Series: Getting Acquainted With The 12 Apostles [#10]
THADDAEUS- APOSTLE WITH 3 NAMES
John 14:22
Introduction:
Jerome called Thaddaeus, Trinomius, which means "the man with 3 names." In Mark 3:18 he is called Thaddaeus. In Matthew 10:3 (KJV) he is called Lebbaeus. In Luke 6:16 (NIV) he is called Judas, the son of James; and in Luke 6:16 (KJV) he is called Judas, the brother of James. In John's gospel we find that John is careful to distinguish him, calling him "Judas (not Judas Iscariot)." The name literally means "courageous, lively, vivacious." Perhaps his name indicates something of his character. Judas makes no appearance in any of the 1st 3 Gospels. He appears only briefly in John's Gospel. He breaks silence to ask a question at the Last Supper.
John 14:15-24 (NIV)
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever- 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 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.” 22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
From this passage we find out a few things about Thaddaeus.
Thaddaeus was…
1. Comfortable in his relationship with Jesus.
As Jesus was teaching the Apostles about the Holy Spirit and about Him preparing a place for them in Heaven; Thaddaeus interrupted Jesus. He would only do that if he was comfortable with Jesus.
Thaddaeus was…
2. Curious.
He wanted to understand why Jesus would reveal Himself to the Apostles; but not to the whole world.
Thaddaeus was…
3. Compassionate.
It was a concern of his heart about the rest of the world. Thaddaeus wanted the whole world to know Jesus. History shows that Thaddaeus was an evangelist and possibly founded a Church at Edessa. He showed His love for Christ by sharing Christ’s love for the world.
Conclusion:
Some say that he founded the Church at Edessa and was crucified for doing so. Others say that he was executed in Persia with an ax or club. Most pictures of Thaddaeus portrait him with an ax over his head.
