Topical Bible: Joseph Barsabbas

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Topical Encyclopedia

Joseph Barsabbas, also known as Justus, is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. He is noted for being one of the candidates considered to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve apostles following Judas' betrayal and subsequent death. His account is brief but significant, highlighting the early church's commitment to maintaining the integrity and continuity of apostolic leadership.

Scriptural Reference:

Joseph Barsabbas is mentioned in Acts 1:21-26. After the ascension of Jesus, the apostles returned to Jerusalem and gathered in the upper room. Recognizing the need to fill the vacancy left by Judas, Peter addressed the group of about 120 believers, emphasizing the necessity of choosing someone who had been with Jesus throughout His ministry, from the baptism of John until the ascension. The purpose was to appoint a witness to the resurrection of Jesus.

The passage reads: "Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen to take up this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his rightful place.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles" (Acts 1:21-26).

Name and Identity:

Joseph Barsabbas is identified by two names: Barsabbas and Justus. The name "Barsabbas" is Aramaic, meaning "son of Sabbas" or "son of the Sabbath," which may indicate his father's name or a characteristic related to the Sabbath. "Justus" is a Latin name meaning "just" or "righteous," suggesting his reputation among the early believers.

Role in the Early Church:

Although Joseph Barsabbas was not chosen to replace Judas, his inclusion as a candidate underscores his standing and faithfulness within the early Christian community. The selection process, which involved prayer and casting lots, reflects the early church's reliance on divine guidance in decision-making. The fact that Joseph was considered for apostleship indicates that he was a respected and trusted member of the group, having been a follower of Jesus from the beginning of His ministry.

Legacy and Tradition:

While the Bible does not provide further details about Joseph Barsabbas' life or ministry after this event, early Christian tradition holds various accounts of his later activities. Some traditions suggest that he continued to serve faithfully in the church, though these accounts are not corroborated by canonical scripture.

Joseph Barsabbas' account serves as a testament to the dedication and faithfulness required of those who followed Jesus and contributed to the foundation of the early church. His willingness to be considered for apostleship, despite not being chosen, exemplifies humility and commitment to the mission of spreading the Gospel.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Joseph Barsabbas

JOSEPH BARSABBAS

bar-sab'-as Barsabbas, or Barsabas; the King James Version Barsabas, bar'-sa-bas; for etymology, etc., of Joseph, see general article on JOSEPH): Joseph Barsabbas was surnamed Justus (Acts 1:23). Barsabbas was probably a patronymic, i.e. son of Sabba or Seba. Other interpretations given are "son of an oath," "son of an old man," "son of conversion," "son of quiet." It is likely that the "Judas called Barsabbas" of Acts 15:22 was his brother. Ewald considers that both names refer to the same person, but this is improbable.

Joseph was one of those who accompanied the apostles "all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and went out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto the day that he was received up from us" (Acts 1:21, 22). At the meeting of the brethren under the presidency of Peter in Jerusalem shortly after the crucifixion, he was, therefore, proposed along with Matthias as a suitable candidate for the place in the apostleship left vacant by the treachery and death of Judas Iscariot; but was unsuccessful (Acts 1:15-26).

According to Eusebius (Historia Ecclesiastica, I, 12), Joseph was one of the 70 (Luke 10:1), and Papias records the oral tradition that he drank a cup of poison without harm (compare Mark 16:18). The Acts of Paul, a work belonging to the 2nd century and first mentioned by Origen, relates that Barsabbas, Justus the Flatfoot and others were imprisoned by Nero for protesting their faith in Christ, but that upon a vision of the newly martyred Paul appearing to the emperor, he ordered their immediate release.

C. M. Kerr

Greek

2459. Ioustos -- Justus, the name of three Christians
... Masculine Transliteration: Ioustos Phonetic Spelling: (ee-ooce'-tos) Short Definition:
Justus Definition: Justus, (a) a surname of Joseph Barsabbas, one of the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2459.htm - 6k

923. Barsabbas -- "son of Sabba," Barsabbas, the surname of two ...
... Transliteration: Barsabbas Phonetic Spelling: (bar-sab-as') Short Definition: Barsabbas
Definition: Barsabbas, son of Sabbas, a surname of Joseph and Judas. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/923.htm - 6k

Library

The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects.
... Clergy, [700]289; exempted by Constantine from political duties, 383. Clopas, father
of Simeon and brother of Joseph, [701]146, [702]163, 164, [703]199. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/the church history of eusebius.htm

The Writings of Papias.
... The account is as follows: "And they put forward two, Joseph, called Barsabbas,
who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias; and they prayed and said." [955]. 11. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xxxix the writings of papias.htm