When people hear the name Judas, their minds immediately turn to Judas Iscariot—the betrayer of Christ. Yet hidden in the shadow of that infamous name is another Judas, often called Jude or Thaddaeus, one of the twelve disciples. Though less known, this Jude stands out not for betrayal but for faithfulness. His legacy is not one of shame but of truth, courage, and perseverance.
Who Was This “Other Judas”?
In the Gospel accounts, he is referred to as Jude, Thaddaeus, or Lebbaeus (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18). To avoid confusion with Judas Iscariot, John calls him “Judas (not Iscariot)” (John 14:22). This distinction is crucial: one Judas betrayed Christ; the other remained faithful and became a defender of the gospel.
Jude’s life reminds us that obscurity does not mean insignificance. Though his story is not told with the same detail as Peter or John, his contribution to the kingdom of God is undeniable.
His Question to Jesus
Jude appears in one striking moment in John 14:22 (ESV): “Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?’”
This simple but profound question reveals Jude’s heart. He wasn’t asking about status, power, or privilege. He wanted to understand how Christ would reveal Himself. His inquiry opened the door for Jesus to speak about the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would dwell in believers and make God’s presence known (John 14:23).
Through this question, Jude helped uncover one of the most profound promises of Jesus—that the Spirit of God would live within His people.
Jude’s Letter to the Church
The Epistle of Jude, though only 25 verses long, is a powerhouse of urgency and conviction.
A Call to Contend for the Faith: Jude exhorts believers to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3, ESV). He understood the danger of false teachings infiltrating the church.
A Warning Against Corruption: Jude exposes those who twist grace into license and lead others astray.
A Doxology of Hope: The letter concludes with one of the most beautiful assurances in Scripture: “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy…” (Jude 1:24, ESV).
Jude’s voice is both prophetic and pastoral: a defender of truth and a shepherd pointing believers back to the power of God’s keeping grace.
His Legacy and Martyrdom
Tradition says Jude carried the gospel far beyond Israel, preaching in Mesopotamia and Persia. His ministry ended in martyrdom, sealing his testimony with his life. While Judas Iscariot’s name became synonymous with betrayal, Jude’s name became a symbol of steadfastness.
Lessons From Jude’s Life
1. Faithfulness Matters More Than Fame
Jude wasn’t in the inner circle, but his quiet obedience still shaped church history.
2. Truth Is Worth Defending
His letter reminds us that we cannot compromise the gospel; we must contend for it.
3. God Preserves His People
Jude’s final words assure us that our hope rests in God’s ability to keep us, not in our own strength.
Final Reflection
Jude’s story contrasts sharply with Judas Iscariot. One betrayed the Savior, the other proclaimed Him to the end. Jude may be remembered as “the other Judas,” but heaven remembers him as a faithful disciple who stood for truth.
His life challenges us today:
Will we live in compromise or will we contend for the faith with courage and conviction?
