Topic: Judas son of James

Wrapping up our study of the twelve men whom Jesus named “apostles” we look at three about whom we have little Biblical information apart from their being listed among the twelve. Even this information can be a little confusing because their names are the same as some of the others apostles. James the son of Alphaeus should not be confused with James the son of Zebedee and brother of John. Likewise, Simon the zealot might be confused with Simon Peter. Finally, Thaddaeus is also known as Judas son of James, and could therefore be confused with Judas Iscariot – so much so that John is careful to explicitly point out in John 14:22 that he was not writing about Judas Iscariot.

Apart from these few brief references, we know little from scripture about the lives and ministries of these final three apostles. Various extra-biblical ancient texts and church traditions frequently conflict with each other about these men – particularly about the manner of their martyrdom. So what lessons can we glean about them? First, we know that Jesus Himself specifically named them as apostles, sending them out along with the others to preach the Gospel, cast out demons, and heal the sick empowered of His Spirit. Thus we can infer that Jesus found in them characteristics which would make them usable in the growing of His Kingdom. We can also take the very fact that we know so little about their lives as an encouragement that no ministry in the Name of Jesus is insignificant. Jesus can use anyone devoted to His Lordship to do mighty things in furtherance of His Gospel regardless of whether our ministries are deemed noteworthy by others.