Jude Thaddeus
- James Collazo
- Mar 14, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 25
Introduction
Jude Thaddeus (Hebrew: Yehudah—Greek: Ioudas Thaddaios) was born around AD 15 in the Roman district of Galilee. The New Testament mentions him only six times, usually alongside the other eleven apostles. Luke often refers to him as "Judas of James" (Greek: Ioudan Iakōbou, G2455, G2385) in his writings (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13).
At the start of his letter (Jude 1:1), Jude identifies himself as the "brother of James" (Greek: adelphos de Iakōbou), implying he was also Jesus' brother. Matthew and Mark confirm this when listing Jude among Jesus' siblings (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3). John clarifies that another "Judas (not Iscariot)" was one of Jesus' apostles, even though Jesus' other brothers had not yet believed in him (John 7:5). John also quotes Jude asking, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?" (John 14:22).
To avoid confusion with Judas Iscariot, we use the name "Jude," emphasizing his loyalty. When you read the letter of Jude, you are reading correspondence from a faithful brother and apostle. The Hebrew name Yehudah (H3063) means "praised," derived from the name of Judah, one of Israel's tribes (Num. 1:27).
Jude: Brother, Son, or Thaddeus?
We do not know precisely what Luke meant by "Jude of James." The phrase could indicate that Jude was either James' son or his brother. A minimalist approach avoids assuming one over the other. For this reason, many scholars regard Jesus' brother Jude and "Jude of James" as two distinct individuals. However, nothing in the text forces us to such minimalism.
Since Jude identifies himself as Jesus' brother in his letter, the gospels mention a man named "Jude," and James of Jerusalem was also Jesus' brother, it is logical and consistent to see all three references as the same person. Translations such as the New International Version (NIV) render Ioudan Iakōbou as "Jude, a brother of James," but they add the word "brother," which does not appear in the original Greek. Still, early church leaders regarded the letter of Jude as having apostolic authority, written by one of the twelve.
Applying the principle of parsimony, or Ockham's razor—which advises not to multiply entities unnecessarily—it makes sense to recognize Jude as Jesus' brother, an apostle, a brother to James, and the author of the epistle. There is no need to complicate the issue by splitting one person into two or three; the New Testament texts do not require it.
Matthew and Mark list a man called "Thaddeus" among Jesus' apostles (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18). Some scholars attempt to explain this discrepancy by suggesting that Jesus maintained the number of apostles at twelve by swapping names. However, this argument relies on silence, and the text does not support it. The simplest explanation is that Thaddaios (G2280) was a nickname for Jude, meaning "big-hearted" or "heart child." Just as we distinguish Jude from Judas Iscariot, Matthew and Mark used "Thaddeus" to avoid confusion. We still use nicknames today when multiple people share the same name. Therefore, his full name was Jude Thaddeus, the brother of Jesus and James.
Ossuary of Judas Thaddeus
In the mid-twentieth century, Israeli archaeologists discovered an ossuary inscribed with the name Ιουδας Θαδδαιου, which translates to "Judas Thaddaeus" in Greek, in the Jezreel Valley town of Kfar Baruch, along with four unmarked ossuaries (Rahmani, no. 145). Analysis of oil lamps and other pottery in the area showed that the ossuaries dated to before the early second century. This artifact may confirm that Jude was a real person and suggest that Judas and Thaddeus were two names for the same individual.
The "Judas Thaddaeus" ossuary has significance beyond the historicity of a single biblical figure. It highlights the connection between archaeology, history, and religious tradition, underscoring the ongoing effort to uncover and understand the lives of individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping Christianity nearly two thousand years ago.
Conclusion
The effort to understand the historical Jude Thaddeus, also called Jude, combines careful historical study with respect for his role in early Christianity. Although the New Testament mentions him only briefly, and artifacts like the ossuary labeled "Judas Thaddaeus" offer limited clues, they help us see him as a real person who followed Jesus faithfully. The Bible confirms that he was one of the twelve apostles and played a meaningful role in the early church. His various names—Judas of James, brother of James, and brother of Jesus—reveal his connections to both his family and the broader Christian community.
By exploring the meaning of his name and the cultural context of first-century Galilee, we gain a clearer picture of Jude's identity and his role in the story of salvation. His name, Yehudah, meaning "praised," links him to the tribe of Judah and reflects his mission to glorify God through his ministry. Studying the historical and religious context of his life requires respect and careful consideration. Whether called Jude, Judas Thaddaeus, or another name, one fact stands out—he devoted himself sincerely to Jesus' teachings and worked to share a message of love and redemption. When we read the letter of Jude, we encounter more than a historical figure; we meet a faithful apostle whose words continue to inspire believers today. His legacy reminds us of the power of faith and the influence of those who follow Christ's path.
Prayer
Blessed are you, LORD our God, King of heaven and earth! You called your apostle Jude to serve with faith and zeal. Help us, following his example, to proclaim your love and mercy, live in your truth, and serve others with wholehearted devotion. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Bibliography
Evans, Craig A. Jesus, and the Ossuaries. Waco: Baylor University Press, 2003.
Nelson, Ryan. "Who Was Jude the Apostle? The Beginner's Guide." OverviewBible. September 10, 2019. link.
Prausnitz, Max, and Levi Yizhaq Rahmani. "Jewish Burial Caves of the Early Second Century CE at Kfar Baruch." Me'eretz Kishon: The Book of the Emek. Tel Adashim, Israel: Kishon County Council, 1967.
Rahmani, L. Y. A Catalogue of Jewish Ossuaries in the Collections of the State of Israel. Jerusalem: Israel Antiquities Authority, 1994.
