Catholic Bible Study – Augustine Institute

Episode: Matthew 10:1-15 Bible Study - November 18, 2025
Hosts: Dr. Tim Gray (A), Dr. Michael Barber (B)

Episode Overview

This week’s study explores Matthew 10:1–15, focusing on Jesus’s calling and commissioning of the twelve apostles, the biblical symbolism of “the twelve,” the mission to Israel, and the themes of authority, restoration, and shepherding. The hosts—Dr. Tim Gray and Dr. Michael Barber—blend solid scholarship, practical reflection, and pastoral encouragement in a lively, conversational tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Matthew’s Structure: Deeds Before Words

• Narrative to Discourse:
  • Dr. Gray sets the context: Matthew alternates between stories of Jesus’s actions (miracles, mighty deeds) and his discourses (teachings).
  • Key insight: The deeds prepare for the words—Jesus demonstrates authority before sharing it with the apostles. (00:30–02:50)
• Quote:
  • “The actions and deeds of Jesus prepare us to understand and to receive the teaching of Jesus more fully. And so it's action and then teaching. So the deeds and the words of Jesus—that's so important to understand.” — Dr. Tim Gray [01:35]

2. The Significance of ‘The Twelve’

• Symbolism of Twelve:

  • Dr. Barber explains twelve is not arbitrary—it recalls the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying restoration and fulfillment of God’s promises. (03:11–06:00)
  • Jesus reconstitutes Israel around himself.
  • The number also connects to cosmic order (twelve months, zodiac).

• Quote:

  • “By appointing twelve, he's signifying that Jesus is bringing about the renewal of God's people… If the twelve represent the new Israel, Jesus isn't one of the twelve, he’s the leader of the twelve.” — Dr. Michael Barber [07:35]

• Practical Application:

  • Dr. Gray connects the biblical twelve to the number of jurors in Western law—a Christian legacy reminding us of final judgment. (09:30–10:45)

3. From Disciples to Apostles: Authority and Mission

• Disciple vs. Apostle Distinction:

  • Disciples (students) called to study and grow.
  • Apostles (apostello = “sent”) are entrusted with Jesus’s authority. To be sent is to act in the name of, and with the authority of, the sender (like an ambassador). (11:00–12:10)

• The List of the Twelve:

  • Peter always listed first—indicating primacy of rank.
  • Jesus calls pairs of brothers (Peter/Andrew, James/John): emphasizes fraternal bonds within the apostolic college; “grace builds on nature.” (12:11–14:00)

• Quote:

  • “To be sent, like an ambassador, means to be sent in the name of the one who sends you, and you...share in the authority of the one who sent you, the king.” — Dr. Tim Gray [11:50]

4. Geographical & Cultural Context: Bethsaida and Capernaum

• Hellenization and Movement:
  • Andrew and Peter moved from Bethsaida (strong Gentile/Hellenistic influence) to Capernaum (more Jewish), illustrating fidelity and response to cultural changes. (14:32–16:55)
  • Jesus’s followers included those from Gentile-tinged backgrounds (Greek names: Andrew, Philip), symbolizing openness and bridging cultures.

5. Jesus’s Mission Strategy – To the House of Israel First

• Focus of the Initial Mission:
  • Jesus instructs the apostles to go first to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (excluding Gentiles and Samaritans), fulfilling prophecies especially in Ezekiel 34. (17:14–21:10)
  • Jesus models the divine shepherd (Ezekiel 34)—binding the wounded, seeking the lost.
• Church as Active, Sent Community:
  • The apostles aren’t fans or passive recipients—they share in Christ’s mission. This underpins Catholic understanding of the Church as participatory, not merely institutional.
• Quote:
  • “The apostles don’t just become fans of Jesus...Jesus wants them to participate in his ministry. This is going to be the basis for the understanding of the church—that we’re not just people whom God saves in a passive way.” — Dr. Michael Barber [19:55]

6. Ezekiel 34, Good and Bad Shepherds, and Scandal

• Prophecy and Pastoral Application:
  • The Lord had warned of bad shepherds (priests, kings) who exploit the flock; Jesus comes as the fulfillment: the Divine Shepherd. (21:21–26:19)
  • The reality of bad shepherds is perennial, both in Israel and the Church. Scandals, while tragic, are neither new nor reasons for despair; Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd who will judge evil shepherds and care for the faithful.
• Quote:
  • “We can't let bad bishops or priests steal our faith…Jesus is still the ultimate shepherd of the Church. It is his flock. At the end of the day, priests, bishops and popes are simply stewards. Jesus is the ultimate good shepherd.” — Dr. Tim Gray [27:24–27:43]

7. Suffering, Persecution, and Hope

• Prepared for Hostility:
  • Jesus warns: “I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves.” The Christian life involves suffering, but the Shepherd walks with us. (27:03–27:43)
  • Reference to Psalm 23: Even “in the valley of the shadow of death,” God comforts and protects.
• Endurance:
  • The call for “patient endurance” and faith despite scandals, suffering, and societal hostility.
• Quote:
  • “The one who endures to the end, Jesus said… and I think of Psalm 23, which is the good shepherd… And so we have to know that Jesus is our good shepherd...and that's so important for us to know and to be encouraged by.” — Dr. Tim Gray [27:43–28:55]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Disciple’s Mind: “We are all called to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind. Don't forget that last one… That's why you're here, because you want to study the Lord…” — Dr. Michael Barber [04:22]
• Humor – On the ‘Lost Tribes’ Legend: “Well, they came to the Americas and became the Mormons.” (laughter) — Dr. Michael Barber [06:19] “No, don’t go to the Joseph Smith route.” — Dr. Tim Gray [06:20]
• On Scandals: “No matter how high the cleric… that isn’t foretold in the word of God. And so for me personally...when I know the word of God...we can't let bad bishops or priests steal our faith, right? And undermine our faith.” — Dr. Tim Gray [23:00–24:58]
• On Apostolic Suffering: “That's not the most encouraging thing your teacher could have told you. Right? You're going to be the sheep, and they're going to be the wolves. Oh, great. Fantastic. But we know who the shepherd is, so we don't have to fear the wolves because we know that we have a shepherd.” — Dr. Michael Barber [27:08–27:24]

Important Timestamps

• 00:30–02:50: Introduction to Matthew’s structure—narrative (deeds) and discourse (teaching)
• 03:11–10:47: The symbolic significance of ‘the twelve’ and restoration of Israel
• 11:00–14:00: Apostolic authority, brotherhood among the apostles
• 14:32–16:54: Geographical context—Bethsaida and Capernaum
• 17:14–21:12: Jesus’s initial mission to Israel, fulfillment of Ezekiel 34
• 21:21–26:19: Good and bad shepherds, the relevance of Ezekiel 34 to Church scandals
• 27:03–28:55: The reality of persecution, true Shepherd, encouragement for today

Conclusions & Practical Reflections

• The selection and mission of the twelve apostles is a profound act of restoration, not just for Israel but for all creation.
• The Church's experience of both faithful and unfaithful leaders has biblical precedent—our hope is in Christ the Good Shepherd.
• Followers of Jesus are called not to passivity but to participation in the mission, enduring suffering with hope anchored in Christ.
• Engaging the Scriptures deeply—like this study—nourishes faith and equips believers for a challenging world.

Next Episode Preview:
The hosts will finish Matthew chapter 10 and move into chapters 11 and 12, continuing to unpack the riches and practical implications of Jesus’s ministry and teaching.

Summary prepared to be rich, detailed, and faithful to the episode’s content, tone, and major themes, including notable quotes and accurate timestamps for reference.