The Greek word for calling
is “proskalein.” In this context it refers to Jesus’ calling of the Twelve to himself. The Greek word that is translated as “sent out” is “apostello.” It means an official, authorized mission. The word apostle,
as Jesus named them, is derived from this term.
We read in Mark 3:14 of the first time that Christ called the disciples to him. This calling had a specific purpose: And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach
(Mark 3:15).
What was the purpose of the Twelve’s calling?
To appoint them –
that they might be with him (learning and observing) –
to eventually send them out to preach.
The significance of the calling and sending of the Twelve is that both actions and commands signify the apostolic mission of the disciples.1 In Mark 6:7 we read that the Twelve whom he called and trained, is now at that point where Jesus sends them out to preach.
7 And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.