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

LUKE 6:15KJV
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Luke 6:15 (KJV)

What does Luke 6:15 mean?

Luke 6:15 names four of the people Jesus chose as apostles: Matthew, Thomas, James, and Simon. An apostle was someone Jesus selected from among his followers for a particular role. The verse gives details that help distinguish James and Simon from others who had those names.

Luke tells the story rather than quoting someone speaking. The list continues from the preceding verse, where another James and another Simon are named.

The Greek behind Luke 6:15

  • “Zelotes” — ζηλωτής (zēlōtēs): The word carries the sense of a zealous or devoted person. In Simon’s name, it serves as a distinguishing title.

Why Luke 6:15 matters

  • James is identified by his father’s name. “James the son of Alphaeus” distinguishes him from James the brother of John, named in verse 14.
  • Simon’s title distinguishes him from Simon “whom he also named Peter” in verse 14. “Zelotes” may point to Simon’s strong devotion, though the title alone does not establish his connection to a particular political group.

Where else these words appear

“Zelotes” Greek G2208 · used in 2 verses

  • 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.

“Matthew” Greek G3156 · used in 5 verses

  • 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.
  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • 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,

“Alphaeus” Greek G256 · used in 5 verses

  • 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,

“Thomas” Greek G2381 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • John 14:5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
  • John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.