Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur
Week 12: Chapter 11 — The Twelve as a Group: What Made Them One
Read Chapter 11 of Twelve Ordinary Men. Key passages: John 17:6–19; Acts 2:1–4, 42–47; Ephesians 2:19–22.
Having examined each apostle individually, MacArthur now steps back to ask what held this wildly diverse group together — and what their unity says about the nature of the church itself.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.MacArthur argues that the Twelve were united not by personality, background, or politics — all of which divided them — but by their common calling and common Lord. How does this challenge the tendency to build churches or small groups around demographic similarity rather than shared devotion to Christ?
2.In John 17, Jesus prays extensively for the unity of His disciples — not just the Twelve but all future believers. MacArthur notes that Jesus prayed for unity precisely because it does not come naturally. What are the specific threats to Christian unity that Jesus' prayer implies, and which of those threats feel most real to you in your own community?
3.MacArthur reflects on how three years of shared life with Jesus — eating together, traveling together, arguing together, failing together — formed the apostles into something more than individuals. What does this say about the importance of genuine, face-to-face, long-term Christian community rather than merely attending the same service?
Closing Prayer
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