CHRIST'S INNER CIRCLE

According to Scripture, Jesus chose twelve disciples ... Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot. 

Of that number, three were especially close to Him. 

Peter, James, and John were present at the transfiguration, witnessed Jairus's daughter raised from the dead, and accompanied Christ when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. 

The apostle Paul came to work in conjunction with these stalwarts of the faith ... James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. (Galatians 2:9)

Having been eyewitnesses to several amazing events in Jesus’ ministry, they were well-prepared for future service. Anointed by God for a divine purpose, the 'inner circle' would move mountains for His Kingdom. 

Peter: He was enthusiastic, strong-willed, impulsive, and, at times, brash. After denying he knew Jesus, Peter repented, and the Lord restored him. He became a fearless preacher; on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit worked in the hearts of his listeners ... Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:41-42)

James and John: Nicknamed the 'Sons of Thunder' because of their boldness, their God-given authority over the early church had a seismic impact. James was martyred for his devotion to Christ ... King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. (Acts 12:1-2)  John was 'the disciple whom Jesus loved' (John 13:23). On Calvary, he was called to care for Jesus' mother and eventually died during his exile on the Isle of Patmos.  

The special attention Jesus gave to Peter, James, and John was significant. The Gospel was deeply rooted in these three men, and each one greatly influenced a lost and dying world. They were instrumental in establishing the early church, fulfilling the Lord's call to be 'fishers of men'.