Thaddeus (Jude) (jan 1, 33 – jan 1, 65)

Description:

Names and Titles

-Also known as Jude, Judas Thaddaeus, or simply Thaddeus.
-Sometimes referred to as Lebbaeus.
-Distinct from Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus.

Family and Background

-Traditionally believed to be the brother of James the Less and thus a relative of Jesus (Matthew 13:55).
-Possibly a son of Clopas and Mary, making him a cousin of Jesus.

Role Among the Apostles

-Chosen by Jesus as one of the twelve apostles (Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13).
-Often listed with the apostles in the New Testament.

Significant Events

-Asked Jesus during the Last Supper why He would reveal Himself to the disciples and not to the world (John 14:22).
-Little else is recorded about his specific actions in the New Testament.

Authorship

-Traditionally attributed as the author of the Epistle of Jude, a short letter addressing false teachings and urging Christians to contend for the faith.

Ministry and Missionary Work

-According to tradition, preached the Gospel in various regions, including Judea, Samaria, Idumaea, Syria, Mesopotamia, and Libya.
-Some accounts suggest he traveled with Simon the Zealot.

Martyrdom

-Various traditions state he was martyred for his faith.
-Some traditions hold that he was martyred in Beirut or Persia, possibly clubbed to death or killed with an axe.

Legacy

-Known as the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes, reflecting his enduring hope and faith.
-Remembered for his dedication to spreading the teachings of Jesus and for his epistle addressing perseverance in faith.

Veneration

-Recognized as a saint in multiple Christian traditions, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran churches.
-Feast day is observed on October 28 in the Western Church (together with Saint Simon the Zealot) and June 19 in the Eastern Church.
-Often depicted in Christian art holding a club or axe, symbols of his martyrdom, and sometimes with a medallion bearing an image of Jesus, reflecting the legend of the Image of Edessa (a miraculous image of Jesus associated with Jude).

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