In brief
Thaddaeus is one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. Matthew and Mark call him Thaddaeus, while Luke and Acts name Jude, son of James, in the same place. John introduces him as Judas, not Iscariot. Little is known about him, but the Gospel records a question he asked Jesus at the last supper, about how he would make himself known to the disciples and not to the world. He was present with the other apostles after the ascension.
What does the name Thaddaeus mean?
The name Thaddaeus is sometimes linked to an Aramaic word related to the heart or the chest, though this is uncertain. His other name, Jude, comes from Judah, which the Bible connects with praise: this time I will praise the Lord (Genesis 29:35).
The story of Thaddaeus
Chosen after a night of prayer
Luke 6:12-16Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night in prayer to God. In the morning he calls his disciples and chooses twelve of them, whom he names apostles. In Luke's list appears Jude, son of James, just before Judas Iscariot. Thaddaeus's calling is therefore the fruit of the Lord's prayer.
Appointed to be with Jesus
Mark 3:13-19Mark writes that Jesus appointed twelve so that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach. In the list, Thaddaeus appears between James, son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot. Like the others, he is called first to fellowship with Jesus, then to mission.
Sent on mission
Matthew 10:1-8Matthew gives the names of the twelve apostles and lists James, son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus. Jesus gives them authority to drive out unclean spirits and to heal, then sends them to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, to announce that the kingdom of heaven is near. Thaddaeus takes part in this first mission.
A question at the last supper
John 14:21-24Jesus has just promised that he will reveal himself to the one who loves him. Judas, not Iscariot, asks him how it is that he will show himself to them and not to the world. Jesus answers that if anyone loves him, he will keep his word, and his Father will love him, and they will come to him and make their home with him.
With the early church
Acts 1:13-14After the ascension, the apostles go up to the upper room. The list ends with Simon the Zealot and Judas, son of James. All of them devote themselves with one accord to prayer, along with the women, Mary and the brothers of Jesus, awaiting the promised Spirit. Thaddaeus is among the witnesses who will receive the power of Pentecost.
What Thaddaeus teaches us
- Jesus chooses his disciples in prayer, and he knows each one by name, even those who are rarely spoken of.
- To be called is first to be with Jesus before being sent out for him.
- A sincere question asked of the Lord can open a precious answer for the whole church.
- Jesus makes himself known to those who love him and keep his word: faith is lived out in obedience.
- Quiet faithfulness counts before God: all we keep of Thaddaeus is one question, yet he was a witness to the end.
Key verses
Jesus appoints the twelve to be with him and to send them out to preach. Thaddaeus, like each apostle, is first called to closeness with the Lord.
Judas, not Iscariot, asks why Jesus will reveal himself to the disciples and not to the world. His question shows a sincere desire to understand God's plan.
Jesus answers that the Father and he will make their home with the one who loves him and keeps his word. The reply to Thaddaeus is a promise for every believer.
Judas, son of James, is present in the upper room with the other apostles. He is among the witnesses who persevere in prayer before Pentecost.
Bible verses to meditate on
Frequently asked questions
Are Thaddaeus and Jude the same person?
Matthew 10:3 and Mark 3:18 mention Thaddaeus, while Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13 name Jude, son of James, in the same place. Most interpreters see the same apostle bearing two names. He should not be confused with Judas Iscariot.
What does the name Thaddaeus mean?
The meaning of Thaddaeus is uncertain; it is often linked to an Aramaic word related to the heart or the chest. His other name, Jude, comes from Judah, connected in the Bible with praise of the Lord (Genesis 29:35).
Where can I find the story of Thaddaeus in the Bible?
Thaddaeus appears in the lists of the apostles in Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13. His only recorded words are in John 14:22, at the last supper, where he asks Jesus how he will make himself known.