Or, ‘the mouth of a lamp,’ that is, one who can throw light by his mouth upon what he has conceived in his heart, to whom the Lord gave the opening of a mouth, which diffused light. We know that this mode of speaking belongs to holy Scripture; for Hebrew names are put down in order to intimate a mystery.
There follows: “And Bartholomew,” which means, the son of him who suspends the waters; of him, that is, who said, “I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it.” [Isa 5:6]
But the name of son of God is obtained by peace and loving one’s enemy; for, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are the sons of God. [Matt 5:9] And, Love your enemies, that ye may be the sons of God. [see Matt 5:44-45]
There follows: “And Matthew,” that is, ‘given,’ to whom it is given by the Lord, not only to obtain remission of sins, but to be enrolled in the number of the Apostles.
“And Thomas,” which means, ‘abyss,’ for men who have knowledge by the power of God, put forward many deep things.
It goes on: “And James the son of Alphaeus,” that is, of ‘the learned,’ or ‘the thousandth,’ beside whom a thousand will fall. [Ps 91:7] This other James is he, whose wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual wickedness. [Eph 6:12]
There follows, “And Thaddaeus,” that is, ‘corculum,’ which means, ‘he who guards the heart’ [ed. note: ‘cordis cultor’] , one who keeps his heart in all watchfulness.
Reproduced in full. Translation: Oxford 1841 (Newman), public domain (Public domain).