Luke 6:15

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

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

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

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

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

Luke 6:15 continues the list of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ, a pivotal moment in the establishment of His earthly ministry. This verse specifically names four significant individuals whom Jesus called to be His closest disciples and emissaries.

Context of the Calling

This verse is part of a larger narrative in Luke 6, immediately following Jesus' all-night prayer to God (Luke 6:12). After this intense communion, Jesus called His disciples and chose twelve of them, whom He also named apostles. The selection of these twelve was not arbitrary; it was a deliberate act to form the core leadership of His nascent movement, who would eventually bear witness to His resurrection and spread the Gospel after His ascension. The full list of apostles is completed in Luke 6:16.

Key Figures and Their Significance

  • Matthew: Also known as Levi, Matthew was a tax collector, a profession widely despised by Jews due to their collaboration with the Roman occupiers and their reputation for extortion. His calling, detailed in Luke 5:27-28, highlights Jesus' radical inclusivity, reaching out to the marginalized and "sinners" rather than just the religiously devout. His inclusion demonstrates that God's grace extends to all, regardless of their past.
  • Thomas: Often remembered for his doubt concerning Jesus' resurrection (John 20:25), Thomas also displayed deep loyalty and courage, as seen when he was willing to go and die with Jesus (John 11:16). His presence among the Twelve reminds us that faith can grow even from skepticism.
  • James the son of Alphaeus: To distinguish him from James, the son of Zebedee and brother of John, this James is consistently identified by his father's name. He is one of the less prominent apostles in the Gospel narratives, yet his inclusion underscores that every member of the apostolic band, regardless of their public profile, was essential to Jesus' divine plan.
  • Simon called Zelotes: The epithet "Zelotes" (Greek: Zēlōtēs) indicates that Simon belonged to the Zealot party, a fiercely nationalistic and anti-Roman Jewish group. Their primary goal was to overthrow Roman rule, often through violent means. The presence of Simon the Zealot alongside Matthew the tax collector (a Roman collaborator) within the same group of disciples is a profound testament to Jesus' ability to unite individuals from vastly different, even opposing, political and social backgrounds under the banner of His kingdom. It foreshadows the breaking down of dividing walls through Christ.

Linguistic Insight: "Zelotes"

The term "Zelotes" is a direct transliteration of the Greek word, meaning "zealous one" or "one who is ardently devoted." In this context, it refers to a member of the Zealot faction. This designation is crucial for understanding the diverse composition of Jesus' inner circle, demonstrating that Jesus' call transcended political and social divisions, inviting all to a new kind of kingdom defined by love and spiritual transformation, not earthly power struggles.

Reflection and Practical Application

Luke 6:15, by listing these diverse individuals, offers powerful insights for believers today:

  • God's Inclusivity: Jesus intentionally chose people from all walks of life, including those who were socially outcast (Matthew) and politically radical (Simon). This teaches us that God's call is for everyone, regardless of their past, profession, or political leanings.
  • Unity in Diversity: The apostles, despite their stark differences, were united under Jesus' leadership. This serves as a model for the church, emphasizing the importance of unity in Christ even amidst diverse personalities, backgrounds, and opinions.
  • Transformation: The calling of these men was not just an invitation to follow, but an invitation to be transformed. Matthew left his tax booth, and Simon likely abandoned his revolutionary methods for the peaceful path of the Gospel. Jesus calls us to a similar transformation, aligning our lives with His kingdom values.

This verse reminds us that God uses ordinary people, with all their complexities and pasts, to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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;

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