Justus, also known as Jesus, is a lesser-known figure in the New Testament, mentioned briefly in the context of the early Christian church. His mention is found in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians, where he is identified as a fellow worker for the kingdom of God. The reference to Justus provides insight into the diverse and multicultural nature of the early Christian community and highlights the collaborative efforts of early believers in spreading the Gospel.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to Justus is found in Colossians 4:11, where the Apostle Paul writes: "Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me." (Berean Standard Bible)

Context and Significance:

Justus is mentioned alongside other Jewish Christians who were part of Paul's ministry team. His dual name, Jesus (a common Jewish name derived from Joshua, meaning "Yahweh is salvation") and Justus (a Latin name meaning "just" or "righteous"), suggests a blending of Jewish and Roman identities, reflecting the cultural and ethnic diversity within the early church.

The mention of Justus in Colossians indicates that he was one of the few Jewish believers who remained with Paul during his imprisonment in Rome. This detail underscores the challenges faced by Jewish Christians in the early church, as they navigated their identity and faith within a predominantly Gentile Christian community.

Role in the Early Church:

Justus, as a fellow worker for the kingdom of God, played a supportive role in Paul's ministry. His presence alongside other Jewish believers like Aristarchus and Mark highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among early Christians, regardless of their ethnic backgrounds. The comfort he provided to Paul during his imprisonment speaks to the deep bonds of fellowship and mutual encouragement that characterized the early church.

Theological Implications:

The brief mention of Justus in the New Testament serves as a reminder of the inclusivity of the Gospel message. The early church was a mosaic of different cultures and backgrounds, united by their faith in Jesus Christ. Justus's role as a Jewish Christian working alongside Gentile believers exemplifies the breaking down of barriers and the formation of a new community centered on Christ.

In summary, Justus, also called Jesus, represents the often-unsung heroes of the early church who contributed to the spread of Christianity through their faithfulness and dedication. His mention in the Epistle to the Colossians offers a glimpse into the collaborative and diverse nature of the early Christian movement, emphasizing the unity and shared mission of believers in advancing the kingdom of God.Colossians 4:11
And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellow workers to the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort to me.
Nave's Topical Index

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... resemblance to Our Lord, whence he was called by all ... I also saw five disciples, and
can remember with particular clearness Simeon Justus and Barnabas ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

Acts XIX
... They are called disciples, and were known as such when Paul ... As the private house
of Justus had been his retreat in ... After I have been there, I must also see Rome ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xix.htm

Concerning Justification.
... and fio, as justus fio, I become just, and justificatus, ie justus factus, I ... Now
in case it should be objected, That these may also be called ours, because ...
/.../proposition vii concerning justification.htm

The Epistle to the Hebrews.
... [1214] The Epistle is called a logos ... works on the NT Theology; also Kurtz's Com ... Tychicus,
Epaphroditus, Epaphras, Aristarchus, Aquila, Jesus Justus have never ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 100 the epistle to.htm

Acts XVIII
... always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see ... Justus was not yet a disciple,
but, as suits the ... many people in this city," the Lord called persons who ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xviii.htm

Paul in Corinth.
... unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the ... he had begun to preach in the
house of Justus, where he ... converted, but to those who were yet to be called. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxi paul in corinth.htm

Paul Before his Conversion.
... Cephas and Peter, John and Mark, Barsabbas and Justus, Simeon and ... [356] He is called
a tent ... hair of the Cilician goat (Kilikios tragos, which also denotes a ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 30 paul before his.htm

Introduction. By the American Reviser.
... His birthplace also was in the Levant, in Cyprus, where ... writers, indeed, have identified
him with "Joseph called Barsabas, who was surname Justus," of Acts ...
/.../introduction by the american reviser.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... to be reverenced and obeyed by disciple, [1209]ib ... Demons, statues in houses so called,
[1218]232; praised in ... of, [1229]379; in schools are also teachers, [1230 ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

The Treatise
... Paul means in many places, where he ascribes so much to faith, that he says: Justus
ex fide sua vivit ... For this reason also the Church is called a House ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/the treatise.htm

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