What does Matthew 10:2 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 10:2 serves as an introduction to the listing of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry.

The verse specifies that Simon, later given the name Peter by Jesus, is the first apostle mentioned, and Andrew, his brother, is also named. Following them, James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John are listed.

The verse underscores the brotherly relationships among some of the apostles and begins the enumeration of the twelve, who were to be Jesus' closest followers and the foundational leaders of the early church.

Historical Context

This verse is located within the Gospel of Matthew, which is one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament.

The Gospel was written primarily for a Jewish audience, and it emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

The apostles were ordinary men, mostly fishermen and tax collectors, living in Galilee during the Roman occupation of Judea in the 1st century CE.

Their designation by Jesus signified the establishment of a new covenant and the spread of the gospel message.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the apostles represent the seeds from which the church would grow.

Simon Peter is often considered the "rock" upon which the church is built, as indicated by his name change from Simon to Peter.

Peter's primacy among the apostles is thus highlighted by his being named first.

Additionally, the mention of James and John, two other prominent figures in the early church, emphasizes the idea of discipleship and divine calling in building the Christian community.

Practical Applications

In contemporary application, the verse can be seen as an inspiration for believers to recognize their own calling into discipleship and service.

The humble origins of the apostles remind Christians that individuals from all walks of life are called to serve and lead within their communities.

The presence of siblings among the apostles also speaks to the importance of familial ties and support in spiritual journeys.

Cross-References

• Mark 3:16-19: "[...] Simon he surnamed Peter; And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder: And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, which also betrayed him: and they went into an house."
• Luke 6:13-16: "And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles; Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor."
• Acts 1:13: "And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room [...] these all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren."

Language Study

The key terms in this verse include:

• "Apostles" (Greek: "ἀπόστολος" or "apostolos"), meaning "one who is sent away," a messenger or envoy.
• "Simon" (Hebrew origin) meaning "he has heard."
• "Peter" (Greek: "Πέτρος" or "Petros"), meaning "rock" or "stone," signifying stability and foundational strength.
• "James" (Hebrew origin) meaning "supplanter" or "one who follows."
• "Zebedee" (Hebrew origin) possibly meaning "my gift."

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions and myths, there are often groups of individuals who play important roles similar to the apostles, such as the twelve Olympians in Greek mythology.

However, the apostles are unique in their role of spreading a specific religious doctrine and founding a major world religion.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science does not typically intersect with biblical enumerations such as this.

However, anthropology and sociology may study the dynamics and relationships within small groups like the apostles to understand leadership, kinship, and social structures within religious movements.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and experts comment on this verse noting the significance of the apostles' names and order.

For instance, Peter's primacy is often discussed by scholars like William Barclay, who highlights that Peter is always listed first in every biblical list of the apostles, indicating his importance.

John Calvin notes how Jesus chose ordinary, uneducated men as his apostles, demonstrating God's power to use any individual for His purposes, while scholars like R.T.

France discuss the apostles' roles in establishing the early church's foundations.