Judas, often referred to as Jude, is recognized as one of the brothers of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in the New Testament as part of Jesus' immediate family. The Gospels of Matthew and Mark list Judas among the siblings of Jesus, alongside James, Joseph (Joses), and Simon. In Matthew 13:55 , the people of Nazareth question Jesus' authority, asking, "Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas?"

Identity and Role

Judas is traditionally identified with Jude, the author of the Epistle of Jude, a short but significant book in the New Testament. The epistle is addressed to Christians and serves as a warning against false teachers and a call to persevere in the faith. In Jude 1:1 , the author introduces himself as "Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James," which aligns with the identification of Judas as one of Jesus' brothers.

Family and Relationship with Jesus

Judas, like his brothers, initially did not believe in Jesus' messianic mission. In John 7:5 , it is noted, "For even His own brothers did not believe in Him." This skepticism, however, appears to have changed after the resurrection of Jesus. The transformation in belief is evidenced by the active roles that Jesus' brothers, including Judas, took in the early Christian community.

Role in the Early Church

Judas, along with his brother James, who became a prominent leader in the Jerusalem church, likely played a significant role in the early Christian movement. While the New Testament does not provide extensive details about Judas' activities, his association with the Epistle of Jude suggests his involvement in addressing doctrinal issues and encouraging the faith community.

The Epistle of Jude

The Epistle of Jude is a passionate appeal to Christians to "contend earnestly for the faith" (Jude 1:3). It warns against the infiltration of false teachers who pervert the grace of God and deny Jesus Christ. Jude uses vivid imagery and references to Jewish tradition to emphasize the seriousness of the threat posed by these individuals. The letter concludes with a doxology, praising God for His ability to keep believers from falling and to present them blameless before His glory (Jude 1:24-25).

Legacy

Judas, as a brother of Jesus and a contributor to the New Testament, holds a respected place in Christian tradition. His epistle continues to be a source of encouragement and exhortation for believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst challenges. Through his writings, Judas contributes to the theological and moral guidance of the Christian community, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and vigilance against false teachings.the Lords Brother Judas

Among the brethren of our Lord mentioned by the people of Nazareth. (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3) Whether this and the Jude above are the same is still a disputed point.

The General Epistle of James
... from Arabia, went to Jerusalem and saw only Peter and James, the Lords brother,
Gal.1 ... It has been argued that Judas is indicated as a brother of James ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the general epistle of james.htm

Acts of the Holy Apostle Thomas, when He came into India, and ...
... And the king, quite enraged, ordered both the merchant, and Judas who also is ... And
he said: I entreat you, my lords, permit me to go to my brother, that I ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostle thomas/acts of the holy apostle 2.htm

The Epistle of Judas
... A brother of James (see Introduction) is a unique ... religion produced moral aberrations
which 8 Judas calls a ... 16 (where it is rendered angelic Lords), denotes a ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the epistle of judas.htm

The General Service of the Holy Fathers, in Remembrance of ...
... the soul in the same manner as another Judas of his ... and judge righteously between
every man and his brother, and the ... is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter v1 the general service.htm

1 John iv. 12-Apr
... dare, go against God, and refuse to love thy brother! ... thoughts the price He gave
for us, Judas in his ... own possessions, where ye will needs be lords, ye have ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily vii 1 john iv.htm

The Last Years of Knox: 1567-1572
... or less of the Queen's party) and Judas Iscariot, and ... At this time James Melville,
brother of the more ... Du Croc remonstrated, "but the Lords answered they could ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xviii the last years.htm

Letter Lxxxii. To Theophilus Bishop of Alexandria.
... at the holy banquet offer you the kiss of Judas? ... Had he himself ordained my brother,
it would have made ... faith"not because we fear them as lords but because ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxxii to theophilus bishop.htm

Set at Liberty.
... Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, and the ... and be a life-buoy, or
rope, or brother's hand reached ... in God by which a Herod and a Judas, a Jezebel ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xiv set at liberty.htm

Of the Subject to whom to the Key of Church Priviledge, Power, or ...
... of an Apostle into the place of Judas, the people ... be limited only to a private brother
offending, but ... comming to another Church, where the Lords Supper commeth ...
/.../chap iiii of the subject.htm

The Life of Mr. Hugh M'kail.
... throne, a Haman in the state, and a Judas in the ... Tuesday the 11, he gave in to the
lords of the ... Upon Dec.8, his brother went from Edinburgh to Glasgow, with a ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr hugh 2.htm

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