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Jesus had disciples whose names are cited in the Gospels…

“Jesus had disciples whose names are cited in the Gospels, though not always with consistency .. Luke refers to a tax collector called Levi (5:27-9). Mark identifies the same man as Levi the son of Alphaeus (2:13-14). In Matthew, the tax collector is called Matthew (9:9, 10:3), a name which is…” quote by Kamal Salibi
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““Jesus had disciples whose names are cited in the Gospels, though not always with consistency .. Luke refers to a tax collector called Levi (5:27-9). Mark identifies the same man as Levi the son of Alphaeus (2:13-14). In Matthew, the tax collector is called Matthew (9:9, 10:3), a name which is given by Mark (3:18) and Luke (6:15) to another disciple. Matthew (16:17) and John (1:42) identify Simon as Bar-Jona, or 'the son of Jona', when they relate how Simon came to be surnamed Cephas, or Peter; however John (21:15) calls the disciple 'Simon Jona', as if Jona was his surname.””

Kamal Salibi

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The passage highlights inconsistencies in naming disciples across Gospels, showing overlapping identities.

In simple terms: Different Gospel names cause confusion.

Key Takeaway

Recognize textual variations.

Themes

biblical studies history interpretation

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

academic historical

When to use this quote

  • theology courses
  • scholarly research
  • scripture study

Key Concepts

textual criticism name variation canonical analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do naming differences affect faith?
  • What does this tell us about early Christian communities?
A Different Perspective

Names may reflect oral tradition, not factual error.

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