Alpheus, also spelled Alphaeus, is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament as the father of Levi, who is more commonly known as Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The name Alpheus is of Hebrew origin, and it is believed to mean "changing" or "successor."

Biblical References:

Alpheus is specifically mentioned in the context of his son Levi's calling by Jesus. In the Gospel of Mark, we read: "As He was walking along, He saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth. 'Follow Me,' He told him, and Levi got up and followed Him" (Mark 2:14). This passage highlights the transformative moment when Levi, a tax collector, left his profession to become a disciple of Jesus, indicating a significant change in his life and allegiance.

Role and Significance:

Alpheus's significance in the biblical narrative primarily stems from his relationship to Levi/Matthew. While the Scriptures do not provide extensive details about Alpheus himself, his mention serves to identify and distinguish Levi from other individuals with similar names. The calling of Levi is a pivotal moment in the Gospels, illustrating Jesus' outreach to those considered sinners and outcasts, such as tax collectors, and His power to transform lives.

Family Connections:

There is some scholarly debate regarding the identity of Alpheus and his potential connections to other figures in the New Testament. Some traditions suggest that Alpheus may also be the father of James the Less, another of the twelve apostles, although this is not explicitly stated in the biblical texts. This theory arises from the mention of "James son of Alphaeus" in the lists of apostles (e.g., Matthew 10:3). However, the lack of additional information makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about these familial relationships.

Theological Implications:

The mention of Alpheus in the context of Levi's calling underscores the theme of divine election and grace. Levi's transformation from a tax collector to an apostle exemplifies the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry and the call to repentance and discipleship. It serves as a reminder that God's call can reach individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their past, and that following Christ often requires a radical reorientation of one's life.

In summary, while Alpheus himself is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his mention as the father of Levi/Matthew provides important context for understanding the transformative power of Jesus' call and the diverse backgrounds of His disciples.Mark 2:14
And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said to him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.
Nave's Topical Index

256. Alphaios -- Alpha
... Phonetic Spelling: (al-fah'-yos) Short Definition: Alphaeus Definition: Alphaeus;
apparently two persons, (a) father of Levi, and (b) father of James. Alpheus. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/256.htm - 5kBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus