Matthew 10:2

Friday, 9 May 2025

 

Now 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; Matthew 10:2

 

“And the twelve apostles, the names, they are these: First, Simon, being called Peter, and Andrew, his brother. James the ‘of Zebedee,’ and John, his brother” (CG).

 

In the previous verse, Jesus called His twelve disciples together and gave them power over spirits and sicknesses. Matthew continues his narrative with, “And the twelve apostles.”

 

The word apostolos, apostles, is introduced. It signifies a delegate or one who is sent. In this case, being apostles of Jesus, they are essentially ambassadors of Jesus for the mission of conveying the gospel. Understanding that, it next says, “the names, they are these.”

 

Matthew will give a list of the selected men. They are not the same names recorded in each gospel, but they are the same people, being described by the differing names each possessed, such as Simon being Peter. The names are recorded in Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:13-16, and Acts 1:13.

 

In all lists, Simon (Peter) is recorded first, while Judas the betrayer is listed last. Each time they are listed, they are divided into three separate groups of four each. However, the internal grouping of each group is not always the same.

 

For an extensive analysis of the patterns of groupings, names, and relationships of these apostles, consulting the commentary of Charles Ellicott will provide great detail. Of these men, the list begins with, “First, Simon, being called Peter.”

 

The name is derived from the Hebrew name Shimon, which, in turn, is derived from the verb shama, to hear. Thus, the name means Hearing or He Who Hears. Peter is derived from the Greek petra, a rock, and this is the meaning of the name. He is also called Kephas, the Aramaic name meaning Rock. Next, it says, “and Andrew, his brother.”

 

The name is derived from anér, a male human, a man, a husband. The meaning is Manly, but that can also be equated to Courageous or Brave. Next is “James the ‘of Zebedee.’”

 

Both names are given detailed explanations in the commentary on Matthew 4:21. The last name in this verse is given next, saying, “and John, his brother.”

 

The meaning of this name was also explained in Matthew 4:21.

 

Life application: It is not uncommon to see people on social media call themselves Apostle This or Apostle That. The implication is that they are to be likened to the apostles in the Bible.

 

There is a problem with this. The title, as noted above, signifies a delegate. One does not designate oneself a delegate or an ambassador. Rather, that appointment comes from the one they represent. In the case of an apostle of Jesus, it means a person must be appointed by Jesus.

 

There are certain qualifications for the position that are explained in the Bible, none of which apply today. Like the sons of Israel, there is a set number of apostles. In the case of the sons of Israel, there are the twelve born to Jacob through his wives Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah.

 

There are also the two sons of Joseph who were adopted by Jacob as his own, as is recorded in Genesis 48. This makes a total of fourteen sons. Likewise, there are the twelve apostles named by Jesus in the gospels. There is then Matthias, who was selected to replace Judas in Acts 1.

 

This is then followed by Paul, who was personally selected by Jesus, “as by one born out of due time” according to 1 Corinthians 15. Thus, there are fourteen named apostles. Like the sons of Israel, that is all there are. Therefore, to claim to be an apostle of Jesus is biblically incorrect and unacceptable.

 

Denominations, such as Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox, Swedish Lutheran, Anglicans, etc., who claim apostolic succession do so without biblical support. There is no such thing.

 

Be careful to evaluate people in the ministry based on their adherence to Scripture, not on a title, degree, or capability (such as knowing Hebrew or Greek). Instead, what matters is how they handle Scripture.

 

The Bible designates the number of sons of Israel. It also designates the number of apostles of Jesus. In this process, God is providing us with information. Patterns are made for us to understand what is on God’s mind and what He is doing in the stream of redemptive history. Pay attention to such things, and a greater understanding of the workings of God will be realized.

 

Lord God, how grateful we are to You for Your wonderful and amazing word. We stand in awe at the wisdom behind it. For thousands of years, man has been studying it. And yet, it continues to provide us with new information from day to day. Praise You for Your word! Amen.