Luke 6:15

KJV

Matthew and Thomas, James the [son] of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

KJV (with Strong's)

Matthew {G3156} and {G2532} Thomas {G2381}, James {G2385} the {G3588} son of Alphaeus {G256}, and {G2532} Simon {G4613} called {G2564} Zelotes {G2208},

Complete Jewish Bible

Mattityahu; T'oma; Ya`akov Ben-Halfai;

Berean Standard Bible

Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot;

American Standard Version

and Matthew and Thomas, and James the son of Alphæus, and Simon who was called the Zealot,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 6:15 continues the enumeration of the twelve apostles, carefully chosen by Jesus Christ to form the core of His earthly ministry and to serve as foundational witnesses to His kingdom. This verse specifically names Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, highlighting the remarkable diversity of individuals Jesus intentionally selected to be His closest disciples and future emissaries. Their inclusion underscores Jesus' radical inclusivity and His power to unite disparate backgrounds for a singular divine purpose.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Luke's account of Jesus establishing His apostolic band, immediately following a profound moment of divine communion. In [Luke 6:12](/luke/6-12 "Luke 6:12 - Jesus Prays Before Choosing Apostles"), Jesus spent the entire night in prayer to God, demonstrating the immense spiritual weight and divine intentionality behind His subsequent choices. The very next verse, [Luke 6:13](/luke/6-13 "Luke 6:13 - Jesus Chooses the Twelve Apostles"), states that "when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles." Luke 6:14-16 then provides the full list of these chosen men. This selection is presented as a deliberate, prayer-saturated act, foundational to Jesus' mission, as these individuals would be commissioned to preach, heal, and ultimately bear witness to His resurrection and the inauguration of the new covenant. The list of apostles immediately precedes Jesus' extended teaching, often referred to as the Sermon on the Plain, in [Luke 6:17-49](/luke/6-17-49 "Luke 6:17-49 - The Sermon on the Plain"), indicating that these chosen men were to be the primary recipients and future promulgators of His kingdom ethics.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The first century Judea and Galilee were under Roman occupation, a reality that deeply influenced the social and political landscape. The Jewish people harbored a wide spectrum of views regarding Roman rule, from quiet submission to fervent rebellion. Tax collectors, like Matthew (also known as Levi), were particularly reviled by their fellow Jews. They were seen as collaborators with the Roman oppressors, often accused of extortion and considered ritually unclean. In stark contrast, the Zealots, to whom Simon belonged, were a fiercely nationalistic, anti-Roman faction committed to overthrowing Roman rule, often through violent means, believing it was an act of religious devotion to God. The very idea of a tax collector and a Zealot serving together in the same inner circle would have been scandalous and unthinkable in that cultural milieu. This context highlights the revolutionary nature of Jesus' kingdom, which transcended the deep social, political, and religious divisions of the day, uniting people not by shared worldly allegiance but by a common call to follow Him.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 6:15, as part of the broader apostolic list, contributes significantly to several key themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Election and Sovereignty**, showcasing Jesus' deliberate and prayerful choice of His core leadership, underscoring that His ministry was not accidental but divinely orchestrated. Secondly, the verse powerfully illustrates **Radical Inclusivity and Unity in Diversity**. The presence of individuals from vastly different, even opposing, social and political backgrounds (like Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot) highlights Jesus' ability to bridge divides and create a new community based on allegiance to Him, rather than to worldly factions. This foreshadows the universal scope of the Gospel and the breaking down of dividing walls, a theme powerfully articulated later by Paul in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace"). Lastly, the selection of these men, despite their imperfections and varied pasts, points to the theme of **Transformation and Commissioning**. Jesus calls ordinary individuals, not necessarily the most learned or powerful, to extraordinary service, demonstrating that His kingdom advances through those whom He chooses and empowers, preparing them for the mission described in [Luke 9:1-6](/luke/9-1-6 "Luke 9:1-6 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zelotes (Greek, _Zēlōtḗs'_):** From G2208, this term means "a Zealot," specifically referring to a partisan for Jewish political independence. Its inclusion here is crucial, identifying Simon as a member of the Zealot faction, a group characterized by their fervent nationalism and often violent resistance to Roman occupation. This designation immediately highlights the profound political and ideological chasm between Simon and Matthew, the tax collector, showcasing the radical nature of Jesus' call that transcended such divides.
* **Thomas (Greek, _Thōmâs'_):** From G2381, this name means "the twin." While the Gospels do not explicitly state who Thomas's twin was, this etymological detail adds a layer of personal identity to this apostle, who is perhaps most famously known for his initial doubt regarding Jesus' resurrection in [John 20:25](/john/20-25 "John 20:25 - Thomas's Doubt"). Despite this, Thomas also demonstrated profound loyalty and courage, as seen in [John 11:16](/john/11-16 "John 11:16 - Thomas's Loyalty"), when he was willing to go and die with Jesus.
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** From G2564, this verb means "to call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications). In the context of "Simon called Zelotes," it indicates that this epithet was a common designation or surname for Simon, distinguishing him from other Simons (like Simon Peter). More broadly, the concept of being "called" by Jesus is fundamental to discipleship, signifying a divine invitation and appointment to a specific purpose, as seen in Jesus' initial call to His disciples in [Luke 5:10](/luke/5-10 "Luke 5:10 - Jesus Calls Peter").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Matthew and Thomas":** This phrase continues the list of the twelve apostles, following Peter, Andrew, James, and John from the previous verse. Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector, a profession despised by most Jews due to its association with Roman occupation and perceived corruption. His inclusion highlights Jesus' radical inclusivity, extending His call to those considered outcasts. Thomas, whose name means "twin," is less prominent in the Synoptic Gospels but is known for his loyalty and later, his initial skepticism regarding the resurrection, demonstrating that faith can develop even amidst doubt.
* **"James the [son] of Alphaeus":** This specific identification is crucial to distinguish him from James, the son of Zebedee and brother of John, who was part of Jesus' inner circle of three. James the son of Alphaeus is one of the "lesser" known apostles, with very few specific actions or words attributed to him in the Gospel narratives. His presence underscores that every individual chosen by Jesus, regardless of their public prominence, was vital to the divine plan and the foundation of the church.
* **"and Simon called Zelotes":** This final clause in the verse introduces Simon, who is uniquely identified by the epithet "Zelotes." This designation indicates his former association with the Zealot party, a fiercely nationalistic and anti-Roman group. The inclusion of Simon the Zealot alongside Matthew the tax collector within the same apostolic band is a profound testament to Jesus' power to reconcile individuals from diametrically opposed political and social backgrounds, uniting them under the banner of His kingdom, which transcends earthly divisions.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 6:15 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Listing** or **Cataloging**, as the verse continues the enumeration of the twelve apostles, a common technique in biblical narratives to establish a group's composition and significance. More profoundly, the verse utilizes **Juxtaposition**, particularly in the pairing of Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot within the same list. This stark contrast between a Roman collaborator and an anti-Roman nationalist powerfully highlights Jesus' ability to transcend and reconcile deep societal divisions. This juxtaposition serves as a form of **Symbolism**, representing the radical inclusivity of Jesus' kingdom and His power to unite disparate individuals into a new community, foreshadowing the universal reach of the Gospel message that breaks down all barriers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 6:15, by naming these diverse individuals, profoundly illustrates the nature of God's call and the foundational principles of His kingdom. Jesus' deliberate choice of men from vastly different social, political, and temperamental backgrounds—from the despised tax collector to the fervent nationalist, from the loyal skeptic to the obscure—demonstrates that His kingdom is not built on human qualifications, social standing, or political alignment, but on divine election and a personal call to follow Him. This selection underscores God's sovereignty in choosing His instruments and His ability to forge unity out of diversity, laying the groundwork for a church that would eventually encompass all nations and peoples. It highlights that the true allegiance of His followers is to Him, transcending all earthly loyalties and divisions, and that His transformative power can reconcile even the most unlikely companions for a shared, divine mission.

* [Matthew 10:2-4](/matthew/10-2-4 "Matthew 10:2-4 - The Twelve Apostles")
* [Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 6:15 offers profound insights for contemporary believers and the church. The diverse composition of Jesus' chosen apostles serves as a powerful reminder that God's call is not limited by our past, our profession, our social standing, or our political leanings. Just as Jesus called Matthew from his tax booth and Simon from his Zealot fervor, He continues to call ordinary people from all walks of life, with all their complexities and imperfections, to participate in His extraordinary purposes. This verse challenges us to embrace radical inclusivity within our own communities, recognizing that true unity in Christ transcends superficial differences and even deep-seated historical divisions. It calls us to lay aside our prejudices and to welcome those whom society might marginalize or deem unworthy, remembering that God often chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the wise ([1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Foolish")). Furthermore, the transformation evident in these men—Matthew leaving his lucrative, despised profession, Simon abandoning his revolutionary methods for the peaceful path of the Gospel—invites us to consider what aspects of our own lives, identities, or allegiances Jesus might be calling us to surrender or reorient for the sake of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' intentional choice of such diverse individuals (e.g., Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot) challenge our own preconceived notions about who God can use in His service?**
* **In what ways can our local church or community better reflect the unity in diversity exemplified by the apostolic band, especially when faced with social, political, or cultural differences?**
* **What "past identity" or "worldly allegiance" might Jesus be calling you to re-evaluate or lay down in order to follow Him more fully and embrace His kingdom values?**

### FAQ

**Why are there slight variations in the lists of apostles in the Gospels?**

Answer: The four Gospel accounts (Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:14-16, and Acts 1:13) all provide lists of the twelve apostles, and while they largely agree, there are minor variations in the names of some of the less prominent apostles. For example, Thaddaeus in Matthew and Mark is likely the same person as Judas the son of James in Luke and Acts. Simon the Zealot is sometimes referred to as Simon the Cananaean (from the Aramaic word for "zealous one"). These variations are not contradictions but rather reflect the common ancient practice of individuals having multiple names or epithets, or different authors emphasizing different aspects of their identity. The core group and their significance remain consistent across all accounts, highlighting the reliability of the overall apostolic tradition.

**What happened to Simon the Zealot after Jesus' ascension?**

Answer: The New Testament provides very little specific information about the individual activities of most of the apostles after the book of Acts. Simon the Zealot is mentioned in the list of apostles in [Acts 1:13](/acts/1-13 "Acts 1:13 - The Apostles in the Upper Room") as being present in the upper room after Jesus' ascension, awaiting the Holy Spirit. Beyond this, biblical accounts are silent. Extra-biblical traditions vary widely, with some suggesting he preached in Egypt, others in Persia, and some even in Britain. Many traditions claim he was martyred, often by crucifixion or being sawn in half. While these traditions are not canonical, they reflect the early church's belief that all the apostles, including the less prominent ones like Simon, went forth to fulfill the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")) and spread the Gospel to various parts of the world.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 6:15, by detailing the selection of Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the sovereign King who establishes His kingdom through radical reconciliation and the empowerment of His chosen ones. The astonishing inclusion of Matthew, a Roman collaborator, alongside Simon, a fervent anti-Roman Zealot, within the same apostolic band is a powerful prefigurement of Christ's work on the cross, where He breaks down all dividing walls of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Jesus is the ultimate unifier, reconciling not only humanity to God but also diverse peoples to one another, creating a new humanity in Himself ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Christ's Reconciliation")). His calling of these imperfect, often opposing, individuals demonstrates His divine authority to choose and transform, not based on human merit or social standing, but on His sovereign will and redemptive purpose. This act foreshadows the universal call to salvation and discipleship, extending to all who believe, regardless of their past or background, and empowering them to become His witnesses to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")). Thus, the diverse apostolic band serves as a living testament to Christ's power to create a unified body, the Church, under His headship, fulfilling His mission to gather all peoples into His one, indivisible kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:9

¶ And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

Mark 3:18

And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the [son] of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,

Acts 1:13

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.

Galatians 1:19

But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

James 1:1

¶ James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

John 20:24

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

Matthew 10:3

Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;