Opening Your Bible
Loading study tools and insights...
LOADING
Loading study tools and insights...
Loading study tools and insights...
Matthew 10:3 (BSB)
Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
THE HOLY BIBLE
ListenListen · Chapter audio
Hear this chapter read aloud — the verse you’re on highlights as the reading moves forward.
Chapter read aloud · verse highlights follow along
Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;” — Matthew 10:3
In this moment, you see a group of people being named—Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, and Thaddaeus. It's like a roll call of the first followers of Jesus, a snapshot of those who would walk alongside Him, learning and growing. Each name carries weight and significance, representing different backgrounds and stories. This highlights how diverse and unexpected Jesus' inner circle was, inviting you to imagine the dynamics and friendships that blossomed as they shared this journey together.
Matthew, one of the disciples named in this verse, wrote this book. He was a tax collector before meeting Jesus, which gives him a unique perspective on grace and belonging. By including this list of names, Matthew wants you to see that Jesus chose ordinary people with diverse backgrounds. It shows that anyone can be part of this story, no matter their past. Matthew's goal is to highlight how Jesus breaks barriers and calls people into a new purpose.
This was written in a time when the Jewish people were under Roman rule, feeling oppressed and longing for hope. The culture was buzzing with expectations of a Messiah who would free them. This context is crucial; it helps you understand why Jesus’ invitation to these ordinary people was revolutionary. It wasn’t just about leadership—it was about redefining what it meant to follow God in a world that often felt hostile and disconnected.
This verse matters because it shows that everyone has a role in the bigger story, including you! Just like Philip, Bartholomew, and the others, you are invited to be part of something greater. It’s a reminder that no one is too ordinary or too far gone. Your background doesn’t limit your potential to make a difference. This verse encourages you to embrace your unique story and recognize the value you bring to the community around you.
Take a moment this week to think about your own story. Write down your unique experiences and how they’ve shaped you. Then, reach out to someone in your life who feels like they don’t belong or isn’t sure they matter. Share your story with them and invite them into your community. Just like those disciples, you can create connections that uplift and encourage others to join the journey.
This verse is part of a crucial moment where Jesus is preparing to send out His disciples to spread His teachings. Before this, He’s been gathering followers, teaching them about love, compassion, and the kingdom of God. After this verse, He provides them with instructions and empowers them to perform miracles. This roll call is not just a list; it’s the beginning of a mission, marking the transition from being learners to becoming messengers. It sets the stage for what’s to come, emphasizing the importance of community in this transformative journey.
What does it mean to you that Jesus chose people from diverse backgrounds to be His closest followers, and how does that inspire you to embrace your own story?
Keep reading the full Matthew 10:3 study — free
Sign Up or Login Free