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2. ἀποστόλων, the only passage in this Gospel where the word occurs. The literal meaning, ‘sent forth,’ or ‘envoys,’ though scarcely recognised by classical authors, was not new. It seems to have been a ‘title borne by those who were despatched from the mother city by the rulers of the race on any foreign mission, especially such as were charged with collecting the tribute paid to the temple service’ (Lightfoot, Gal. p. 90). The title of ἀπόστολοι was given in a special sense to the Twelve, but was not confined to them. Matthias was added to the number of the twelve, Paul was ‘called to be an apostle,’ James the Lord’s brother, and Barnabas, are designated by the same title. It had even a wider signification: cp. among other passages Rom 16:7. The name is applied to Jesus Christ, Heb 3:1, κατανοήσατε τὸν ἀπόστολον καὶ ἀρχιερέα τῆς ὁμολογίας ἡμῶν Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν. He came to do the will of Him that sent Him.
There are four lists of the Apostles recorded, one by each of the Synoptic Evangelists, one in the Acts of the Apostles. No two of these lists perfectly coincide. This will be seen from the tabular view below.
Mat 10:3. Mar 3:16.
1. Simon Peter. Simon Peter. Simon Peter.
2. Andrew. James the son of Zebedee. Andrew.
3. James the son of Zebedee. John the brother of James. James.
4. John his brother. Andrew. John.
5. Philip. Philip. Philip.
6. Bartholomew. Bartholomew. Bartholomew.
7. Thomas. Matthew. Matthew.
8. Matthew the Publican. Thomas. Thomas.
9. James the son of Alphæus. James son of Alphæus. James the son of Alphæus.
10. Lebbæus surnamed Thaddæus. Thaddæus. Simon Zelotes.
11. Simon the Cananite. Simon the Cananite. Judas (son) of James.
12. Judas Iscariot. Judas Iscariot. Judas Iscariot.
It will be observed from a comparison of these lists that the twelve names fall into three divisions, each containing four names which remain in their respective divisions in all the lists. Within these divisions however, the order varies. But Simon Peter is placed first, and Judas Iscariot last, in all. Again, Philip invariably heads the second, and James the son of Alphæus the third division. The classification of the apostolate is the germ of Christian Organisation. It implies diversity of work and dignity suited to differences of intelligence and character. The first group of four are twice named as being alone with Jesus, Mar 1:29; Mar 13:3; Peter and the sons of Zebedee on three occasions, see ch. Mat 17:1.Act 1:13.
Andrew, a Greek name; see Joh 12:21-22, where the Greeks in the temple address themselves to Philip, ‘Philip cometh and telleth Andrew and Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.’ An incident that seems to point to some Greek connection besides the mere name.