Luke Chapter 6 · Verse 15
Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,
Original Language Analysis
Ματθαῖον
Matthew
G3156
Ματθαῖον
Matthew
Strong's:
G3156
Word #:
1 of 12
matthaeus (i.e., matthitjah), an israelite and a christian
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
the
G3588
τὸν
the
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸν
the
G3588
τὸν
the
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
the
G3588
τὸν
the
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 9:9And 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.Acts 1:13And 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 3:18And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
Historical Context
Zealots were revolutionary party seeking overthrow Rome violently. Simon former Zealot. Matthew former tax collector Roman collaborator. Natural enemies. Yet both followed Jesus. Gospel reconciles enemies. Paul Ephesians 2 breaks down dividing wall Jews Gentiles one in Christ. Early church crossed all barriers slave free male female Jew Greek. Modern church often divided politically culturally. Need recover gospel unity transcending divisions. Not uniformity but unity in Christ amid diversity. Political allegiances must not divide church. Christ supersedes all.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus choosing both tax collector and Zealot demonstrate gospel power to unite enemies?
- What does apostolic diversity teach about church transcending political cultural divisions?
Analysis & Commentary
Matthew and Thomas James son of Alphaeus and Simon called Zelotes. Matthew Matthaion Levi tax collector. Thomas Thōmas doubting Thomas. James Iakōbos son of Alphaeus. Simon Simōn. Zelotes Zēlōtēs Zealot revolutionary. Continued list. Matthew despised tax collector. Simon Zealot anti-Rome revolutionary. Polar opposites united in Christ. Zealots used violence overthrow Rome. Tax collectors collaborated with Rome. Jesus brings together enemies. Gospel transcends political divisions. Reformed theology emphasizes unity in Christ crosses all barriers. Church should transcend political tribal national divisions.