Matthew 10

  10:2-4.  Many of the apostles, like Peter, have more than one name.  This can be caused by two or more languages being used, as when Peter’s birth name is either Simon or Simeon.  Bartholomew is called Nathaniel.  Matthew is Levi.  Thaddaeus is also either Judas the son of James, or Lebbaeus.  James is the O.T. name Jacob, and so forth.  To add to the confusion, there are two Simons, two Jameses, two Judases, etc.  But rest assured, if a list in one of the gospels doesn’t exactly match Matthew’s list, they nevertheless are the very same twelve men.

     It is interesting that Matthew wears the title “tax-gatherer” (or publican) like a badge of honor.  That is because this reminder of his despised and sinful condition brings glory to the One who has chosen and cleansed him.  Even him.  This is much like Paul, who refers to himself as “chief of sinners”.

     10:25.  Beelzebul (Dung god) is “by parody upon Baal-zebub” (or Beelzebub) meaning Master-of flies.  See 2 Kings1:1-3;  Mt.9:34.

     10:35-36,  See Mic.7:6 and context.  Jesus came to make a division of mankind which can run right through the heart of a family.  He makes manifest the lost condition of sinners, and the enmity of two kingdoms.  He makes peace not by compromise, but by defeating all his and our enemies.

     10:41.  …”in the name of a prophet” can be paraphrased (as in NIV), “because he is a prophet.”