Matthew 10:3

Philip, and Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew the Publicane, Iames the sonne of Alpheus, and Lebbeus, whose surname was Thaddeus: Matthew 10:3 (KJV)

Matthew 10:3 is situated within the larger narrative of the commissioning of the twelve disciples. In this chapter Jesus selects and sends out His twelve apostles to proclaim the gospel and perform miracles, and this verse records the names of those He chose.

Philip is mentioned first. He was one of the earliest disciples called by Jesus (John 1:43‑45) and is known for bringing Nathanael (also called Bartholomew) to Christ (John 1:46‑51). Later he appears in the Gospel of John, asking Jesus to show them the Father (John 14:8‑9).

Bartholomew, also identified as Nathanael, is frequently mentioned alongside Philip. His encounter with Jesus is recorded in John 1:45‑51, where Jesus recognizes him as an Israelite without guile. Apart from this, Scripture provides little additional detail about his ministry.

Thomas, famously called “Doubting Thomas,” initially struggled to believe the resurrection. His story culminates in the declaration, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:24‑29), illustrating the need for tangible evidence before faith can be fully embraced, yet he ultimately becomes a faithful disciple.

Matthew the publican, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before following Jesus. He is the author of the Gospel of Matthew. When Jesus called him (Matthew 9:9‑13), Matthew left his lucrative but despised occupation to follow Christ, demonstrating that Jesus calls even those rejected by society to a higher purpose.

James the son of Alphaeus, sometimes called James the Less or James the Just to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee (Mark 15:40), is listed among the twelve. The Scriptures offer only limited information about his personal ministry.

Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus, is the final disciple named in this verse. He is also referred to as Judas, but not to be confused with Judas Iscariot. Some traditions identify him with the Judas who was the brother of James (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13). The name Lebbaeus means “heart” or “courageous,” while Thaddaeus conveys “breast” or “courageous heart.”