Encourager, Thoughtful Seeker
Thaddaeus, known as Judas (or Jude), son of James, was also sometimes referred to as Lebbaeus. Jerome, a fourth-century scholar, called him, “Trinomious,” meaning, “the man with three names.” His name appears in the lists of apostles in the Gospels; but he is often overshadowed by other disciples, leading to limited information about his life. Thaddaeus is thought to have hailed from Galilee, like many of the apostles, although specific details about his early life remain unclear.
In the Gospel of John, Thaddaeus is noted for asking Jesus a poignant question during the Last Supper. He asked, “Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?” (John 14:22), which indicates his desire to understand Jesus’ mission and the nature of His ministry.
After the resurrection of Jesus, Thaddaeus became an active proponent of the Christian faith, spreading the gospel. Church tradition holds that he preached in various regions, including Judea, Samaria, Syria, Persia (Iran), and Armenia. He is often credited with converting many Gentiles and is sometimes associated with the establishment of early Christian communities in these areas.
The details surrounding Thaddaeus’ death vary across traditions, but many accounts suggest he was martyred for his faith around 65-80 AD. Some sources indicate that he was killed in Edessa (Turkey), possibly by being clubbed to death or stoned.
Some scholars believe that Thaddaeus wrote the book of Jude, but the more widely accepted view is that Jude was written by a different Jude, the cousin or half-brother of Jesus. There is no definitive answer to this quandary as some speculate that Thaddaeus was related to Jesus. Regardless, Thaddaeus is recognized as a symbol of faith and dedication despite his lesser prominence among the apostles. ■
This biographical information is obtained from many sources. Outside of Scripture, there is little recorded factual evidence. Details are drawn from sometimes conflicting historical writings and traditions that paint a picture of these men’s lives and deaths. The history of the twelve disciples is an inspiration and challenge. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the New Testament provides the most extensive biographical information about the most significant figure—Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. (All images are for illustrative purposes only.)
