The Twelve
Thaddaeus (Judas, son of James)
The Questioner of Love
Description
Also called Judas (not Iscariot) and Lebbaeus, Thaddaeus asked at the Last Supper why Christ would manifest Himself to the disciples but not to the world.This apostle's multiple names—Thaddaeus (Θαδδαῖος, possibly 'courageous'), Lebbaeus (meaning 'heart'), and Judas son of James—reflect common ancient practice of bearing several names. Luke and Acts use 'Judas son of James' while Matthew and Mark prefer 'Thaddaeus,' likely to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot. Tradition claims he preached in Mesopotamia, Armenia, and Persia, where he was martyred. This question elicited Christ's teaching on love and obedience as prerequisites for divine manifestation.
Key Verses
Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;