MATTHEW 10:1-4
THE MISSION OF THE TWELVE
INTRODUCTION
Matthew 10:1-4 outlines a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus, where He commissions the Twelve Apostles for their mission. Having selected these twelve ordinary men, Jesus imbues them with His divine authority to carry out extraordinary tasks: healing diseases, casting out demons, and spreading the message of the Kingdom of God. This empowerment reflects not only the trust Jesus places in His apostles but also His strategy for expanding His mission beyond His immediate presence. By choosing humble, uneducated men, Jesus emphasizes that divine power works through human weakness, bringing God’s kingdom to the world through simple, yet willing, vessels.
The number twelve is significant, symbolizing the restoration of Israel, with each apostle representing a tribe of the dispersed nation. Jesus’s act of granting His authority to the apostles mirrors His own commissioning by the Father, thus creating a direct line of divine purpose and mission. These apostles, though initially uncertain and flawed in their understanding, are destined to be Jesus’ ambassadors, spreading the Good News to all nations. In this commissioning, Jesus sets the foundation for the Church, with the apostles playing a crucial role in the continuation and expansion of His mission.
Matthew 10:1 “Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness.”
Jesus Summons His Apostles
By the time Jesus summoned His twelve apostles in Matthew 10:1, He had already selected them (Lk 6:13) to follow Him full-time, leaving behind their previous lives. These men had witnessed His teachings and works of compassion for the suffering. As their teacher and leader, Jesus now saw it fitting to give them firsthand experience, broadening the scope of His mission. The twelve apostles were called to share in His ministry, not only by observing but by actively participating.
The number twelve holds deep significance, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel scattered across the world after the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles. By commissioning these apostles, Jesus aimed to reach all of Israel and beyond, just as the Father sent him. The apostles were ordinary people – fishermen, tax collectors, and others with little status in society – but Jesus chose them to manifest God’s power through their weakness.
Authority Over Unclean Spirits
Jesus endowed His apostles with authority over unclean spirits to cast them out. The term “unclean spirits” refers to demons – beings opposed to God’s holiness, intent on leading people away from Him. These spirits were unclean in contrast to the purity and holiness of God, and Jesus’ authority over them now extended to the apostles. By exorcising demons, the apostles could free people from spiritual bondage, opening their hearts to receive the message of salvation. Jesus granted this authority, and they cast out demons in His name, emphasizing that this power was divine, not of human origin.
Healing Every Disease and Sickness
In addition to casting out demons, Jesus gave His apostles the power to heal every disease and illness. This aspect of their ministry was meant to complement their preaching of the Kingdom of God. Like Jesus, they would not only proclaim the message of salvation but also demonstrate it through acts of healing, proving to the people that God was at work through them. This ministry of healing mirrored Jesus’ own acts of compassion and care for the suffering, making it clear that the message they carried was more than words – it was a divine reality, breaking into the world through tangible signs.
During Jesus’ public ministry, the apostles had the opportunity to practice these new responsibilities under His guidance. According to Mark 6:7, He sent them out in pairs, providing mutual support and allowing them to grow in confidence and experience.
Catholic Interpretation
Matthew 10:1 is a significant moment in the formation of the apostolic ministry. The Catholic Church sees the apostles’ commissioning as the beginning of the mission that would continue through apostolic succession. In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it is stated that the apostles received a special infusion of the Holy Spirit from Christ, which authorized them to act in His name (CCC 1287).
The power granted to the apostles had two primary aspects:
1. Authority over unclean spirits – to cast out demons.
2. Healing of sickness and disease – to alleviate physical and spiritual suffering.
This authority, given by Jesus, reflects His own ministry of healing and exorcism, signaling the apostles’ participation in His divine mission. Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, this authority continues today in the Church, with bishops as the successors of the apostles (CCC 861-862), and priests sharing in this authority through the sacramental ministry.
Reflection
While most Christians today may not perform miraculous exorcisms or healings, we are all called to share in Christ’s mission in a different way. Through our baptism, we participate in His mission of healing and spiritual warfare by caring for those in need and resisting the forces of evil in our lives. We may not have the apostles’ power to heal physical ailments, but we are empowered to bring Christ’s love and mercy to the world through acts of kindness, prayer, and fidelity to the sacraments.
As Christians, we face spiritual battles daily, whether through temptation, sin, or the brokenness we encounter in the world. The authority of Christ is with us, as it was with the apostles, to help us overcome these challenges. We are called to bring healing – whether physical, emotional, or spiritual – to those around us and to stand as witnesses to the power of Christ’s love.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for calling and empowering your apostles to carry on your mission of healing and deliverance. Help us to be faithful disciples who bring your healing presence to our families, workplaces, and communities. Give us the strength to confront evil and the compassion to care for the sick and suffering. May we always rely on your grace and power as we strive to build your Kingdom on earth. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Matthew 10:2 “The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;”
Introduction: The Selection of the Apostles
Jesus had many followers during His earthly ministry, known as disciples, who learned from His teachings and admired Him. Out of these disciples, Jesus selected twelve as His closest companions and called them apostles. These twelve left everything behind to follow Jesus, dedicating their lives to His mission. They played a significant role in continuing Jesus’ work even after His ascension. The evangelists recorded their names, underscoring their importance in establishing the Kingdom of God.
The Meaning of the Term Apostle
The word “apostle” comes from the Greek term “apostolos,” meaning “a person sent.” It refers to someone sent as a delegate or representative to a distant place or country. Jesus specifically selected these twelve apostles, trained them, and sent them out as His ambassadors to extend His mission to the world. Though the term originally applied to these twelve, it was later used to describe other significant leaders of the early Church, such as Paul and Barnabas (Acts 14:14; Gal 1:1).
Common Characteristics of the Apostles
The apostles shared many characteristics. They were ordinary men from different occupations, predominantly Galilean Jews who held secular professions to support their families. Jesus chose them not for their expertise in religious law, as He avoided the religious elites of the time – such as the Scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, or members of the Sanhedrin. Instead, He selected fishermen, a tax collector like Matthew, and a zealot like Simon. Despite their humble backgrounds, they left everything behind, including their families and possessions, to follow Jesus and commit to the Kingdom of God.
Although the apostles initially misunderstood the nature of Jesus’ Kingdom – expecting an earthly kingdom – they were eventually transformed by Jesus’ teachings. With the exception of Judas Iscariot, the apostles received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which empowered them to continue Jesus’ mission. All except John the Evangelist were martyred for their faith.
Notable Characteristics and Roles of the Apostles
Several commonalities and notable aspects of the apostles include:
1. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen, called by Jesus while working in the Sea of Galilee (Mt 4:18-22).
2. Thomas, Nathanael, and Philip were also involved in fishing (Jn 21:2-8).
3. Peter, James, and John were the innermost circle of Jesus. They were with Jesus when he healed Jairus’ daughter (Mk 5:37), when he was Transfigured high up a mountain (Mt 17:1), and during his agony in Gethsemane (Mt 26:37).
4. There were three pairs with the same names: James son of Zebedee and James son of Alphaeus, Judas Thaddeus and Judas Iscariot, and Simon Peter and Simon the Canaanean.
5. The apostles, particularly Peter, Nathanael, and Thomas, openly professed their faith in Jesus.
6. Matthew and John wrote Gospels, while Mark and Luke, though not apostles, also contributed to the New Testament.
7. Several apostles were related by blood, including three sets of brothers: Peter and Andrew, James and John (sons of Zebedee), and James the son of Alphaeus and Judas Thaddeus.
8. Peter, John, James, and Jude contributed epistles to the New Testament.
9. Andrew and Philip were initially disciples of John the Baptist before following Jesus.
10. Peter and John accompanied Jesus to the high priest’s residence during the trial of Jesus.
11. Jesus nicknamed James and John, the sons of Zebedee as Boanerges (sons of thunder).
The Prominence of Peter
The Bible lists the apostles in four places (Mt 10:2-4; Mk 3:16-19; Lk 6:13-16; Acts 1:13). In all these, Peter’s name is the first because of his pre-eminence among those in the College of Apostles. He had the privilege of hosting Jesus at his house while Jesus centered his ministry in Capernaum. Peter made the profession of faith at Caesarea Philippi, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:16). Pleased with this, Jesus changed his name, saying, “you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church” (Mt 16:18). Jesus entrusted the keys of heaven to Peter (Mt 16:19). Probably, he might have been a leader among the fishermen and had natural leadership qualities. So, Jesus made him head of the College of Apostles. His name and activities, more than those of any other apostle, are recorded in the New Testament more than any other apostle. Though he denied Jesus no less than three times during the horrendous trial faced by Jesus, he compensated it by expressing his love of Jesus three times at the Lord’s post-resurrection appearance (Jn 21:15-17). In each of these, Jesus asked him to feed and nurture his sheep.
The Role of Andrew
Matthew lists Andrew immediately after Peter because he was the brother of Simon Peter and the first disciple of Jesus. Andrew was the son of Jonas and a disciple of John the Baptist. He was one among the two who heard John the Baptist introducing Jesus, saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (Jn 1:35-37). Andrew enthusiastically introduced Jesus to his brother Simon Peter (Jn 1:40-42). Compared to Simon, Andrew was a reserved person. However, he was enthusiastic about preaching the gospel in the early Church. He was with Peter, James, and John when they had a private discussion with Jesus at the Mount of Olives on the destruction of Jerusalem (Mk 13:3).
James, the son of Zebedee
Matthew specifies James as the son of Zebedee to distinguish him from James, the son of Alphaeus. Jesus called him along with his brother John while they were in their boat with their father Zebedee mending their nets (Mt 4:21). He was one among the inner circle of Jesus, along with Peter and John. Beheaded by King Herod Agrippa in Jerusalem in 42 AD, he became the first martyr among the apostles. His is the only martyrdom of an apostle recorded in the Bible (Acts 12:1-3). He is commonly known as James the Great.
and his brother John
Since John was the younger brother of James, the evangelists cite his name immediately after that of James. Jesus had asked Peter and John to prepare for the observance of the Passover for him and the apostles (Lk 22:8). John was “the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side” (Mk 13:23) at the Last Supper. He was the only apostle who witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus entrusted Mother Mary to John, and John to Mary (Jn 19:26-27). So, he took care of Mary until her dormition. Peter and John were the first among the apostles to visit the tomb after the resurrection of Jesus (Jn 20:3-8). Besides his gospel and epistles, John also authored the book of Revelation based on his vision of heaven while in exile on the Island of Patmos. He had a natural death at Ephesus in 100 AD and was the only apostle who died of natural causes.
James and John had common characteristics. Jesus called both while fishing in the Sea of Galilee. Jesus nicknamed them ‘Boanerges’, meaning “Sons of Thunder” (Mk 3:17) which reflects their character. While Jesus and the apostles were going through Samaria to Jerusalem, the Samaritans declined to welcome Jesus. Then James and John asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” (Lk 9:54) During the public ministry of Jesus, both were desirous of sitting at the right and left of Jesus in his kingdom (Mk 10:35-45). However, Jesus selected them, along with Peter, to be in his innermost circle, thereby achieving prominence among the apostles. After Pentecost, their zeal turned to proclaiming the gospel of Jesus, dedicating their lives to it.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Apostles
The twelve apostles were ordinary men transformed by Jesus’ call, chosen to lay the foundation for His Church. Despite their initial misunderstandings, their openness to Jesus’ teachings and the Holy Spirit empowered them to spread the Gospel. Their legacy lives on in the Church through apostolic succession, continuing the mission of Christ in the world today.
Reflection
The apostles remind us that Jesus calls each of us to be part of His mission, no matter our background or qualifications. Like the apostles, we are invited to respond to His call with faith, humility, and perseverance.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling the apostles and establishing Your Church on their foundation. Help us to follow their example, responding generously to Your call. Strengthen our unity as one body in Christ, and may we faithfully carry out the mission You have entrusted to us. Amen.
Matthew 10:3 “Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;”
Philip
Philip, originally from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter (Jn 1:44), was a former disciple of John the Baptist. He recognized Jesus as the Messiah early in their encounter and shared this revelation with Nathanael (Bartholomew). His role among the apostles is noted particularly during the feeding of the 5,000, where Jesus asked him, “Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?” (Jn 6:5), perhaps indicating his responsibility for overseeing provisions for the group. Philip’s evangelistic zeal shines through his immediate decision to introduce others to Jesus, especially Nathanael.
Bartholomew (Nathanael)
Bartholomew, also known as Nathanael in the Gospel of John, was introduced to Jesus by Philip. Jesus saw in him a “true Israelite” without deceit (Jn 1:47), and Nathanael responded with a profound declaration of faith, calling Jesus the Son of God and the King of Israel (Jn 1:49). This early profession of faith and the promise Jesus made to him about seeing “the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (Jn 1:51) emphasize his deep conviction and importance among the apostles.
Thomas
Thomas, often remembered for his doubt, demonstrated great courage earlier in Jesus’ ministry. When Jesus decided to visit Lazarus in Judaea, where His life had been threatened, Thomas boldly declared, “Let us also go to die with him” (Jn 11:16). Though he later expressed disbelief in Jesus’ resurrection, earning the moniker “Doubting Thomas,” his eventual proclamation, “My Lord and my God” (Jn 20:28), stands as one of the strongest affirmations of Jesus’ divinity. Thomas’ journey from doubt to faith offers a powerful example of how struggles with belief can lead to deep, transformative faith.
Matthew, the Tax Collector
Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before becoming one of Jesus’ apostles. The Jewish people held a strong disdain for tax collectors due to their connection with Roman oppression and corruption. Jesus’ choice to call Matthew, a figure seen as sinful and outcast, illustrates the boundless mercy and inclusivity of His mission. Matthew not only left his wealth and profession to follow Jesus but later authored the first Gospel, directed primarily at a Jewish audience to demonstrate that Jesus was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
James, Son of Alphaeus
James, the son of Alphaeus, who is also known as James the Lesser or James the Younger, was different from James, the son of Zebedee, who was another apostle. Although we lack detailed knowledge of his individual contributions, his presence within the group of apostles exemplifies the multitude of faithful disciples who labor inconspicuously. Tradition holds that he was also the brother of Matthew and Thaddaeus.
Thaddaeus (Jude)
Thaddaeus, who is also called Jude, earned the nickname “big-hearted” to differentiate him from Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed. He is commonly known as Judas the Zealot, highlighting his strong desire for Jesus to rule the world. During the Last Supper, he questioned Jesus about why He would reveal Himself to the apostles and not to the world (Jn 14:22), showing his desire for Jesus to establish His kingdom on earth. Jude later became known as the patron saint of lost causes, his legacy remaining important in Catholic devotion today.
Catholic Interpretation
In Catholic teaching, the apostles are more than just historical figures; they are the foundation of the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 857) states that the Church is apostolic because it is built on the apostles’ teaching and continues to be guided by them through their successors, the bishops, in union with the successor of Peter. These twelve men, though diverse in their backgrounds – ranging from fishermen to tax collectors – were called to be eyewitnesses to Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
As the First Letter of John proclaims: “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life – for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us” (1 Jn 1:1-2). This passage emphasizes that the apostles were entrusted with passing on Christ’s teachings, a mission that continues in the Church through apostolic succession.
Reflection
The apostles’ lives reflect our own calling as disciples. Although we are not among the Twelve, we share in their mission to witness to the Gospel. Jesus calls people from all walks of life – just as He called Philip, Matthew, Thomas, and others – to follow Him. Their diverse stories encourage us to examine how we can answer Jesus’ call in our daily lives. Are we willing to leave behind our old ways to follow Christ more closely?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling ordinary people like us to be Your disciples. Grant us the courage of the apostles to follow You wholeheartedly, even in our doubts or perceived insignificance. Help us to live as faithful witnesses of Your love and truth in the world today. May we, like the apostles, proclaim Your Gospel with our words and actions. Amen.
Matthew 10:4 “Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.”
Matthew 10:4 introduces two contrasting figures among the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus: Simon the Cananaean (or the Zealot) and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him. Both men play significant roles in Jesus’ ministry, albeit in quite diverse ways, offering profound insights into human nature, discipleship, and God’s call to His people.
Simon the Cananaean (the Zealot)
Simon the Cananaean, also referred to as Simon the Zealot in Luke 6:15, was likely part of a Jewish nationalist movement that sought to overthrow Roman rule. The Zealots were known for their fierce opposition to the Roman occupation of Israel, and some even advocated violent rebellion to restore Jewish sovereignty. By calling Simon to His inner circle, Jesus was not simply assembling a homogeneous group of followers, but one that reflected diverse and even opposing political and social perspectives.
Simon’s transformation under Jesus highlights an important aspect of Christian discipleship: Jesus transcends earthly politics and ideologies. He transforms people, calling them to a higher mission – serving the Kingdom of God. Simon’s zealous nature, once directed toward the political liberation of Israel, was redirected toward spreading the Gospel and building a spiritual Kingdom that united people beyond political boundaries. His presence among the Twelve shows that God calls individuals from all occupations and backgrounds, converting their unique characteristics into tools for His divine plan.
Judas Iscariot, the Betrayer
In stark contrast, Judas Iscariot is known primarily for his betrayal of Jesus, which led to the crucifixion. Unlike the other apostles, who were predominantly from Galilee, Judas hailed from Judea, near Jericho. Jesus entrusted him with managing the finances for the group, but the Gospels reveal that Judas misused this responsibility, stealing from the contributions given to Jesus and His disciples (Jn 12:6).
Despite walking with Jesus for over three years, witnessing miracles, and hearing Jesus’ teachings firsthand, Judas allowed greed and personal ambition to overshadow his relationship with the Lord. His betrayal, in exchange for thirty pieces of silver (Mt 26:14-16), serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of prioritizing material wealth and personal gain over spiritual fidelity.
There is speculation that political disillusionment may have motivated Judas, believing that Jesus, as the Messiah, would overthrow Roman rule and establish an earthly kingdom. When Jesus did not meet these expectations, Judas’ hope may have turned to disillusionment, leading him to betray his Master. However, Judas may not have fully anticipated the consequences of his actions. After Jesus was condemned to death, Judas was filled with remorse, attempting to return the silver and undo the damage. Unfortunately, his repentance came too late, and in his despair, Judas took his own life (Mt 27:3-5).
Lessons from Simon and Judas
The lives of Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot offer valuable lessons for modern Christians. Simon’s journey reflects the transformative power of Jesus’ call, showing how God can take individuals from varied and even radical backgrounds and redirect their zeal toward building His Kingdom. Simon’s willingness to leave behind his former political agenda for a higher mission challenges us to examine our own lives: Are we willing to surrender our personal ambitions to serve God’s greater purpose?
Judas, on the other hand, serves as a cautionary tale of human frailty. Despite his proximity to Jesus, Judas allowed sin – whether greed, ambition, or disillusionment – to cloud his judgment and lead him down a path of betrayal. His tragic end reminds us that being close to Jesus physically or outwardly does not guarantee spiritual fidelity. It is a sobering reminder that we must remain vigilant in our faith, constantly guarding against the temptations that can draw us away from Christ.
Catholic Interpretation and Reflection
The Catholic Church teaches that Simon the Zealot’s transformation highlights how God can work through anyone, no matter their past or ideology. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 849-850) emphasizes that God calls all people, inviting them to a deeper conversion and to participate in His mission. Simon’s journey from a revolutionary fighter to an apostle of peace exemplifies this transformation.
Judas’ role as the betrayer, while tragic, also plays a part in the greater plan of salvation. The Catechism teaches that God permits evil to bring about a greater good (CCC 312), as seen in how Judas’ betrayal ultimately led to Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, the cornerstone of Christian salvation.
For Christians today, this passage calls us to reflect on our own discipleship. Are we, like Simon, willing to let go of our personal desires and political agendas to follow Christ wholeheartedly? Or are we in danger, like Judas, of letting worldly distractions pull us away from our commitment to Jesus?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You have called us, just as You called Simon the Zealot and the other apostles, to serve in Your Kingdom. Help us to remain faithful to Your call, using our unique gifts and passions for Your glory. Guard our hearts against the temptations that led Judas astray, and grant us the grace to always walk in Your light. May we, like Simon, be transformed by Your love and become true instruments of Your peace and grace in the world. Amen.
CONCLUSION
In Matthew 10:1-4, we witness Jesus’ profound act of entrusting His divine mission to twelve ordinary men. Despite their diverse backgrounds and human weaknesses, Jesus calls them to participate in His redemptive work, granting them authority over unclean spirits and the power to heal. This commissioning reflects the nature of Christ’s mission: empowering the humble and ordinary to perform extraordinary works in His name. The apostles’ ministry becomes a testament to the truth that God’s strength is made perfect in human weakness. Through their calling, Jesus begins the formation of His Church, built upon their faith and courage.
The selection of the twelve apostles also underscores the inclusive nature of Jesus’ Kingdom. These men, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolize God’s desire to restore and unite His people under the leadership of Christ. Though they were flawed and misunderstood Jesus at times, their transformation by His teaching and the Holy Spirit’s power enabled them to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. This passage challenges us today to embrace our own role in Christ’s mission, knowing that God calls us not because of our qualifications but because of our willingness to follow and serve Him faithfully.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling the apostles to share in Your mission and for their courageous example of faith. Help us to follow their path, trusting in Your power to work through our weaknesses. Strengthen our commitment to serve You in our daily lives, bringing healing, hope, and love to those we encounter. May we always rely on Your grace to overcome the challenges we face and spread the message of Your Kingdom. Amen.