Matthew 10:4

Context

Matthew 10:4 concludes the list of the twelve apostles whom Jesus called and commissioned to go out and preach the Kingdom of Heaven, heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead (Matthew 10:1). This verse specifically names the last two individuals on that list: Simon, distinguished as "the Canaanite," and Judas Iscariot, tragically noted as "who also betrayed him." This enumeration highlights the initial diversity and, ultimately, the profound division within Jesus's inner circle.

Key Themes

• Diversity in Discipleship: The inclusion of "Simon the Canaanite" alongside others like Matthew the tax collector (Matthew 10:3) showcases Jesus's ability to unite individuals from vastly different social and political backgrounds. Simon, likely a Zealot (a Jewish nationalist group often hostile to Roman rule), and Matthew, a collaborator with Rome, represent extreme ends of the Jewish political spectrum, yet both were called to follow Jesus.
• The Reality of Betrayal: The chilling phrase "who also betrayed him" serves as a stark foreshadowing of Judas Iscariot's ultimate act. It immediately sets him apart from the other apostles and introduces the tragic reality that even within the closest circle of followers, there can be profound disloyalty and sin. This highlights the themes of human free will and the consequences of rejecting divine truth, even after being intimately exposed to it.
• God's Sovereignty and Foreknowledge: While Judas's betrayal was a heinous act of free will, the Scriptures also reveal God's foreknowledge of these events (John 6:70). Jesus chose Judas knowing his future actions, which fulfilled prophecy and served a greater redemptive purpose in God's plan for salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Simon the Canaanite" (Greek: Simon ho Kananaios) is not a reference to the geographical region of Canaan. Instead, "Canaanite" here is widely understood to be derived from the Aramaic word qan'ana, meaning "zealous," or the Hebrew qana, "to be zealous." This indicates Simon was likely a member of the Zealot party, a group intensely devoted to Jewish independence and resistance against Roman occupation. This further emphasizes the political diversity among the apostles, distinguishing him from Simon Peter.

"Iscariot" (Greek: Iskariōtēs) is generally believed to mean "man of Kerioth," referring to a town in Judea. This distinguishes Judas from other disciples named Judas (e.g., Judas Thaddaeus) and implies he was the only Judean among the predominantly Galilean apostles.

The Greek verb for "betrayed" is paradidomi, which means "to hand over," "to deliver up," or "to betray." This word precisely describes Judas's action of delivering Jesus to the authorities, leading to His crucifixion (Matthew 26:14-16).

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God calls people from all walks of life, regardless of their past affiliations or political leanings, into His service. The transformation offered by Christ can unite even the most disparate individuals. However, it also serves as a sobering reminder that proximity to Jesus does not guarantee genuine faith or faithfulness. Judas Iscariot's story is a powerful warning against hypocrisy, greed, and the ultimate danger of rejecting the light even after experiencing it firsthand. It calls us to examine our own hearts, ensuring our commitment to Christ is sincere and unwavering, not merely outward association.