Robertson Word Pictures - Matthew 10:2 - 10:2

Online Resource Library

Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com

Robertson Word Pictures - Matthew 10:2 - 10:2


(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)

This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

The names of the twelve apostles (tōn dōdeka apostolōn ta onomata). This is the official name (missionaries) used here by Matthew for the first time. The names are given here, but Matthew does not say that they were chosen at this time. Mark (Mar 3:13-19) and Luke (Luk 6:12-16) state that Jesus “chose” them, “appointed” them after a night of prayer in the mountain and came down with them and then delivered the Sermon (Luk 6:17). Simon heads the list (prōtos) in all four lists including Act 1:13. He came to be first and foremost at the great Pentecost (Acts 2 and Acts 3). The apostles disputed a number of times as to which was greatest. Judas Iscariot comes last each time save that he is absent in Acts, being already dead. Matthew calls him the betrayer (ho paradidous). Iscariot is usually explained as “man of Kerioth” down near Edom (Jos 15:25). Philip comes fifth and James the son of Alphaeus the ninth. Bartholomew is the name for Nathanael. Thaddaeus is Judas the brother of James. Simon Zelotes is also called Simon the Canaanean (Zealous, Hebrew word). This is apparently their first preaching and healing tour without Jesus. He sends them forth by twos (Mar 6:7). Matthew names them in pairs, probably as they were sent out.