Why are there differences in the four lists of the disciples?
The name Thaddaeus (meaning "large hearted") appears in the list of disciples given in Matthew 10:3 and Mark 3:18, between James and Simon. Luke does not include him in either of his lists (Luke & Acts); but Luke includes Judas the son of James (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13). The two names - Thaddaeus and Judas the son of James - never appear in the same book. So, this adds credibility to the fact that the two names refer to the same person. Because of the treasonous act of Judas Iscariot, the name "Judas" was probably unpopular (it's last in 3 lists and not in the 4th) so this may be the reason for Judas the son of James alternate names (Thaddaeus, Lebbaeus, etc.). The Pulpit Commentary states, "There is no doubt that Lebbaeus and Thaddaeus were surnames by which James's Jude, or Judas, was known generally in the Church." (Luke 6:16). [1]
The list below follows Matthew's list order:
Simon, who is called Peter | Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter) | Simon, whom he named Peter | Peter |
Andrew, [Peter's] brother | Andrew | Andrew, [Peter's] brother | Andrew |
James the son of Zebedee | James the son of Zebedee | James | James |
John [James'] brother | John [James'] brother | John | John |
Philip | Philip | Philip | Philip |
Bartholomew | Bartholomew | Bartholomew | Bartholomew |
Thomas | Thomas | Thomas | Thomas |
Matthew the tax collector | Matthew | Matthew | Matthew |
James the son of Alphaeus | James the son of Alphaeus | James the son of Alphaeus | James the son of Alphaeus |
Thaddaeus | Thaddaeus | Judas the son of James | Judas the son of James |
Simon the Zealot | Simon the Zealot | Simon who was called the Zealot | Simon the Zealot |
Judas Iscariot | Judas Iscariot | Judas Iscariot | replaced by Matthias |
Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).