Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;
Christ conferred these high honors by degrees, like the morning light growing ever stronger. He kept these twelve under probation first, testing men before entrusting them with so great a charge, then fitted them by taking them to be with Him, for no preparation rivals acquaintance and communion with Jesus Christ Himself.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 10:1-4
Bartholomew is conjectured to be Nathanael, since his name means son of Talmai, and he appears next after Philip, who brought Nathanael to Christ. Matthew, the writer here, modestly places Thomas first and brands himself the publican, magnifying God's grace in calling him from so low an estate.
AI summary
Verse 3. Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddeus. These two words have the same signification in Hebrew. Luke calls him Judas, by a slight change from the name Thaddaeus. Such changes are common in all writings.