Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
He goeth up into the mountain (anabainei eiv to orov). So Matthew (Matthew 5:1) and Luke (Luke 6:12), "to pray" Luke adds. Historical present so common in Mark's vivid narrative. Neither Gospel gives the name of the mountain, assuming it as well known, probably not far from the lake.
Whom he himself would (ouv hqelen autov). Emphatic use of autov (himself) at end of sentence. Whether by personal imitation or through the disciples Jesus invites or calls to himself (proskaleitai, historical middle present indicative) a select number out of the vast crowds by the sea, those whom he really wished to be with him.
They went off to him (aphlqon prov auton). Luke states that Jesus "continued all night in prayer, to God." It was a crisis in the ministry of Christ. This select group up in the hills probably respected the long agony of Jesus though they did not comprehend his motive. They formed a sort of spiritual body-guard around the Master during his night vigil in the mountain.
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing Mark 3:13:
Matthew 5:1
Matthew 10:2
Luke 6:12
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