Topical Bible: Justus: A Disciple Nominated With Matthias to Succeed Judas Iscariot

◄ Justus: A Disciple Nominated With Matthias to Succeed Judas Iscariot ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Justus, also known as Joseph called Barsabbas, is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. He is noted for being one of the two disciples considered to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the Twelve Apostles after Judas' betrayal and subsequent death. The account of his nomination is found in Acts 1:21-26.

Biblical Account

In the early days following Jesus' ascension, the remaining eleven apostles sought to fill the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot. The criteria for this selection were clear: the candidate had to have been with Jesus throughout His ministry, from the baptism by John until His ascension. This was to ensure that the new apostle could bear witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Acts 1:21-22 states, "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."

Two men were proposed: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. The apostles then prayed for divine guidance, asking the Lord to reveal which of the two He had chosen. Acts 1:24-25 records their prayer: "And 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.'"

The decision was made by casting lots, a common practice in ancient times to discern God's will. The lot fell to Matthias, who was then numbered with the eleven apostles (Acts 1:26).

Historical and Theological Context

The selection of Justus and Matthias highlights the early church's commitment to maintaining the integrity and continuity of apostolic witness. The apostles understood the importance of having leaders who had firsthand experience of Jesus' life and teachings. This ensured that the message of the Gospel would be preserved accurately and passed down through generations.

Justus, despite not being chosen, is remembered for his faithfulness and dedication. His presence among the early disciples indicates that he was a respected member of the early Christian community. The fact that he was considered for such a significant role speaks to his character and the trust the apostles placed in him.

Name and Identity

The name "Justus" is a Roman cognomen meaning "just" or "righteous," which may reflect his character or reputation among the believers. "Barsabbas" is a patronymic, meaning "son of Sabbas," which was a common way to identify individuals in the ancient world. The dual names suggest that he was known by both his Jewish heritage and his Roman identity, indicating a possible Hellenistic background.

Legacy

While Justus was not chosen to be one of the Twelve, his mention in the Book of Acts serves as a testament to the many faithful followers of Christ who played crucial roles in the early church, even if their names are not widely known. His account is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and readiness to serve, regardless of the outcome.