Alphaeus

Painting of Alphaeus (right) on the rood screen at St Peter’s Church, Hascombe, Surrey

Alphaeus /ælˈfəs/ (from Greek: Ἀλφαῖος) is a man mentioned in the New Testament seemingly as the father of two of the Twelve Apostles: Matthew the Evangelist[1] and James, son of Alphaeus.[2][3] However, Mark 2:14 in Codex Bezae uses the name James rather than Levi. It is therefore highly probable that James son of Alphaeus and Levi son of Alphaeus are the same person.

He is implied to be the father of Joseph or Joses,[4][5] and in Church tradition he is the father of Abercius[6] and Helena.[7]

  1. ^ Mark 2:14
  2. ^ Mark 3:18
  3. ^ Matthew 10:3
  4. ^ Matthew 27:56
  5. ^ Mark 15:40
  6. ^ "Martyrs Abercius and Helen, children of the Apostle Alphæus".
  7. ^ "Martyrs Abercius and Helen, children of the Apostle Alphæus".