Lexical Summary Ioustos: Justus Original Word: Ἰοῦστος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Justus. Of Latin origin ("just"); Justus, the name of three Christian -- Justus. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition Justus, the name of three Christian NASB Translation Justus (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2459: ἸοῦστοςἸοῦστος, Ἰούστου, ὁ, Justus (cf. Lightfoot on Colossians 4:11), the surname 1. of Joseph, a convert from Judaism, who was also surnamed Barsabas (better Barsabbas which see): Acts 1:23. 2. of Titus, a Corinthian (a Jewish proselyte): Acts 18:7. 3. of a certain Jesus (a Jewish Christian): Colossians 4:11. The cognomen “Justus,” attached to three distinct men in the New Testament, conveys the character of “upright” or “righteous.” In each setting it highlights lives that modeled fidelity to God and earned respect from fellow believers and outsiders alike. The early church preserved the title to commend men whose conduct aligned with the justice of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Joseph called Barsabbas, surnamed Justus (Acts 1:23) Joseph called Barsabbas, Surnamed Justus (Acts 1:23) After Judas Iscariot’s fall, the remaining Eleven sought a replacement who had accompanied Jesus from John’s baptism through the Ascension. Joseph Barsabbas—“also known as Justus”—was among the two qualified candidates placed before the Lord. Though Matthias was chosen, Joseph’s consideration testifies that his walk met stringent apostolic criteria. “So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also known as Justus) and Matthias” (Acts 1:23). His obscurity after the casting of lots illustrates that service approved by God need not result in public prominence; faithfulness, not visibility, is the hallmark of true discipleship. Titius Justus, God-Fearer in Corinth (Acts 18:7) Paul’s ministry in Corinth faced fierce synagogue opposition. He therefore “went next door to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God” (Acts 18:7). By opening his home, Titius Justus provided a strategic base where Paul could teach Gentiles and Jews who embraced the gospel. The proximity to the synagogue ensured continued witness to those still gathering there, while the hospitality protected Paul from immediate expulsion. The conversion of Crispus (Acts 18:8) and the establishment of a thriving church in Corinth are inseparable from the courage and generosity of Titius Justus. His example underscores: Jesus Called Justus, Fellow Worker with Paul (Colossians 4:11) Writing from house arrest, Paul mentions three Jewish coworkers who remained by his side. “Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have been a comfort to me” (Colossians 4:11). In a season when many “from the circumcision” opposed the apostle, this Justus stood firm for the gospel of grace. His presence encouraged Paul, demonstrating: Theological and Practical Lessons Righteous Character: The shared title “Justus” reminds readers that Christian identity is rooted in God-granted righteousness lived out in daily conduct (Romans 6:13). Hidden but Honored Service: Whether overlooked for office (Joseph Barsabbas), known only for opening a home (Titius Justus), or briefly mentioned as a comforter (Jesus Justus), each life proves that eternal significance is measured by faithfulness, not fame. Jew-Gentile Bridge: All three occurrences involve transitional moments in the church’s mission—selecting an apostle to Israel, planting a church in a Gentile city, and demonstrating Jewish support for a Gentile mission. The title thus quietly signals the harmony God designs within His diverse people (Ephesians 2:14-19). Encouragement to Modern Believers: Legacy in Church History Early Christian tradition (e.g., Eusebius, Hippolytus) occasionally speculated about Joseph Barsabbas and Titius Justus, but Scripture gives no further record, leaving the emphasis on their recorded deeds rather than on later legend. The simplicity of their biblical portrayal invites believers in every generation to embrace ordinary opportunities for extraordinary obedience, trusting the Lord who “is not unjust to forget your work and the love you have shown for His name” (Hebrews 6:10). Englishman's Concordance Acts 1:23 N-NMSGRK: ὃς ἐπεκλήθη Ἰοῦστος καὶ Μαθθίαν NAS: was also called Justus), and Matthias. KJV: who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. INT: who was called Justus and Matthias Acts 18:7 N-GMS Colossians 4:11 N-NMS Strong's Greek 2459 |
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