3:18a

Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas: Andrew was previously mentioned in 1:16. This is the first mention of the other four men in the Gospel of Mark.

In some languages, it may be more natural to repeat the verb “chose” before this list of disciples. For example:

Jesus also chose Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew…

3:18b

James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus: There were two disciples with the name “James.” In order to distinguish this James from James the brother of John (in 3:17a), this James was referred to as James son of Alphaeus.

Alphaeus: Alphaeus is the name of a man. He was the father of James.

Simon the Zealot: There were also two disciples with the name “Simon.” In order to distinguish this Simon from Simon Peter (in 3:16b), this Simon was referred to as Simon the Zealot.

the Zealot: Scholars differ as to the meaning of the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Zealot:

(1) Some understand this word to mean “someone who was zealous or passionate” for Jewish independence from Rome. That is, this Simon wanted Israel to be free from the control of the Roman government. For example, the Good News Bible says:

Simon the Patriot (Good News Bible)

(New International Version, Berean Standard Bible, Good News Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Standard Bible, New Century Version, NET Bible, God’s Word, Contemporary English Version, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English, Revised English Bible)

(2) Some understand this word to be a name of the place Simon came from. Those following this interpretation transliterate this word. For example, the Revised Standard Version says:

Simon the Cananaean (Revised Standard Version)

(Revised Standard Version, King James Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), since the majority of versions and scholars support this view.

Here are some other ways to translate this:

the Zealous One
-or-
the Patriot (Good News Bible)
-or-
the nationalist/revolutionary

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