Topical Encyclopedia Judas Barsabbas is a lesser-known figure in the New Testament, mentioned specifically in the Book of Acts. He played a significant role in the early Christian church, particularly during the pivotal moment of the Jerusalem Council.Biblical References: Judas Barsabbas is mentioned in Acts 15:22-32. The context of his mention is the Jerusalem Council, a crucial meeting of the early church leaders to address the issue of Gentile converts and the necessity of following Jewish law. The council was convened to resolve the dispute over whether Gentile Christians should be required to observe the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision. Role in the Early Church: Judas Barsabbas was chosen as one of the delegates to accompany Paul and Barnabas back to Antioch with the council's decision. Acts 15:22 states, "Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two leaders among the brothers." This selection indicates that Judas was a respected leader within the Jerusalem church, trusted to convey the council's decisions accurately and authoritatively. Character and Contributions: Judas Barsabbas is described as a "leader among the brothers" (Acts 15:22), suggesting he held a position of influence and respect. His role as a messenger of the council's decision highlights his reliability and commitment to the unity and doctrinal purity of the early church. Along with Silas, Judas was tasked with delivering a letter that outlined the council's conclusions, which emphasized that Gentile believers were not required to adhere to the full extent of Jewish law but should abstain from certain practices (Acts 15:23-29). Acts 15:32 further notes, "Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers." This indicates that Judas was not only a leader but also a prophet, gifted in exhortation and encouragement, contributing to the spiritual edification of the early Christian communities. Historical and Theological Significance: Judas Barsabbas' involvement in the Jerusalem Council underscores the early church's efforts to maintain doctrinal unity while embracing the diversity of its members. His role as a messenger and prophet reflects the collaborative and Spirit-led nature of early church leadership. The decision of the council, which Judas helped to communicate, was a defining moment in the church's history, affirming the inclusion of Gentiles and setting a precedent for resolving theological disputes through communal discernment and guidance by the Holy Spirit. While Judas Barsabbas does not appear elsewhere in the New Testament, his contribution to the early church's mission and his role in a critical juncture of church history remain noteworthy. His example serves as a testament to the importance of faithful leadership and the power of prophetic encouragement in the life of the church. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Judas BarsabbasJUDAS BARSABBAS bar-sab-'as (Ioudas Barsabbas): Judas was, with Silas, a delegate from the church in Jerusalem to the GentileChristians of Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. They were appointed to convey the letter containing the decision of "the apostles and the elders, with the whole church" regarding the attitude to be taken by GentileChristians toward the Mosaic law, and also to explain "the same things by word of mouth." They accompanied Paul and Barnabas to Antioch, and, "being themselves also prophets," i.e. preachers, they not only handed over the epistle but stayed some time in the city preaching and teaching. They seem to have gone no farther than Antioch, for "they were dismissed in peace from the brethren unto those that had sent them forth," and it was Paul and Silas who some time afterward strengthened the churches in Syria and Cilicia (Acts 15:40, 41). Greek 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 2459. Ioustos -- Justus, the name of three Christians Library The Synod of Jerusalem, and the Compromise Between Jewish and ... The Heresies Attacked by the Apostles. The Writings of Papias. The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects. Resources Was Judas Iscariot forgiven / saved? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Gospel of Judas? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss? | GotQuestions.org Judas: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Judas (Jude): A Disciple Who Hosted Paul Judas (Jude): An Apostle, Probably Identical With Lebbaeus, or Thaddaeus Judas (Jude): of Galilee, Who Stirred up a Sedition Among the Jews Soon After the Birth of Jesus Judas (Jude): One of the Physical Half-Brothers of Jesus Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Barsabas": A Christian Sent to Antioch of Syria With Paul and Barnabas Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot" by his Bargaining to Betray Jesus for a Sum of Money Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot" by his Protest Against the Breaking of the Container of Ointment Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": Betrays the Lord Jesus Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": Chosen As an Apostle Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": Hangs Himself Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": His Apostasy Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": Prophecies Concerning Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": Returns the Money to the Rulers of the Jews Judas (Jude): Surnamed "Iscariot": The Treasurer of the Disciples Judas (Jude): The Brother of James and Probably the Writer of the Epistle of Jude Related Terms |
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