Philip is fifth on all four lists of the twelve disciples (Matthew 10:1–4; Luke 6:12–16; Acts 1:13). James son of Alphaeus (not the son of Zebedee and brother of John) is always ninth. Bartholomew might be Nathanael (John 1:43–51). Matthew is probably Levi, the tax collector (Mark 2:14; Matthew 9:9). Thomas is also called Didymus (a Greek word meaning “twin,” John 11:16; 20:24; 21:2). The New Testament does not explain this name further. Thaddaeus is missing from Luke’s list (Matthew 10:3). He might be Judas, the son of James (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13).
The presence of a government official (Matthew) and an anti-government activist (Simon the Zealot) among the twelve apostles shows the ability of Jesus to change people and overcome the natural hostility between them.