Matthew 10:2-4
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; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The text highlights Simon Peter first, not just by his original name but by his new identity, "Peter" – the rock. This isn't merely a renaming but a declaration of his foundational role as Jesus begins to officially appoint and empower His "apostles," those sent forth with divine authority.
Jesus is about to send out his twelve closest followers to preach the kingdom and perform miracles. Before he does, he officially names them as his "apostles," meaning those he is sending out, and lists their names, beginning with Peter and Andrew, then James and John, who were brothers and part of his inner circle. This foundational list establishes the core leadership team Jesus is appointing for this crucial mission and for the future of his movement.
Why does Jesus call some of his followers 'apostles' instead of just 'disciples'? What does this title really mean?
The term 'disciple' (from the Greek for 'learner') describes anyone who follows Jesus and learns from him. However, 'apostle' (from the Greek for 'one sent forth') is a more specific and authoritative title. An apostle isn't just a student; they are an ambassador, someone officially sent out by Jesus with his authority to represent him and carry on his mission.
This distinction is crucial. Before Jesus officially commissions them, they are learners. But in Matthew 10, they are given a new identity and a specific task. They are being 'sent out' (Matthew 10:5-6) with power and purpose. This transition from follower to sent-one is a major step in their spiritual journey and ministry.
Simon is called 'first.' What does this 'first' really signify in the context of the Twelve?
When Matthew lists the apostles, he calls Simon 'first.' This isn't just an arbitrary order; it points to Peter's recognized leadership among the Twelve. He's often referred to as 'primus inter pares' – first among equals.
This preeminence is seen in several ways:
The name 'Peter' itself, meaning 'rock,' was given by Jesus, signifying the foundational role he would play, especially in the early spread of the gospel. His 'first' position highlights his role as a key leader appointed by Christ.
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.
telōnēs · Greek Noun
A term used for a person who collected taxes for the Roman government; they were often viewed by fellow Jews as collaborators, traitors, and ceremonially unclean.
zēlōtēs · Greek Noun
A descriptor for a group in first-century Judaism characterized by intense zeal for the Law of Moses and often associated with militant opposition to Roman occupation.
paradidōmi · Greek Verb
To deliver someone to an enemy; in the context of Judas, it refers to the act of treachery where he handed Jesus over to the authorities to be arrested.
The listing of the twelve apostles, including the prominent pair Peter and his brother Andrew, and James and John, highlights Jesus’ intentional selection of specific individuals for a unique mission, setting the stage for the spread of the Gospel.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus Calls First Disciples
Jesus calls Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, fishermen from the Sea of Galilee, to leave their trade and follow Him. This marks the beginning of their close association with Jesus.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Appoints the Twelve
Jesus formally designates and commissions twelve of his followers to be his closest companions and to carry on his ministry. This event solidifies their unique role.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
The Twelve Apostles are with Jesus throughout his public ministry, witnessing his miracles, teachings, and ultimately his death on the cross.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Resurrection and Ascension
After his resurrection, Jesus commissions the apostles for a global mission, empowering them with the Holy Spirit before his ascension.
This passage provides a parallel account of Jesus appointing the twelve, emphasizing that this was a specific, divinely ordained selection from the larger group of disciples. The term 'apostles' itself signifies those who are sent out with authority, highlighting the unique mission entrusted to these individuals.
John 1:40-42This passage details the initial calling of Simon Peter and Andrew, showing the personal interaction and revelation that led to their discipleship before they were officially appointed as apostles. It reveals the relational aspect of Jesus's calling.
Acts 1:13This lists the apostles after Jesus's ascension, showing continuity and the group's continued unity in prayer. It highlights that their foundational appointment in Matthew 10 was a crucial step for the early church's ministry.
1 Corinthians 12:28This passage speaks to the body of Christ having various gifts, including apostleship, as appointed by God. It frames the appointment of the twelve in Matthew 10 within a larger theological context of God's sovereign distribution of roles within the church.
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…
The text highlights Simon Peter first, not just by his original name but by his new identity, "Peter" – the rock. This isn't merely a renaming but a declaration of his foundational role as Jesus begins to officially appoint and empower His "apostles," those sent forth with divine authority.
Jesus is about to send out his twelve closest followers to preach the kingdom and perform miracles. Before he does, he officially names them as his "apostles," meaning those he is sending out, and lists their names, beginning with Peter and Andrew, then James and John, who were brothers and part of his inner circle. This foundational list establishes the core leadership team Jesus is appointing for this crucial mission and for the future of his movement.
Jesus is about to send out his twelve closest followers to preach the kingdom and perform miracles. Before he does, he officially names them as his "apostles," meaning those he is sending out, and lists their names, beginning with Peter and Andrew, then James and John, who were brothers and part of his inner circle. This foundational list establishes the core leadership team Jesus is appointing for this crucial mission and for the future of his movement.
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Notice how the names are listed in pairs, often with 'brother' right beside them. What does this tell us about Jesus's team?
Jesus didn't assemble his core team randomly. He called together individuals who often had existing relationships, especially family ties.
In this initial listing, we see two pairs of brothers:
This pattern of calling brothers together suggests a few things:
c. AD 30-33
Formation of the Early Church
The apostles, particularly Peter and John, play central leadership roles in the nascent Christian community in Jerusalem, spreading the message of Jesus.
c. AD 41-44
Martyrdom of James
James, son of Zebedee and brother of John, becomes the first apostle to be martyred, executed by King Herod Agrippa I.
c. AD 60s
Ministry and Death of Peter
Peter travels and preaches widely, including a significant ministry in Rome, where tradition holds he was martyred, likely around this period.
"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; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus,…" — The text highlights Simon Peter first, not just by his original name but by his new identity, "Peter" – the rock. This isn't merely a renaming but a declaration of his foundational role as Jesus begi…
