The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;

Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him.

Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, "Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’’’

The WORD Today

In view of the abundant harvest and the need for laborers, Jesus, after inviting His disciples to pray for workers, immediately provides the initial answer to the prayer by commissioning His twelve disciples to become His co-workers in the reaping. Matthew stresses the conferral of authority to perform exorcisms and all kinds of healing. What Jesus did (chapters 8-9), the apostles are now to do. Note that here the twelve disciples are designated "apostles." The word "apostle" means "one who is sent." The Greek apostelló (send) is the verb from which the word "apostle" is formed. Jesus’ action in sending out the twelve is a sign which shows who Jesus is. He has been sent by the Father (Mt 10:40; 21:37) and given authority by God to proclaim the kingdom. Now He sends others to do what He does. Whoever will receive them receives Jesus and the Father (Mt 10:40).