1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2 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; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. (Matthew 10:1-4 KJV)
Matthew Henry’s Commentary
Here we are told who Christ ordained to be his apostles or ambassadors. They were his disciples (Matthew 10:1). He had called them earlier to be his followers and had promised to make them fishers of men, which he now fulfilled. Christ often bestows honors and graces gradually, like the morning light that grows brighter.
All this time, Christ kept these twelve in a state of probation. Though he knew what was in them (John 6:70), he took this approach as an example for his church. The ministry is a great responsibility, so men should be tested before they are entrusted with it (1 Timothy 3:10). Therefore, hands must not be laid on anyone too quickly (1 Timothy 5:22).
He also kept them in a state of preparation. He prepared them by keeping them with him. The best preparation for ministry is close fellowship with Christ (John 12:26). Paul had Christ revealed to him before he preached to the Gentiles (Galatians 1:16). Ministers must maintain their relationship with Christ through faith, prayer, and meditation. He also prepared them by teaching them. They were his students, learning privately as well as from his public preaching. He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. Those who seek to teach must first be learners (2 Timothy 2:2). Gospel truths must first be given to them before they can be sent to preach.
He called them to him (Matthew 10:1). Before, he had called them to follow him; now he brought them closer, granting them a greater role. Ministers must seek opportunities to learn before taking on the responsibility of teaching. No one should take this honor upon himself without a clear calling.
He gave them authority in his name. They were empowered not only to call people to obedience but also to cast out demons and heal diseases. All rightful authority comes from Christ. He gave them power over unclean spirits and all manner of sickness. The gospel’s purpose is to defeat Satan and bring healing to the world.
He gave them power over unclean spirits to cast them out. The ministry’s work is directly opposed to the devil and his kingdom. Christ’s authority enabled them to defeat both doctrinal errors (Revelation 16:13) and moral corruption (2 Peter 2:10). Casting demons out of people symbolized Christ’s ultimate victory over Satan.
He gave them power to heal all kinds of sickness. These miracles confirmed their message and demonstrated the gospel’s power to heal and save. Unlike Moses’ miracles, which were often for judgment, or Muhammad’s, which were claimed for personal glory, Christ’s miracles were for the good of others. In the gospel, there is a remedy for every spiritual disease. No sin is beyond the power of Christ to heal.
The number and names of those commissioned were recorded. They were made apostles—messengers of Christ. While all faithful ministers are sent by Christ, these first apostles were uniquely chosen. Christ himself was called an apostle (Hebrews 3:1) because he was sent by the Father, just as he sent them (John 20:21).
Their number was twelve, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. The church was to be the new Israel of God. These twelve, through their teaching, would spiritually judge the twelve tribes (Luke 22:30). They were the twelve stars in the church’s crown (Revelation 12:1) and the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:12, 14).
Their names are recorded as a lasting honor, but their greater joy was that their names were written in heaven (Luke 10:20). Some apostles, like Bartholomew and Simon the Zealot, are mentioned only by name. Not all good ministers are equally famous, but they are equally faithful. They are listed in pairs because they were sent out two by two. This arrangement provided mutual support and strengthened their ministry. Three pairs were brothers: Peter and Andrew, James and John, and the other James and Thaddaeus. It is a blessing when natural brothers are also brothers in Christ.
Peter is listed first, likely because he was the most outspoken and played a leading role. However, he was given no authority over the others, nor did he ever claim any supremacy.
Matthew, the author of this Gospel, calls himself “Matthew the tax collector” (Matthew 10:3), a reminder of his former life. It is good for those honored by Christ to remember where they came from, keeping them humble and glorifying God’s grace.
Judas Iscariot is always mentioned last, with the note that he betrayed Jesus. Christ knew from the beginning what he would do, yet still chose him as an apostle. This warns the church that even in the best communities, there may be hypocrites. However, the presence of one traitor did not discredit the apostleship or the other apostles.