Matthew 10:2

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these--The other Evangelists enumerate the twelve in immediate connection with their appointment (Mar 3:13-19; Luk 6:13-16). But our Evangelist, not intending to record the appointment, but only the Mission of the Twelve, gives their names here. And as in the Acts (Act 1:13) we have a list of the Eleven who met daily in the upper room with the other disciples after their Master's ascension until the day of Pentecost, we have four catalogues in all for comparison. The first, Simon, who is called Peter--(See on Joh 1:42). and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother--named after James, as the younger of the two.

This chapter is an ordination sermon, which our Lord Jesus preached, when he advanced his twelve disciples to the degree and dignity of apostles. In the close of the foregoing chapter, he had stirred up them and others to pray that God would send forth labourers, and here we have an immediate answer to that prayer: while they are yet speaking he hears and performs. What we pray for, according to Christ's direction, shall be given, Now here we have, I. The general commission that was given them (Mat 10:1). II. The names of the persons to whom this commission was given (Mat 10:2-4). III. The instructions that were given them, which are very full and particular; 1. Concerning the services they were to do; their preaching; their working miracles; to whom they must apply themselves; how they must behave themselves; and in what method they must proceed (Mat 10:5-15). 2. Concerning the sufferings they were to undergo. They are told what they should suffer, and from whom; counsels are given them what course to take when persecuted, and encouragements to bear up cheerfully under their sufferings (v. 16-42). These things, though primarily intended for direction to the apostles, are of use to all Christ's ministers, with whom, by his word, Christ, and will be always to end the world.

10:2-4 The four lists of the apostles (see also Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:13) are all different, although the differences are minimal. The order within each list varies slightly, but only the names Thaddaeus (10:3; Mark 3:18) and Judas son of James (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13) differ. They might be two names for the same man. 10:2 The apostles are ambassadors or messengers, authorized and sent by an authority to represent and accomplish prescribed tasks (see 10:1-8, 40; 28:16-20). The term is also used for Paul (Gal 1:1). • first, Simon (also called Peter): Peter had priority in time (Matt 4:18-22; 16:17-19) and position as the representative leader of the apostles (see 19:27; 26:33; Acts 2:14).