Judas (Thaddeus): The Questioner

Profiles in Righteousness – Volume 11

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I. Known Background: Before He Followed

• Name Variants:

  • Judas (not Iscariot) – John 14:22

  • Thaddeus – Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18

  • Also called Lebbaeus in some manuscripts

• Family: Possibly the son of James (Luke 6:16) — not James the brother of John

• Hometown / Profession: Not recorded in Scripture

• Known For: Sharing a name with the betrayer—and asking a question that mattered

Out of the Twelve, Judas Thaddeus is one of the least recorded. But one moment preserves his voice—and it’s a question many still ask today.

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II. With Jesus: The Question That Echoed

📖 John 14:22

Jesus had just told the disciples that He would reveal Himself to them, but not to the world.
Judas (not Iscariot) asks:

“Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”

That question wasn’t a challenge—it was honest. He wanted to understand:

• Why wouldn’t everyone see Jesus' glory?

• Why only the disciples?

Jesus replies with something deeper:

“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.” (John 14:23)

It wasn’t about visibility—it was about intimacy. Revelation requires relationship.

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III. After the Resurrection: Voice and Martyrdom

Though the Bible gives no further record of his actions post-resurrection, early Church traditions fill in the blanks.

Church History Says:

• Judas Thaddeus preached in Syria, Mesopotamia, Libya, and Persia

• Partnered with Simon the Zealot in some missions

• Is credited with writing the Epistle of Jude (though authorship is debated)

• Was martyred by being clubbed to death, then beheaded, in Armenia or Beirut

The one who asked deep questions died for the answers he found.

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IV. What Judas (Thaddeus) Teaches Now

Judas shows us what it looks like to question from faith—not from cynicism.

🔹 1. God isn’t offended by real questions

Jesus didn’t rebuke Judas’ question. He answered it. Questions rooted in hunger, not pride, are part of the walk.

🔹 2. Not all disciples are loud—but all are called

Judas didn’t write a Gospel or lead a movement. He simply followed, asked, obeyed—and gave his life.

🔹 3. You can share a name with a failure—and still leave a legacy

He shared the name Judas, but lived a totally different ending.

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🧭 Reflection Prompt

Are you asking questions to run from truth—or to run toward it?

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🗣️ Join the Conversation

Judas Thaddeus gives voice to the silent questioners—the ones still wondering “Why us? Why not the world?”

💬 What stood out about Judas’ moment of clarity?
🎧 Got a Suno song that explores questions, revelation, or hidden faith? Share it.
📝 Drop your thoughts, insights, or questions below—we're here for that too.

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🔗 Related Articles

📖 Simon the Zealot: From Radical to Righteous
📖 James (Alphaeus): The Forgotten Faithful
📖 Matthew: From Tax Collector to Truth Teller