Matthew 10:2
The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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When Matthew introduces the apostles, he doesn't just list them; he calls them "apostles" for the first time in his Gospel. This specific word means "one who is sent forth," highlighting that their role wasn't just to learn, but to be officially commissioned and empowered by Jesus himself. It’s a subtle but crucial shift, marking them as active participants in God's mission, not just passive followers.
Jesus is about to send out his twelve closest followers to minister, and before he gives them specific instructions, he identifies them by name. This list, found in similar forms in Mark, Luke, and Acts, names the men Jesus chose to be his foundational witnesses and apostles, highlighting key figures like Peter, James, and John. The specific order and details provided here, like Peter being named first, set the stage for their future roles and responsibilities.
You're called a 'disciple' – a learner. But Jesus gave some a whole new title, changing their role entirely. What does it mean to be 'sent forth'?
The word 'apostle' (from the Greek 'apostolos') literally means 'one who is sent out.' It's a term that signifies having authority and a mission from the one who sends you. Before Jesus officially appointed these twelve, they were 'disciples' – learners following Him.
But this appointment as 'apostles' marked a shift. They weren't just followers anymore; they were commissioned representatives of Jesus Himself. When Jesus later told them, 'He who receives you receives me' (Matthew 10:40), He was highlighting the weight and authority of their calling as apostles. It's a powerful reminder that our own calling in Christ isn't just about personal growth, but also about being sent out with His message and authority.
Simon's name was changed to Peter, meaning 'rock.' Why this name, and what did it signify for his future role among the apostles?
Simon was given the name 'Peter' (which means 'rock' or 'stone') by Jesus. This wasn't just a new nickname; it was a prophetic designation pointing to his future significance. While the commentators note his impetuous nature before Jesus' death, the name signified the strength, firmness, and foundational role Jesus intended for him.
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Jesus declared, 'On this rock I will build my church' (Matthew 16:18), directly linking Peter's confession and identity to the very foundation of the church. Though Peter would falter, his eventual steadfastness and leadership, especially in the early days of the church (as seen in Acts), fulfilled the promise embedded in his new name.
Jesus called brothers to serve together. What does the pairing of these apostles reveal about Jesus' strategy and the importance of relationships?
Matthew 10:2 immediately lists two pairs of brothers: Simon and Andrew, and James and John. This isn't accidental. Jesus often worked with pairs and groups, highlighting the importance of community and mutual support in ministry.
These brothers were not just randomly assembled. James and John, along with Peter, formed Jesus' inner circle, witnessing key events like the Transfiguration and the agony in Gethsemane. Their shared background and familial bond likely contributed to a unique dynamic within this core group. Jesus understood the power of relationships – calling people together, equipping them in community, and sending them out not as isolated individuals, but as teams, with their existing bonds often strengthened by their shared mission.
Understand the original words
apostolos · Greek Noun
One who is sent out with a specific mission or commission; in the New Testament, it signifies those officially appointed by Jesus as his primary representatives and ambassadors.
c. AD 27-29
Jesus begins public ministry
After His baptism and temptation, Jesus starts His public ministry, calling disciples and teaching throughout Galilee.
c. AD 27-29— this verse
Jesus calls the Twelve Apostles
During His ministry, Jesus specifically designates and commissions twelve of His disciples to be His apostles, entrusting them with authority.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection
The core events of Jesus' earthly ministry, His atoning death on the cross, and His victorious resurrection from the dead.
c. AD 33
Pentecost and the Early Church
The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the gospel, leading to the formation and rapid growth of the early Christian church.
c. AD 41-44
Herod Agrippa I persecutes the Church
King Herod Agrippa I executes James, the son of Zebedee, and imprisons Peter, showing the real dangers faced by the apostles.
This passage provides a parallel account of Jesus appointing the twelve, highlighting the significance of their designation as 'apostles,' meaning those 'sent out,' emphasizing their official commission.
Acts 1:13This list of apostles after Jesus' ascension shows a similar ordering and composition, reinforcing the established identity and roles of these foundational figures in the early church.
John 1:40-42This passage details the initial calling of Peter and Andrew, showing that their journey with Jesus began before this formal appointment as apostles, providing context for Peter's 'first' position.
Mark 3:16-19This parallel account lists the apostles, notably including the surname 'Boanerges' (Sons of Thunder) for James and John, adding a descriptive layer to their identity beyond just their names.
vincentMatthew 10:2: "Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;"
Apostles (ἀποστόλων)Compare disciples, Matthew 10:1. Apostles is the official term, used here for the first time. They were merely learners (disciples, μαθηταὶ) until Christ gave them authority. From ἀποστέλλω, to send away. An apostle is one sent forth. Compare John 13:16 and Rev., one that is sent. Cremer ("Biblico-…
barnesMatthew 10:2: "Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;"
Now the names of the twelve apostles - The account of their being called is more fully given in Mark 3:13-18 , and Luke 6:12-19 . Each of those evangelists has recorded the circumstances of their appointment. They agree in saying it was done on a mountain; and, according to Luke, it was done before the sermon on the mount…
When Matthew introduces the apostles, he doesn't just list them; he calls them "apostles" for the first time in his Gospel. This specific word means "one who is sent forth," highlighting that their role wasn't just to learn, but to be officially commissioned and empowered by Jesus himself. It’s a subtle but crucial shift, marking them as active participants in God's mission, not just passive followers.
Jesus is about to send out his twelve closest followers to minister, and before he gives them specific instructions, he identifies them by name. This list, found in similar forms in Mark, Luke, and Acts, names the men Jesus chose to be his foundational witnesses and apostles, highlighting key figures like Peter, James, and John. The specific order and details provided here, like Peter being named first, set the stage for their future roles and responsibilities.
Jesus is about to send out his twelve closest followers to minister, and before he gives them specific instructions, he identifies them by name. This list, found in similar forms in Mark, Luke, and Acts, names the men Jesus chose to be his foundational witnesses and apostles, highlighting key figures like Peter, James, and John. The specific order and details provided here, like Peter being named first, set the stage for their future roles and responsibilities.
"The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;" — When Matthew introduces the apostles, he doesn't just list them; he calls them "apostles" for the first time in his Gospel. This specific word means "one who is sent forth," highlighting that their r…
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