Alphaeus
Alphaeus is named in the Gospels as the father of two of Jesus' followers - James the son of Alphaeus, one of the Twelve, and Levi (Matthew) the tax collector. Though he never appears as an actor in the narrative, his household gave notable disciples to Christ, and he is often identified with Clopas, whose wife Mary stood by the cross. He represents the many ordinary families whose sons and daughters became the first followers of Jesus.
Biography
- Occupation
- Father of apostles
- Children
- James (the Less), possibly Levi/Matthew
- Era
- New Testament
- Nationality
- Jewish
- Also Known As
- possibly Clopas
Family
Did You Know?
Alphaeus is named as the father of two of Jesus' followers - James 'the son of Alphaeus,' one of the Twelve, and Levi (Matthew) the tax collector (Mark 2:14) - making his household unusually significant among the early disciples.
Many scholars identify Alphaeus with Clopas, whose wife Mary stood at the cross (John 19:25), which would link this obscure figure directly to the women who witnessed the crucifixion.
That two sons of one father followed Jesus, one a fisherman-type disciple and one a despised tax collector, quietly illustrates how the Gospel drew a single family across deep social divides.
Key Chapters
Key Passages
James the Son of Alphaeus
Mark 3:16-19
In the list of the Twelve, James the son of Alphaeus is named among Jesus' chosen apostles.
16nd Simon he surnamed Peter;