Jude? Thaddeua? Lebbeus? Judas the Zealot? Is this one person?

Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!  Jesu Jevu!

   Jude, as we refer to him was also known as Thaddeus or Thaddaeus, Lebbeus, and was the son of Alpheus or Cleophas and Mary.  Thaddeus' surname is Lebbeus, which means "heart".   He is known as Jude, Judas the Zealot, Thaddeus and Lebbeus. 

   The experts believe he is the author of the book Jude; whereas some disagree and think it was Jesus' brother who wrote the book of Jude. Here is some interesting information: Jerome called Jude "Trinomious" which means "a man with three names." In Mark 3:18 he is called Thaddeus. In Matthew 10:3 he is called Lebbeus. His surname was Thaddeus. In Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13 he is called Judas the brother of James. Judas Thaddeus also was called Judas the Zealot. Some say the apostle with 4 names; does it matter?

   One tradition says Jude founded a church at Edessa which is also where he was martyred. It is believed he was killed by an axe or club; and to have been martyred in Persia or Syria around 65 A.D. Here he healed and ministered to many in the name of the Master, Jesus.  Another belief is that he was killed by arrows at  Ararat.  So where and how he was killed is not perfectly clear, but we do know he was martyred for Jesus!!

   Matthew referred to Jude as brethren in Matthew 13:55 - and typically when referred to as brethren this is a relative of some sort, indicating a blood relative.  Jude preached in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq). He traveled with Simon and preaching, bringing many to Christ in places like Mesopotamia, Libya, Turkey, and Persia.

    He was thought to be the leader of the Church in the East and wrote the book of Jude around 60 a.d. In Jude he warns against false teachers, perverting of the gospel, and encouraged them to remain in the love of Jesus and remain loyal to what they were taught by the disciples.

   His strengths were the fact that he believed strongly in Jesus Christ and spent his life sharing the word. Of course, a weakness was at the time of crucifixion he temporarily abandoned Jesus (in fear) as did the other apostles.  He was thought to come from a farming background by some experts; others don't know.

   He did ask Christ why he showed himself to  the apostles, and not set up as the ruling king, this can be found in John 14:22.  Jesus did reply and you can read this, just go to the link.  The book of Jude is short, only 25 verses; click on the link and take time to read it.  Jude is an interesting man of the Bible, a follower of Christ, yet very obscure in gathering a lot of information about him.  You may find other "experts" who believe he lived and died in various other places; however, we do know 1 thing for certain:  He was a true believer of our LORD and saviour - JESUS CHRIST!  AND, he died in martyrdom for our LORD!  Hope you enjoyed this. I am gaining a wealth of knowledge just learning about the apostles. Love you all.

Deo Soli Gloria

Johnny