What does Matthew 10:3 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 10:3 mentions six of the twelve apostles that Jesus Christ selected to assist in his ministry.

This verse should be considered within the broader passage where all twelve apostles’ names are listed.

Specifically, the verse names Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus whose surname was Thaddaeus.

It gives a picture of the diversity among the apostles, highlighting different backgrounds.

For example, Matthew was a tax collector, which suggests he was viewed unfavorably by the Jewish people of the time.

The verse also emphasizes the personal nature of Jesus's ministry by including the apostles' names and, in some cases, other identifying information.

Historical Context

In the historical context of Matthew 10:3, these names reflect the traditions and families of ancient Judea.

The naming of the apostles is part of a narrative in the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus empowers the twelve for a specific mission, to reach out to the "lost sheep of Israel" and proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven.

The listing of the disciples manifests the organizational aspect of Jesus's ministry and the importance of each role within early Christianity.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the variety of the apostles chosen reflects the inclusive nature of Jesus's message and his intent to reach a broad audience. The theology implied in the diversity of apostles suggests that God's call transcends social status or past.

Theologians see this as evidence of the grace of God and a precept that the Gospel is for everyone, not a select few.

Practical Applications

The practical application of Matthew 10:3 highlights the importance of teamwork and diversity within the Christian community.

It demonstrates that people from varied backgrounds can work together for a common cause and that one's past does not disqualify them from participating in spiritual work.

In daily life, this could encourage inclusivity and the empowerment of individuals with different talents and stories in both religious and secular communities.

Cross-References

• Mark 3:16-19: "And 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."

Language Study

The original Greek language of the New Testament adds nuance to the apostles' names and titles.

For instance:

• "Matthew the publican" in Greek is "Ματθαῖος ὁ τελώνης" (Matthaios ho telōnēs), the latter word referring to a tax collector, which implies his unpopularity among fellow Jews who often viewed tax collectors as traitors working for the Roman occupiers.
• "Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus" involves a less clear etymology.

"Lebbaeus" could derive from the Hebrew word "leb" meaning heart, implying courage or affection.

"Thaddaeus," possibly derived from "Thaddai," may mean 'breast' or 'heart' as well, or be related to a Syriac word for 'wise.'

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons to other ancient belief systems show that many religions have core groups of leaders or disciples with specific roles.

For example, in Buddhism, the original disciples of the Buddha play significant roles like the apostles in Christianity.

In terms of ancient mythology, the apostles may be likened to the demigods or heroes who were followers and companions to deities in various hero cults, although this is a somewhat secular approach to interpreting religious figures.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives would likely focus on historical evidence for the existence and roles of the apostles.

Archaeology might shed light on the cultural practices and societal structures of the time, potentially corroborating or challenging traditional Biblical accounts.

Such endeavors intersect with textual evidences to build a fuller picture of early Christian communities.

commentaries

Commentaries on Matthew 10:3 often focus on identifying the individual apostles and their respective roles in the New Testament.

They explore the significance of their inclusion in the list and what it indicates about the early Christian church.

• Commentators like William Barclay note the unlikely selection of individuals, such as Matthew the tax collector, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus's message.
• Other scholars, such as Craig S.

Keener, discuss the significance of each apostle and how their backgrounds portray the radical inclusivity of Jesus's ministry.

• The specific mention of "James the son of Alphaeus," and "Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus," present challenges in identification, with scholars offering different hypotheses regarding their true identities and possible references in other historical sources.