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Judas Thaddeus was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He is called in the Gospels “Judas, son of James,” even though he identifies himself as “brother of James” in his epistle. He was also known as Lebbaeus. In the Gospel of John, Judas asked Jesus why he would reveal himself only to the disciples. His story teaches faith and obedience, showing the importance of following the truth even without fully understanding it.
Judas Thaddeus appears in the list of disciples in Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:16, and Acts 1:13. In the Gospel of Luke he is called “Judas, son of James,” and in Matthew and Mark he is presented as “Thaddeus” or “Lebbaeus, called Thaddeus.” To distinguish him from Judas Iscariot, the traitor, he was often called Judas Thaddeus.
Jesus personally called him to be one of his apostles, part of the close group that witnessed his miracles, teachings, and the revelation of the kingdom of God. Although Judas Thaddeus does not play a leading role in many events, his participation as an apostle was significant, since he was among the chosen ones who accompanied Jesus throughout his earthly ministry.
An important moment in which he appears is in John 14:22, when he asks Jesus: “Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us and not to the world?” This question shows his concern for Christ’s revelation and his desire to understand God’s plan. Jesus’ answer reinforces the importance of love and obedience as the means of communion with God.
After the ascension of Jesus, Judas Thaddeus continued his ministry as an apostle, taking the gospel to other nations. Christian tradition says that he preached in several regions and died for his faith. His legacy is associated with faithfulness, gospel preaching, and courage in difficult times.
He is also considered the author of the Epistle of Jude in the New Testament, although scholars debate his authorship. His example teaches us to seek understanding and remain faithful to Christ’s mission.
Key events in the life of Judas Thaddeus
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Chosen by Jesus as an apostle: Judas Thaddeus was chosen by Jesus to be one of the twelve apostles, as recorded in Matthew 10:3. His calling shows Christ’s trust in his mission to spread the gospel and strengthen faith.
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Identified as the brother of James: In Jude 1:1, he introduces himself as the brother of James, which points to his family connection with another early church leader. This strengthened his spiritual authority and his bond with the first followers of Christ.
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Participated in Jesus’ earthly ministry: As an apostle, Judas Thaddeus accompanied Jesus in his teachings, miracles, and journeys. He witnessed God’s power and was one of those whom Jesus prepared to continue the mission after his death and resurrection.
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Asked Jesus an important question: In John 14:22, Judas Thaddeus asked Jesus why he would reveal himself only to the disciples and not to the world. His question shows his deep interest in God’s plan and teaches us about love and obedience.
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Present after Jesus’ ascension: Acts 1:13 shows that Judas Thaddeus was gathered with the other apostles after Jesus’ ascension. He persevered in faith, waiting for the Holy Spirit in prayer and taking part in the formation of the early church.
Bible Study on the Apostle Judas Thaddeus
Was Judas Thaddeus the son or the brother of James?
Although he is referred to as “Judas, son of James” in Luke 6:16, in the book of Jude the apostle identifies himself as the brother of James: “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James” (Jude 1:1).
This happens because the original Greek text can be interpreted both ways, it can mean either “son of” or “brother of.”
Most scholars and modern translations agree that it is more likely Judas Thaddeus was the brother of James, not his son, especially since the author of the epistle presents himself in that way.
Was Judas Thaddeus the brother of Jesus?
According to the Bible, Judas Thaddeus was not the same Judas who was the brother of Jesus. The confusion arises because there were several men named Judas in the New Testament.
In Matthew 13:55, the brothers of Jesus are listed as “James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas.” This Judas, the brother of Jesus, was not one of the twelve apostles but the son of Mary and Joseph.
The apostle Judas Thaddeus is identified as “Judas, brother of James” (Jude 1:1), which suggests he was the brother of James, the son of Alphaeus, who was also an apostle. He is mentioned in the lists of the twelve disciples in Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13, clearly distinguished from Judas Iscariot, the traitor.
Biblically, Judas Thaddeus was one of the twelve apostles and the brother of James, but he was not the same Judas, the brother of Jesus, mentioned in Matthew 13:55.
Was Judas Thaddeus blind?
According to the Bible, Judas Thaddeus was not blind. There is no verse or biblical account that says he had a visual disability or that he was healed from blindness. In the passages where he is mentioned, Judas Thaddeus is cited only as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
The idea that he was blind has no basis in Scripture. The Bible does not say that Judas Thaddeus was blind, and such claims may come from confusion with later traditions or other figures.
What was the profession of Judas Thaddeus?
The Bible does not mention the profession of Judas Thaddeus before Jesus called him to be a disciple. Unlike other apostles such as Peter, John, and Matthew whose occupations (fishermen and tax collector) are clearly recorded, Judas Thaddeus only appears in the lists of the twelve apostles without details about his earlier life.
According to Scripture, his profession before following Jesus is unknown, and any additional information comes from tradition, not from the Bible.
How did Judas Thaddeus die?
The Bible does not record how Judas Thaddeus died. There is no verse in Scripture that describes his death.
After his name is listed among the twelve apostles (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13) and the account of the question he asked Jesus in John 14:22, Judas Thaddeus is not mentioned again in the biblical record.
Most of what is known about his death comes from Christian tradition. Ancient writings and historical accounts state that he preached the gospel in various regions, such as Mesopotamia and Persia, where he is believed to have died as a martyr. The most common tradition says he was killed with clubs or an axe, together with the apostle Simon the Zealot.
According to the Bible, there is no information about his death. What we know comes from Christian historical sources written after the New Testament.
What can we learn from the apostle Judas Thaddeus?
The apostle Judas Thaddeus, though mentioned only a few times in Scripture, gives us lessons of faith, obedience, and commitment to Christ’s mission. His life teaches us that even when we are not recognized or highly visible, it is possible to serve Jesus with faithfulness and be instruments of the gospel.
In John 14:22, Judas Thaddeus asked Jesus a question that showed a sincere desire to understand God’s plans. This teaches us that asking with reverence is part of spiritual growth. Jesus’ answer emphasized that love and obedience are essential for God to dwell with us.
He continued his ministry after the resurrection of Jesus, preaching the gospel in distant lands and facing persecution. He is believed to have been killed for his faith, showing courage and dedication to the very end.
The Epistle of Jude, attributed to him by some scholars, reveals zeal for the truth and a fight against false teachings. His defense of the faith highlights the importance of remaining firm in the doctrine of Christ.
Although he is a quiet figure in Scripture, Judas Thaddeus inspires us to be faithful, to seek understanding, and to persevere in God’s calling.
Main lessons from the story of Judas Thaddeus:
- Serve with faithfulness, even without recognition
- Seek spiritual understanding with reverence
- Love and obey God
- Stand firm in times of difficulty
- Defend the truth of the gospel
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