Alphaeus was a figure mentioned in the New Testament, primarily identified as the father of two apostles, Matthew and James. While Western Catholic tradition often distinguishes between two different men of this name, Eastern Church traditions generally view Matthew and James as brothers sharing the same father. Some historical interpretations also link him to Clopas, suggesting these names might represent different Greek renderings of the same Aramaic name. He is recognized as a saint in Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions.