The perennial view that Peter, James, and John were the "inner circle" of apostles has held sway for centuries, and is generally considered an established fact of New Testament exegesis. This article argues that the biblical portrayal of these three apostles is not congruent with the "inner circle" theory. The origin of the theory is traced to the three apostles' presence at the raising of Jairus' daughter, the transfiguration of Jesus and the agony in Gethsemane, as well as the giving of their nicknames by Jesus.

 

The article highlights the role of inference in the interpretive process and seeks to offer an alternative explanation that draws on a narrative approach to the Gospels with help from a method used in the philosophy of science, namely, "inference to the best explanation." Insight is drawn mostly from Mark's gospel, paying particular attention to his account of the transfiguration of Jesus. The article prompts a corrective to inner circle mentality that serves as an inimical paradigm for present and future generations of Christian communities.