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Observe here, Of the twelve apostles Peter is named first, and Judas last. Peter is named first, because first called, Mat_4:18 or because probably elder than the rest; or because, for order-sake, he might speak before the rest: from whence may be inferred a primacy, but no supremacy; a priority of order, but no superiority of degree. As the foreman of a grand inquest has a precidency, but no re-eminency. Judas is named last, with a brand of infamy set upon him, that he was the traitor the person that betrayed his Lord and Master.
Learn hence, That though the truth of grace be absolutely necessary to a minister's salvation, yet the want of it doth not disannul his office, nor hinder the lawfulness of his ministry: Judas, though a traitor, was yet a lawful minister. Inward holiness is not necessary to render the offices belonging to the ministerial function valid and effectual: Judas preaches Christ as well as the rest, and was not excepted when Christ said, He that receiveth you, receiveth me.