Topical Encyclopedia Thaddaeus, also known as Judas, son of James, is one of the lesser-known apostles of Jesus Christ. He is listed among the Twelve Apostles in the Synoptic Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. The name Thaddaeus appears in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark, while the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles refer to him as Judas, son of James. This dual naming has led to some confusion, but it is generally accepted that Thaddaeus and Judas, son of James, are the same individual.Biblical References: 1. Matthew 10:3 : "Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus." 2. Mark 3:18 : "Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot." 3. Luke 6:16 : "Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor." 4. Acts 1:13 : "When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying. Present were Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James." Identity and Name Variations: Thaddaeus is sometimes identified with other names, such as Lebbaeus, as seen in some manuscript traditions of Matthew 10:3. The name Thaddaeus itself is of Aramaic origin, possibly meaning "heart" or "courageous." The Gospel of John does not mention Thaddaeus by name but refers to a "Judas (not Iscariot)" in John 14:22, which is traditionally understood to be Thaddaeus. Role and Characteristics: Thaddaeus is not prominently featured in the New Testament, and there are no specific accounts or teachings attributed to him. However, his inclusion among the Twelve Apostles signifies his role as a foundational member of the early Church. The apostles were chosen by Jesus to be His closest followers and to spread His teachings after His resurrection and ascension. Tradition and Legacy: Christian tradition holds that Thaddaeus preached the Gospel in various regions, including Judea, Samaria, Idumaea, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Libya. Some traditions suggest he was martyred for his faith, although the details of his death are not consistently recorded across sources. Thaddaeus is often associated with the symbol of a club, reflecting the manner of his martyrdom according to some accounts. He is venerated as a saint in various Christian traditions, and his feast day is celebrated on different dates depending on the liturgical calendar. Theological Significance: Thaddaeus, like the other apostles, played a crucial role in the establishment and spread of early Christianity. His life and ministry, though not extensively documented in Scripture, are a testament to the diverse backgrounds and personalities of those whom Jesus called to be His disciples. Thaddaeus's faithfulness and dedication to the mission of Christ serve as an example for believers to follow in spreading the Gospel message. Nave's Topical Index Matthew 10:3Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Nave's Topical Index Mark 3:18 Greek 2280b. Thaddaios -- Thaddeus, one of the twelve apostles ... Word Origin of Aramaic origin Definition Thaddeus, one of the twelve apostles NASB Word Usage Thaddaeus (2). 2280a, 2280b. Thaddaios. 2281 . Strong's Numbers //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2280b.htm - 5k 2280. Thaddaios -- Thaddaeus. 3002. Lebbaios -- Lebbaeus. Library After Prayer Jesus Selects Twelve Apostles. The Choice of the Twelve The Twelve and the Seventy. The Obscure Apostles The Acts of the Apostles. Leadership for Service Sources and Literature of the Apostolic Age. The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary. Introduction Resources Why is the order of Jesus' calling His disciples different in some of the gospels? | GotQuestions.orgNew Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org What is the Letter of King Abgar to Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |