10:2a
These are the names of the twelve apostles: This clause introduces the names of the twelve apostles. These twelve apostles are the same men as the twelve disciples mentioned 10:1a.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
Here are the names of the twelve apostles (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
These are the names of the twelve apostles: (New International Version)
apostles: The word apostles means “messengers,” or “people who are sent on a mission or with a message.” These people represent and have the authority of the person who sent them. Here apostles refers to the disciples whom Jesus sent and gave the power to cast out evil spirits and heal the sick.
Here are some other ways to translate apostles:
• Translate the meaning of the Greek word apostles. For example:
people sent ⌊to speak/act for him⌋
-or-
⌊special⌋ messengers
-or-
representatives
-or-
men with authority from Jesus
• Indicate the role or function of apostles. For example:
chief leaders ⌊of Jesus’ work⌋
-or-
people who are in charge ⌊of Jesus’ work⌋
Be careful to choose different terms for “apostles,” “angels,” “elders,” and “prophets.”
10:2b
first: There are at least two ways to interpret the word first:
(1) It means that Peter was, in some sense, the leader or most honored of the disciples/apostles. For example:
first and foremost (God’s Word)
(God’s Word)
(2) It means that Peter was the first person mentioned on the list. For example:
first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter’s brother) (New Living Translation (2004))
(New Living Translation (2004), and perhaps New Century Version)
Most English versions are ambiguous and it is not possible to tell which interpretation they follow. It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Most commentaries follow this interpretation.
If your word for first only means first in a list or first in line, you should find another way to translate this word. For example:
the highest/greatest
Simon, called Peter: Simon is the Jewish name of the first apostle. Jesus also gave him the Greek name of Peter.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
Simon, also called Peter (Revised English Bible)
-or-
Simon, whose other name was Peter
his brother Andrew: The Bible does not definitely tell us whether Andrew was older or younger than his brother Simon. But some believe that Andrew was younger because his name usually appears after Peter’s name in lists. If your language only has terms for “younger-brother” and “older-brother,” you should use “younger-brother” for Andrew. For example:
and his ⌊younger⌋ brother Andrew
10:2c
James son of Zebedee, and his brother John: John was the brother of James, and both were sons of Zebedee. John was probably younger than James.
Here is another way to translate this phrase:
James and his ⌊younger⌋ brother John, ⌊they were⌋ sons of Zebedee
Be careful to translate this in a way that does not imply that John was the brother of Zebedee.
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