He
called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother; Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, who was also called Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Matthew 10:1-4
Matthew 9 [35.] Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.”
Matthew 10 [1.] He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother; Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, who was also called Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanite; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Matthew 10 [5.] Jesus sent these twelve out, and commanded them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of the Samaritans. Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give. Don’t take any gold, silver, or brass in your money belts. Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food. Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy; and stay there until you go on. As you enter into the household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you. Whoever doesn’t receive you, nor hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet. Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
Meaning:
Jesus had told his disciples to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send out laborers (Matthew 9:37-38). Now he answers that prayer by sending them. Matthew 10 begins Jesus’ second great block of teaching, the instructions for the mission of the twelve. Before the instructions comes the list of the men he chose. Mark and Luke give similar lists (Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16).
- “his twelve disciples”
The number twelve was deliberate. Israel was made up of twelve tribes descended from the twelve sons of Jacob. By choosing twelve, Jesus showed that he was gathering and renewing the people of God. He later promised that the twelve would sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28).
- “gave them authority over unclean spirits”
In chapters 8 and 9 Jesus had shown his own authority over disease, demons, nature and even death. Now he shares that authority with his followers. They did not have power of their own; it was given to them. Their work would be an extension of his: casting out evil spirits and healing “every disease and every sickness”, the very words Matthew used of Jesus’ own ministry (Matthew 4:23).
- “the twelve apostles”
This is the only time Matthew uses the word “apostles”. An apostle is one who is sent, a messenger acting with the authority of the one who sends him. The disciples were learners who followed Jesus; as apostles they were sent out to represent him.
- “The first, Simon, who is called Peter”
Peter heads every list of the twelve. He was not greater by nature, but he became the spokesman and leader of the group. Jesus gave him the name Peter, meaning rock (John 1:42; Matthew 16:18). The list is arranged in pairs, perhaps reflecting how Jesus sent them out two by two (Mark 6:7). Two pairs of brothers come first, the fishermen Jesus had called by the Sea of Galilee.
- “Matthew the tax collector”
Only Matthew’s Gospel adds “the tax collector” after his name. The writer does not hide his past. He had been a collaborator with Rome and despised by his people until Jesus called him (Matthew 9:9). Next to him in the list is Simon the Canaanite, called “the Zealot” in Luke (Luke 6:15). The Zealots were fiercely opposed to Roman rule. A former tax collector and a former nationalist served side by side. Only Jesus could unite such men.
- “Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him”
The list ends with a shadow. Judas was chosen, sent out and given the same authority as the others, yet he betrayed Jesus. His presence is a solemn warning that privilege and outward service do not guarantee a faithful heart.
The Significance of Matthew 10:1-4
- Ordinary people, extraordinary calling
The twelve were fishermen, a tax collector and others of no special standing. God still calls ordinary people and gives them what they need for the work he gives them to do.
- Unity in Christ
Men who would naturally have been enemies became brothers in Jesus’ company. The church today is called to the same unity across political, social and cultural divisions.
- Faithfulness to the end
Judas’ story warns that being close to Jesus outwardly is not enough. Each follower needs a genuine and continuing trust in him.
Cross-References:
Mark 3:14: "He appointed twelve, that they might be with him, and that he might send them out to preach," Mark’s account of the choosing of the twelve.
Luke 6:12: "he continued all night in prayer to God." Jesus prayed before choosing them.
John 1:42: "You shall be called Cephas" Jesus names Simon.
Acts 1:13: "Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew," The apostles waiting in Jerusalem after the resurrection.
Conclusion: Jesus called his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits and every disease. Matthew names them, starting with Peter and ending with Judas the betrayer, and includes himself as “the tax collector”. The number twelve shows Jesus renewing God’s people. Ordinary and very different men were united in his service and sent out with his authority, a reminder that Jesus calls and equips his people for the work he gives.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible