Thaddaeus (Judas Thaddaeus)

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Thaddaeus (likely Aramaic; “breast/heart,” possibly “courageous”); Judas (Greek form of Judah; “praised”)
• Period/Era: Second Temple Period; ministry of Jesus under Roman Imperial Context
• Main References: Matthew 10:1–4; Mark 3:13–19; Luke 6:12–16; John 14:22; Acts 1:13
• Key Connections: Jesus; the Twelve apostles; distinguished from Judas Iscariot

Who was Thaddaeus (Judas Thaddaeus)?

Thaddaeus is named among the Twelve apostles in the Gospel lists (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18).
Luke and Acts list a “Judas son of James” in the same apostolic roster (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13).
John records a disciple called “Judas (not Iscariot)” who speaks to Jesus during the Last Supper (John 14:22).
The New Testament provides no further narrative about his later ministry.

Key Events & Achievements

• Appointment among the Twelve: Included in Jesus’ selection of apostles for his public ministry (Matthew 10:1–4; Mark 3:13–19).
• Question at the Last Supper: Asked why Jesus would manifest himself to the disciples and not to the world (John 14:22).
• Listed among the apostles after the Ascension: Counted with the remaining Eleven in Jerusalem before Pentecost (Acts 1:13).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Thaddaeus is remembered as a lesser-detailed apostle whose recorded words reflect an interest in how Jesus’ revelation would be made known.

Key Verse

"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, ESV