Luke 6:12
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 6:12
12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Chapter Context
Luke 6 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, discipleship, wisdom. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-49: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 6:12
12 And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Analysis
Before choosing the twelve apostles, Jesus 'went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.' The Greek 'dianyktereō' (δι αν υκτερεύω, continue through the night) emphasizes extended, intensive prayer. Jesus consistently prayed before major decisions and events, modeling dependence on the Father. Choosing apostles—men who would lead the church—required divine wisdom. All-night prayer demonstrates the seriousness of apostolic selection and teaches that crucial decisions demand extended, focused communion with God.
Historical Context
Mountains provided solitude for prayer away from crowds. Jesus regularly retreated to isolated places for prayer (Luke 5:16, 9:18, 9:28). The twelve apostles would become foundation stones of the church (Ephesians 2:20), making their selection critically important. Jesus' prayer-saturated life contrasts with modern activism that prioritizes action over communion with God. First-century rabbis gathered disciples, but Jesus' apostolic selection followed intense prayer, showing these men were divinely chosen, not merely recruited.
Reflection
- What does Jesus' all-night prayer before choosing apostles teach about seeking God's wisdom for important decisions?
- How does Jesus' pattern of extended prayer challenge modern ministry that prioritizes activity over communion with God?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Psalms 22:2
- Prayer: Daniel 6:10, Matthew 6:6, Mark 1:35, 6:46, Colossians 4:2, Hebrews 5:7