Matthew 10:2

apostles the only passage in this Gospel where the word occurs. The Greek word lit. = "sent forth," "envoys." This sense, 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 "apostles" 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 Romans 16:7. The name is applied to Jesus Christ, Hebrews 3:1, "The Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." 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.

Matthew 10:3.

Mark 3:16; Luke 6:14.

Acts 1:13. 1. Simon Peter.

Simon Peter.

Simon Peter.

Peter.

2. Andrew.

James the son of Zebedee.

Andrew.

James.

3. James the son of Zebedee.

John the brother of James.

James.

John.

4. John his brother.

Andrew.

John.

Andrew.

5. Philip.

Philip.

Philip.

Philip.

6. Bartholomew.

Bartholomew.

Bartholomew.

Thomas.

7. Thomas.

Matthew.

Matthew.

Bartholomew.

8. Matthew the Publican.

Thomas.

Thomas.

Matthew.

9. James the son of Alphæus.

James son of Alphæus.

James the son of Alphæus.

James son of Alphæus.

10. Lebbæus sur-named Thaddæus.

Thaddæus.

Simon Zelotes.

Simon Zelotes.

11. Simon the Cananite.

Simon the Cananite.

Judas (son) of James.

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.

Andrew, a Greek name; see John 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 points to some Greek connection besides the mere name.