Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur
Week 1: Introduction — Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Mission
Read the Introduction of Twelve Ordinary Men. Key passages: 1 Corinthians 1:26–29; Mark 3:13–19.
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Before diving into the individual portraits of the twelve, MacArthur lays the groundwork for why their ordinariness is the whole point — so open this week ready to have your assumptions about what God looks for in a person genuinely challenged.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.MacArthur opens by emphasizing that the Twelve were not the religious or social elite of their day. What were the backgrounds and occupations represented among the apostles, and why does MacArthur think Jesus chose men like these rather than the scribes or Pharisees?
2.Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:26–29 that God deliberately chooses the weak and lowly to shame the strong. How does MacArthur connect this principle to Jesus' selection of the Twelve? Do you find this pattern comforting or surprising?
3.MacArthur notes that Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before naming the Twelve (Luke 6:12). What does this detail tell us about how seriously Jesus took the selection — and what does it imply about the Father's involvement in the plan?
4.The introduction argues that the apostles' transformation — not just their calling — is what makes them remarkable. What is the difference between being called and being transformed, and why does MacArthur insist both matter for understanding these men?
5.MacArthur points out that even after three years with Jesus, the disciples were still arguing about who was greatest. What does this persistent ordinariness (and even pettiness) suggest about the nature of spiritual growth?
a.Can you identify a similar pattern — ongoing struggle despite real faith — in your own spiritual life?
b.How does this reframe your expectations for growth in yourself and in your church community?
6.The book is subtitled "How God Uses Ordinary People." In your own words, what do you think MacArthur means by 'ordinary'? Is it primarily about social class, gifting, moral record, or something else?
7.MacArthur argues that the church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20), and so understanding these men is not merely historical curiosity — it is essential to understanding the church itself. Do you agree? How much do you think most Christians today actually know about the individual apostles?
8.How does the introduction's portrait of ordinary, flawed men being chosen and sent connect to the broader gospel story — the idea that God rescues and redeems the unlikely? How might this shape the way you think about evangelism or discipleship in your own context?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, You spent a night in prayer before choosing twelve ordinary men — and that tells us something wonderful about how seriously You take the calling of weak people into Your service. Forgive us for the times we have assumed You need our competence, our credentials, or our polished reputation. Forgive us also for the times we have disqualified ourselves or others because we looked at the outside rather than at what You can do. Thank You that You chose fishermen and tax collectors and zealots and made them the pillars of Your church. Do the same in us. Shape us not just by calling us, but by transforming us — slowly, persistently, thoroughly — until we look more like You. Amen.
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