Saint Jude, also known as Judas (not Iscariot), was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and the author of the Epistle of Jude in the New Testament. Often referred to as “Jude Thaddeus” or simply “Thaddeus,” he is remembered for his unwavering faith and his passionate exhortations to the early Christian community to remain steadfast in the truth. Though little is known about his life, Jude’s brief yet powerful epistle reflects his zeal for protecting the Church from false teachings and preserving the integrity of the Gospel.

Jude was likely a relative of Jesus, as he is described in Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3 as one of the “brothers” of Jesus, a term commonly understood to refer to close relatives. Tradition identifies Jude as the son of Mary and Clopas, making him a cousin of Jesus. His inclusion among the twelve apostles (Luke 6:16) and his appearance in John 14:22, where he asks Jesus about revealing Himself to the disciples, demonstrate his intimate role in Christ’s ministry.

The Epistle of Jude, written around 65–80 AD, addresses urgent issues facing the early Church, particularly the rise of false teachers and the threat of apostasy. Jude’s letter calls believers to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). He warns against those who pervert God’s grace and deny the authority of Jesus Christ, likening them to historical examples of rebellion and judgment, such as Cain, Balaam, and Korah (Jude 11). Jude’s vivid descriptions of these false teachers emphasize their destructive influence and spiritual danger.

Jude’s letter also contains one of the most beautiful doxologies in the New Testament: “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, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen” (Jude 24–25). This declaration of God’s sustaining power and ultimate victory has encouraged Christians for centuries to persevere in their faith.

Tradition holds that Jude carried the Gospel to regions beyond Judea, possibly including Mesopotamia, Persia, and Armenia. Some accounts suggest that he suffered martyrdom, though the details of his death vary. In Christian tradition, Jude is often venerated as the patron saint of desperate and lost causes, reflecting his enduring legacy as a source of hope and intercession.

Jude’s life and writings offer a timeless message of courage and faithfulness. His exhortation to contend for the faith remains relevant in every generation, challenging believers to guard against spiritual compromise and to hold fast to the truth of the Gospel. By rooting his message in the sovereignty and power of God, Jude reminds Christians of the ultimate victory of Christ and the assurance of eternal life. His life and legacy continue to inspire believers to stand firm in their faith, trusting in the unchanging truth of God’s Word.