Alphaeus of Sarah
A Galilean from Nazareth, he is the Covenant cousin of Jesus (see the genealogical tree above). His mother Sarah is probably the sister-in-law (or even an elder sister) of Mary of Clopas, the aunt of Jesus. He has younger brothers of whom Maria Valtorta says nothing[1], as well as his wife, who is presumed dead at the beginning of the public life.
A caring neighbor of the holy Family and childhood friend of the Virgin Mary, he is five years her senior. It is to him that the Virgin Mary willingly entrusts the keys to her house ([2]-[3]).
He holds great affection for Anne and Joachim, parents of the Virgin Mary, at whose house he often went as a young child. This same affection touches the memory of Joseph, the saint. In remembrance of these affections, he names one of his daughters Mary and his grandchildren: Anne, Joachim, and Joseph.[4] These are just a few of the numerous offspring ([5]-[6]) of this fulfilled grandfather and father.[7]
Character and Appearance
He is described in his childhood[8] as having "eyes of a dark azure gray. His curly hair, is it not the color of ripe wheat? Look inside at this mixture of gold and copper." He is about 51 years old at the beginning of the public life. He is easily imagined as very fond of the children who constantly surround him.
Apostolic Journey
He is a disciple from the first hour. Although he rarely leaves Nazareth because of his offspring, he is active in this domain.[9] It is from him and Joseph that Jesus derives, among other things, many anecdotes from the Gospel of the childhood.[10] He sometimes hosts the Apostles passing through Nazareth ([11]-[12]).
He is present at the Passion ([13]-[14]-[15]) and faithful to the end.[16]
His Name
Alphaeus (Halphai) means "ephemeral".
Where is he mentioned in the work?
GRM 2: Young Alphaeus, in Nazareth, visits his neighbor Saint Anne.GRM 3: In Jerusalem, at the Galilean encampment for the Feast of Tabernacles, with his Family.
GRM 12: Joseph mentions his brother's nephew: Alphaeus.
GRM 14: He hosts the Virgin Mary in Nazareth, a young betrothed.
GRM 100: He recalls memories of young Mary and introduces his enlarged Family to Jesus.
GRM 102: Alphaeus admonishes the onlookers of Nazareth about their faith.
GRM 104: Alphaeus calms Nazareth, which is torn by opposing opinions.
GRM 105: He participates in the wake in the house of Mary of Alphaeus and suffers from hostility toward Jesus.
GRM 107: The Virgin Mary, hosted by Johanna of Chuza, entrusts the keys to her house to Alphaeus. He uses the occasion to shame his fellow citizens: even the greats of Herod's court honor the mother of Jesus.
GRM 150: During Jesus' apostolic journeys, Alphaeus takes care of Mary.
GRM 156: This does not prevent him from being a surrounded grandfather.
GRM 162: Alphaeus finds himself in the circle of close friends.
GRM 164: Alphaeus greets those leaving for the mountain where the Apostles will be hosted.
GRM 196: Alphaeus recounts many anecdotes from the Gospel of childhood.
GRM 239: Alphaeus once again is entrusted with the key to Mary's house.
GRM 246: "Do not grieve, Alphaeus, a prophet is not honored in his Homeland."
GRM 264: Alphaeus talks with Mary of Clopas, his aunt (by Covenant?).
GRM 279: In Jerusalem, at the field of the Galileans, for the Feast of Tabernacles.
GRM 303: Alphaeus knows how to be discreet when needed.
GRM 307: He has several daughters, already Disciples of Jesus.
GRM 348: The numerous offspring of Alphaeus.
GRM 350: He makes the Passover Pilgrimage to Jerusalem with the Disciples.
GRM 378: On the road back.
GRM 433: "We will pass behind Alphaeus' garden."
GRM 435: Alphaeus still hosts some Apostles.
GRM 442: Alphaeus surprises a nervous and agitated Judas early in the morning at the door of the Virgin Mary.
GRM 477: In Nazareth, Alphaeus' Presence is a comfort to Mary.
GRM 490: In Jerusalem, at the field of the Galileans, for the Feast of Tabernacles.
GRM 562: Alphaeus exhorts the Nazarenes to Believe in Jesus exiled in Ephraim and not to Believe the rumors of false Disciples.
GRM 604: He is present, among a small group of Galileans, at the Trial of Jesus before Pilate.
GRM 608: He accompanies Jesus on the "via dolorosa," up to Calvary, where he probably witnesses the crucifixion.
GRM 615: The Virgin Mary confirms: Alphaeus is one of the few who remained faithful in the trial.
Notes and references
Note: Quotations from the work of Maria Valtorta on this page currently use machine-translated text and will gradually be replaced by the official English translation. Until then, the official translation may be consulted through the reference link provided with each quotation.