The Call of the Apostles - James, the son of Alphaeus

And he [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13–19 ESV).

 

James, the son of Alphaeus, was called to follow Jesus as one of the original twelve apostles at the same time as Matthew. He is almost exclusively mentioned in the Bible within the lists of the apostles, though he is traditionally identified as "James the Less" and is distinguished from the more prominent James, son of Zebedee. In fact, his name appears in all four of the lists of the Twelve Apostles (cf. Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, and Acts 1:13). It is in Mark’s Gospel that he is referred to as "James the Less", or "James the Younger" (cf. Mark 15:40).

 

Some scholars and early church traditions suggest that Alphaeus may be the same person as Clopas, making James the brother of the Apostle Matthew (also called Levi), whose father is also identified as Alphaeus (cf. Mark 2:14). However, the Bible does not explicitly confirm this. We do know that his mother was a woman named Mary (cf. Matthew 27:56), and is one of the women noted as one who witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion. Historical tradition is sparse concerning his ministry. However, early Christian traditions and non-biblical writings suggest he may have preached in regions like Egypt or Persia, and was ultimately martyred for his faith.

 

Just like the story of Matthew, we see only glimpses of his ministry, but we can have confidence in the calling of Jesus. In the case of the two sons of Alphaeus, we see that Jesus called the unexpected, like Matthew, and the unknown, like James. Not all of Jesus’s disciples have miraculous or momentous testimonies, and not all have clear martyrdom traditions. Yet every person called by Christ, no matter their history or personality, can be used in the service of the Kingdom of God. Matthew was reviled by Jesus’s opponents because of his background and colleagues. James was forgotten or confused with others. Yet these same brothers, in Christ at least, were counted worthy to be sent out by Jesus, to see him resurrected, and to take the gospel into the world.

 

I hope that gives great encouragement to you to be the kind of disciple who simply does what Jesus calls them to do. Whatever, ministry you perform, whether in front of one, or one thousand, be the reflection of the grace and glory of Jesus!

  

The Call of the Apostles - Matthew

 

And he [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13–19 ESV).

 

The next Apostle we will look at is Matthew. According to most Christian scholars, he was also one of the four Evangelists as author of the Gospel of Matthew, and thus is also known as Matthew the Evangelist. A little backstory might be helpful in our devotioal today. Remember, the Jews had returned to Judea and Jerusalem after years of exile, yet they now lived under Roman Imperial control. The Romans oppressed and subjugated the Jews, treating many like slaves. Matthew worked as a tax collector for the Romans, taking money from his own people for those who oppressed them. Most would have seen him as a traitor. Further, tax collectors would often overcharge and keep extra money, developing a reputation for greed and theft. Jews viewed these “publicans” as traitors and robbers.

 

However, one day, while Matthew sat working at his tax booth, Jesus looked at him and said, “Follow me.” This would have been scandalous to the religious Jews of the day to even offer redemption. After hearing Jesus call him, Matthew immediatey obeyed. He left behind his position and wealth to embrace a new life as Jesus’ disciple for the Kingdom of God. The Pharisees critisized Jesus for associating with such a sinner. But Jesus told them, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32).

 

After Jesus's ascension, Matthew is believed to have spent years preaching in Judea before taking the Christian message to distant regions such as Persia, Ethiopia, and other parts of the East. Accounts of his death generally honor him as a martyr, though specific details vary. His traditional relics are famously kept and venerated in the Salerno Cathedral in Italy. His story is one of the most inspiring insights into the power of transformation from the Holy Spirit.

 

His story tells us no one is beyond redemption. Once an agent of oppression and getting rich from it, he transformed. God’s voice and call can change and redeem anyone, even the ones we may feel are the least likely. In truth, no one is worthy or able to be saved. We all need his grace and mercy, and just as God saved us, he can save anyone.

 

The Calling of the Apostles - Thomas

 

And he [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13–19 ESV).

 

Thomas the Apostle, also known as Didymus or "the twin," was one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. He is best known for his initial skepticism regarding Jesus' resurrection, which earned him the nickname "Doubting Thomas." His name comes from the Aramaic and Greek words meaning "twin”. In the Gospel of John, he bravely urges the disciples to travel to Judea with Jesus, saying, "Let us also go, that we may die with him."

 

He most know because after the resurrection, Thomas refused to believe until he physically saw and touched Jesus’ crucifixion wounds. Upon seeing Jesus, he made the famous declaration of faith: "My Lord and my God!" He is thought to be one of the twelve who that Thomas traveled outside the Roman Empire to evangelize, establishing seven churches along the Malabar Coast of southern India. The ancient St. Thomas Christians trace their lineage directly to his ministry. He likely was martyred around 72 AD near Chennai, India, where tradition states he was pierced with a spear.

 

We can learn several powerful lessons from Thomas the Apostle. It is always good to value honest doubt. Thomas demonstrates that questioning is a natural part of faith. It can lead to deeper certainty. He was not satisfied with secondhand accounts and sought a direct, personal experience with Jesus. And, once convinced, his doubt turned into total devotion. He went on to evangelize as far away as India.

 

It is also worth noting there is an non-canonical writing which some have attributed to Thomas, The Gospel According to Thomas. Whether the Gospel of Thomas is "legitimate" depends on if you mean historically authentic or religiously canonical. While it is a real, surviving historical document, the vast majority of scholars agree it was not written by the apostle Thomas and was rightly excluded from the Bible. It was likely written in the 2^nd or 3^rd Century A.D, which does make it very abcient. However, unlike the four canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) which tell a narrative story about Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, Thomas is solely a list of 114 secret sayings and parables attributed to Jesus. It is interesting to read, but should be regarded as primarily fiction.

 

This in no way should detract from the apostle’s legacy. He had an inquisitive mind that led him t understand as much of Jesus and the gospel as possible. That is always a good thing. Never fear the truth of Jesus! It stands the test always!

 

 

 

The Call of the Apostles - Batholomew

 

And he [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13–19 ESV).

Bartholomew was one of the original twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Scholars widely identify him as Nathanael, the disciple introduced to Jesus by Philip. Jesus famously described him as "an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile". While "Bartholomew" (meaning "son of Tolmai" in Aramaic) is his patronymic surname, he is believed to be the Nathanael mentioned in the Gospel of John. In the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), his name appears in the lists of the twelve apostles alongside Philip.

 

According to John, he was from Cana in Galilee. Like the other apostles, Bartholomew witnessed Jesus's ministry, death, and resurrection. Following Pentecost, he is said to have traveled extensively to spread the Gospel. Historical and church traditions suggest he performed missionary work in regions such as India, Mesopotamia, Persia, and Armenia. He is also credited by many traditions with helping to establish Christianity in Armenia alongside Jude.

 

All traditions agree that Bartholomew died a martyr for his faith. According to historical accounts, particularly in Armenia, he was brutally executed by being flayed (skinned) alive and then beheaded. As crazy as it may sound, because of his manner of death, he is recognized in in some Christian traditions as the patron saint of leatherworkers, tanners, butchers, and bookbinders. His feast day is celebrated on August 24th in the Western Roman Catholic tradition.

 

There are some things that stand out as principles we should seek to emulate in our lives from his life. First, there are times when honest skepticism can lead to true faith. When first told about Jesus, Bartholomew openly questioned, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" (John 1:46). He teaches us that it is okay to have doubts or questions. However, instead of remaining close-minded, he accepted the invitation to "come and see," allowing his skepticism to be transformed into a powerful confession of faith.

 

Second, there is great value in living a life without deceit or guile. Upon meeting him, Jesus praised Bartholomew, saying, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" (John 1:47). Bartholomew models purity of heart, sincerity, and absolute honesty. He lived without a hidden agenda, teaching us the importance of transparency and integrity in our own lives. He was also a faithful servant without seeking recognition or attention. In the Synoptic Gospels, Bartholomew is only mentioned in the lists of the Twelve Apostles, with no major personal storylines recorded. His legacy reminds us that you do not need to be in the spotlight to do extraordinary work. True fulfillment comes from quietly and faithfully fulfilling your mission.

 

These are traits we all could use more display of in our lives!

 

The Call of the Apostles - Philip

And he [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13–19 ESV).

 

There are four different men named Philip mentioned in the Bible. Phillip was the name of two of King Herod the Great’s sons by different wives (Luke 3:1 and Matthew 14:3). The other two Philips in the Bible were servants of Christ and instrumental in the early church: Philip the disciple and apostle of Christ, and Philip the evangelist.

 

The disciple named Philip was, along with Peter and Andrew, from Bethsaida in Galilee (John 1:44; 12:21). Jesus called Philip, and then Philip went and found Nathanael and told him about Jesus. Nathanael also became Jesus’ disciple. The Bible does not contain much biographical detail about Philip or any of the other disciples, but John records several times when Philip spoke to Jesus.

 

Philip’s first recorded act as a disciple of Jesus was to go and tell his friend Nathanael. Later, Philip was approached by some Gentiles, more specifically, Greeks from Bethsaida who asked Philip to introduce them to Jesus (cf. John 12:20–22). Philip was the disciple who calculated the amount of money it would take to feed the 5,000 (cf. John 6:7). After the Last Supper, Philip requested that Jesus show them the Father, leading to Jesus’ statement, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (cf. John 14:8–9). The last time the Bible mentions the disciple Philip is as one of those gathered in Jerusalem to pray after the Lord’s ascension (cf. Acts 1:13). Tradition states that Philip went to Phrygia (in modern-day Turkey) as a missionary and was martyred there in Hierapolis.

 

Perhaps the greatest testimony of Philip to us today is that discipleship starts with a faith proposition. Philip didn’t find Jesus; Jesus found him. He was searched for and invited directly from Jesus to follow Him.  Philip didn’t have the witness of John the Baptist or direct testimony of a trusted brother.  He had a basic faith proposition from an apparent stranger.  This is a great example of choosing to believe without seeing evidence beforehand. Do you believe only when you see? Begin to love your life by believing and then seeing the wonderful work of God!

  

The Call of the Apostles - John, the son of Zebedee

 

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:18–22 ESV).

 

John, James’ brother, was best known as the "disciple whom Jesus loved". He was also a key member of Jesus' inner circle, he was the only apostle to stand at the crucifixion and was entrusted with the care of Mary, the mother of Jesus. He is also credited with authoring five New Testament books. Beyond his close relationship with Jesus, John was known for several historical and biblical milestones. He was also nicknamed boanerges (Son of Thunder) due to his fiery temperaments and zealous nature. He was a prolific author. Tradition credits him with writing the Gospel of John, three New Testament Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. Following Jesus' ascension, John became a pillar of the Jerusalem church alongside Peter, and later ministered in Ephesus.

 

During the reign of the Roman Emperor Domitian, he was banished to the island of Patmos, where he received the visions documented in Revelation. He is distinguished as the only one of the original twelve apostles to survive into old age and die of natural causes, rather than facing martyrdom

 

There are some powerful lessons we can learn from John. First, we see the power of transformation. There is no doubt that his life shows us the way that experiencing Jesus' love changes a person. John's relationship with Christ softened his temper and transformed him into a model of friendship, charity, and devotion. He also shows us the power of unwavering loyalty. Remember, John was the only apostle present at the cross. He models steadfast, unwavering commitment even during times of intense suffering and the desertion of others. He also shows us the importance of humility in leadership. Despite being a member of Jesus' inner circle, John demonstrated deep humility. For example, when running to the empty tomb, he arrived first but waited for Peter (the designated leader of the apostles) to enter before him. He, like his brother, also teaches us the importance of balancing truth with grace. John wrote extensively about "truth" but always framed it in the context of "love". He taught that correct doctrine and standing for truth must be balanced with genuine compassion and care for others. His Gospel and epistles focus heavily on "abiding" in Christ and recognizing that God's very nature is love. That is a standard we can adopt in our lives for sure!

 

The Call of the Apostles - James, the son of Zebedee

 

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he [Jesus] saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:18–22 ESV).

 

Today we come to another of the twelve apostles called by Jesus, James, son of Zebedee. James died early, in 44 AD, and was also known as James the Greater as he was older than the other James who was also a follower of Jesus. He was a Galilean fisherman who, alongside his brother John (who we will look at tomorrow), left his nets to become one of Jesus' first and closest disciples. In fact, as we shall see, he was one of the “inner circle” who often was a part of those experiences with Jesus like the transfiguration and the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was also the first apostle to be martyred, his life, character, and legacy are central to early Christian history.

 

He was from the family of Zebedee and Salome; and, of course, the older brother of John the Apostle. While their trade was made as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee, he immediately became a follower of Jesus once called. He and his brother were called “sons of thunder” undoubtedly to their fiery temperament (cf. Mark 3:17). He was executed by beheading under King Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem around 44 AD (cf. Acts 12:1-2).

 

James was uniquely selected to witness several of the most pivotal and intimate moments of Jesus' earthly ministry. However, because of his early death, much of what we know about him comes from the Spanish Church Traditions. According to strong historical tradition, James had traveled to preach the Gospel in Spain before his death. Following his martyrdom, his disciples are said to have miraculously transported his body to Galicia in northwestern Spain. His rediscovered tomb sparked the creation of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, which remains the destination for the world-famous Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) pilgrimage route.

 

There are three things we should learn from the life of James. First, often radical obedience replaces comfort. James was a successful fisherman working in a prosperous family business with his father, Zebedee. When Jesus called him, James immediately left his nets, his career, and his family to follow an unknown future (Matthew 4:21–22). True discipleship requires immediate responsiveness and a willingness to step away from worldly security when God calls. Second, misguided zeal must be tempered by grace. I often tell folks that their “truth-telling” must be balanced with “grace-giving.” Passion for God is a virtue, but it must be balanced with grace, mercy, and wisdom rather than descending into judgment and anger. And, third, true greatness is found in servant leadership. Both James and John learned this lesson when they let ambition get the better of them as they (alongside their mother) asked Jesus for the ultimate positions of power, to sit on His right and left hand in the coming kingdom (cf. Matthew 20:20–28). Jesus used this moment to turn their definition of success upside down, stating that "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant".

 

These lessons ought to be incorporated into our lives each day as we grow in Christ!