Bible Figure
Jude the Apostle
one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus; traditionally identified with Jude the brother of Jesus
Jude, also called Judas of James and traditionally identified with Thaddaeus, was one of the Twelve apostles. The apostolic lists use differing names or designations, and John records a Judas 'not Iscariot' asking Jesus a question at the Last Supper. Later tradition identifies this apostle with Jude, but care is needed not to confuse him with Judas Iscariot or automatically with Jude the brother of Jesus.
Biography
Matthew and Mark list Thaddaeus among the Twelve, while Luke and Acts list 'Judas of James,' a phrase commonly understood as Judas son or brother of James. These names have traditionally been taken to refer to the same apostle. John 14:22 records 'Judas, not Iscariot' asking Jesus why He will manifest Himself to the disciples and not to the world, and this Judas is commonly identified with the same member of the Twelve. Beyond these references Scripture gives little individual biography. The Epistle of Jude identifies its author as Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James; Christian tradition has sometimes connected him with the apostle, but the identification is not certain. Later missionary and martyrdom stories likewise go beyond the New Testament evidence.
Biblical Significance
Jude's certain significance is his place among the Twelve chosen by Jesus. His sparse canonical record is also a reminder that apostolic importance does not depend on the amount of individual narrative preserved and that figures sharing the common name Judas must be carefully distinguished.