Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James)

Life and work

This apostle illustrates a genuine textual puzzle in the Gospels. Matthew and Mark's lists of the Twelve name him "Thaddaeus" (with some ancient manuscripts of Matthew instead reading "Lebbaeus"), while Luke's Gospel and the book of Acts instead list "Judas, son of James" in the same position (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13). Because all four lists otherwise match closely, most scholars conclude these are two names for the same man, distinguished from Judas Iscariot by the added description.

This apostle gets one moment of individual dialogue: at the Last Supper, after Jesus says he will show himself to his disciples but not to the world, "Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, 'Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?'" (John 14:22). Jesus's answer is about those who love him keeping his word — but the New Testament records nothing further about Thaddaeus individually.

Dating

Also called 'Judas, son of James' (Luke 6:16) and, in some manuscripts, Lebbaeus — one of the more obscure members of the Twelve. Later legend pairs him with Bartholomew in a mission to Armenia, but almost nothing historically firm is known beyond his place in the apostolic lists.

Extra-biblical evidence

No contemporary extra-biblical source discusses Thaddaeus. Later church tradition connects him to missionary work in Edessa (modern southeastern Turkey) and to King Abgar of Edessa, but this legend is recorded only centuries later by Eusebius and is not considered historically reliable.

Scripture references

• John 14:22 — Asks Jesus why he reveals himself only to his followers
• Luke 6:16 — Named 'Judas, son of James' in Luke's apostle list