Matthew Chapter 10 · Verse 3
Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
Original Language Analysis
Φίλιππος
Philip
G5376
Φίλιππος
Philip
Strong's:
G5376
Word #:
1 of 17
fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Βαρθολομαῖος
Bartholomew
G918
Βαρθολομαῖος
Bartholomew
Strong's:
G918
Word #:
3 of 17
son of tolmai; bar-tholomaeus, a christian apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ματθαῖος
Matthew
G3156
Ματθαῖος
Matthew
Strong's:
G3156
Word #:
6 of 17
matthaeus (i.e., matthitjah), an israelite and a christian
ὁ
the son of
G3588
ὁ
the son of
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τελώνης
the publican
G5057
τελώνης
the publican
Strong's:
G5057
Word #:
8 of 17
a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue
ὁ
the son of
G3588
ὁ
the son of
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
the son of
G3588
ὁ
the son of
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 17
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 #:
15 of 17
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.Mark 3:18And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,Matthew 9:9And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.Mark 2:14And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.John 11:16Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.John 21:2There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.
Historical Context
Tax collectors were collaborators with Rome's oppressive system, extracting revenue plus profit. For Matthew to include his shameful past in his own Gospel demonstrates remarkable transparency. Philip came from Bethsaida, same town as Peter and Andrew. Thomas, famous for doubt (John 20:24-29), illustrates that questioning doesn't disqualify from apostleship. Thaddaeus may be the same as Judas son of James (Luke 6:16). The relative obscurity of several apostles reminds us that church history often elevates some while forgetting others equally faithful.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Matthew's inclusion of his shameful past teach about honest testimony?
- How does the obscurity of several apostles challenge our desire for recognition?
- What does Jesus' choice of 'unqualified' apostles teach about grace and calling?
Analysis & Commentary
The list continues with diverse figures: 'Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus.' Matthew identifies himself as 'the publican' (ο τελωνης), acknowledging his despised former profession. This self-designation reveals humility and awareness of grace—Jesus called him from tax collecting to apostleship. The others remain relatively obscure in Scripture, reminding us that faithful service doesn't always mean public recognition. God uses both prominent and hidden servants. These men represent ordinary people transformed by extraordinary calling. Their selection demolishes merit-based thinking: Jesus chose not the qualified but those He would qualify through His presence and Spirit.