James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder);
In these verses, we have, I. The choice Christ made of the twelve apostles to be his constant followers and attendants, and to be sent abroad as there was occasion, to preach the gospel. Observe, 1. The introduction to this call or promotion of disciples; He goes up into a mountain, and his errand thither was to pray.
Commenting on Mark 3:13-21
And Andrew,.... The brother of Peter; and Philip, who was of Bethsaida; and Bartholomew, whom Dr. Lightfoot thinks is the same with Nathaniel: the name may be the same with , "Bar Talmion", with the Jews (y); See Gill on Mat 10:3. See Gill on Joh 1:41.
Verse 17. Boanerges. This word is made up of two Hebrew words, signifying sons of thunder; meaning that they, on some accounts. resembled thunder. . It is not known why this name was given to James and John. They are nowhere else called by it. Some suppose it was because they wished to call down fire from heaven, and consume a certain village of the Samaritans, .