Two men in the biblical record are called Barsabbas, viz. Joseph Barsabbas Justus, briefly considered for the apostleship but passed over (Acts 1:23-26), and Judas Barsabbas (Acts 15:22-33), the focus of our current study. The compound designator Barsabbas begins with the Aramaic prefix Bar-, signifying a “son.” Whether the name connects these men fraternally or they shared in common another distinctive attribute cannot be confirmed with certainty (see previous post).
The name Judas is the Anglicized form of the Greek Ἰούδας [Ioúdas], from the Hebrew יְהוּדָה[Yehûdâh], meaning “Yahweh is praised.” First given to the fourth son of Jacob and Leah (Gen. 29:35), at least nine persons recorded in the NT were known by this name (Matt. 10:4; 13:55; Luke 3:26, 30, 33; 6:16; John 14:22; Acts 5:37; 9:11; 15:22). Perhaps it was popular among 1st-century Palestinian Jews because of the lingering influence of the celebrated leader of the 2nd-century BC Maccabean revolution, Judas Maccabeus.
Introducing Judas Barsabbas
Judas Barsabbas is introduced in the 15th chapter of Acts, where he participates in the meeting of the Jerusalem elders and apostles addressing the circumcision controversy that plagued the early church. He had obviously been involved in the Lord’s work for some time, as he is mentioned along with Silas as “leading men among the brothers” (v. 22b),1 presumably part of the eldership. Being a recognized leader in a congregation that has apostles and elders is noteworthy. As he is paired with Silas, his name always appears first (vv. 22, 27, 32), which may suggest some degree of prominence.
After reaching a consensus under the Holy Spirit’s guidance (v. 28), it was determined that Judas Barsabbas and Silas would put the decision into writing on the group’s behalf (vv. 22-23). The aorist participle γράψαντες [grápsantes], from the verbal γράφω [gráphō, to “write”], means these men “wrote” the document (ASV, ERV, HCSB, ISV, N/KJV, WEB),2 although a number of English translations have curiously rendered it “sent” (ESV, NASB, NET, NIV, N/RSV). Granted, they were the letter-carriers (vv. 22a, 27), but someone had to do the writing, and the actual wording of Luke’s historical record identifies them as the designated scribes.
Comparatively few in ancient eastern and Greco-Roman societies were proficient in writing, even among the educated. In the predominantly oral cultures of the Mediterranean world, the customary procedure was to verbally dictate information to a trained amanuensis (secretary) who was responsible for putting it into writing. Baruch wrote for Jeremiah (Jer. 36:1-32), Tertius wrote for Paul (Rom. 16:22), and Silvanus wrote for Peter (1 Pet. 5:12). If multiple copies of the Jerusalem-conference letter were needed to send to multiple congregations (cf. Acts 15:23, 30, 41; 16:4), multiple penmen would be practical. Judas Barsabbas appears to have been recognized, along with Silas, as a skilled writer.
Both men had earned the confidence of the other leaders to represent the group and accompany Paul and Barnabas (themselves highly esteemed) to hand-deliver and publicly read the inspired directives (vv. 25-27, 31). The first stop was Antioch, where the controversy began, while the surrounding region of Syria and neighboring Cilicia were included as well (vv. 23, 30). Judas Barsabbas and Silas are then identified as “prophets” who gave additional instruction as “they, with much discourse, edified and strengthened the brethren” (v. 32). Paul would later write, “but the one prophesying speaks edification and encouragement and comfort to people …. [and] edifies the church” (1 Cor. 14:3, 4).
From this handful of verses in Acts 15 we learn that Judas Barsabbas was a leader among leaders, a proficient writer, an inspired prophet, and a capable teacher and encourager. What an impressive résumé. Through such gifted servants the Lord effectively accomplished what Paul and Barnabas were unable to do themselves (v. 2).
What Happened to Judas Barsabbas?
Following his successful teaching and edification campaign, Judas Barsabbas returned to Jerusalem (Acts 15:33), and this is the last we hear of him. He may have spent the rest of his life as a leader in the Jerusalem church, at least until mid-70,3 which is of no minor significance (cf. Acts 16:4; 21:18). But when the apostle Paul parted ways with his mentor Barnabas and needed a new missionary partner, he picked Silas. Judas Barsabbas was not the one invited to join the mission team (Acts 15:36-41), even though he seems to have been just as (if not more) qualified as his colleague Silas.
Unlike so many other NT characters, no extra-biblical traditions concerning Judas Barsabbas have been preserved. What, then, do we know of him and can we learn from him?
· He did not shy away from controversy.
· He taught the revealed will of God, even on controversial issues, in a positive, encouraging manner.
· He understood and taught, long before Paul sent his letter to the Galatians, that being right with God is only possible through adherence to Jesus Christ rather than trusting in the ritualistic works of the old Jewish law (Gal. 2:16).
· He did not take liberties with God’s word; where there was “no such commandment” (Acts 15:24), he did not teach or practice something without divine authorization.
· He was not a lone maverick but worked in partnership with others.
· He did not allow the superficial barriers of race and culture that divide the world to dictate or hinder his associations and ministerial service.
· He used whatever talents he had in the Lord’s work.
Conclusion
While the two men in the Bible called Barsabbas may or may not have been biological brothers, they were nonetheless brothers in Christ. Beyond wearing the same distinguishing moniker, they shared other things in common. Each was known by multiple names. Each was paired with someone identified by a single name. Each is listed first, before his partner. Despite being well qualified, neither was chosen for a lofty assignment that was instead given to his colleague. The entirety of what we know about either of these men from the biblical record is faithfulness to the Lord. Although Judas Barsabbas missed out on the opportunity to teach God’s word in Philippi, he is implicitly included in Paul’s instruction to these brethren, “be joint imitators of me, and observe those so walking, as you have us as a pattern” (Phil. 3:17).
--Kevin L. Moore
Endnotes:
1 Unless noted otherwise, scripture quotations are the author’s own translation.
2 Cf. Acts 1:20; 7:42; 13:29, 33; 15:15; 18:27; 23:5, 25; 24:14; 25:26.
3 When Jerusalem was besieged by the Romans and later fell in the summer of 70, Christians purportedly fled eastward to Pella (Eusebius, Eccl. Hist. 3.5.3).
Related Posts: Part 1: Joseph Barsabbas Justus, Silas/Silvanus
Image credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-14686003-disappointed-muscular-silhouette-man-looking-down-on
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