Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
Matthew.
Luke 5:27 And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.
Levi.
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.
Thomas.
John 11:16 Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.
John 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
James.
Acts 15:13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
Galatians 1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
Galatians 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Alphaeus.
Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
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.
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,
Simon.
Matthew 10:4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed 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,
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.
James son of Alphaeus
James, son of Alphaeus, is one of the lesser-known apostles, often referred to as "James the Less" to distinguish him from James, the brother of John. The title "the Less" could refer to his stature, age, or the amount of information available about him. His father, Alphaeus, is mentioned, but little else is known about James' background or his specific contributions to the early church. His inclusion among the apostles signifies the diverse backgrounds and roles within Jesus' followers.
and Simon called the Zealot;
Simon the Zealot is identified by his association with the Zealots, a Jewish political movement that sought to overthrow Roman rule in Judea. This background suggests a fervent passion for Jewish independence and possibly a militant past. His transformation into a follower of Jesus illustrates the radical change that Jesus' message could inspire, turning a zeal for political liberation into a zeal for spiritual liberation. Simon's presence among the apostles, alongside Matthew the tax collector, symbolizes the unifying power of Jesus' ministry, bringing together individuals from opposing social and political backgrounds.
“Matthew and Thomas;” (Luke 6:15)
• Matthew
‑ Also called Levi (Luke 5:27–32). As a tax collector, he was viewed as a collaborator with Rome. Jesus’ choice of Matthew shows the reach of grace into even the most despised professions (Matthew 9:9–13).
‑ After following Christ, Matthew hosted a banquet so others could meet the Lord. His Gospel later highlighted Jesus as Messiah and King (Matthew 1:1; 28:18–20).
‑ Cross references underscore his transformation: Mark 2:13–17; Acts 1:13.
• Thomas
‑ Known for candid questions and initial doubt (John 14:5; 20:24–29). When Thomas finally touched the risen Jesus, he confessed, “My Lord and my God!”—a climactic declaration of Christ’s deity.
‑ His earlier resolve—“Let us go also, that we may die with Him” (John 11:16)—shows loyalty beneath the doubt.
‑ Luke lists Thomas right beside Matthew, reminding us that both the skeptical and the socially outcast find a place at Jesus’ table.
“James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot;” (Luke 6:15)
• James son of Alphaeus
‑ Sometimes called “James the Less” (Mark 15:40) to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee.
‑ Though Scripture records no spoken words of his, his steady presence among the Twelve (Acts 1:13) illustrates how quiet faithfulness sustains the mission.
‑ His inclusion assures believers that significance in God’s kingdom is not measured by fame but by faithfulness.
• Simon called the Zealot
‑ “Zealot” links him to a movement passionate for Israel’s purity and freedom from Rome (Acts 1:13).
‑ Christ’s call redirected Simon’s political zeal into spiritual zeal for the gospel. Mark 3:18 lists him among the Twelve, showing that even intense nationalists can find true purpose in following Jesus.
‑ Side-by-side with Matthew the former tax collector, Simon’s presence displays the reconciling power of Christ (Ephesians 2:14–18).
Luke 6:15 highlights four men whose backgrounds range from tax collector to political activist, from outspoken doubter to quiet servant. Jesus intentionally assembled this diverse band, proving that His kingdom welcomes all who will follow Him. Their lives testify that grace transforms, faithfulness matters, and unity in Christ overcomes every social divide.
Verse 15. - Matthew. In the list contained in the Gospel which unanimous Church traditions ascribe to this apostle, "the publican" (tax-gatherer) is significantly added. His brother evangelists, Mark and Luke, in their catalogues, omit the hated profession to which he once belonged. Simon called Zelotes. In SS. Matthew and Mark this apostle is called "Simon the Kananite." This epithet does not mean that Simon was a native or dweller in Cana of Galilee, but the epithet "Kananite" had the same signification as "Zelotes," the surname given by St. Luke, which is best rendered as "the Zealot." Kananite is derived from the Hebrew word קנא, zeal. "He had once, therefore, belonged to the sect of terrible fanatics who thought any deed of violence justifiable for the recovery of national freedom, and had probably been one of the wild followers of Judas the Gaulonite (Josephus, 'Bell. Jud.,' 4:03. 9). Their name was derived from 1 Macc. 2:50, where the dying Mattathias, father of Judas Maccabaeus, says to the Assidaeans (Chasidim, i.e. 'all such as were voluntarily devoted to the Law'), 'Be ye zealous for the Law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers'" (Archdeacon Farrar).