Andrew
Andrew was one of the first disciples called by Jesus and the brother of Simon Peter. He was originally a disciple of John the Baptist before following Jesus (John 1:40). Andrew is often seen as a model of evangelism, as he brought his brother Peter to Jesus (John 1:41-42). His name, of Greek origin, suggests a Hellenistic influence, which may indicate the diverse cultural backgrounds of the disciples.

Philip
Philip was from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter (John 1:44). He is known for his practical nature, as seen in the feeding of the 5,000 when he questioned how they could buy enough bread (John 6:5-7). Philip also brought Nathanael (Bartholomew) to Jesus, showing his role in spreading the Gospel (John 1:45-46).

Bartholomew
Bartholomew is often identified with Nathanael, who was brought to Jesus by Philip (John 1:45-49). His name means "son of Tolmai," and he is noted for his initial skepticism about Jesus being from Nazareth, which reflects the cultural and regional biases of the time. Jesus commended him for his honesty and integrity.

Matthew
Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before following Jesus (Matthew 9:9). His profession was despised by the Jews, as tax collectors were seen as collaborators with the Roman occupiers. Matthew's calling demonstrates Jesus' mission to reach out to sinners and those marginalized by society. He is traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew.

Thomas
Thomas, also known as Didymus, is famously known for doubting Jesus' resurrection until he saw the wounds (John 20:24-29). His skepticism and subsequent confession of faith ("My Lord and my God!") highlight the importance of faith and the reality of Jesus' resurrection. Thomas' story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ.

James son of Alphaeus
James, often referred to as "James the Less" to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee, is a more obscure figure among the apostles. His designation as "son of Alphaeus" helps differentiate him from other figures named James. Little is known about his life and ministry, but his inclusion among the apostles underscores the diverse backgrounds of Jesus' followers.

Thaddaeus
Thaddaeus is also known as Judas, son of James, in some Gospel accounts (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13). This dual naming may reflect a common practice of having multiple names or nicknames. Thaddaeus' role among the apostles is not well-documented, but his presence signifies the varied personalities and roles within the early Christian community.

Simon the Zealot
Simon the Zealot is distinguished by his association with the Zealots, a Jewish political movement that sought to overthrow Roman rule. His background as a Zealot suggests a radical transformation in following Jesus, who preached a message of peace and love. Simon's inclusion among the apostles highlights the unifying power of Jesus' message, bringing together individuals from diverse and even opposing backgrounds.

1. Andrew
One of the first disciples called by Jesus, brother of Simon Peter, known for bringing others to Jesus.

2. Philip
A disciple from Bethsaida, known for his questioning nature and for bringing Nathanael to Jesus.

3. Bartholomew
Often identified with Nathanael, known for his initial skepticism about Jesus being from Nazareth.

4. Matthew
Also known as Levi, a former tax collector who became a disciple and authored the Gospel of Matthew.

5. Thomas
Known as "Doubting Thomas" for his initial disbelief in Jesus' resurrection until he saw Jesus' wounds.

6. James son of Alphaeus
Often referred to as "James the Less," distinguishing him from James, the brother of John.

7. Thaddaeus
Also known as Judas son of James, not to be confused with Judas Iscariot.

8. Simon the Zealot
A former member of the Zealots, a Jewish political movement, known for his zeal for the Jewish law.Diversity in Unity
The list of disciples shows a diverse group united in Christ. This diversity reflects the church's call to unity despite differences.

Evangelistic Spirit
Like Andrew and Philip, believers are called to bring others to Jesus, emphasizing personal evangelism.

Transformation through Christ
Matthew's transformation from a tax collector to a disciple illustrates the power of Jesus to change lives.

Faith and Doubt
Thomas' account encourages believers to bring their doubts to Jesus, who meets us where we are.

Zeal for the Gospel
Simon the Zealot's passion is redirected from political zeal to zeal for the Gospel, reminding us to channel our passions for God's purposes.(18) Simon the Canaanite.--Better, Cananite, or, following many MSS., Canan?an, i.e., the Aramaic equivalent of Zelotes. (See Note on Matthew 10:2-4)

Verses 18, 19. - Andrew is next mentioned after these eminent apostles, as the first called. The word is from the Greek, and means "manly." Bartholomew, that is, Bar-tolmai, the son of Tolmay. This is a patronymic, and not a proper name. It has been with good reason supposed that he is identical with Nathanael, of whom we first read in John 1:46, as having been found by Philip and brought to Christ. In the three synoptic Gospels we find Philip and Bartholomew enumerated together in the lists of the apostles; and certainly the mode in which Nathanael is mentioned in John 21:2 would seem to show that he was an apostle. His birthplace, too, Cana of Galilee, would point to the same conclusion. If this be so, then the name Nathanael, the "gift of God," would bear the same relation to Bartholomew that Simon does to Bar-jona. Matthew. In St Matthew's own list of the apostles (Matthew 10:3) the epithet "the publican" is added to his name, and he places himself after Thomas. This marks the humility of the apostle, that he does not scruple to place on record what he was before he was called. The word Matthew, a contraction of Mattathias, means the "gift of Jehovah," according to Gesenius, which in Greek would be "Theodore." Thomas. Eusebius says that his real name was Judas. It is possible that Thomas may have been a surname. The word is Hebrew meaning a twin, and it is so rendered in Greek in John 11:16. James the son of Alphaeus, or Clopas (not Cleophas): called" the Less," either because he was junior in age, or rather in his call, to James the Great, the brother of John. This James, the son of Alphaeus, is called the brother of our Lord. St. Jerome says that his father Alphaeus, or Clopas, married Mary, a sister of the blessed Virgin Mary, which would make him the cousin of our Lord. This view is confirmed by Bishop Pearson (Art. 3:on the Creed). He was the writer of the Epistle which bears his name, and he became Bishop of Jerusalem. Thaddaeus, called also Lebbaeus and Judas; whence St. Jerome describes him as "trionimus," i.e. having three names. Judas would be his proper name. Lebbaeus and Thaddaeus have a kind of etymological affinity, the root of Lebbaeus being "heart," and of Thaddaeus, "breast." These names are probably recorded to distinguish him from Judas the traitor. Simon the Canaanite. The word in the Greek, according to the best authorities, is, both here and in St. Matthew (Matthew 10:4), Καναναῖος, from a Chaldean or Syriac word, Kanean, or Kanenieh. The Greek equivalent is Ζηλωτής, which we find preserved in St. Luke (Luke 6:15). It is possible, however, that Simon may have been born in Cana of Galilee. St. Jerome says that he was called a Cananaean or Zealot, by a double reference to the place of his birth and to his zeal. Judas Iscariot. Iscariot. The most probable derivation is from the Hebrew lsh-Kerioth, "a man of Kerioth,' a city of the tribe of Judah. St. John (John 6:7) describes him as the son of Simon. If it be asked why our Lord should have chosen Judas Iscariot, the answer is that he chose him, although he knew that he would betray him, because it was his will that he should be betrayed by one that had been "his own familiar friend," and that had "eaten bread with him." Bengel says well here that "there is an election of grace from which men may fall." How far our Lord knew from the first the results of his choice of Judas belongs to the profound, unfathomable mystery of the union of the Godhead and the manhood in his sacred Person. We may notice generally, with regard to this choice by our Lord of his apostles, the germ of the principle of sending them forth by two and two. Here are Peter and Andrew, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, and so on. Then, again, our Lord chose three pairs of brothers, Peter and Andrew, James and John, James the Less and Jude, that he might teach us how powerful an influence is brotherly love. We may also observe that Christ, in selecting his apostles, chose some of his kinsmen according to the flesh. When he took upon him our flesh, he recognized those who were near to him by nature, and he would unite them yet mere closely by grace to his Divine nature. Three of the apostles took the lead, namely, Peter and James and John, who were admitted to be witnesses of his transfiguration, of one of his greatest miracles, and of his passion.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Andrew,
Ἀνδρέαν (Andrean)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 406: From aner; manly; Andreas, an Israelite.

Philip,
Φίλιππον (Philippon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5376: From philos and hippos; fond of horses; Philippus, the name of four Israelites.

Bartholomew,
Βαρθολομαῖον (Bartholomaion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 918: Of Chaldee origin; son of Tolmai; Bar-tholomoeus, a Christian apostle.

Matthew,
Μαθθαῖον (Maththaion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3156: Matthew. A shorter form of machomai; Matthaeus, an Israelite and a Christian.

Thomas,
Θωμᾶν (Thōman)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2381: Thomas, also called Didymus, one of the Twelve. Of Chaldee origin; the twin; Thomas, a Christian.

James
Ἰάκωβον (Iakōbon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2385: The same as Iakob Graecized; Jacobus, the name of three Israelites.

[son]
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

of Alphaeus,
Ἁλφαίου (Halphaiou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 256: Alphaeus; apparently two persons, (a) father of Levi, and (b) father of James. Of Hebrew origin; Alphoeus, an Israelite.

Thaddaeus,
Θαδδαῖον (Thaddaion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2280: Thaddaeus, one of the twelve apostles. Of uncertain origin; Thaddaeus, one of the Apostles.

Simon
Σίμωνα (Simōna)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4613: Simon. Of Hebrew origin; Simon, the name of nine Israelites.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Zealot,
Καναναῖον (Kananaion)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2581: A Canaanite. Of Chaldee origin; zealous; Cananites, an epithet.


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NT Gospels: Mark 3:18 Andrew (Mar Mk Mr)