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Scripture & TraditionIntermediate

Why do Matthew and Mark list Thaddeus, but Luke another Judas?

Scripture & Tradition

The short answer

Because they are the same man. The Thaddeus of Matthew 10:3 and Mark 3:18 is the Judas of Luke 6:16. He probably went by a second name to avoid confusion with Judas Iscariot.

One apostle

Thaddeus in Matthew (10:3) and Mark (3:18) is the same person as the first Judas named in Luke (6:16).

Why two names

This apostle likely had a second name that was often used so he would not be confused with Judas Iscariot. As A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture notes, like many people of his time he had several names, and the early Christians naturally avoided the one he shared with the traitor.