Thaddaeus Apostle
Thaddaeus, the Apostle
Thaddaeus, also known as Jude Thaddaeus, Judas Thaddaeus, or simply Jude, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is a figure surrounded by a degree of mystery due to variations in biblical texts and traditions.
Names and Identity
Thaddaeus is referred to by several names across biblical texts and traditions. The term "Trinomious," meaning "the man with three names," was attributed to him by Jerome, a fourth-century biblical scholar. In the Gospel of Matthew 10:3 and the Gospel of Mark 3:18, he is listed as Thaddaeus, with certain translations, like the King James Version, referring to him as "Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus."
The Gospel of Luke 6:16 and Acts of the Apostles 1:13 substitute the name Thaddaeus with "Judas son of James." There is a scholarly consensus that Jude Thaddaeus is distinct from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus.
Biblical Role and Appearance
Thaddaeus appears in the New Testament primarily as one of the lesser-known apostles. His only recorded words are found in John 14:22, where he poses a question to Jesus during the Last Supper, inquiring about why Jesus will reveal himself to them and not to the world.
Veneration and Legacy
Thaddaeus is especially venerated in Christianity as the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes. His feast day is celebrated in various traditions, such as on October 28 in the Roman Catholic Church and June 19 in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
His veneration extends significantly into different cultural contexts, such as in Mexico, where he is affectionately known as San Judas Tadeo. Many devotees turn to him for intercession in times of desperate need, often associating him with hope and miracles.
Historical and Cultural Context
Thaddaeus, like other apostles such as Peter and Paul, played a role in the spread of early Christianity. Various traditions suggest that he might have engaged in missionary work in regions such as Syria and Armenia, although these accounts are not corroborated by substantial historical evidence.