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Thaddaeus
Also known as: Judas son of James, Lebbaeus, Judas not Iscariot
Apostle
Thaddaeus is listed among the Twelve in Matthew 10:3 and Mark 3:18, while Luke's lists (Luke 6:16, Acts 1:13) name "Judas the son of James" in the same position — leading to the common identification of Thaddaeus with this Judas. He is sometimes also called Lebbaeus. Only one passage records his words: at the Last Supper, "Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?" (John 14:22). Jesus answered with a teaching about the indwelling of the Father and Son in those who keep his word. This single question reveals a disciple grappling with why the Messiah would reveal himself to a small group rather than publicly to all. Beyond this, virtually nothing is known of Thaddaeus from scripture.
Key Events
- 1Listed among the Twelve Apostles
- 2Asked Jesus why he revealed himself only to disciples (John 14:22)
What Scripture Says (2 verses)
Matthew 10:3
Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
Matthew · Chapter 10
Mark 3:18
And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,
Mark · Chapter 3
Church Tradition
Death
Tradition: martyred in Persia
Source: Late traditions