Episode 65 - Matthew 10:1-4 - Naming the Twelve

Scripture: Matthew 10:1–4 (NIV) Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. 2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Episode Summary In this episode, we reach a major turning point in Matthew’s Gospel. For the first time, Jesus does not simply act with authority. He shares it. The work He has been doing Himself throughout chapters 8 and 9 is now entrusted to others. Jesus calls twelve ordinary, complicated, unfinished people and gives them real authority to heal and confront spiritual oppression. Matthew carefully names them, flaws included, reminding us that calling comes before competence and that God’s mission has always moved forward through imperfect people chosen in relationship. Takeaways Jesus shares His authority, not just His teaching The number twelve signals renewal and restoration Disciples become apostles when they are sent, not when they are perfected Jesus names His followers honestly, without idealizing them Authority in God’s kingdom is entrusted before trustworthiness is proven Recommended Reading & Sources Matthew 10:1–4 Exodus 19 Numbers 27:15–23 Isaiah 61:1–3 Daniel 7:13–14 Psalm 78:70–72 R. T. France, The Gospel of Matthew W. D. Davies and Dale C. Allison Jr., A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on Matthew Ulrich Luz, Matthew 8–20 N. T. Wright, Jesus and the Victory of God Craig S. Keener, The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary About the Podcast Gospel at a Glance walks through the Gospels one short passage at a time, finding depth, challenge, and comfort in just a few verses. Each episode invites you to slow down, look closely at the text, and see how the kingdom of God still breaks into ordinary life. Connect: [email protected] Substack: Gospel at a Glance Instagram: @gospelataglancepod Keywords Matthew 10, the Twelve apostles, authority of Jesus, disciples and apostles, calling before competence, imperfect followers, Gospel of Matthew Hashtags #GospelAtAGlance #Matthew10 #TheTwelve #Authority #CallingAndSending #BiblePodcast