The text then continues: “And he appointed [literally: “made”] twelve, whom he also called apostles, to be with him, and to be sent out to preach” (Mk 3:14). The first thing to ponder is the expression “he made twelve,” which sounds strange to us. In reality, these words of the Evangelist take up the Old Testament terminology for appointment to the priesthood (cf. 1 Kings 12:31; 13:33) and thus characterize the apostolic office as a priestly ministry.
St. Mark uses the same language as the OT when priests of Israel are being made. Jesus is "making" his disciples, who are the first in succession of the Catholic apostolic office, just as Jewish priests were "made" in the book of Kings. This language is one indication of the Church having valid apostolic succession.
