Book: Luke

Wrapping up our study of the twelve men whom Jesus named “apostles” we look at three about whom we have little Biblical information apart from their being listed among the twelve. Even this information can be a little confusing because their names are the same as some of the others apostles. James the son of Alphaeus should not be confused with James the son of Zebedee and brother of John. Likewise, Simon the zealot might be confused with Simon Peter. Finally, Thaddaeus is also known as Judas son of James, and could therefore be confused with Judas Iscariot – so much so that John is careful to explicitly point out in John 14:22 that he was not writing about Judas Iscariot.

Apart from these few brief references, we know little from scripture about the lives and ministries of these final three apostles. Various extra-biblical ancient texts and church traditions frequently conflict with each other about these men – particularly about the manner of their martyrdom. So what lessons can we glean about them? First, we know that Jesus Himself specifically named them as apostles, sending them out along with the others to preach the Gospel, cast out demons, and heal the sick empowered of His Spirit. Thus we can infer that Jesus found in them characteristics which would make them usable in the growing of His Kingdom. We can also take the very fact that we know so little about their lives as an encouragement that no ministry in the Name of Jesus is insignificant. Jesus can use anyone devoted to His Lordship to do mighty things in furtherance of His Gospel regardless of whether our ministries are deemed noteworthy by others.

specifically and directly. No doubt Jesus’ choice didn’t sit very well with the other eleven, since Matthew was by profession a collaborator with the hated Roman occupiers, and tax collectors in general were seen as extortioners and oppressors.

Jesus chose Matthew in part due to his skills as a scribe. Just as importantly, Matthew immediately and completely obeyed Jesus’ command to follow Him just as the four fishermen Simon Peter, his brother Andrew, and the James and John the sons of Zebedee had. Matthew’s gospel is focused on a Jewish audience with the intent of convincing both the rank and file Israelites of his day and their leaders that Jesus is the perfect fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning their Messiah, and we who read Matthew’s gospel nearly two thousand years later are also the undoubted beneficiaries of Jesus’ choice.

Jesus gave the two sons of Zebedee – James and John – the nickname Boanerges meaning “Sons of Thunder.” Although this name is found only once in scripture, we are intrigued by it because we can imagine several reasons why Jesus might have tagged the brothers with it. James (sometimes… read more

The Twelve apostles of Jesus were not outstanding in any way, at least before they met Jesus. However, Jesus called these men personally. He knew all their flaws, faults, and apprehensions, yet He still chose them.

Before we launch into our study of the twelve men Jesus chose from among His disciples to be apostles, it is important to make a distinction between Jesus’ hundreds or thousands of disciples and the twelve He chose to empower and send forth as His representatives in the ancient world…. read more

In His so-called “Great Commission” found in Matthew 28, Jesus calls us to go and make disciples. But to make disciples, we must first be disciples. What does being a disciple entail?

The Olivet Discourse – Introduction

Our Father seeks those who are lost – apart from Him despite His infinite and enduring love. When the legalistic leaders of Jewish society condemned Him for consorting with sinners and outcasts, Jesus told three parables illustrating God’s diligent outreach to His lost children. Perhaps the most well-known of these… read more

When we take the time to consider Mary’s background, and the manner with which she managed the big assignment from God, we learn some things about her character and can use these lessons to help us grow in our relationship with God.