Who Do I Relate To? Thaddaeus?

It happens all the time, two people hanging out in the same group having the same first name have to be differentiated some how. Fellow members either give out nicknames or call them by their last names. The writers of the gospels appear to have done this. However, in doing this they have created a little confusion.

You see, our next apostle goes by 'Lebbaeus' in KJV's Matthew. 'Thaddaeus' in Mark and other translations of Matthew. 'Judas, not Iscariot,' in John. And, Luke calls him 'Judas the son of James.'

The NKJV states Thaddaeus was actually his surname. And, since most translations call him Thaddaeus in the gospels Matthew and Mark then we'll call him that.

He too is a quiet worker for whom there is little information. There is one insight given to us from John.

In Chapter 14, John quotes Thaddaeus as asking a question. And, this one question reflects that Thaddaeus was paying attention to the point of reading between the lines of what Jesus was teaching. He knew something was about to change.

He was observant.

I can say there have been times I 'get it' before anyone else does. This can be a satisfying feeling, especially when there are times I'm the last one to understand what is said or implied.

But, I have to wonder if Thaddaeus was continually trying to keep his good name above water. He wanted it clear who he was, so he went by his last name. There was no problem with the two James's, but obviously there was with the two Judas's.

Traditionally he preached in Assyria and Persia; dieing as a martyr in Persia.

You can read about Thaddaeus in Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:16; John 14; Acts 1:13.