Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 10:1

"And he called unto him his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of disease and all manner of sickness." — Matthew 10:1 (ASV)

MATTHEW CHAPTER 10

And when he had called to him his twelve disciples, etc. This account of sending the apostles out is also recorded in Mark 6:7-11 and Luke 9:1-6. Mark says that he sent them out two by two. This was a kind arrangement, so that each one might have a companion, and they might visit more places and accomplish more work than if they were all together.

These twelve were the original number of apostles. The word apostle means one that is sent, and it was given to them because they were sent out to preach the gospel. They were ambassadors of Christ.

To this number Matthias was afterwards added to supply the place of Judas (Acts 1:26), and Paul was specially called to be an apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 15:8–9; Galatians 1:1). So, there were in all fourteen apostles.

In selecting twelve at first, it is probable that he was somewhat guided by the number of the tribes of Israel. Twelve was a well-known number among them, and it was natural that he should select one for every tribe.

Their office was clearly made known: they were to heal the sick, raise the dead, preach the gospel, and so on. They were to be with him, receive his instructions, learn the nature of his religion, be witnesses of his resurrection, and then bear his gospel around the globe.

The number twelve was the best that could be selected for these purposes. It was sufficiently large to answer the purpose of testimony, and it was so small as not to be disorderly or easily divided into parties or factions.

They were not learned men and could not be supposed to spread their religion by skill or talents. They were not men of wealth and could not bribe people to follow them. They were not men of rank and office and could not compel people to believe.

They were just the kind of men who are always found to be the best witnesses in courts of justice—plain men, of good sense, fair character, great honesty, and with favourable opportunities to ascertain the facts to which they bore witness. Everybody believes such men, especially when they are willing to lay down their lives to prove their sincerity.

It was important that he should choose them early in his ministry, so that they might be fully acquainted with him, might treasure up his instructions, and observe his manner of life and his person. By having been long acquainted with him, they might be able to testify to his identity and be competent witnesses of his resurrection. .