Matthew, Thomas, James and Simon called Zelotes - Luke 6:15

Luke the beloved physician shared how, “it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles. Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, …”, and in chapter six and verse fifteen of his book Luke shares how Jesus called, “Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, ...” where we read:

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

The verse reads, “Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, ...” Luke began with the word, “Matthew” whose name means “a gift of Jehovah” “and Thomas” which means “a twin”, “James” or “supplanter who was” “the son of Alphaeus” which means “the offspring and progeny of Alphaeus whose name means changing”. Luke shared how Jesus “chose” three more “disciples” - “Matthew, Thomas and James who was Alphaeus' son”.

The verse goes on to say, “... and Simon called Zelotes, ...” Luke continued with the words, “and Simon” which means “a little rock or stone” “called Zelotes” or “who was also named or saluted by Zelotes which means one burning with zeal”. Luke shared how Jesus also “selected” another man named “Simon” who was also known as “Zelotes”.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we learn the names of four more of Jesus' “chosen” “disciples” whom He named “apostles”. “Matthew” was the tax collector, and “Thomas” would be later known as “doubting Thomas” as he could not believe Jesus was risen. “Simon” who was also known as “Zelotes” was a “zealot” who desired that the Roman government be overthrown. Although these men had backgrounds and ways about them that may have been suspect to most, Jesus still “chose” them to be used in His Kingdom. Because God loves people who are imperfect, He sent His Son Jesus into the world not only to “save” them from their sins, but also to help them be what they could never be on their own. May all who read these words seek the Lord Jesus and ask Him to use them in His Kingdom like He used these “imperfect” men.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus called, “Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot” , so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".