Matthew 10:3 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible states, "Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus."

This verse is from the Gospel of Matthew, which is the first book of the New Testament. The verse is part of a list of the twelve disciples of Jesus, whom he sent out to spread his teachings and perform miracles. The verse represents the time when Jesus called his twelve disciples to follow him.

The disciples listed in this verse are Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew the publican, James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, also known as Thaddaeus. Each of these men played a significant role in the ministry of Jesus and in the early Christian church. Their names may not be as well-known as some of the other disciples, such as Peter, James, and John, but they were just as important in spreading the message of Jesus.

It is important to note the significance of the disciples being listed in pairs in this verse. This pairing of the disciples has been interpreted as a way to strengthen and support one another as they went out into the world to share the teachings of Jesus. The disciples were not meant to work alone, but rather to work together in pairs, reflecting the idea of community and fellowship within the early Christian church.

The mention of Matthew the publican is particularly noteworthy. Matthew was a tax collector, and during this time, tax collectors were often seen as corrupt and sinful individuals. However, Jesus did not discriminate against Matthew because of his occupation, and he called him to be one of his disciples. This demonstrates Jesus' willingness to reach out to those who are considered outcasts by society and to offer them forgiveness and redemption.

The context of this verse is Jesus' commissioning of his disciples to go out and proclaim the message of the kingdom of heaven. In the preceding verses, Jesus gives his disciples specific instructions on what to do and what to expect as they embark on their mission. He tells them that they will face persecution and challenges, but he also assures them that they will be given the words to speak by the Holy Spirit.

The themes present in this verse include discipleship, mission, and community. The disciples were chosen by Jesus to be his followers and to continue his work on earth. They were given the responsibility of spreading the gospel and making disciples of all nations. This verse also emphasizes the importance of working together in pairs, as well as the idea of support and fellowship within the Christian community.

Symbolism can also be found in this verse. The pairing of the disciples represents the idea of unity and mutual support within the church. The inclusion of Matthew the publican symbolizes the inclusivity and forgiveness of Jesus' message. It serves as a reminder that no one is beyond redemption and that Jesus extends his grace to all, regardless of their past.

In conclusion, Matthew 10:3 is a significant verse in the Gospel of Matthew as it provides a list of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus. The verse highlights the themes of discipleship, mission, and community, and it symbolizes the unity and inclusivity of Jesus' message. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of spreading the gospel and working together in fellowship as part of the Christian community.