Mark 3:17

“And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, etc..] These are mentioned next, as being first called after Peter and Andrew: and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, the sons of thunder: either because of their loud and sonorous voice; or their warm zeal for Christ, and fervency in their ministry: or for their courage in opposing the enemies of Christ, and the power that went along with their words; which either put to confusion and silence, or issued in conviction and conversion. The Syriac version reads, “Benai Regesh”, and the Persic, “Beni Reg'sch”. The Jews, as our learned countryman Mr. Broughton has observed f45, sometimes pronounce “Scheva” by on, as Noabyim”, for…”

“For an account of the appointment of the apostles, see the notes at Matthew 10:1-4. And calleth unto him whom he would - Those whom he chose; whom he was about to appoint to the apostleship. See the notes at John 15:16. Mark 3:14 He ordained twelve - The word rendered “ordained” here does not express our notion of ordination to the ministry. It means, literally, “he made” - that is, he “appointed” twelve to be with him. Twelve - The reason why “twelve” were chosen was, probably, that such a number would be deemed competent witnesses of what they saw; that they could not be easily charged with being excited by sympathy, or being deluded, as a multitude might; and that, being destined to go…”

“3:17 but Jesus nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder”: This nickname probably speaks of their character (cp. Luke 9:53-54).”

“James: Mar 1:19, Mar 1:20, Mar 5:37, Mar 9:2, Mar 10:35, Mar 14:33; Joh 21:2, Joh 21:20-25; Act 12:1 he surnamed: Isa 58:1; Jer 23:29; Heb 4:12; Rev 10:11 Mark 3:18”