The Stilton Group of Churches

Listed together with Simon the Zealot and James the Less, the Apostle Thaddeus

completes a grouping of the least known disciples.

 

In Twelve Ordinary Men, John MacArthur's book about the apostles, Thaddeus, also

known as Jude, is characterized as a tender-hearted, gentle man who displayed childlike

humility.  

 

Some scholars believe Thaddeus wrote the book of Jude. It's a short epistle, but the

closing two verses contain a beautiful doxology, one of the finest expressions of praise

to God in the entire New Testament.

 

Little is known about Thaddeus, one of Jesus Christ's 12 apostles. Bible scholars

generally agree, however, that the four names used for him all refer to the same person.

 

In lists of the Twelve, he is called Thaddeus or Thaddaeus, a surname for the name

Lebbaeus (Matthew 10:3, KJV), which means "heart" or "courageous."

 

The picture is confused further when he is called Judas but is distinguished from Judas

Iscariot.

 

Accomplishments of Thaddeus:

Thaddeus preached the gospel as a missionary following Jesus' resurrection. Some Bible scholars believe Thaddeus penned the book of Jude, although more take the view that Jude, the half-brother of Jesus, is the author. The final two verses of Jude (24-25) contain a doxology (a hymn or form of words containing an ascription of praise to God), or "expression of praise to God," considered the finest in the New Testament.

 

Thaddeus' Strengths:

Thaddeus learned the gospel directly from Jesus and loyally served Christ despite hardship and persecution.

 

Thaddeus' Weaknesses:

Like most of the other apostles, Thaddeus abandoned Jesus during his trial and crucifixion.

 

Hometown:

Unknown

 

Referenced in the Bible:

Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:16; John 14:22; Acts 1:13.

 

Occupation:

Unknown, missionary.

 

Key Verses:

John 14:21-22
[Jesus speaking] "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them." Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, "But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?"

 

Jude 20-21
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

 

Jude 24-25
To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.