Who was Alpheus?

Alpheus (also spelled Alphaeus in many translations) was a man mentioned in the New Testament as the father of two of Jesus’ disciples: James the son of Alpheus and, potentially, Levi (also called Matthew), though the identification of Matthew with Levi and his father as Alpheus is debated among scholars. The name “Alpheus” comes from the Greek Ἀλφαῖος (Alphaíos), which may derive from the Hebrew root halaph, meaning “to change” or “to succeed.” Thus, Alpheus may mean “changing” or “successor.”

Biblical References

• Matthew 10:3 – “James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus.”

• Mark 2:14 – “As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth.”

• Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15, and Acts 1:13 also list James the son of Alpheus among the Twelve Apostles.

• There is no direct biblical narrative about Alpheus himself—he is only known through references to his sons.

Family Connections

James the son of Alpheus is often referred to as “James the Less” (Mark 15:40), possibly to distinguish him from James the son of Zebedee. While the New Testament names Levi (Matthew) as the son of Alpheus in Mark 2:14, the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 9:9) calls him “Matthew” and does not mention his father’s name. It is possible, though not conclusive, that Levi and Matthew are the same person, and if so, that Alpheus was also the father of Matthew. However, the text does not definitively link James and Matthew as brothers, unlike James and John, sons of Zebedee.

What Happened in the Bible?

Alpheus does not have a recorded biography or actions in the Bible. He is mentioned only as a father, and this detail highlights the significance of his sons, particularly James. As the father of at least one of the apostles, Alpheus’s role, while indirect, places him among the few men whose children were selected by Jesus to be part of the foundational group of the Church.

His son, James the son of Alpheus, is listed among the Twelve Apostles but remains a relatively obscure figure in the gospel narratives. This James is not recorded as speaking or performing miracles in the biblical text, and this silence has sometimes led to the nickname “James the Less,” meaning “lesser-known” or “younger,” not necessarily less important.

If Alpheus is also the father of Levi (Matthew), then he was the father of both a tax collector-turned-disciple and a faithful apostle, demonstrating the diverse backgrounds of those Jesus called.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

The story—or rather the mention—of Alpheus reminds Christians that God often uses the overlooked, the background figures, and the seemingly unimportant people to accomplish His purposes. Though Alpheus himself is not a central figure, his son (or possibly sons) became followers of Christ and helped spread the gospel.

This encourages believers that faithfulness in ordinary family life, in parenting, and in quiet service can bear extraordinary fruit in God‘s Kingdom. Alpheus’s inclusion in Scripture as a father of a disciple also points to the generational nature of God‘s work—how the calling of children can bring glory to God through the quiet faith of their parents.

How His Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The Gospel is filled with examples of God calling people from all walks of life—fishermen, zealots, tax collectors. If Levi the tax collector is indeed Matthew, and if his father was Alpheus, then Jesus called not only someone considered a social outcast, but also someone from a family that already had a son following Him (James).

This shows that Jesus calls people not because of their social status, prominence, or righteousness, but because of His grace. The possible connection between Alpheus’s sons reflects how Jesus redeems individuals and families for His purposes. It also illustrates how salvation is not restricted to one type of person; the gospel welcomes all.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God Uses the Humble and Unknown

Alpheus is not a patriarch or prophet. He is barely named, yet his legacy through his son(s) is eternal. This fits with the broader biblical pattern of God exalting the humble and using those who are unknown in the world to accomplish His will (1 Corinthians 1:26-29).

2. Family and Discipleship

Alpheus may represent a father who raised sons willing to follow Christ. The importance of faith being passed down in families, and the mystery of God’s calling among family members, is a recurring theme in Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Acts 16:31-34).

3. The Quiet Servants of the Kingdom

Like many in the Bible whose names are recorded without much detail (e.g., Simeon called Niger in Acts 13:1), Alpheus represents the multitude of believers who play quiet yet crucial roles in redemptive history. These figures echo Jesus’ words in Matthew 23:11: “The greatest among you will be your servant.”

Reflection Questions

1. How does the example of Alpheus encourage you in your own role, even if it seems small or hidden?

2. Are you faithful in the responsibilities God has given you, trusting that He can use your life to influence others for Christ?

3. What can you do to support or encourage others—especially family members—in following Jesus?

4. How does seeing lesser-known names in Scripture help you understand the inclusive and gracious nature of Jesus’ call?

5. What legacy of faith are you leaving behind for the next generation?

Alpheus may not have a dramatic story or spoken words in Scripture, but his name reminds us that being part of God’s work is not always about visibility. Often, it’s about faithfulness, and letting God write the story through the people we love and disciple.