Matthew 10:2
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;
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
the son of
G3588
ὁ
the son of
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποστόλων
apostles
G652
ἀποστόλων
apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
4 of 27
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
ὁ
the son of
G3588
ὁ
the son of
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματά
the names
G3686
ὀνόματά
the names
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
6 of 27
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
ὁ
the son of
G3588
ὁ
the son of
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λεγόμενος
is called
G3004
λεγόμενος
is called
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 27
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Πέτρος
Peter
G4074
Πέτρος
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
13 of 27
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
the son of
G3588
ὁ
the son of
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφὸς
brother
G80
ἀδελφὸς
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
17 of 27
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὁ
the son of
G3588
ὁ
the son of
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
the son of
G3588
ὁ
the son of
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
the son of
G3588
ὁ
the son of
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 1:13And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.Matthew 4:21And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.Matthew 4:18And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.John 12:22Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.John 6:8One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,Luke 5:10And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
Historical Context
The Twelve were diverse: fishermen (Peter, Andrew, James, John), tax collector (Matthew), zealot (Simon), and others. This cross-section of Galilean society—some educated, others not; some wealthy, others poor—showed Jesus' kingdom transcends social boundaries. Jewish expectation of Messiah included gathering and restoring the twelve tribes. Jesus' selection of twelve apostles signaled messianic restoration. Early church recognized apostolic authority as foundational (Ephesians 2:20). The apostles' eyewitness testimony authenticated the gospel and established doctrine.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the diversity of the twelve apostles teach about God's kingdom?
- How does Peter's transformation from Simon to Peter encourage us about identity change in Christ?
- Why did Jesus choose twelve apostles specifically rather than some other number?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Matthew begins the apostolic list with 'the first, Simon, who is called Peter' (πρωτος Σιμων ο λεγομενος Πετρος). 'First' (πρωτος) indicates both chronological primacy and leadership position. Peter's prominence throughout the Gospels confirms his role as spokesman and leader among the Twelve. His given name 'Simon' connects to his Jewish heritage, while 'Peter' (Πετρος, rock) reflects Jesus' renaming (16:18), signifying transformed identity. Paired with 'Andrew his brother,' the list emphasizes relationships—these aren't isolated individuals but a community called together. The Twelve represent reconstituted Israel (19:28), with twelve apostles corresponding to twelve tribes. Their commissioning extends Jesus' ministry, demonstrating kingdom multiplication through sent servants.