Alphaeus of Sarah
Galilean from Nazareth, he is Jesus' cousin by marriage (see opposite family tree). His mother, Sara, is probably the sister-in-law (or even elder sister) of Mary of Cleophas, Jesus' aunt. He has younger brothers of whom Maria Valtorta says nothing[1], as does his wife, presumed dead in early public life.
A thoughtful neighbor of the holy family and childhood friend of the Virgin Mary, he is their eldest by five years. It is to him that the Virgin Mary willingly entrusts the keys to her house ([2]-[3]).
He bears a great affection for Anne and Joachim, parents of the Virgin Mary, to whose home, as a young child, he often went. The same affection touches the memory of Joseph, the saint. In memory of these affections, he names one of his daughters Marie, and his grandchildren: Anne, Joachim and Joseph. [4] These are just a few of the many offspring ([5]-[6]) of this fulfilled grandfather and father.[7]
Character and appearance
He is described in his childhood[8] as having "dark azure-gray eyes. Isn't her curly hair the color of ripe wheat? Look inside at that mixture of gold and copper'". He was about 51 when he began his public life. It's easy to imagine him attached to the children who constantly surround him.
Apostolic career
He was an early disciple. If he rarely leaves Nazareth because of his offspring, he is an active one in this field.[9] It is from him and Joseph that Jesus derives, among other things, many of the anecdotes in the Infancy Gospel.[10] He sometimes accommodates the apostles passing through Nazareth ([11]-[12]).
He is present at the Passion ([13]-[14]-[15]) and faithful to the end.[16]
His name
Alpheus (Halphai) means "ephemeral".
Where is it mentioned in the work?
EMV 2 : Young Alpheus, in Nazareth, goes to his neighbor Saint Anne.EMV 3: In Jerusalem at the Galilean encampment for the Feast of Tabernacles, with his family.
EMV 12: Joseph talks about his brother's nephew: Alpheus.EMV 14: He welcomes the promised young Virgin Mary to Nazareth.
EMV 100: He evokes memories of the young Mary and presents his enlarged family to Jesus
EMV 102: Alpheus admonishes the Nazareth bystanders about their faith
EMV 104: Alpheus calms Nazareth in the grip of contrary opinions.
EMV 105: He takes part in the wake at Alphée's house in Mary, and suffers from the hostility towards Jesus.
EMV 107: The Virgin Mary, called to Jeanne de Chouza's house, entrusts the keys of her house to Alphée. He takes advantage of the event to shame his fellow citizens: even the great men of Herod's court honor the mother of Jesus.
EMV 150 : During Jesus' apostolic travels, Alphée takes care of Mary.
EMV 156 : This does not prevent him from being a loving grandfather.
EMV 162: Alphée finds himself in the circle of intimates.
EMV 164: Alphée greets those who are leaving for the mountain where the apostles will be called.
EMV 196: Alphée recounts numerous anecdotes from the childhood Gospel.
EMV 239: Alpheus is once again entrusted with the key to Mary's house.
EMV 246: "Do not grieve, Alpheus, a prophet is not honored in his homeland."
EMV 264: Alpheus speaks with Mary of Cleophas, his aunt (by marriage?).
EMV 279: In Jerusalem, at the Galilean field, for the Feast of Tabernacles.
EMV 303: Alphée knows how to be discreet when necessary.
EMV 307: He has several daughters, already disciples of Jesus.
EMV 348: Alphée's numerous offspring.
EMV 350: He makes the Passover pilgrimage to Jerusalem with the disciples.
EMV 378: On the road home.
EMV 433: "We'll pass behind Alpheus' garden."
EMV 435: Alpheus still shelters some of the apostles.
EMV 442: Alpheus surprises a nervous and agitated Judas, in the early hours, at the Virgin Mary's door.
EMV 477: In Nazareth, Alpheus' presence is a comfort to Mary.
EMV 490: In Jerusalem, in the Galilean field, for the Feast of Tabernacles.
EMV 562: Alpheus exhorts the Nazarenes to believe in Jesus exiled to Ephraim and not to believe the gossip of false disciples.
EMV 604: He is present, among a small group of Galileans, at Jesus' trial before Pilate.
EMV 608: He accompanies Jesus on the "via dolorosa" to Calvary, where he will probably witness the crucifixion.
EMV 615: The Virgin Mary confirms: Alpheus is one of the few to have been faithful in trial.