showing that anyone, no matter their background or status, can be used for extraordinary purposes.
Here are a few points that emphasize the ordinariness of the disciples:
1. Their Occupations
- Several of the disciples were fishermen, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Fishing was a humble profession, far from prestigious or powerful. It required hard labor, and fishermen were often seen as lower class in Jewish society.
- Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector. Tax collectors were despised by the Jewish people because they were seen as traitors working for the Roman government and often took more money than required. His profession would have made him an outcast, yet Jesus called him to be a disciple.
- Simon the Zealot was part of a radical political group that sought to overthrow Roman rule. This suggests that he, like many ordinary Jews, had intense nationalist feelings and was deeply engaged in the issues of his day.
2. Uneducated and Untrained
- In Acts 4:13, the religious leaders, observing Peter and John, remarked that they were “unschooled, ordinary men.” Yet, they were astonished by their boldness and recognized that they had been with Jesus.
- The disciples were not trained religious scholars like the Pharisees or Sadducees. They had no formal education in the Law or the Scriptures, which was a stark contrast to the religious leaders of the time. Nevertheless, they were chosen by Jesus and entrusted with His message.
3. Diverse Backgrounds
- The disciples came from different walks of life. Aside from fishermen and a tax collector, there was a zealot (Simon), whose radical political views would have clashed with Matthew, the tax collector. Despite their differences, Jesus united them with a common purpose.
- Their diverse and often conflicting backgrounds show that they were not specially prepared or predisposed to leadership or unity. It was their relationship with Jesus that transformed them into effective ministers of the gospel.
4. Flawed and Imperfect
- The Gospels do not hide the flaws of the disciples. Peter is known for his impulsive behavior, including his infamous denial of Jesus three times during His trial (Matthew 26:69-75). Yet, Peter became a key leader in the early Church.
- Thomas, one of the Twelve, doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he could see and touch Jesus’ wounds (John 20:24-29). His story reminds us that even those closest to Jesus struggled with faith.
- James and John were ambitious, seeking places of honor in Jesus’ kingdom, revealing their initial misunderstanding of what it meant to follow Jesus (Mark 10:35-45).
5. Their Transformation
- Although ordinary and flawed, the disciples were transformed by their relationship with Jesus and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. After Jesus’ resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, they became bold witnesses to the gospel, traveling throughout the known world to spread Jesus’ message (Acts 2).
- Peter, once fearful and denying Christ, became a bold preacher of the gospel, leading thousands to faith (Acts 2:14-41). Similarly, the other disciples, including those who doubted or misunderstood Jesus’ mission, became foundational figures in the early Christian movement.
6. Their Role in God’s Plan
- The fact that Jesus chose ordinary men as His closest followers illustrates that God’s power is made perfect in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). By using ordinary people, God demonstrates that the message of salvation comes from Him, not human wisdom, strength, or status.
- The disciples’ ordinariness makes the transformative power of Jesus’ message all the more powerful. They were ordinary men who were able to accomplish extraordinary things through the guidance and strength of God.
7. Relatability for Believers
- The ordinariness of the disciples makes them relatable to people today. If Jesus could choose and use fishermen, tax collectors, and political radicals, He can work through anyone, regardless of background, education, or status. Their lives show that God calls ordinary people to participate in His extraordinary mission.
In conclusion, the disciples were ordinary men chosen by Jesus not because of their qualifications, education, or status, but because of their willingness to follow Him. Their lives illustrate that God works through ordinary, flawed people to accomplish His divine purposes, empowering them to do extraordinary things through faith, obedience, and the Holy Spirit. Their stories are a reminder that God’s grace is for everyone, and He can use anyone to fulfill His plans.