Mark 3:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} Andrew {G406}, and {G2532} Philip {G5376}, and {G2532} Bartholomew {G918}, and {G2532} Matthew {G3156}, and {G2532} Thomas {G2381}, and {G2532} James {G2385} the son {G3588} of Alphaeus {G256}, and {G2532} Thaddaeus {G2280}, and {G2532} Simon {G4613} the Canaanite {G2581},

Complete Jewish Bible

Andrew, Philip, Bar-Talmai, Mattityahu, T'oma, Ya`akov Ben-Halfai, Taddai, Shim`on the Zealot,

Berean Standard Bible

Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot,

American Standard Version

and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphæus, and Thaddæus, and Simon the Cananæan,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 3:18 continues the enumeration of the twelve apostles whom Jesus specifically chose to be with Him and to be sent out for ministry. This verse lists Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, completing the roster of this foundational group. The selection highlights Jesus' sovereign choice of diverse individuals from various backgrounds, uniting them under His authority for the singular purpose of establishing and advancing His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 3:18 is an integral part of a pivotal passage in the Gospel of Mark, specifically [Mark 3:13-19](/mark/3-13-19 "Mark 3:13-19 - Jesus Appoints the Twelve"). Following a period of intense ministry, healing, and growing opposition from religious authorities, Jesus withdraws to a mountain. This act of calling the Twelve is a deliberate and strategic move, signifying the formal establishment of a new, inner circle of disciples. The preceding verses describe Jesus' intention: to have them "with him" and to "send them out to preach, and to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils" ([Mark 3:14-15](/mark/3-14-15 "Mark 3:14-15 - The Commissioning of the Twelve")). The list of apostles, including the one in this verse, immediately follows this commissioning, underscoring their unique role as foundational representatives of His authority and mission. This selection contrasts sharply with the growing hostility from the scribes and Pharisees, setting the stage for the expansion of Jesus' ministry beyond His immediate presence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The selection of "twelve" apostles carries profound historical and theological significance, deliberately echoing the twelve tribes of Israel. This number symbolized the reconstitution of God's people around a new covenant, with Jesus as the true Israel and the head of this new community. In first-century Judea, it was common for rabbis to gather disciples, but Jesus' calling of a fixed group of twelve, granting them authority, was unique. The individuals named in this verse represent a cross-section of Galilean society: fishermen, a tax collector (Matthew, who would have been viewed as a traitor by many Jews due to his collaboration with the Roman occupiers), and a Zealot (Simon, a member of a fiercely nationalistic, anti-Roman movement). This diversity, particularly the inclusion of individuals from opposing political and social factions, was highly unusual and speaks volumes about Jesus' ability to transcend societal divisions and unite disparate people under His singular purpose.

* **Key Themes:** The naming of these apostles in [Mark 3:18](/mark/3-18 "Mark 3:18 - The Apostles Listed") contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Selection**, emphasizing that Jesus' choice of these men was not arbitrary but a deliberate act of divine intention, irrespective of their social standing or perceived qualifications. Secondly, the list powerfully illustrates the **Diversity within Unity** that characterizes God's kingdom. From the humble fisherman Andrew to the politically charged Simon the Canaanite, Jesus intentionally gathered a varied group, demonstrating God's willingness to use all kinds of people for His purposes. This diversity is also evident when comparing this list with others in the Gospels, such as [Matthew 10:2-4](/matthew/10-2-4 "Matthew 10:2-4 - The Twelve Apostles") and [Luke 6:14-16](/luke/6-14-16 "Luke 6:14-16 - The Choosing of the Twelve"), which, while largely consistent, show slight variations in ordering or naming, underscoring the individual identities within the collective. Finally, this selection lays the **Foundation of the Early Church**. These twelve men would become the core leadership of the nascent Christian movement after Jesus' ascension, tasked with bearing witness to His resurrection and establishing the early church, as seen in their commission in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission to the Apostles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Thaddaeus (Greek, _Thaddaîos'_):** Of uncertain origin; Thaddæus, one of the Apostles. Thaddaeus is a less common name among the apostles and is often identified with Jude, the son of James (or brother of James), in other Gospel lists (e.g., [Luke 6:16](/luke/6-16 "Luke 6:16 - Jude, Son of James")). The uncertainty of his name's origin has led to various theories, but his inclusion signifies his distinct identity within the apostolic band chosen by Jesus.
* **Thomas (Greek, _Thōmâs'_):** Of Chaldee origin (compare תָּאוֹם); the twin; Thomas, a Christian. The name "Thomas" directly translates to "twin," and he is famously known as "Doubting Thomas" for his initial skepticism regarding Jesus' resurrection ([John 20:24-29](/john/20-24-29 "John 20:24-29 - Thomas Believes")). His inclusion highlights that even those with human doubts and weaknesses were chosen by Jesus for His foundational work.
* **Canaanite (Greek, _Kananítēs'_):** Of Chaldee origin (compare קַנָּא); zealous; Cananites, an epithet (by mistake for a derivative from Χαναάν). This is a crucial point of interpretation. The KJV's "Canaanite" is a transliteration of the Greek *Kananítēs*, which Strong's correctly identifies as derived from the Aramaic *qan'ana*, meaning "zealous one." It does *not* refer to someone from the geographical region of Canaan. Thus, Simon was likely a member of the Zealot party, a Jewish political-religious movement fiercely opposed to Roman rule. This interpretation is supported by Luke's Gospel, which calls him "Simon the Zealot" ([Luke 6:15](/luke/6-15 "Luke 6:15 - Simon the Zealot")). His inclusion in the apostolic band, especially alongside Matthew (a tax collector who collaborated with Rome), powerfully demonstrates Jesus' ability to unite individuals from vastly different, even opposing, backgrounds under His common mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas":** This clause continues the list of apostles, building on the initial group named in the preceding verse. Each name represents an individual called by Jesus, highlighting their personal commitment and the diverse backgrounds from which they came. Andrew was Peter's brother and a fisherman; Philip was from Bethsaida; Bartholomew is widely identified with Nathanael ([John 1:45-51](/john/1-45-51 "John 1:45-51 - Philip and Nathanael")); Matthew was a tax collector ([Matthew 9:9](/matthew/9-9 "Matthew 9:9 - The Calling of Matthew")); and Thomas, known for his later doubt, was a key member of the Twelve.
* **"and James the [son] of Alphaeus":** This specifies another James, distinguishing him from James the son of Zebedee (who was named in [Mark 3:17](/mark/3-17 "Mark 3:17 - James and John")). This differentiation underscores the presence of multiple individuals with the same common name, necessitating a patronymic to identify them uniquely within the group. He is often referred to as "James the Less" in tradition.
* **"and Thaddaeus":** As discussed in the key word analysis, Thaddaeus is likely the same person as Jude, son/brother of James, in other Gospel accounts. His inclusion completes the list of those less frequently mentioned but no less significant in Jesus' chosen company.
* **"and Simon the Canaanite":** This final name in the list, as detailed in the key word analysis, refers to Simon the Zealot. His designation highlights his fervent nationalism and political leanings prior to his call. His presence alongside Matthew, the tax collector, is a striking example of the unifying power of Christ's call, bringing together individuals from diametrically opposed social and political factions into a single, cohesive mission.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Mark 3:18, and indeed in the entire list of apostles ([Mark 3:16-19](/mark/3-16-19 "Mark 3:16-19 - The Twelve Apostles")), is **Listing** or **Catalogue**. This technique serves to formally introduce and establish the core group of Jesus' disciples who will carry forward His mission. The careful enumeration lends authority and historical weight to their selection. Furthermore, the inclusion of individuals with vastly different social and political backgrounds, such as Matthew the tax collector and Simon the **Zealot** (mistranslated as "Canaanite" in KJV, but correctly understood as "zealous one"), creates a powerful instance of **Juxtaposition**. This contrast underscores Jesus' ability to transcend human divisions and unite disparate individuals for a common, divine purpose. The list also implicitly uses **Symbolism**, as the number twelve evokes the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying the reconstitution of God's people and the establishment of a new covenant community under Jesus' leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The selection of the twelve apostles, as detailed in Mark 3:18 and the preceding verses, is a profound theological statement about the nature of God's kingdom and His methodology. It reveals that God's work is often accomplished not through the powerful or the privileged, but through ordinary individuals whom He sovereignly chooses and empowers. This diverse group, encompassing fishermen, a tax collector, and a zealot, underscores the radical inclusivity of Jesus' call, demonstrating His ability to break down social, economic, and political barriers. Their commissioning signifies the establishment of a new covenant community, destined to carry the message of salvation to the world. The apostles serve as a foundational pillar for the nascent church, embodying the principle that unity in Christ transcends all human divisions, equipping them to be witnesses to His resurrection and the spread of the Gospel.

* [Matthew 10:1-4](/matthew/10-1-4 "Matthew 10:1-4 - The Apostles Commissioned")
* [Ephesians 2:19-20](/ephesians/2-19-20 "Ephesians 2:19-20 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 3:18 offers rich insights for contemporary believers and the church. Firstly, it reminds us that God's call is not limited to those with impressive credentials or perfect backgrounds. Jesus deliberately chose ordinary people with varied strengths, weaknesses, and even opposing viewpoints, demonstrating His transformative power to equip and use anyone willing to follow Him. This should encourage us to embrace our own unique gifts and callings, trusting that God can use us despite our perceived limitations. Secondly, the striking diversity among the apostles—from a tax collector to a zealot—serves as a powerful model for the church today. It challenges us to actively pursue unity amidst diversity, recognizing that our differences in background, perspective, and even political leanings can be sanctified and leveraged for a greater common purpose when we are united in Christ. The church is called to be a place where divisions are overcome, and disparate individuals are brought together by the Gospel, demonstrating the reconciling power of Jesus to a fractured world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the diversity of the apostles chosen by Jesus challenge my own preconceived notions about who God calls and uses for His purposes?**
* **In what ways can my local church better reflect the unity in diversity that Jesus modeled by choosing such a varied group of disciples?**
* **What personal or social "dividing walls" might Jesus be calling me to overcome in my relationships for the sake of the Gospel?**
* **Considering the ordinary backgrounds of many apostles, how does this verse encourage me about my own potential for service in God's kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the differing lists of apostles in the Gospels, particularly regarding Thaddaeus and Simon?**

Answer: While the core group of twelve apostles remains consistent across the Gospels, there are slight variations in the order and, in a few instances, the names of certain individuals. Mark 3:18 lists "Thaddaeus," while Luke's Gospel (e.g., [Luke 6:16](/luke/6-16 "Luke 6:16 - Jude, Son of James")) lists "Jude, the son of James." Most scholars agree that "Thaddaeus" and "Jude, son of James" refer to the same individual, possibly indicating he had multiple names or a nickname, which was common in that culture. Similarly, Mark's "Simon the Canaanite" (KJV) is clarified by Luke as "Simon the Zealot" ([Luke 6:15](/luke/6-15 "Luke 6:15 - Simon the Zealot")). The term "Canaanite" here is a transliteration of the Greek *Kananítēs*, which derives from the Aramaic word for "zealous one" (*qan'ana*), not from the geographical region of Canaan. These variations are not contradictions but rather complementary details that provide a fuller picture of the apostles and their identities, reflecting the independent perspectives of the Gospel writers while maintaining the integrity of the core historical facts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The selection of the twelve apostles in Mark 3:18, as a foundational act for the new covenant community, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself. These twelve men were chosen to be "with him" ([Mark 3:14](/mark/3-14 "Mark 3:14 - To Be With Him")), signifying that their very identity and mission were derived from their intimate relationship with Christ. They were commissioned to extend His ministry—preaching, healing, and casting out demons—foreshadowing the church's ongoing mission as the body of Christ on earth. Jesus is the true "cornerstone" upon which this apostolic foundation is laid ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")), the head of the church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ the Head of the Church")), and the one who empowers His disciples through the Holy Spirit to continue His work ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit as Helper"); [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - Pentecost")). The diversity of the apostles, particularly the inclusion of a tax collector and a Zealot, powerfully demonstrates Christ's reconciling power, breaking down all dividing walls and uniting humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the calling of the Twelve is not merely a historical event but a profound illustration of Christ's ongoing work to gather, transform, and empower His people for the advancement of His kingdom until His return.

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

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.

Mark 2:14

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the [son] of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

James 1:1

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

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.

John 1:40

One of the two which heard John [speak], and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

John 1:43

¶ The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

John 1:45

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.