PDF Summary:Twelve Ordinary Men, by John MacArthur

Too often, we assume that great achievements require exceptional people. But as Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur explores, God has a penchant for using ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary things.

This book examines the backgrounds and personal journeys of Jesus' twelve apostles—a diverse group of working-class men with flaws and doubts. Despite their inadequacies, the apostles allowed themselves to be profoundly transformed under Christ's guidance, going on to spread the gospel across the Roman Empire and spark a global movement that forever shaped history. Their stories serve as powerful reminders that faith and an openness to change are more important than personal perfection.

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Andrew is often noted in the accounts of the Gospels for his crucial part in bringing others to meet Jesus. Jesus' work commenced with the introduction of Peter and his sibling to the Messiah. The lad who provided the loaves and fishes at the event where Jesus fed the multitude of five thousand was ushered forward by Jesus Himself. A group of Greeks desired to interact with Jesus. Andrew performed his responsibilities out of the public eye, understanding that genuine accomplishment was found in leading others to embrace belief in Christ.

He recognized the value of humble offerings given with selflessness when entrusted to the divine.

MacArthur emphasizes Andrew's initiative by showcasing his role in bringing the boy with the loaves and fishes to Jesus's attention. He recognized that under the guidance of the Master, even the most minor details could become significant. This small, sacrificial gift—a mere boy's lunch—became the vehicle through which Jesus miraculously fed a multitude of hungry people. Andrew seemed to understand that divine interventions are not limited by human resources, unlike Philip, who showed a tendency to doubt. God finds joy in enhancing our humble, genuine efforts and using them to accomplish substantial results.

Andrew's humble service and steadfast commitment to honesty prepared him for a significant ministry that, despite its influence, went mostly unrecognized.

Andrew, though not as well-known as his brother, played a crucial role in establishing the early Christian church, as emphasized by MacArthur. His humble nature and the significant yet understated part he assumed in spreading the teachings of Christianity prepared him for a spiritual service that would deeply affect countless individuals. Andrew is widely believed to have disseminated the teachings of Christianity throughout regions such as Greece, Scythia, and Russia. Edward Kimball, a Sunday school teacher whose influence was crucial in D. L. Moody's embrace of Christianity, exemplifies how individuals committed to their inconspicuous work can make a substantial difference, content in their modest positions while furthering a larger purpose. MacArthur observes that the subtleties of effective ministry often stem from quiet deeds such as personal engagements, humble offerings, and services rendered without fanfare.

James, Zebedee's offspring, exhibited an intense fervor that needed to be tempered.

James, often referred to as the elder of the duo dubbed "Sons of Thunder," exemplifies the dangers that come with overzealousness, as portrayed by MacArthur. James, similar to Peter, frequently exhibited characteristics where his virtues were closely linked to his flaws. His tendency to convert justifiable anger into unkind fury was frequently apparent. His unwavering commitment to Christ compelled him to become a fervent defender of the truth, while he also acquired the ability to balance his zeal with a mix of patience, understanding, and humility.

James's intense zeal sometimes resulted in hasty actions without due consideration.

MacArthur emphasizes James's rashness by recounting the episode where he desired to call down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village because they did not welcome Jesus and His followers. James proposed that, in response to King Ahaziah's grave error of consulting Baal-Zebub, Jesus should permit him to administer a similar punishment to the Samaritans. His fervent passion lacked compassion and was misguided because he failed to grasp that Christ's primary purpose was to offer salvation, not to cause destruction.

James absorbed from Jesus the importance of tempering his fervor with compassion, patience, and humility.

Jesus cautioned James about his excessive harshness and fervor, underlining that the primary purpose of the Son of Man was to preserve lives rather than annihilate them, as highlighted in Luke 9:56. MacArthur highlights the significant insight James and John gained by witnessing Jesus' compassionate and forgiving response to rejection, contrasting with their initial desire to invoke heavenly punishment. The Lord, over time, channeled the fervent spirits of the disciples, instilling in them love, patience, and humility.

James exemplified his deep transformation by showing a willingness to face difficulties out of devotion to Christ.

James was the first among the Twelve to endure martyrdom. MacArthur asserts that James devoted his intense passion entirely to the pursuit of Christ's goals. He had come to understand the significance of being involved in Jesus' life, which encompassed the difficulties and the holy journey that Jesus undertook, as illustrated by a particular section in Mark's biblical account. James, who was once referred to as "the son of Thunder," ultimately sacrificed his life, showcasing the deep and transformative impact of Christ's compassion.

Jesus chose ordinary people to serve as His apostles and transformed them profoundly, despite their flaws.

MacArthur skillfully interweaves the stories of these individuals, illustrating how extraordinary deeds are often achieved through regular, flawed people, thereby amplifying His glory. The apostles' ordinariness and weaknesses serve to highlight God's power, not their own. The diverse origins, flaws, and remarkable transformations of these individuals provide comfort to those who may see themselves as inconsequential.

Jesus intentionally chose people from common backgrounds rather than those who were religious authorities or part of the upper echelons of society.

MacArthur highlights the deliberate choice by Jesus to appoint the twelve apostles, a decision that purposefully disregarded the religious leaders of the time. The scribes, Sadducees, and priests had become so hardened in heart that they were increasingly resistant to acknowledging the truth. Jesus chose his followers from everyday people, such as those who caught fish for a living and someone who collected taxes, instead of selecting them from the scholarly religious upper class. The writer argues that the selection process was designed to show that genuine belief, not ritual acts or social standing, is what constitutes the bedrock of His Kingdom. The emphasis on the church's influence stems from its divine power base, not the earthly credentials of the apostles.

The apostles' commonness and flaws emphasized divine strength rather than their personal capabilities.

MacArthur highlights the intentional choice of the apostles for their lack of extraordinariness as a crucial component in the divine plan. He delights in using what is deemed foolish by the world to confound those who are wise and utilizes perceived weakness to outdo the strong, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:27. God's choice of modest and fragile individuals ensured that the remarkable expansion of the church could not be attributed to the apostles' own strengths. The apparent imperfections of these individuals highlighted the extraordinary power of a divine origin that operated within them.

The diverse backgrounds and flaws of these individuals showcase the divine grace bestowed upon them.

The author contends that the apostles were ordinary individuals. They resembled us and were similar to acquaintances in our lives, being accessible and relatable. Their varied pasts and clear imperfections render them accessible exemplars for contemporary believers. Their struggles, doubts, and failures are experiences we can relate to. The narrative of God demonstrates that He is not in search of perfection in individuals, but rather those who are humble and willing to be shaped, transformed, and employed for His divine intentions.

Jesus directly mentored the disciples, and their development was also shaped by the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Jesus concentrated his attention and endeavors primarily on twelve individuals who came from unremarkable backgrounds. He provided them with personal mentorship that included direct teaching, guidance, corrective measures, and support. The writer argues that through the embodiment of servant leadership principles, a transformation occurred, turning a group of argumentative, egocentric individuals into humble servants dedicated to divine service.

He imparted wisdom to them.

Jesus imparted profound teachings on holy scriptures and religious beliefs to them, addressing their questions, elucidating the true meaning of prophecies, and challenging their preconceived notions about the nature of the spiritual realm. He chastised their wrongdoings, particularly when He summoned heavenly flames upon a village in Samaria that had spurned His presence. He consistently demonstrated humility, servanthood, and selflessness, setting an unmistakable example that the disciples were to emulate in their conduct. He equipped them with essential instruments to carry on His work on earth after He ascended.

The apostles' deficiencies were converted into essential qualities for a successful ministry.

The profound mentorship they experienced brought about a significant transformation in the Apostles. Humility replaced their self-seeking ambition. Their fervent zeal was complemented by a disposition that was both patient and empathetic. Their conviction grew stronger, providing them with the fortitude required to confront the challenges ahead. This, MacArthur reiterates, was not merely an inward change; it dramatically affected their outward actions. Empowered by the Holy Spirit since the day of Pentecost, they were instilled with bravery for proclaiming the gospel and granted supernatural capabilities to heal the sick, cast out demons, and bring the dead back to life. They stood ready to face hardships for the sake of Christ and, if necessary, to lay down their lives as martyrs.

Their existence was transformed significantly, and their courageous testimony altered the course of global history.

The shortcomings of the apostles were not an obstacle to initiating the greatest evangelistic movement the world has ever seen, under the guidance and empowerment of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The unwavering commitment of the apostles facilitated the proliferation of the gospel's message across the entire Roman Empire, resulting in the conversion of millions to Christianity. The growth of the early Christian communities is attributed to their efforts, which served as a powerful testament to the life-altering work of the Holy Spirit within them.

The narrative of the apostles demonstrates that God accomplishes extraordinary feats through ordinary, imperfect individuals.

MacArthur derives considerable insight from the stories of the apostles. The stories of these individuals should motivate every believer to embrace the consoling truth that our weaknesses are often the conduits through which God manifests His strength. The considerable impact of the apostles was due to divine intervention, not their own abilities, as their many shortcomings and errors demonstrate.

The depth of their spiritual impact is all the more remarkable considering their personal flaws and struggles.

The Gospel narratives, as observed by MacArthur, openly depict the shortcomings of the disciples. Far from embodying perfection, they were merely ordinary people, each with their own shortcomings. The remarkable journey of these very ordinary individuals is underscored by the profound transformation they underwent. Anyone can be used by Him to spark global transformation if they are prepared to yield to His authority and let His intentions unfold in their lives.

Believers today can gain encouragement and strength by observing the profound changes that the apostles underwent.

The apostles served as the foundational leaders of the early church. Every genuine follower of Christ's teachings, as depicted in the New Testament narratives, possesses the potential to become dedicated followers of the Lord, commonly known as "saints." The lives of the apostles stand as a timeless testament to God's ability to profoundly change individuals, impacting their time and continuing to resonate today. Paul the apostle emphasizes that God often chooses those who might seem foolish in the eyes of the world to shame the wise, and He selects the seemingly weak to shame the strong, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:27, in spite of our human flaws. MacArthur echoes that sentiment. Even if you grapple with a sense of unimportance, wrestle with personal shortcomings, and are uncertain about the Lord, His realm, and what lies ahead, and even if your grasp of the Bible and theological concepts isn't flawless, you may not bear the title of an apostle. Your abilities can be harnessed by God. He can accomplish extraordinary results through a person whose life demonstrates confidence in Him and dedication to His will.

The remarkable achievements of individuals who may seem ordinary or possess flaws emphasize the importance of genuine faith.

John MacArthur concludes his examination of the twelve disciples by highlighting key lessons that their lives are intended to teach us. Despite their common abilities and many flaws in their pursuit of discipleship, the apostles were instrumental in launching a spiritual revolution that profoundly influenced countless individuals over the course of history. The author emphasizes several important truths towards the book's conclusion.

The influence of the apostles stemmed from a heavenly source, highlighted by their own limitations and lack of extraordinary qualifications.

MacArthur highlights that the significant influence of the apostles stemmed not from their personal capabilities but from the divine force operating within them. The author underscores that their choice was intentional, originating from a collective often regarded as insignificant and lacking in value. Their failure to understand the simplest teachings underscores that their later influence stemmed from a strength that was not their own.

They were not heroes or saints, but rather ordinary individuals confronting challenges that current believers also face.

MacArthur contends that we should view the apostles as genuine, living beings rather than the almost mythical, highly sanctified figures often depicted in religious art. These individuals were just like anyone else, grappling with their own sense of self-importance, while also dealing with ambitions, doubts, and flaws, yet they remained dedicated to their spiritual beliefs. The metamorphosis of these individuals into heroes was entirely due to the profound influence of Christ, and their intrinsic characteristics played no role in the result. The story of their lives shines as an inspiration to all faithful believers, showing that even with their flaws, anyone can be an instrument for God's will.

The change they experienced shows that it is genuine belief, not personal capabilities, that truly taps into the power of the divine.

The apostles stood out because they embraced Jesus' teachings with childlike openness and willingly followed His guidance, rather than due to any innate skills or abilities they possessed. Their belief was often tested, occasionally appearing to waver or disappear, but their unwavering dedication to following Jesus resulted in significant transformation. Faith, rather than intelligence or abilities, is the conduit through which believers encounter divine power in their lives.

God finds joy in accomplishing His objectives through individuals who might not appear remarkable or influential at first glance.

MacArthur highlights the consistent scriptural motif that God frequently selects individuals who seem weak and modest to accomplish His divine purpose. The humble are lifted up by God, while the proud are brought low. He bolsters those lacking strength and subverts conventional wisdom with a directness that seems absurd. The writer highlights how the principle is vividly illustrated through the choice, training, and subsequent accomplishments of the twelve apostles.

The mundane traits of the apostles confounded the religious authorities, underscoring the heavenly roots of the gospel's message.

The religious leaders of Jesus' time, including the Sadducees and priests, rejected Him because of their pride and because His teachings challenged their authority. Jesus chose followers who were not prominent or learned, rather than those entrenched in the religious establishment, thereby challenging the conventional Jewish religious structure and showing that genuine spiritual authority is derived directly from God. The influence exerted by the disciples left the religious leaders completely bewildered, particularly given their ordinary backgrounds, which contradicted conventional explanations for such authority and effect. The supreme triumph of the apostles served as evidence that their strength was derived from a divine source, not a human one.

God's choice of the apostles highlights His preference for individuals characterized by humility and obedience over those who are arrogant and self-reliant.

MacArthur emphasizes that God deliberately chooses individuals whom society deems unwise to confound the wise, and those perceived as weak to shame the powerful, affirming that no one can take pride in their own abilities when standing before Him. Divine attraction is not influenced by human abilities or worldly acclaim. He takes pleasure in collaborating with humble and cooperative people who recognize their reliance on His power, as such an admission of genuine vulnerability creates the perfect backdrop for His strength to be showcased.

Believers today can take courage that God will use their weaknesses for His glory if they walk in faith

The writer points out that, similar to how the disciples were called, every true believer is invited to commit their life to humbly serving God. This should offer solace to individuals who perceive themselves as unremarkable or insufficient. Anyone, regardless of their flaws, can make a meaningful contribution to the progression of the divine domain, fulfill His wishes, and execute His plans. He prefers to utilize instruments that emphasize His might rather than our own. The fundamental components are reliance and commitment. By placing our trust in Him and following the path He has set before us, we can mirror the profound change experienced by a group of twelve regular people whose lives, once transformed, shifted the course of history, allowing Him to showcase His glory through our imperfections, errors, and weaknesses.