TWELVE APOSTLES

Student Choice 3: Matthew 10; Mark 3:13-35; Luke 5:1-11.

The Calling of the Twelve Apostles

1.     Review Matthew 10:1-4 and Mark 3:13-19 and highlight the names of the original Twelve Apostles. Look up the names of three Apostles in the Bible Dictionary and write one sentence describing something you learned about each one you selected.

BUT – you all know by now I can seldom write only one sentence about things that are intriguing. Oh I can write the sentence, but you will have no idea about how to arrive at the same idea unless I also write many other sentences of research. So rather that speculate too much initially, I will provide you with my resources, and then speculate! It is always fun to seriously ponder possibilities.

Please remember that my ruminations are mere speculations – fun, but with no genuine supporting facts. Many ideas are that way, but may nevertheless be instructive to our understandings.

Tapestry of DaVinci's Last Supper painting

Simon

 (2) Simon the Canaanite, one of the Twelve (Matt. 10:4;Mark 3:18); called Simon Zelotes (Luke 6:15;Acts 1:13); seeZelotes.

Zelotes:The Zealot. A name of Simon, one of the Twelve Apostles (Luke 6:15;Acts 1:13). Matthew and Mark in their lists call him “the Cananean” (not Canaanite as in the KJV), which is formed from an Aramaic word (Kanan), of which Zelotesis the Greek and Zealot the English equivalent. The Zealots were a party among the Jews (so called from their zeal for the law) who were determined to resist Roman or any foreign authority in Palestine.

[This man had some strong opinions, yet knew and followed the Savior as one of his apostles. Whatever our personal political leanings, each of us can learn much if we follow his powerful example to always seek Jesus Christ, and obey his Commandments.]

Matthew

. . .Known before his conversion as Levi, son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14). He was a tax gatherer at Capernaum, probably in the service of Herod Antipas, in whose tetrarchy Capernaum was. Soon after his call he gave a feast to his old associates (Matt. 9:9–13; Mark 2:14–17; Luke 5:27–32)

Matthew was probably a thorough Jew with a wide knowledge of the Old Testament scriptures and able to see in every detail of the Lord’s life the fulfillment of prophecy. . . .

Levi (4) Matthew (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27, 29).

[Might Matthew be the brother of James named as the son of Alphaeus?]

James

An English form of the Hebrew name Jacob. There are several persons of this name mentioned in the New Testament.

(1) Son of Zebedee, one of the Twelve, brother of John. His call is given inMatt. 4:21; Mark 1:19–20; and Luke 5:10. He was given the name Boanerges (Mark 3:17) and was one of the inner circle of three chosen to be with our Lord on certain special occasions: at the raising of the daughter of Jairus (Mark 5:37), at the Transfiguration (Matt. 17:1; Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28), and at Gethsemane (Matt. 26:37;Mark 14:33; see also Mark 10:30, 41; 13:3; Luke 8:51;9:54). He was killed by Herod (Acts 12:2).

(2) Son of Alphaeus, also one of the Twelve (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13).

(3) Brother of the Lord (Gal. 1:19) and of Joses, Simon, Jude, and some sisters (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3; Jude 1:1); known as James the Just. He occupied an important position in the Church of Jerusalem (Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18; 1Cor. 15:7; Gal. 2:9–12) and was probably the writer of the Epistle of James. 

[Although not concerned in this assignment with this individual I have included him to increase clarity.]

4) James, called “the Less,” son of Mary [is this Mary the wife of Cleophas] and brother of Joses (Matt. 27:56; Mark 15:40; Luke 24:10). Nothing further is known of him, unless he is, as some think, the same as number 3 (above).

[Might James “the less,” be James in (2), the son of Alphaeus and therefore also a cousin of Jesus and a brother to Matthew (Levi), who would therefore also be a cousin?

So who is Alphaeus?]

        Alphaeus

(1)  Father of Matthew or Levi (Mark 2:14).

(2) Father of James the Apostle (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13); by some scholars identified with Cleopas (Luke 24:18) and Cleophas (John 19:25). See also James.

John 19:25 “Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.”

Luke 24:18 This is the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus who personally talk with the risen Jesus, and invite him to come into lodge with them. “And then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?”

[Was this Cleopas, the Uncle of Jesus Christ? His mother’s brother-in-law?

Was Cleophas the father of Matthew, and /or James [possibly James the less]? Like Peter and Andrew, and James and John the sons of Zebedee, were Mathew and James brothers?]

2.     Read Acts 4:33; Doctrine and Covenants 107:23; and the entry for “Apostle” in the Bible Dictionary (p. 612).

    Then, write a definition for what an Apostle is.

APOSTLE: an apostle is uniquely called to witness to the world, all people of all times and places, the reality and divinity of Jesus Christ; that He is God’s Only Begotten Son, the Savior of all mankind.

3.     Describe in writing how the Savior's teachings to His Apostles in Matthew10:5-42 prepared them to be sent out to proclaim the gospel.

The Apostles are taught the purpose and mission of the life of Jesus Christ, and then warned that their lives will be in peril, and that they too will suffer many difficult things. They are “not above [their] master. . .” (Matthew 10:24) in that they also will bear persecution and perhaps death because of what they teach.

Sparrows on my front lawn

They are, however, also reminded and promised “the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 10:30-32).

This reminder and promise applies to all disciples of Jesus Christ. The Father of us all does not forget us. We are remembered, always, by Him. 

4. Read Luke 5:1-11. Explain in writing what you learn from the responses made by Peter, James, and John to the Savior’s call. How could you apply their actions and examples in your own life?

I like how Simon Peter and his brother Andrew and their partners (who we know included the brothers James and John), were a tightly knit group of family and friends, brothers working together to benefit each other. It was Andrew that first recognized the Messiah and brought his brother Peter to see Jesus.

When the multitude of fishes were caught (because of simple obedience in faith), Simon and those on his ship “beckoned their partners” (Luke 5:7) and together, with a broken net and sinking ships (Luke 5:6-7), “brought their ships to land,” and then in spite of this harvest and bounty, “they forsook all, and followed [Christ]. . . .” (Luke 5:11). These men unitedly undertook a great work that would affect them, their families, and all people for all eternity.

Reflecting on these verses increases my desire to draw my family closer together in unity, and to work more diligently to be united as these brothers and partners were. Sometimes all we can do is turn to the Savior in prayer with faith, trusting His omniscience. Through his Atonement our families, and all around us, can be whole and happy, always.