Alphaeus
Peopleâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Alpheus is recorded in the New Testament as the father of James, one of the twelve apostles, and is also associated with Levi, a tax collector. Scholarly consensus remains divided on whether Alpheus is the same individual as Clopas, a figure mentioned in early Christian tradition.
What is the meaning of Alphaeus in the Bible?
Alpheus is recorded in the New Testament as the father of James, one of the twelve apostles, and is also associated with Levi, a tax collector. Scholarly consensus remains divided on whether Alpheus is the same individual as Clopas, a figure mentioned in early Christian tradition.
SIGNIFICANCE
Clarifying the identity of Alpheus helps readers distinguish between different familial groups within the early Christian movement and understand the varying traditions regarding the kinship of Jesus' closest followers.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Alphaeus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Alphaeus clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.