In the Gospel of Luke, we encounter a truly unique group who helped lay the foundations of Christianity. These disciples weren’t theologians or religious scholars—they were lay people, regular folks with everyday jobs and no formal religious training. That Jesus chose them for such a high calling is inspiring and tells us something profound about how God works. These ordinary people—fishermen, tax collectors, and even skeptics—were chosen to spread a message that would transform the world.
A Group of Unlikely People
The disciples came from a range of unassuming backgrounds, none of which included religious training. Many, like Peter, James, and John, were fishermen. There was also Matthew, a tax collector who was often despised by his community for working with Roman authorities. These were everyday lay people—not people you’d expect to take on leadership roles in a spiritual movement. Yet, Jesus saw in them exactly what he needed: openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and follow him.
Chosen for Faith, Not Formal Education
In Luke’s time, religious leaders like the Pharisees and Sadducees had years of formal training and in-depth knowledge of Jewish law. The disciples, by contrast, were as untrained as they come. In Luke 5:1-11, when Jesus calls Peter, his first reaction is to say, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” He feels unworthy and completely unqualified. But Jesus assures him, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” This simple calling shows that God values a willing heart more than a polished resume.
Learning by Living
Rather than training them in religious study, Jesus taught these lay people by walking through life with them. They followed him from village to village, witnessing miracles, listening to parables, and watching Jesus overturn the rigid religious norms of the time. In Luke 9:1-6, Jesus doesn’t give them a theology course—he gives them authority to heal and cast out demons and sends them out to proclaim the kingdom. They learned by doing, by experiencing firsthand what it meant to live out their calling.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
A big theme in Luke’s Gospel is that the disciples weren’t acting on their own; they were empowered by the Holy Spirit. In Luke 24:49, Jesus instructs them to “stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” It wasn’t their experience or training that enabled them to serve; it was God’s Spirit working through them. Luke emphasizes that the Spirit fills in the gaps where their formal training might have been lacking.
A Message for Today’s Lay People
The story of Luke’s disciples is a powerful reminder for all of us, especially for those who may feel unqualified or “just” a layperson. In a world that values credentials and expertise, the Gospel of Luke tells us that God often chooses ordinary, untrained people to do extraordinary things. You don’t need a formal title or religious education to make a difference—all you need is a heart that’s willing to say “yes.”
The disciples of Luke’s Gospel show us that you don’t have to be a religious expert to have an impact. They were everyday people, lay people, who trusted and followed, proving that God’s calling is more about openness and faith than formal training. Their story reminds us that no matter our background, we’re all capable of making a lasting difference.