Jude (English for
Judas)
(Brother of James – Luke 6:16)
Surname: Thaddaeus and Lebbaeus
Parents: Alphaeus or Cleophas and Mary (tradition)
Home: Galilee (tradition)
Business/Occupation: Unknown
Writings: None
Characteristics:
The name Judas or Jude, a Hebrew name, most likely derives from Judah, meaning
“Jehovah leads.” Thad, may have been the origin of Thaddaeus, indicating a feminine
devotedness like a child. Leb, implying “the heart,” represents warmth and earnestness of
character. This Greek form suggests “heart-child”. Another meaning given to this name is
“the courageous one.” Taking the three names together, they suggest the thought that he was one of the youngest of the twelve, and was looked upon by the others with an affection which showed itself in the two nicknames added to Judas.
Efforts have been made to identify this Jude or Judas as one of the Lord’s brothers, who wrote the Epistle of Jude. However, Jesus’ family rejected Him in the beginning as the Messiah. His brothers were not converted until after His resurrection. He could not have been the Lord’s brother since he was chosen to be an apostle early in Jesus’ ministry.
Facts:
1) Record of his apostleship (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:16).
2) Present in the Upper Room after the resurrection (Acts 1:13).
We literally know nothing of his occupation before he met Christ, or under what circumstances he was called to discipleship, or what he accomplished for the Master,
either before or after the ascension. Tradition says he preached in Assyria and Persia and died a martyr in Persia.
