The Call of the Apostles - Thaddeus

 

And he [Jesus] went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. (Mark 3:13–19 ESV).

 

Thaddeus is also known as Jude, Judas, not Iscariot, or Lebbaeus. He is best known for his single recorded question in the Gospel of John, asking Jesus why He would reveal Himself only to the disciples and not to the world. (cf. John 14:22). Because the name Judas was incredibly common in first-century Judea, early translators and Gospel writers used alternate names to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus. Both Matthew and Mark refer to him as Thaddeus (or Lebbaeus); while Luke lists him as "Judas son of James". John simply identifies him as "Judas (not Iscariot)".

 

As I wrote, Thaddeus appears in the Bible during the Last Supper in the Upper Room Discourse. After Jesus says that He will manifest Himself to those who love Him, Thaddeus asks: "Lord, why is it that You will disclose Yourself to us and not to the world?" Jesus answers him by explaining that anyone who loves Him will keep His word, and the Father and Son will make their home with that person.

 

While scriptural mentions of Thaddeus are brief, early Christian tradition and historical writings expand significantly on his life. In fact, many scholars identify him as the author of the Epistle of Jude (often referred to as Jude Thaddeus), though I must say I differ in that opinion. I believe it was James, the Just, who was the brother of Jesus. Tradition holds that after Pentecost, Thaddeus evangelized across Mesopotamia, Libya, and Armenia alongside Simon the Zealot. Church accounts claim he was martyred for his faith in Persia or Armenia, often said to have been beaten to death with an axe or a club. In Catholic tradition, he is recognized as the patron saint of lost causes.

 

From the life of Thaddeus it is easy to see the value we gain when we learn that God values quiet faithfulness, honest curiosity, and a heart that cares for the world. Though he is rarely mentioned in the Gospels, Thaddeus’ single recorded question and life tradition offer profound spiritual lessons.