Matthew 10:2

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:2 initiates the formal enumeration of the twelve individuals Jesus specifically selected and commissioned as His apostles, marking a pivotal moment in His earthly ministry. This verse, following Jesus' deep compassion for the lost and His call for laborers, formally records the names of the first four chosen, emphasizing their foundational role in the nascent kingdom movement and their delegated authority to extend Christ's work of preaching, healing, and casting out demons.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' empowering of the twelve disciples, granting them authority over unclean spirits and to heal every disease and sickness ([Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Empowers the Twelve")). This act of empowerment is itself a direct response to Jesus' profound compassion for the "harassed and helpless" crowds, whom He likened to sheep without a shepherd ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). The call for prayer for laborers ([Matthew 9:38](/matthew/9-38 "Matthew 9:38 - Pray for Laborers")) sets the stage for Jesus' decisive action in selecting and dispatching these twelve, indicating that their appointment is the divine answer to the urgent need for spiritual leadership and outreach. Thus, Matthew 10:2 is not merely a list but the formal introduction to the agents of Jesus' expanding mission, directly preceding their detailed commissioning instructions in the remainder of [Matthew 10](/matthew/10 "Matthew 10 - The Commissioning of the Twelve").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, a "disciple" (μαθητής, _mathētēs_) was a learner who followed a rabbi, often living with him and internalizing his teachings and way of life. However, Jesus' selection of "twelve" was highly symbolic, echoing the twelve tribes of Israel and signifying the establishment of a new covenant community, a spiritual Israel. The term "apostle" (ἀπόστολος, _apostolos_), while having secular uses for an envoy or messenger, takes on profound theological significance here, denoting one specifically "sent out" with the authority and message of the sender. This was a radical departure from typical rabbinic practice, as these men were not merely students but commissioned representatives, imbued with supernatural power. The inclusion of fishermen (Simon, Andrew, James, John) among the first listed highlights Jesus' pattern of choosing ordinary individuals, often from humble backgrounds, to accomplish extraordinary divine purposes, challenging the societal norms that valued status and formal training.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 10:2 contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Selection and Authority**, demonstrating Jesus' sovereign prerogative in choosing specific individuals for a unique role in His kingdom. Their appointment is not democratic but divinely ordained, highlighting that their authority stems directly from Christ, as seen in [Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus Empowers the Twelve"). Secondly, it establishes the **Apostolic Foundation of the Church**, foreshadowing the critical role these men would play in bearing witness to Jesus' resurrection and spreading the Gospel, a theme later developed in the book of Acts and foundational to the New Testament understanding of the church (cf. [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")). Thirdly, the mention of brothers (Simon and Andrew, James and John) subtly introduces the theme of **Community and Brotherhood** within the nascent group of followers, emphasizing the relational aspect of discipleship and the formation of a cohesive unit for mission. Finally, it serves as a direct prelude to the **Commissioning for Mission**, as the listing of their names immediately precedes Jesus' detailed instructions for their evangelistic and healing ministry, demonstrating that divine calling is intrinsically linked to divine sending.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **apostles (Greek, _apóstolos'_):** From G652, meaning "a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ (with miraculous powers)." This term is crucial, as it elevates these twelve beyond mere disciples to authorized representatives. They are not just learners but are "sent ones," bearing the authority and message of Jesus Himself, empowered to act on His behalf.
* **called (Greek, _légō'_):** From G3004, meaning "to 'lay' forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words...); by implication, to mean." In this context, "is called" signifies a designation or naming that carries significance, often indicating identity or a future role. For Simon, being "called Peter" is a prophetic naming by Jesus, signifying his future character and foundational role.
* **Peter (Greek, _Pétros'_):** From G4074, meaning "a (piece of) rock (larger than λίθος); as a name, Petrus, an apostle." This name, given by Jesus to Simon, is highly symbolic. It denotes stability, strength, and foundational importance, foreshadowing Simon Peter's prominent role in the early church as a leading figure and a "rock" upon which the church would be built (as Jesus declares in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter, the Rock")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the names of the twelve apostles are these;":** This introductory clause formally presents the list that follows. The emphasis on "the twelve apostles" highlights the specific number, symbolic of the twelve tribes of Israel, indicating the establishment of a new community under Christ. The term "apostles" immediately defines their unique, divinely commissioned role as "sent ones."
* **"The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother;":** Simon is explicitly named "the first," indicating his prominence among the group, a position he consistently holds in all lists of the apostles. His additional name, "Peter," given by Jesus, signifies his future leadership and foundational role. The inclusion of Andrew as "his brother" immediately establishes a familial connection within the group, reflecting the relational nature of the early community.
* **"James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother;":** This clause continues the enumeration, listing James and John. The phrase "the son of Zebedee" clarifies which James is being referred to, as there is another James among the twelve (James the son of Alphaeus). Like Simon and Andrew, James and John are also brothers, further emphasizing the familial bonds and pre-existing relationships that Jesus incorporated into His chosen circle.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Matthew 10:2 is **Enumeration** or **List**, as the verse systematically names the first four members of a significant group. This direct listing serves to formally introduce these key figures to the reader, emphasizing their individual identities and their collective importance. The use of **Apposition** is also evident in "Simon, who is called Peter," where "who is called Peter" provides an explanatory or identifying phrase for Simon, highlighting his new, divinely bestowed name and its significance. Furthermore, the repeated mention of "his brother" (for Andrew and John) creates a subtle **Parallelism** and emphasizes the familial relationships within this foundational group, underscoring the communal and relational aspect of Jesus' chosen inner circle.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:2 is not merely a historical record but a profound theological statement about God's method of establishing His kingdom through chosen human agents. The selection of the twelve signifies the re-establishment of a new Israel, a new people of God, built not on ethnic lineage but on allegiance to Christ. These apostles would become the authoritative witnesses to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, and the foundational pillars upon which the early church would be built, carrying forward the message and power of the Gospel. Their commissioning demonstrates that God's work is often accomplished through ordinary individuals, whom He sovereignly calls, equips, and sends.

* [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")
* [Revelation 21:14](/revelation/21-14 "Revelation 21:14 - The Twelve Foundations of the New Jerusalem")
* [Luke 6:12-16](/luke/6-12-16 "Luke 6:12-16 - Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 10:2 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God continues to call and equip ordinary people for extraordinary purposes within His kingdom. Just as Jesus meticulously selected and empowered these twelve, He continues to invite individuals into various forms of service, whether in vocational ministry or through faithful living in their daily spheres of influence. This verse challenges us to recognize and respond to God's unique calling on our lives, understanding that our gifts and backgrounds, however seemingly humble, can be powerfully used by Him. It also underscores the importance of community and partnership in ministry, as the apostles were sent out not as isolated individuals but as a cohesive unit, demonstrating the strength and support found within the body of Christ. We are encouraged to embrace our God-given roles, trusting in His provision and empowerment as we participate in His ongoing mission to reach the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' selection of the twelve, particularly the inclusion of brothers, inform your understanding of community and relationships within the church today?**
* **In what ways might you be "called" or "sent" by God in your current season of life, and what steps can you take to embrace that calling?**
* **What does the empowerment of the apostles in Matthew 10:1 teach us about the resources available to us as we seek to serve Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus choose exactly twelve apostles?**

Answer: Jesus' choice of exactly twelve apostles is highly symbolic, mirroring the twelve tribes of Israel. This number signifies the establishment of a new covenant community, a spiritual Israel, under Jesus' leadership. It represents the continuity of God's redemptive plan, now fulfilled and expanded through Christ, and foreshadows the apostles' role as foundational figures in the new church, which would extend God's kingdom beyond ethnic boundaries to all nations. This deliberate number underlines the idea of a complete and authoritative representation of God's people.

**What is the significance of Simon being "called Peter"?**

Answer: The significance of Simon being "called Peter" (Greek: _Petros_, meaning "rock" or "stone") is profound. Jesus Himself bestowed this name upon Simon (cf. [John 1:42](/john/1-42 "John 1:42 - Simon Called Cephas/Peter")), foreshadowing Peter's pivotal role in the early church. As Jesus later declares in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter as the Rock"), "upon this rock I will build my church." This naming indicates Peter's future steadfastness, leadership, and foundational importance in proclaiming the Gospel and establishing the Christian community, even despite his personal failings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:2, in listing the initial apostles, points directly to Christ's sovereign authority and His ultimate mission. The selection of these twelve is a profound act of Christ's kingly prerogative, demonstrating His power to choose and commission those who will extend His redemptive work. As the "sent ones," these apostles are extensions of Christ Himself, embodying His mission to proclaim the kingdom, heal the sick, and confront spiritual darkness. Their commissioning foreshadows the greater sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, empowering all believers to be Christ's witnesses "to the end of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). Ultimately, the apostles serve as the foundational witnesses to the person and work of Christ, particularly His death and resurrection, upon which the entire New Testament church is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")). Their mission, initiated by Christ's call, is a direct fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom through the ultimate "Apostle and High Priest of our confession," Jesus Christ Himself ([Hebrews 3:1](/hebrews/3-1 "Hebrews 3:1 - Christ, Our Apostle and High Priest")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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: