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Explanation for:
Matthew
10
:
4
Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
10
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Simon the Zealot, also known as Simon the Cananite, is mentioned in another Gospel as bearing the title Zealot, which reflects his fervor and enthusiasm for his beliefs. Judas Iscariot bears a name that likely references his place of origin, or possibly signifies his lineage from the tribe of Issachar, hinting at a foreshadowing of his betrayal. The name Issachar translates to means of recompense, symbolizing the treachery of the betrayer."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In discussing Simon the Zealot, referred to as Canaanite, the narrative shifts to the betrayer. He is not labeled strictly as an enemy or adversary; instead, he is recognized in a historical context. The term “Judas the wicked and lawless” is absent; rather, he is identified as Iscariot, linking him to his place of origin. Additionally, there exists another Judas, known as Levi or Thaddaeus, whom Luke identifies as related to Jacob, mentioning Judas the son of Jacob (Luke 6:16). Consequently, Matthew differentiates between the two by naming Judas Iscariot, the one who also betrayed Him. It is noteworthy that the evangelists do not shy away from detailing even the most troubling aspects of their accounts. Despite this, the foremost and highest among the apostles was a humble and uneducated man."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Upon encountering Judas, he did not label him as 'this wicked man, this adversary of God,' but instead referred to him as Iscariot, noting his origin, since there was another Judas—Levi or Thaddaeus. Similarly, there were two individuals named James: one being Zebedee’s son and the other the son of Alphaeus. Additionally, there were two Judases: Judas Thaddaeus and Judas the betrayer, as well as three men named Simon: Peter, the Canaanite, and the betrayer, as Judas Iscariot was also called Simon."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"SIMON THE CANANITE, likely named after the town of Cana or due to his fervent adherence to the law, is referred to as Zealot by the other Gospel writers. The Hebrew term for Cananite conveys a similar meaning to Zealot in Greek. JUDE ISCARIOT is also mentioned here. Saint Chrysostom notes that the Evangelist Matthew lists the Apostles not by their status but in a straightforward manner, and when addressing the betrayer, he does so not as an adversary but as a chronicler. Rather than labeling him as the sinful and lawless Judas, the enemy of God, he identified him by his origin as Iscariot. The Apostle Matthew was not reluctant to refer to him in this way, indicating his role in the betrayal. The Gospel writers remained transparent, revealing even those elements that may seem objectionable."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Simon the Zealot is referred to by Luke as \\"Zealot\\" (Luke 6:15, Acts 1:13). This designation likely stems from his prior affiliation with a radical Jewish faction known for their intense adherence to the Law of Moses, a group that sometimes allowed for subjective interpretations of their zeal. The name \\"Cananite\\" has led some to speculate that he was from Cana in Galilee, but it is important to recognize that \\"Canani\\" is a Hebrew equivalent of the Greek term for Zealot, meaning that the terms Cananite and Zealot convey similar ideas.\\n\\nJudas Iscariot is identified as a man from Kariot, a location situated within the tribe of Judah (Num. 15:25). He appears to be the only apostle not hailing from Galilee. The evangelist speaks of Judas not simply as an adversary but as a chronicler, refraining from labeling him as a \\"profane and lawless man.\\" Instead, he refers to him by his city of origin, Iscariot, and does not shy away from stating that he was the one who betrayed the Lord. This demonstrates that the evangelists were committed to honesty, even when recounting events that might be viewed unfavorably."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"He selected twelve individuals from among His followers on the mountain and appointed them as Apostles. The term Apostle originates from Greek, meaning messenger. The mission of these selected twelve was to be sent forth to proclaim the Good News, which is why Jesus designated them as Apostles. Anticipating the need for miraculous signs during their missions, Jesus empowered them to heal illnesses and cast out evil spirits. Among the twelve Apostles chosen, some had previously been called by Jesus to follow Him, including Simon and his brother Andrew, John and his brother James, Philip, Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew, and Matthew. The remaining Apostles were chosen from a larger group of disciples. The Gospel writer Matthew does not detail the selection of the twelve Apostles, mentioning their names only in the context of sending them out to preach; he also refers to himself as Matthew the tax collector. The Evangelist Luke chronicles the calling of the Apostles in alignment with the account given by Mark. While there may appear to be inconsistencies in the names of certain Apostles among the Gospel writers, these discrepancies can be clarified by noting the Evangelists’ efforts to differentiate between those with the same names. For instance, Matthew and Mark refer to the second Simon as Simon the Cananite, while Luke describes him as Simon the Zealot; both \\"Cananite\\" and \\"Zealot\\" derive from the Greek and Hebrew terms for the same concept, indicating the same individual. The second Simon possibly received the title Zealot because he was part of a Jewish faction that championed the autonomy and independence of their people before his calling by Jesus. Regarding the Apostle Levi, Matthew notes that he was known as Thaddeus, a name also used by Mark, while Luke refers to him as Judas son of James. The presence of two Apostles named Judas is evidenced by the Gospel of John, which recounts that during the Last Supper, after Judas Iscariot departed, Jesus remained with the eleven, including Judas—who was not Iscariot—who asked, \\"Lord, why are You going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?\\" (John 14:22). Therefore, this Judas, distinct from the betrayer, is referred to by Luke as Judas son of James, by Matthew as Levi nicknamed Thaddeus, and by Mark simply as Thaddeus. The name Iscariot attributed to Judas denotes his origin from Kerioth, with \\"Iscariot\\" interpreted as a combination of the Hebrew words for man and the town's name. Nathanael, acknowledged by all three Evangelists as Bartholomew, which means son of Pholomew, was also specially designated by Jesus. When Jesus first called Simon, He bestowed upon him the name Peter (John 1:42), which He likely reiterated. Jesus also named James and John, the sons of Zebedee, as the sons of thunder, symbolizing their vigorous and passionate temperaments. These traits were soon revealed when they sought Jesus' permission to call down fire from heaven upon those who rejected Him in a Samaritan village (Luke 9:54)."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The names of the foundational figures of New Testament humanity include Peter and Andrew, the sons of Jonah; James and John, the sons of Zebedee; and Philip, all hailing from the small fishing community of Bethsaida. Following them are Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus (or James the Less), Judas the brother of this James, Simon the Zealot from Cana, and Judas Iscariot, who originated from the Jewish town of Carioth. Among this esteemed group of apostles, three - James the Less, Judas (brother of James), and Simon the Zealot - remain largely unfamiliar to us. The Gospels provide little insight into their identities, and only in the account of the Last Supper does the Evangelist John mention ‘Judas not Iscariot’, who, along with others, posed a notable question to the Savior (John 14:22). Simon is recognized solely by his title of Zealot. The terms ‘Zealot’ and “Cananite” carry the same implication, indicating that he was once part of the tumultuous and fervent followers of Judas of Giscalcus. The Greek names of Philip and Andrew, alongside the fact that Philip was approached by Greeks wishing to see the Savior before His earthly ministry concluded, suggests a possible link between them and the Hellenists; however, aside from their initial calling, there is scant information regarding them, as is the case with Nathanael and Matthew. Thomas, also known as Didymus, meaning ‘twin’, is merely a Greek rendering of his Hebrew name and presents an intriguing character, described as straightforward and pure-hearted, yet fervent and noble; ready to sacrifice but cautious in his faith. Judas from Carioth, likely the sole Jew among the Apostles, is typically listed last, seemingly indicating his lesser qualifications for the solemn role of an apostle, a deficiency he later exemplified through his grievous betrayal. Among the entire assembly of apostles, Peter, James, and John were bestowed the greatest privilege of belonging to the inner circle of Christ's chosen companions. They alone witnessed significant events, including the resurrection of Jairus' daughter, the transfiguration, and Christ's anguished prayer in the garden of Gethsemane. Little else is known about James except that he was honored as the first martyr among the apostles. Though he and his brother John were fishermen, they presumably enjoyed better material conditions than their peers. Their father, Zebedee, not only owned a boat but also employed hired hands; John notes in his Gospel that he was recognized by the high priest, likely due to his frequent presence in Jerusalem engaged in selling fish from the Sea of Galilee. John, still quite young, enjoyed the special favor of his Divine Teacher for the purity of his believing heart; he is often referred to as ‘the disciple whom Jesus loved’. However, the most distinguished among this select trio was Peter, whose very essence warranted the designation of rock (Cephas - Peter), the foundation on which Christ’s revelation of God was established. In Peter, Christ had a deeply devoted disciple, unwavering in his dedication to proclaim his love and profound loyalty. Even his denial of Christ in the pivotal moment of Judas' betrayal served merely as a catalyst for his profound regret, ultimately deepening his love and devotion for the One he had first affirmed to be the Messiah, the Son of the Living God."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot were two of the apostles. The Gospel writers, Matthew and Mark, refer to Simon as the Canaanite, while Luke identifies him as the Zealot (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). Both designations carry the same significance and were likely assigned to Simon due to his previous affiliation with the Zealots, a group that staunchly adhered to the teachings of Moses and resisted pagan influences. Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon (John 6:71; 12:4; 13:2, 26), is distinguished from Judas, the brother of James the Less, by his surname, which indicates his origin from the city of Kerioth. In his role as an apostle, Judas managed the collection of alms, utilizing a box for donations (John 12:6; 13:29). Ultimately, he betrayed his Lord and, filled with remorse, took his own life (Matt. 26:47; 27:5; Mk. 14:43; Lk. 22:47; Jn. 18:2, 3). Jesus, who foresaw all future events (Jn. 18:4), included the traitor among the apostles and permitted him to be part of the blessed community to fulfill Divine Providence regarding humanity's redemption (Acts 1:16). Peter and Andrew, along with James and John, the sons of Zebedee, as well as James, the son of Alphaeus, and Matthew, shared familial ties. From the moment of their calling to apostleship, the entire group of twelve was united, as echoed in the words of a hymn, in a new bond of love for their Master and among one another, governed by a shared conviction, aspiration, and mission — to proclaim the gracious Kingdom of God on earth."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"After recounting the events surrounding the second-first Sabbath and the subsequent one, Luke does not suggest any notable change in the location of Christ's ministry. However, according to the Gospel of Mark, the first occurrence following this was the selection of the twelve apostles. The Gospel of Matthew does not include this event but merely presents the names of the apostles when they were commissioned to preach, as if their selection had previously been established. Neither Mark, who mentions that they went up on the mountain, nor Luke, who notes that it occurred during those days, places this event in a sequential context with what preceded it. Luke informs us that the Lord devoted the entire night before this significant event to prayer. These twelve disciples were summoned to be Christ's closest associates throughout His earthly ministry and to carry on His work following His ascension to heaven. Thus, from this point onward, He drew them near to Himself, establishing a shared community and familial bond, with Himself as the guiding leader. The apostles' names are consistent with those recorded by the evangelists, with only minor variations in their order. In Mark's account, while mentioning James and John, it is noted that Jesus referred to them as \\"Boanerges,\\" meaning sons of Thunder. It is possible that this designation for the sons of Zebedee occurred not at this moment but during an event that showcased their passionate spirit (perhaps related to Luke 9:54). Similarly, regarding Simon, Mark notes that Jesus named him Peter, although this happened at a different time (John 1:42). Some of the apostles listed by the evangelists are already recognized from their accounts of approaching Christ (John 1:37 ff.) and being called to follow Him (Matthew 4:18 ff., 9:9 ff., and parallels), such as Peter and Andrew, James and John, Philip and Nathanael or Bartholomew, and Matthew the tax collector. The details surrounding the calling of the other apostles remain unknown."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As the days passed, it became increasingly important for the Lord to distinguish a select group from the mass of His followers. This would enable Him to extend His mission more broadly and better prepare them for future ministry. The rising approval from the general populace contrasted sharply with the intensifying animosity from His adversaries. These forces, while allowed by Divine foreknowledge, never overstepped their bounds nor interfered with the Divine liberty of our Savior, who laid down His life for us out of pure love, free from any external compulsion. However, according to the Divine plan, their outcomes were destined to unfold in the near future. Thus, in an effort to avoid the Pharisees’ persecution for a time, the Lord sought to establish a deeper connection with a few of His disciples. To accomplish this, He intentionally withdrew one evening to a quiet mountain to engage in prayer. \\n\\nWhat might have been the content of the Lord’s prayer during this time? It is reasonable to consider that as the Divine Advocate laid the groundwork for the Church of the New Covenant, He sought His Father’s blessing on this endeavor, requesting fortitude in the face of the forces of evil, “and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” “I have seen Satan fall from heaven,” and “Satan has desired to have you that he may sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you, Simon.” It is likely that the Son of Man implored His heavenly Father for strength for the challenging task ahead, as He was to soon bring Judas Iscariot close to Him, fulfilling the Father's will and good pleasure, thereby always keeping the grim reality of betrayal in His awareness. \\n\\nThe following morning, after summoning His disciples to the mountain, He appointed twelve of them to be with Him continuously and to serve as witnesses to what they had seen, heard, and felt. These men were to serve as leaders of the new twelve tribes of the renewed Israel."}]}
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