Definition: And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the [son] of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse! It’s a really interesting one that points to a significant shift in Jesus’ ministry. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Verse: “Mark 3:18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite.” What's Happening? This verse is from the Gospel of Mark. It tells us that Jesus had just finished teaching a group of people and then immediately started to move on. He was leaving them behind and heading in a different direction. The Key Idea: He’s Leaving Behind People He's Already Helped! This is where it gets really important. It means Jesus didn't just teach these people – he actively cared for them, helped them, and then left them to go on their way. He wasn’t just a teacher; he was a shepherd who watched over his flock. Let's look at the names: Andrew: A very important disciple (a follower of Jesus) known for his eagerness and love of people. Philip: Another key disciple, often associated with spreading the gospel (the good news). Bartholomew: Also a disciple, involved in ministry. Matthew: A disciple who was very devoted to Jesus. Thomas: A disciple who asked Jesus a critical question, highlighting his faith. James the son of Alphaeus: A young man who knew Jesus well and was part of a group of people. He’s important because he's mentioned before Andrew and Philip - meaning they were together before Jesus left them. Thaddaeus: (This name is debated among scholars – some believe this is a misspelling, others think it refers to a different person.) Simon the Canaanite: A man who was considered an enemy of God. This is a very unusual and strange group of people that Jesus encountered and didn’t care for. What does it tell us? This verse illustrates several important things about Jesus: He cared deeply: He wasn't just teaching, he was actively involved in the lives of these people. His ministry was expanding: He wasn’t stopping at a single point – he was going beyond what he had already done. It wasn't finished: This verse shows that Jesus' ministry was not yet complete. He was still moving toward his ultimate purpose. In short, this verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus was deeply involved in the lives of those around him and was actively working to fulfill his mission. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you some context about why this verse is significant in Christian theology?