Judas Ἰούδας

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One of the twelve apostles of Jesus

Who is Judas in the Bible?

Judas, also known as Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John specifically refers to him as "Judas (not Iscariot)" to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus (John 14:22). He appears in the apostolic lists found in Luke 6:16, Mark 3:18, and Acts 1:13, though little else is recorded about his life or ministry in Scripture. Despite his limited presence in the biblical narrative, his inclusion among the twelve apostles signifies his role as a foundational witness to Jesus's teachings and resurrection.

Biography

Judas, also known as Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned in the lists of the apostles provided in the Synoptic Gospels and the book of Acts (Luk.6.16; Mat.10.3; Mrk.3.18; Act.1.13).

In the Gospel of John, he is referred to as "Judas (not Iscariot)" to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus (Jhn.14.22). This distinction suggests that he was a different person from the other apostles named Judas.

The names Lebbaeus and Thaddaeus are likely surnames or alternative names for this Judas. The use of multiple names may indicate that he was known by different names in different communities or contexts.

Apart from being listed among the twelve apostles, little is known about Judas/Lebbaeus/Thaddaeus from the biblical text. In Jhn.14.22, he asks Jesus a question during the Last Supper discourse, indicating his presence and participation in that event.

As one of the twelve apostles, Judas/Lebbaeus/Thaddaeus would have been a close follower of Jesus, witnessing His teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection. He would have also played a role in the early spread of the gospel and the establishment of the Christian church, although the specific details of his ministry are not recorded in the Bible.

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In Scripture

5 biblical books ; 5 with study content
Luke 1 verse
  • Luke 6:16

    "Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor."

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John 1 verse
  • John 14:22

    "Judas (not Iscariot) asked Him, “Lord, why are You going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?”"

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Acts 1 verse
  • Acts 1:13

    "When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James."

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Matthew 1 verse
  • Matthew 10:3

    "Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;"

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Mark 1 verse
  • Mark 3:18

    "Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot,"

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Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Transliteration Meaning
Named Greek Ἰούδας Ioúdas Judas (i.e. Jehudah), the name of ten Israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region
Named Greek Λεββαῖος
Named Greek Θαδδαῖος Thaddaîos Thaddæus, one of the Apostles