Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 10:41

"He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet`s reward: and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man`s reward." — Matthew 10:41 (ASV)

In the name of a prophet — that is, for the sake of what the name represents: the prophet’s work as a messenger of God. This is distinct from receiving a righteous person, whose life serves as a concrete example of righteousness.

The distinction between the two involves the prophet's higher inspiration as a messenger of God. This perhaps implies that this specific inspiration belonged only to some of the Twelve. In any case, those who did not receive that special gift were still called to set forth the pattern of a righteous life.

The reward, and the time it is received, belong to the future glory of the kingdom. The words of this promise throw the gate wide open, admitting not only those whose gifts and characters command humanity's admiration, but also all who show by their actions that they are in sympathy with the work for which these gifts were given.