Luke 6:15

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

Context:Luke 6:15 is part of the passage where Jesus chooses His twelve disciples. In this verse, Luke lists the names of some of the disciples selected by Jesus.

Matthew:Matthew was also known as Levi, a tax collector before becoming a disciple of Jesus. He is the author of the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical Gospels.

Thomas:Thomas, also called Didymus, is best known for his doubt concerning Jesus’ resurrection. He is often referred to as “Doubting Thomas.”

James the son of Alphaeus:There are two disciples named James among the twelve. This James is sometimes referred to as “James the Less” to distinguish him from James, the brother of John.

Simon called Zelotes:Simon is also known as Simon the Zealot. The term “Zealot” suggests that he may have been associated with the Jewish nationalist movement known as the Zealots, which sought to overthrow Roman rule.

Significance:This verse highlights the diverse backgrounds of the disciples Jesus chose. They came from different walks of life, including tax collectors, fishermen, and possibly political activists. Despite their different backgrounds, Jesus called them to be His disciples and entrusted them with the task of spreading the Good News.

• Application:As followers of Jesus, we can draw inspiration from the diverse group of disciples. We should recognize that our differences can contribute to the richness of the body of Christ. We are called to work together, using our unique gifts and backgrounds, to further God’s kingdom and share the message of salvation with others.

Remember, when studying the Bible, it is beneficial to read the surrounding verses and consider the broader context to gain a deeper understanding of the passage.