Devine Scripture

Matthew 10:2

What does Matthew 10:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 10:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 10:2 means

Matthew explicitly lists the names of the twelve apostles, underscoring their individual identities and collective calling. The title "apostles" signifies their status as "sent ones," distinct from general disciples a recognition of their unique role as Jesus' authorized representatives. The inclusion of Simon Peter first highlights his prominence. This roll call is not merely a record but emphasizes the personal selection by Jesus of each man, even those who would later falter, showing the care and intentionality in establishing the core of His future church.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James thesonof Zebedee, and John his brother;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James thesonof Zebedee, and John his brother;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now the names of the twelve are these: The first, Simon, who is named Peter, and Andrew, his brother; James, the son of Zebedee, and John, his brother;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And of the twelve apostles the names are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James of Zebedee, and John his brother;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the names of the twelve Apostles are these: The first, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the [son] of Zebedee, and John his brother;

Context

Following the general statement of their calling and empowerment in verse 1, this verse introduces the specific individuals Jesus chose. It provides the crucial identification of the "twelve disciples" who are now being elevated to the role of "apostles." The verses immediately following will detail the specific instructions and scope of the mission these named individuals are about to undertake.

v.1And he called unto him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease and all manner of sickness.

v.2This passage

v.3Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphæus, and Thaddæus;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:7

    then he appeared to James; then to all the apostles;

  • 3 John 1:1

    The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

  • Acts 1:13

    And when they were come in, they went up into the upper chamber, where they were abiding; both Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.

  • 2 Peter 1:1

    Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and the Saviour Jesus Christ:

  • Mark 1:29

    And straightway, when they were come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

  • Matthew 4:21

    And going on from thence he saw two other brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

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