The twelve disciples ('learners') were also appointed as apostles ('sent ones') when Jesus authorised them to minister in His Name, without Him being present. Reviewing this list, would you have chosen any of them for the task of announcing salvation to the world? Do they have the right qualifications? Their names are arranged in couples: as Jesus sent them out in twos, they may have gone out on mission together.

Simon Peter is the first in the list. He was the natural inspirational leader whose enthusiasm exceeded his wisdom. Peter's brother was Andrew, who led him to Christ. They were fishermen; as were James and John - all four of them had little education (Acts 4:13) and worked in their family fishing businesses. Philip, who came from Bethsaida the same lakeside town as Andrew's and Peter's home (John 1:44), paired up with Bartholomew, also called Nathanael - the man of integrity (John 1:45-51). Doubting Thomas was linked with Matthew, the author who admitted his shady past. James and Thaddaeus we know nothing about and they probably had other names too. Simon the Zealot was a political activist and Judas became the traitor.

Jesus did not appoint them because of their excellent qualifications and track record. He chose them in order to make something new out of each one, so that they would be willing and able to serve Him and lead His church. Their background was not important, because Jesus was going to change and equip them to minister in his Name. Only Judas proved to be a failure: although Jesus entrusted him with the money (John 13:29) he could not resist the temptation to get rich at others' expense (a habit which set the scene for selling his Master).

Why did Jesus choose uneducated men with no advanced Bible training? In Christ, a man (or woman) is not defined by where they come from but by where they are going to. Jesus changed the direction of eleven of them. Judas, on the other hand, resisted the call of Christ's kingdom: and allowed Satan to steer him towards his destructive destiny. They all had such a privilege: those who let the Lord change them became the leaders of His church but after violent deaths they entered heaven. Alas, Judas refused his commission and, after a violent death, he entered hell. However unlikely you think you are to be a servant of God, if you let Him change you He will use you. However tough it may be, your identity is shaped by whichever spiritual master you serve and you will also share his destiny. So let the Lord call you, change you, equip you and use you for His glory, whatever the cost; and then you will share His glory for eternity.