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