Thaddeus (2)

Eusеb. Hist. Eccles. l. 1. c. 13. p. 32.2. THADDEUS, or Tatteus, according to Rufinus, was, as is believed, Brother of St. Thomas the Apostle,¹ and one of the seventy Disciples. Soon after our Saviour’s Ascension into Heaven, St. Thomas sent him from Jerusalem to Edessa to King Abgarus, who reigned there then, and of whom we have spoke under his Title. Jesus Christ, they tell us, had wrote to this Prince, promising to send him one of his Disciples, who should cure him of a Disease he then laboured under. When Thaddeus was come to Edessa, he lodged at first with one called Tobiah, where he soon became famous by the great number of Miracles he perform’d in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Abgarus being inform’d of this, concluded he must be the same whom our Saviour had promised to send him, and had him brought to him by Tobiah. Abgarus threw himself at his Feet, and asked him if he was not the Person that was to cure him? to which Thaddeus answered, Yes, and that he was come by way of a Recompence to him for his great Faith: Then, asking him if he believed in Jesus Christ, and in his Father? Abgarus affirm’d that he believed with his whole Heart; and at the same time Thaddeus laid his Hands upon him, and perfectly cured him. He did also many other Miracles there, and converted the whole City of Edessa. Abgarus offer’d him a great quantity of Gold, but he refus’d it, saying, If we have abandon’d our own Goods, why should we take those of others? ‘Tis not known what St. Thaddeus did after this time: Nor is his Memory much celebrated by the Church, because he has not been well distinguished from St. Jude. The Latins honour one St. Thaddeus on the 11th of May, whom they seem to make a Martyr in Asia: And the Greeks remember him on the 21st of August; they say he died in Peace at Berytus in Phœnicia, after he had there baptized many Persons.

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