The Twelve Apostles

Scripture Reading:

Review:

Introduction:

Background information

Apostles were well established at the time of writing Matthew

What is an Apostle?

An Apostle is:

Literally means “sent one”

Unique role in the Church

Special authority within the church

No longer a valid office

Gifting of an apostle is different

The Church at this time would have known these things

Simon (Peter)

Andrew

James (Son of Zebedee)

John

Philip

Bartholomew

Thomas

Matthew

James (Son of Alphaeus)

Thaddaeus

Simon the Zealot

Judas Iscariot

I want to spend a few minutes addressing who each of these men is

Simon (Peter)-Always listed first, His name (Peter) means Rock and it was given to him by Jesus. denied Christ and went on to preach at Pentacost and be the most prominent Leader of early church. He and his brother Andrew were both fisherman by trade. Possibly a disciple of John the Baptist (along with Andrew)

Andrew- We know little, In John he is shown to be evangelistic

James (Son of Zebedee) -Older brother to John, less prominent. Fisherman. Wealthy (employed others). Along with John, “sons of thunder”

John- Special relationship with Both Jesus and Peter. Ministered until old.

Philip - Disciple of John the Baptist.

Bartholomew - AKA Nathaniel, John 1 identifies Phillip as the one who brought him to Christ. Jesus called him an Israelite indeed in whom there is no deceit

Thomas - AKA Didymus. Doubter, should be known also for His great faith

Matthew - AKA Levi. Author of this book. Tax collector. Levi is also refered to as the “son of Alphaeus”

James (Son of Alphaeus) - Not “James the brother of Jesus” Probably Matthew’s brother. We know almost nothing about him

Thaddaeus- AKA Judas of James (either son of or brother of) possibly author of Jude and Half brother to Jesus (full brother to James the brother of Jesus)

Simon the Zealot- AKA Simon the Cananaean. Zealot may reveal past political views and distinguishes him from peter.

Judas Iscariot

Transition to text

Matthew 10:1 ESV

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.

“He called” this is not the first “calling” but is a focusing of attention

*remember, not chronological

“his 12 disciples” shows that this was already an established group

Jesus gave them “authority”

The entirety of chapters 8-9 (after sermon on the mount) has been establishing Jesus authority as King.

He granted a special authority to cast out unclean spirits, and heal all diseases and afflications

Jesus empowers His people for the sake of the Gospel

The Gospel is the good news that Jesus came and made a way for sinners to know God.

Applications

We should seek to live in the Power that Jesus provides

We should recognize the importance of fulfilling the mission that Jesus has for us.