Yes, Judas Thaddaeus

When it comes to the name Judas, most people immediately think of the infamous Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. However, there was another disciple named Judas who doesn’t receive the attention he deserves. Judas Thaddaeus, also known as Jude or Lebbaeus, was one of the original twelve apostles chosen by Jesus.

Judas Thaddaeus is often overshadowed by his more well-known fellow apostles, but his story and contributions are still significant. He was born in Cana, Galilee and was likely a cousin of Jesus. In the New Testament, he is often referred to as “Judas (not Iscariot)” to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot. He is also sometimes called “Lebbaeus” or “Thaddaeus,” although it is unclear where these names come from.

Judas Thaddaeus is believed to have been a disciple of John the Baptist before he became an apostle. He was one of the twelve who received the power to heal the sick and cast out demons from Jesus. In John 14:22, Judas Thaddaeus asks Jesus why he would reveal himself to the apostles and not to the world. This suggests that Judas Thaddaeus was concerned with spreading the message of Jesus beyond their immediate circle.

Judas Thaddaeus is often depicted in artwork with a club or a scroll. The club represents his martyrdom, as he was reportedly beaten to death with a club. The scroll represents his status as a writer, as he is believed to have written the Epistle of Jude, a short letter included in the New Testament.

The Epistle of Jude urges believers to remain steadfast in their faith and avoid false teachings. It also warns against immoral behavior and encourages acts of kindness and mercy. This message is still relevant today, as people continue to struggle with these same issues.

Despite his contributions, Judas Thaddaeus is sometimes forgotten or overlooked. This is partly due to his lack of distinguishable feats or major moments in the Gospels. However, Judas Thaddaeus played an important role in spreading the message of Jesus and encouraging others to remain faithful.

Judas Thaddaeus was also a witness to the Resurrection and was present at the Pentecost event when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles. He continued to preach and spread the message of Jesus until his death, which is believed to have occurred in Armenia.

Judas Thaddaeus may not be as well-known as some of the other apostles, but his contributions and dedication to the message of Jesus should not be forgotten. His Epistle is a reminder to remain steadfast in our faith, and his life serves as an example of devotion to God.

So, yes, Judas Thaddaeus was an important and influential figure in early Christianity. While he may not be as famous as some of the other apostles, he played an instrumental role in spreading the message of Jesus and encouraging others to remain faithful. His life and story continue to inspire believers today, and we should remember and honor his contributions to our faith.