Who was the tenth disciple of Jesus in the list of twelve? Thaddaeus (Matthew 10: 1-4; Mark 3:13 -19) Judas son of James is the corresponding name in Lukes gospel (Luke 6:12-16)

I. Scriptural Lists of the Twelve

Matthew 10:1–4 places Thaddaeus as the tenth in a specific listing:

“And calling His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles:

Firstly, Simon, called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.”

Mark 3:13–19 mirrors much of Matthew’s sequence, again numbering Thaddaeus tenth.

In Luke 6:12–16, the list matches the other Gospels with a shift in name:

“In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles:

Simon, whom He named Peter, and his brother Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew and Thomas; James son of Alphaeus and Simon called the Zealot; Judas son of James and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.”

Hence, Matthew and Mark refer to him as Thaddaeus, while Luke refers to him as Judas son of James.

II. Names and Variations

The variation of Thaddaeus versus Judas son of James is widely recognized among biblical manuscripts. These references are not contradictory; rather, they reflect the ancient custom of individuals having multiple names or nicknames (similar instances exist with Levi/Matthew, and Simon/Peter). Some manuscripts of Matthew include “Lebbaeus” alongside “Thaddaeus,” possibly indicating a familial or cultural style of naming.

III. Identity and Role among the Apostles

Thaddaeus (also referred to as Judas son of James in Luke) is distinct from Judas Iscariot. The Gospels give fewer personal details of this disciple compared to figures like Peter or John. Nevertheless, being included in the special group that Jesus commissioned highlights his significant role. Scripture underscores that every disciple received authority to cast out unclean spirits and heal diseases (Matthew 10:1–2).

While the New Testament gives limited direct accounts of Thaddaeus/Judas son of James, the consistent listing places him solidly within Jesus’ intimate circle. His exact actions and journeys are less detailed in the canonical texts, but early Church tradition and later writings suggest he faithfully preached after the Resurrection.

IV. Harmonizing the Lists

In historical manuscripts and Church tradition, Thaddaeus is universally identified as among the Twelve, even if the name is given differently. Early Christian leaders such as Eusebius mention him without contradiction to the Gospel accounts. The close textual agreement across various manuscript families—Byzantine, Alexandrian, and others—supports the reliability of the name references. The manuscripts demonstrate strong continuity when identifying all twelve disciples.

V. The Tenth Disciple in Matthew and Mark

In both Matthew and Mark, Thaddaeus is explicitly listed as the tenth disciple. Luke’s parallel reference, “Judas son of James,” indicates the same individual. Linguistic and cultural context suggests “Thaddaeus” may function as a familiar or Aramaic-based nickname.

VI. The Significance of Thaddaeus/Judas Son of James

1. Participation in Christ’s Ministry: Like the other apostles, Thaddaeus traveled with Jesus, witnessed miracles, heard His teaching firsthand, and was present for pivotal moments in Christ’s earthly life.

2. Recipient of the Great Commission: Though not singled out in many Gospel stories, by virtue of his calling, he preached the kingdom of God (cf. Matthew 28:19–20) and performed the works Jesus commanded.

3. Distinction from Judas Iscariot: Referencing him as “Thaddaeus” or “Judas son of James” clearly differentiates him from Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus.

VII. Concluding Observations

Thaddaeus, identified in Luke as Judas son of James, serves as the tenth disciple in the listings of Matthew (10:1–4) and Mark (3:13–19). The variations in name highlight the typical practice of multiple designations or nicknames in the ancient world. Manuscript evidence consistently preserves this distinction, demonstrating the uniformity and reliability of the Gospel records.

His role underscores that each apostle, well-known or less mentioned, took part in laying the foundation of the Church (Ephesians 2:20). Although Scripture provides fewer specific actions of Thaddaeus, his inclusion in the Twelve situates him in the significant task of proclaiming the gospel and bearing witness to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.