Who is St. Jude in the Bible?
St. Jude, also known as Judas Thaddeus, is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, as mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. He is often depicted as the brother of St. James the Less and is recognized for his role in spreading the Christian faith during the early days of the Church. Despite being a lesser-known figure compared to some of his fellow apostles, St. Jude holds a significant place in Christian history and devotion.
Background and Life of St. Jude
St. Jude is believed to have been born in Galilee, a region in northern Israel, during the 1st century AD. He is the son of Cleopas and Mary, and his full name is Judas Thaddeus. The name “Judas” is derived from the Aramaic word “Yehudah,” meaning “praised” or “praise.” St. Jude is often distinguished from Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus, by adding “Thaddeus” to his name.
According to the Bible, St. Jude was a close friend and disciple of Jesus. He is mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John, although his role is relatively minor compared to other apostles. After Jesus’ resurrection, St. Jude was chosen by Jesus to be one of the twelve apostles. He is believed to have traveled with the other apostles, including St. Peter, to spread the Christian faith and perform miracles.
Role in the New Testament
St. Jude is mentioned in the New Testament primarily in the Epistle of St. Jude, which is the shortest book in the Bible. This letter is attributed to St. Jude and is believed to have been written around AD 60-70. The epistle serves as a call to faith and encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and resist false teachings.
In the letter, St. Jude emphasizes the importance of perseverance and faithfulness. He warns against apostates and false teachers who seek to deceive and lead believers astray. St. Jude also highlights the importance of prayer and fasting as means of spiritual growth and protection against evil.
Devotion and Veneration
St. Jude is revered as a patron saint of desperate causes and lost causes. His feast day is celebrated on October 28th, and he is often invoked for help in difficult situations. Many Christians turn to St. Jude when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, as they believe in his power to intercede on their behalf.
The image of St. Jude is often depicted with a flame in his hand, symbolizing his role as a bringer of light in dark times. He is also commonly shown with a club or staff, which represents his apostolic ministry and his association with the early Church.
In conclusion, St. Jude, also known as Judas Thaddeus, is an apostle of Jesus Christ who played a significant role in the early spread of the Christian faith. While his presence in the New Testament is limited, his influence and devotion continue to inspire Christians around the world.
