The Gospel of Matthew: The Twelve Apostles.

“And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. ² The names of the twelve apostles are these: 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 tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; ⁴ Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” (Matthew 10:1–4 ESV)

Today we return to our study of the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 10 begins with the listing of the Twelve Apostles. In the text, the twelve are also called disciples. What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle, or are they one and the same?

A disciple (μαθητής; mathetes) is a pupil or a follower. Jesus’ disciples were close students who not only listened to His teachings but also imitated His character. An apostle (ἀπόστολος; apostolos) was a special messenger of Jesus. Of Jesus’ many followers (Acts 1:15), these twelve disciples became the first apostles.

“The Greek word apostolos designates an authorized representative or emissary whose world has the authority of the sender (2 Cor. 8:23). Here the Twelve receive authority to do exactly what Jesus has been doing,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.

Jesus gave the twelve authority (ἐξουσία; exousia) which is the right to rule or to have control over a domain. In this context, the domain Jesus gave the twelve was not political but rather spiritual.

Jesus also gave them authority to cast out unclean spirits or demons. Unclean spirits (πνεῦμα ἀκάθαρτος; pneuma akathaartos) were/are evil and supernatural beings who oppose God and His people. He also gave the twelve the power to heal every sickness and weakness.  

“Jesus delegated his power and authority to the apostles to show clearly that he and his kingdom were sovereign over the physical and spiritual realms, the effects of sin, and the efforts of Satan. This was an unheard of display of power, never before seen in all redemptive history, to announce Messiah’s arrival and authenticate him plus his apostles who preached his gospel. This power was a preview of the power Christ will exhibit in his earthly kingdom, when Satan will be bound (Rev. 20) and the curse on physical life curtailed (Isa. 65:20–25),” explains Dr. John MacArthur.

The sending of the Twelve Apostles was the answer to Jesus’ prayer (Matt.9:38). They would become the first laborers of Christ to be sent into His harvest.

“Jesus first commands His disciples to pray to God to send workers, and then He immediately sends these same men out to announce the near approach of God’s kingdom and to exert its power over evil,” states Dr. Sproul.

What follows will be brief biographical sketches of each apostle. Tomorrow’s profile will be the Apostle Peter. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!