Theudas is also the name of a follower of Paul of Tarsus, who taught Valentinius, for more information, see Theudas (teacher of Valentinius)

Theudas (Thoo duhs) Personal name meaning, "gift of God." Between 44 and 46 CE, he claimed to be the Messiah. About 400 people followed him in what was a short-lived revolt.

Our principal source is Josephus, who wrote:

It came to pass, while Cuspius Fadus was procurator of Judea, that a certain charlatan, whose name was Theudas, persuaded a great part of the people to take their effects with them, and follow him to the Jordan river; for he told them he was a prophet, and that he would, by his own command, divide the river, and afford them an easy passage over it. Many were deluded by his words. However, Fadus did not permit them to make any advantage of his wild attempt, but sent a troop of horsemen out against them. After falling upon them unexpectedly, they slew many of them, and took many of them alive. They also took Theudas alive, cut off his head, and carried it to Jerusalem. (Jewish Antiquities 20.97-98)

His followers were dispersed, and were never heard of again.

Sources

• Flavius Josephus, Jewish Antiquities 20:97-98
• Acts of the apostles 5:36