King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:3 Mean?

Matthew 10:3 in the King James Version says “Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Th... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

Matthew 10:3 · KJV


Context

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. against: or, over

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.

5

These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Matthew's inclusion of his shameful past teach about honest testimony?
  2. How does the obscurity of several apostles challenge our desire for recognition?
  3. What does Jesus' choice of 'unqualified' apostles teach about grace and calling?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Φίλιππος1 of 17

Philip

G5376

fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites

καὶ2 of 17

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Βαρθολομαῖος3 of 17

Bartholomew

G918

son of tolmai; bar-tholomaeus, a christian apostle

Θωμᾶς4 of 17

Thomas

G2381

the twin; thomas, a christian

καὶ5 of 17

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ματθαῖος6 of 17

Matthew

G3156

matthaeus (i.e., matthitjah), an israelite and a christian

7 of 17

the son of

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τελώνης8 of 17

the publican

G5057

a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue

Ἰάκωβος9 of 17

James

G2385

jacobus, the name of three israelites

10 of 17

the son of

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

11 of 17

the son of

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἁλφαίου12 of 17

Alphaeus

G256

alphaeus, an israelite

καὶ13 of 17

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Λεββαῖος14 of 17

Lebbaeus

G3002

lebbaeus, a christian

15 of 17

the son of

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπικληθεὶς16 of 17

whose surname was

G1941

to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)

Θαδδαῖος17 of 17

Thaddaeus

G2280

thaddaeus, one of the apostles


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 10:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 10:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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