How can we apply the apostles' example in Matthew 10:2 to evangelism today? A roll call that still speaks “Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: first Simon, called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother.” (Matthew 10:2) • A factual, eyewitness record—real men, real mission • “Apostles” literally means “sent ones”; they model every believer’s sending (John 20:21) • Listed in pairs, hinting at teamwork (cf. Mark 6:7) What we learn from each pair • Peter & Andrew – Brothers who left nets immediately (Matthew 4:18-20) – Example: share Christ first with household and workplace contacts. • James & John – Passionate “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17) tempered by Jesus – Example: let zeal be guided by love, not pride. • Philip & Bartholomew (Nathanael) – Friends who invited others (John 1:43-46) – Example: introduce skeptics to Jesus with a simple “Come and see.” • Thomas & Matthew – A questioning realist and a redeemed tax collector – Example: God uses honest doubts and broken pasts as credible testimonies. • James son of Alphaeus & Thaddaeus – Quiet names, little recorded – Example: faithful, unseen service still matters (Colossians 3:23-24). • Simon the Zealot & Judas Iscariot – Opposite motives revealed over time – Example: examine our hearts; proximity to Christ is not the same as loyalty (2 Corinthians 13:5). Principles for our witness • God calls ordinary people by name (Isaiah 43:1). • He sends us out together; evangelism is a team sport. • Backgrounds become bridges—fishers, tax collectors, zealots all find unique audiences. • Authority comes from Jesus alone (Matthew 10:1); our confidence rests there, not in technique. • Expect mixed responses; even among the Twelve was a betrayer. Faithfulness, not results, defines success (1 Corinthians 4:2). Putting it into practice this week 1. Pair up—find a friend or spouse to pray and witness with. 2. List three people in your daily circle who need Christ; call them by name, as Jesus did the apostles. 3. Craft a two-minute version of your story; let your background shine as Matthew’s did. 4. Schedule one shared outing—coffee, neighborhood walk, service project—where Gospel conversation can flow naturally. 5. Debrief together, encourage one another, and keep going; the apostles’ mission became a lifelong pattern. Scriptures to keep in view • Acts 4:13—“When they saw the boldness of Peter and John…and realized they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled.” • 1 Corinthians 1:26-29—God chooses the weak to shame the strong. • Romans 10:14-15—How will they hear without a preacher? • 2 Timothy 4:5—“Do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” |
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