Matthew 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 {G1161} the names {G3686} of the twelve {G1427} apostles {G652} are {G2076} these {G5023}; The first {G4413}, Simon {G4613}, who {G3588} is called {G3004} Peter {G4074}, and {G2532} Andrew {G406} his {G846} brother {G80}; James {G2385} the son of {G3588} Zebedee {G2199}, and {G2532} John {G2491} his {G846} brother {G80};

These are the names of the twelve emissaries: First, Shim`on, called Kefa, and Andrew his brother, Ya`akov Ben-Zavdai and Yochanan his brother,

These are the names of the twelve apostles: first Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James thesonof Zebedee, and John his brother;

Context of Matthew 10:2

Matthew 10:2 introduces the official list of the twelve men Jesus specifically chose to be His apostles. This pivotal moment follows Jesus' deep compassion for the "harassed and helpless" crowds (Matthew 9:36) and His instruction to His disciples to "pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest" (Matthew 9:38). Immediately before this verse, Jesus grants these twelve disciples authority over unclean spirits and to heal diseases (Matthew 10:1), setting the stage for their commissioning and mission. This list serves as a foundational record of those entrusted with carrying on Jesus' ministry.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Selection and Calling: The verse emphasizes Jesus' deliberate and personal selection of these individuals. Their calling was not accidental but part of God's sovereign plan to establish His kingdom.
  • Apostolic Foundation: These twelve men would become the foundational pillars of the early church, bearing witness to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and spreading His teachings to the world. Their names are recorded as a testament to their unique role.
  • Brotherhood and Relationships: The inclusion of familial relationships, such as Simon and Andrew being brothers, and James and John also being brothers, highlights the interwoven nature of their relationships and the community being formed around Jesus.
  • Preparation for Mission: The naming of the apostles is a prelude to their specific instructions and the mission Jesus would send them on, which included preaching, healing, and casting out demons.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Apostles" (Greek: apostolos): The term apostolos literally means "one who is sent forth" or "a delegate." It signifies someone specifically commissioned with authority to represent the sender. This highlights the delegated authority and mission these men received directly from Jesus.
  • "Peter" (Greek: Petros): Simon's additional name, Peter, meaning "rock" or "stone," was given to him by Jesus Himself (John 1:42). This name foreshadows his significant role in building the early church, as Jesus later declares, "upon this rock I will build my church" (Matthew 16:18).

Practical Application

Matthew 10:2 reminds us that God often chooses ordinary individuals for extraordinary purposes. Just as Jesus personally called these fishermen and tax collectors, He continues to call people today into various forms of service within His kingdom. This verse encourages believers to:

  • Recognize Divine Calling: Consider how God might be calling you to serve, using your unique gifts and background.
  • Embrace Community: Value the relationships and diverse gifts within the body of Christ, recognizing that we are called to work together.
  • Prepare for Mission: Understand that being a follower of Christ involves being "sent forth" to share the good news, whether in your local community or to the ends of the earth.
  • Trust in God's Choice: Have faith that God equips those whom He calls, empowering them for the tasks He sets before them, just as He empowered the twelve.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 1:13

    And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.

  • Matthew 4:21

    And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

  • Matthew 4:18

    ¶ And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

  • John 12:22

    Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

  • Luke 5:10

    And so [was] also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

  • John 6:8

    One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,

  • Luke 11:49

    Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and [some] of them they shall slay and persecute:
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