The Twelve: St. Thaddaeus or St. Jude

St. Thaddaeus or St. Jude

Identity: Before we start to talk about the meaning of the name and life story, we need to identify who he really was. Modern scholarship (especially secular) make a big deal out of “confusion” with three lists of the apostles we have in the Gospels of Matthew (10:1-4), Mark (3:16-19), and Luke (6:13-16). Luke gives one more list in the Book of Acts (1:13). While Matthew and Mark talk about Thaddaeus, Luke mentions Judas the son of James in both of his books. Along with this John mentions Judas (not the Iscariot) as a part of the fellowship at the Last Supper (John 14:22). We also have the Letter of Jude – the last of the 7 General or Catholic Epistles. Therefore, if we believe that the Apostles and Gospel writers knew what they were talking about. We just need to assume that Judas, Jude, and Thaddaeus is the same person. This should not surprise us for we have multiple instances of people having more than one name – Simon being also called Peter would be a parade example.

Meaning of the name(s). Let us start with Thaddaeus. Depending on the origins it can mean “courageous heart” (if derived from Aramaic), or “gift of God” (if derived from Greek).

Judas – Greek form of Hebrew name Judah – means “praise the LORD.” It was the name of the fourth son of Jacob by Leah (Genesis 29:35). As you might remember Leah and Rachel got into to a racing competition for the love of their husband. Bible simply states that Jacob loved Rachel – it was the love from the first sight, and he was ready to serve seven years for her (Genesis 29:20). Leah was trying to gain Jacob's love by bearing him sons. First came Reuben, then Simon, then Levi – every time she hoped and hoped... Then Judah was born, and she praised the LORD. She finally can to the ultimate type of relationship – relationship with God. She stopped bearing.

Story: Part of the Twelve. We don't have many stories for Judas (Jude), but the fact that Lord Jesus Christ selected him to be one of the Twelve means something. What were the criteria? Apart from personal assessment of Jesus, St. Luke left us the list of features the apostles paid attention to when they replaced the traitor. In the first chapter of the Book of Acts the apostles are looking for someone else to be “on the team.” Let's see what they considered right to be qualified. There are two basic conditions: (1) be with the group from the very beginning (from the baptism of/by John [Baptizer]) (2) until the day of Jesus's ascension. Covering the time-span of the ministry of Jesus. But within this the apostle should be a witness of resurrection. For sure, when Jesus selected the Twelve, they didn't have the resurrection yet. But what we can certainly know is he was with the disciples from the time of Jesus being baptized by John. This means that he heard the voice from heaven: This is my beloved Son, in Whom I'm well pleased (Mark 1:10-11).

Conversation at the Last Supper. We also see Judas as an active participant at the Last Supper (John 14:22). It is very interesting that Judas listens very carefully, takes his time to process a very rich “spiritual food” of Jesus' sermon, and then asks the question. His question related to what the Lord said a couple sentences prior. But he didn't want to leave it alone, having “I'll ask later” attitude. And Jesus response to his question, taking him very seriously. The distinction between the disciples and the world is maintained by faith through the reception of the word, the word that came through the Son from the Father. When the disciples will receive the word and follow Jesus' commands, the love of Jesus will be manifested among the disciples – that's how the world will know about the Savior (John 13:34-35). This was the driving force for Jude's ministry – be it writing his Letter or preaching of the Gospel to unknown lands (Armenia included).

The Letter of Jude was written around 60AD. The apostle encourages the church not giving in to the evils of the world as it tries to penetrate the church and corrupt the church from within. But imminent judgment on the ungodly IS coming. Though it looks like the wicked prevail (at times and places), there is a greater judgment that is ultimately coming to the world (cp. Ps. 73).

As long as the Church is present on earth, the forces of evil will attack her from the outside and try their best to penetrate corrupting from the inside. The Letter of Jude is very helpful with the identification of these attempts, encouraging the “beloved” to hold fast to faith once delivered to the saints. Also, regardless of the difficulty and severity of the spiritual and life combat, we eagerly await the Second Coming of Christ which will complete the ultimate deliverance.

Tradition: Commemoration date for Jude and Simon (the Zealot, we'll talk about him next week) is October 28. Traditionally, the symbols for St. Jude is ship – for traveled extensively – or a spear – reflecting of the record of St. Michael's spiritual engagement with the devil.

Prayer: Almighty God, You chose Your servants Simon and Jude to be numbered among the glorious company of the apostles. As they were faithful and zealous in their mission, so may we with ardent devotion make known the love and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Twelve: St. Thomas

St. Thomas

Meaning of the name: St. Thomas' name comes from the Greek Thomas, which comes from similar sounding Aramaic word meaning Twin. Apart from the list of the Twelve, he is mentioned four times as an actor – only in the Gospel of John. Three of out four times John add “twin” to his name. What it is? A translation of his Aramaic name? Or a description of his friendship with Matthew (they are listed together in all the lists on the 12). Or, as some suggest, as duplicity of his character? Did he ever had a twin brother? There are many things in the Bible that we might have find the answers only when we see the communion of the Saints in heaven. So far, the real answer is we don't know – it is the answer we should not be ashamed of. People who believe that they know THE ANSWERS – they just didn't study long and thorough enough.

Life story: We don't know how Jesus found Thomas. We meet him the first time as a member of the Twelve – so, at the very beginning, it looks like a name in the list. Therefore, we can safely assume that he went with a partner to the mission trip (two by two), being successful (Mark 6:12-13, 30-31; if he would fail the mission, either Mark or another Gospel writer would've notice that). As stated above – we have four stories that involve Thomas as an actor. Let us go through them, one by one.

Lazarus resurrection story. Thomas is the guy who, after a period of hesitation experienced by all the disciples, encourages other to join Jesus and go back to Judea. He is ready to die with Jesus. There is a reason for such a strong statement. Chapters 8, 9, and 10 are full of moments when the hostility level was about to overflow (8:59, 9:22, 10:31, 39). The Jewish authorities were ready to stone Jesus, arrest Him (I guess to be delivered to Romans), and to put out of synagogal community those who followed Him. In this context we should not be surprised that the first response of disciples to Jesus invitation “let US go...” was not taken enthusiastically (John 11:7-8). And after a small exhortation (John 11:9-15), Thomas is ready to go. He is ready to join Jesus (note that first Christ says “I am going (v.11), while concluding with an invitation to all of them (v. 15). In The Lutheran Service Book there is a hymn “Let us ever walk with Jesus” (LSB, 685) Stanza 3 goes like this:

Let us gladly die with Jesus Since by death He conquered death

He will free us from destruction, Give to us immortal breath

Let us mortify all passion that would lead us into sin

and the grave that shuts us in shall but prove the gate to heaven

Jesus, here with You I die; there to live with You on high

The last sermon. John 14 – 16 has the last sermon on Jesus to His disciples during the Last Supper. He just began to comfort them in the light of upcoming separation, then Thomas fires the first question: “Lord, we do not know where you are going. And how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). It is a bold statement. But his question gives us the wonderful statement of Jesus's identity: I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). The destination, the theology/teaching, and the lifestyle while we go toward heaven – all elements of our lives are here.

Doubting Thomas. This is the MAIN Thomas story – his stubbornness to accept the resurrection... Let's read slowly and carefully, and maybe we will learn something new. After the resurrection Jesus appears to the disciples. The doors are locked [for the fear of the Jews]. But (!) where is Thomas? What possessed him to step outside?? Again, I don't think we can have an answer for this question, but what is obvious is he was not afraid. Just like the trip to Lazarus' grave. So, we are coming back to his first quality – bravery. While he is gone, Jesus comes to the disciples. They “report” to Thomas about the Christ' visitation (maybe out of overwhelming joy or because he had some level of authority in the community). His response should not surprise us. What should surprise is a lack of response on the part of the disciples. Nobody tries to convince him – why? Because they know Thomas as a man of factual knowledge? Possibly. So, we are coming to his quality number two – deep thinking. Something like: “all things considered...” or “to get a full understanding he needed as much information as possible.” So, when Jesus returns He speaks directly to Thomas (John 20:27). the risen Lord does not confront him, but provides “the fullness of information,” in a similar way He did before the trip to Lazarus' tomb, or during the last sermon. Thomas' confession should be a confession of every godly Christian: my Lord and my God (John 20:28).

The last Biblical story is the fish and chips breakfast (John 21). We know this chapter as a story of reconciliation between Jesus and Peter. As Peter denied three times his association with the Galilean, Jesus at the shore of lake of Galilee asks him: do you love me? (John 21:15-17). Yet, John points out that there were others present at the event: Nathaniel [we talked about him earlier] and Thomas (John 21:2). When Peter jumps off the boat after seeing Jesus on the shore, the other disciples bring the boat back to the land. Reliable, thoughtful, and thankful – the features of the disciples who were present at the fish and chips breakfast. They apply to Thomas, to full extend.

Commemoration – December 21 (right before we SEE the newborn Jesus)

Prayer: Almighty and ever-living God, You strengthen Your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in the resurrection of Your Son. Grant us such faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that we may never be found wanting in Your sight; through the same Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Twelve: St. Matthew

St. Matthew

Meaning of the name: Let me begin with a quote from Origen of Alexandria – Church father of III century AD: a name is a designation that sums up and describes the particular character of the one named (ACCS NT, II:41).

Matthew comes from the Hebrew word Mattityahu meaning “the gift of Yahweh.” He was truly a gift to the disciples of Jesus.

Life story.

The call – Matthew 9:9-13. Immediate response, leaving behind a very good career. And invitation of Jesus to the dinner – he wants all of his friends to meet Jesus.

There is a possibility that Matthew and James (minor) were brothers. Mark 2:14 describes a call of a tax collector name Levi, son of Alphaeus. While the list of the Twelve has James, son of Alphaeus (Matthew 10:3). But in the list of the Twelve he is paired up with Thomas. An interesting combination of two apostles, when Jesus sent them to the mission field (Mark 6:7). So, sometimes Jesus keeps brothers together – St. James and St. John, sons of Zebedee. And sometimes Jesus doesn't break the family ties but sets a new type of relationship.

Being a humble man, he wrote the Gospel (first in the canon), trying to avoid mentioning himself. We have only a call and selection of the Twelve stories. Luke adds writes a story of Jesus' Ascension (Acts 1:) listing him as of the disciples present at the event.

Yet, his Gospel is a masterpiece – based on five speeches of Jesus:

a. Historical narrative of birth and early ministry, ch. 1 – 4

I. First Discourse (5:1 – 7:28), Sermon on the Mountain

b. Historical narrative of healing and cleansings, 8:1 – 9:34

II. Second Discourse (9:35 – 11:1), Apostolic authority and martyrdom

c. Historical narrative of lordship over the creation, 11:2 – 12:45

III. Third Discourse (12:46 – 13:53), Parables of the Kingdom

c’. Historical narrative of lordship over the creation, 13:54 – 17:27

IV. Fourth Discourse (18:1 – 19:1), Rules for the Church

b’. Historical narrative of healing the social brokenness, 19:2 – 22:40

V. Fifth Discourse (22:41 – 26:1), End times

a’. Historical narrative of Arrest, Death, and Resurrection, 26:2 – 28:20

Jesus as a New and Greater Moses:

	Event	Life of Moses	Jesus in Matthew
1	Miraculous birth	Ex. 2	Mt. 1
2	Danger after being born	Ex. 2	Mt. 2
3	Commissioning to the Ministry	Ex. 3	Mt. 3
4	Teaching on the mountain	Ex. 20	Mt. 5-7
5	Establishing the Kingdom	Numbers	Mt. 13
6	Teaching on the Rules of the community	Deuteronomy	Mt. 18-19
7	Last words on the plain	Deuteronomy	Mt. 26-27
8	Last scene on the mountain	Deuteronomy	Mt. 28:16-20

As a former tax collector, he offers a very particular insight on the teaching of Jesus. I would call it a banking perspective, for example by providing the parable of the talents (25:14-30, Luke repeats after him, being a historian, Luke 19:11-27). Jesus in this parable shows an analogy between the financial responsibility and evangelism opportunities.

Traditions: Most of the early Church Fathers say that he preached the Gospel to Jewish community in Judea – makes perfect sense, for he was very well accustomed to their teaching and traditions.

His date of commemoration is September 21.

Prayer: O Son of God, our blessed Savior Jesus Christ, You called Matthew the tax collector to be an apostle and evangelist. Through his faithful and inspired witness, grant that we also may follow You, leaving behind all covetous desires and love of riches; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

The Twelve: St. Bartholomew

St. Bartholomew

Meaning of the name: To begin with I need to share that the opinion I am holding is not a unanimous one. Yet, majority agrees that Nathaniel from the Gospel of John (1:45-51; 21:2) and Bartholomew of Synoptic Gospels and the Book of Acts (Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16; Acts 1:13) are the persons. We are going to treat it this way. Therefore, we need to talk about both names, starting with Bartholomew.

The name is Aramaic: Bar-Tholmai – son of furrows. The agricultural allusion, the one who relies on God, hoping that the crop will grow strong and there will be ability to harvest the grains or fruits. It actually goes together with Nathaniel. Hebrew: Nathani-El – God given (given by God or given to God). One of the most trusting God vocation is a sower – because at some point one understands that he can't do anything. The seed grows without his input.

Life story: We know that he was born at Cana of Galilee (John 21:2). Which makes his presence at the wedding, where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine even more significant. More to be said about it.

ST. PAUL and BAR-NABAS in LYSTRA and DEBRE

Paul and Barnabas in Lystra and Debre  

The Passage: Acts 13:50 – 14:28

Structure:

a. 13:50-52, Travel of evangelization

 b. 14:1-4, Increasing disciples

  c. 14:5-7, Stoning

   d. 14:8-13, crowd wanted a sacrifice

    e. 14:14-17, Words of apostles

   d’. 14:18, restraining crowd from a sacrifice

  c’. 14:19-20, Stoning

 b’. 14: 21-23, Increasing disciples

a’. 14:24-28, Travel of evangelization   

Historical and geographical context: This story concludes the First Mission trip. After St. Paul’s miraculous resurrection at Lystra (see below), he visits Debre, converting many, after which Paul and Barnabas begin their trip back. Passing through the same cities avoiding Cyprus they return to the church (Acts 14:27). Apparently, Antioch (of Syria) became a center of the church development.

The name of town Debre – the final destination – is derived from Persian Derbent which stands for “narrow gate” (lit. “barred gate”). It is interesting that the city with this name has accepted the Gospel without any hesitation or reservation. Debre is mentioned 4 times in the Book of Acts (14:6, 20; 16:1; 20:4). First time it is just a geographical pointer, then St. Luke simply states that “they preached the Gospel to that city and made many disciples”. Interesting, that the city with such name is fast to believe in Jesus (as He preached, Mt. 7:13-14).    

In comparison, two other cities mentioned in the story are Iconium and Lystra. The meaning of Iconium is based on “icon/image” – city of [the large or mass produced] Image. What is surprising is that regardless of the prohibition to create the images for “acknowledgement” (Ex. 20:4-6) there was a Jewish synagogue in town (Acts 14:1). The exact meaning of Lystra is lost, but it could mean something within a range of “loose goats, pain relief, or city of madness”. If the last one is true, no wonder St. Paul was stoned there. To conclude, Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Debre are Galatian cities St. Paul writes his famous letter to. 

Gospel of Mark chapters 2 and 3

Gospel of Mark 2 and 3

Sometime ago I wrote about a possibly of 7 days of creation pattern in the Gospel of Mark chapter 1. Here are some thoughts on structure of the next block of the narrative – chapters 2-3.