Judas Called Barsabas
A person in the Bible. Also called Judas Barsabas, Judas Barsabbas, Judas called Barsabbas, Judas surnamed Barsabas.
| Classification | Biblical figure |
|---|---|
| Era | Mid-first century (early church) |
| Related Figures | Silas, Paul, Barnabas |
| Biblical References | Acts 15 |
Judas called Barsabas was a leader of the Jerusalem church who, after the Council of Jerusalem, traveled with Silas to deliver the letter containing the council's decision to the church at Antioch. He appears in Acts 15.
About this articleAI draft from a Korean source. Notes on Korean Protestant practice. No sources listed. Not yet reviewed by a person.
- Origin
Drafted by AI from the Korean church.wiki article, then translated and adapted for English readers on 5 November 2026.
- Perspective
Includes notes on Korean Protestant practice; other traditions are noted where they differ.
- Sources
None listed yet. The article draws on the biblical text and general reference works. Add a source
- Review
Not yet reviewed by a person. Last edited by a person: never. Translation updated 5 November 2026. Edit history
Biblical Account
Judas called Barsabas appears only in Acts 15. The Council of Jerusalem met to consider whether Gentile believers must receive circumcision. Afterward, the apostles, the elders, and the whole church resolved to send a letter setting out their decision to the church at Antioch. Along with Paul and Barnabas, they sent "Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren" (Acts 15:22). Here "chief men" refers to those who held positions of leadership in the church.
In the letter, the Jerusalem church introduced Judas and Silas as men who "shall also tell you the same things by mouth" (Acts 15:27). On arriving in Antioch, the two delivered the letter, and the text calls them "prophets," recording that they "exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them" (Acts 15:32). After some time, Judas was sent off by the brethren and returned to those in Jerusalem who had sent him (Acts 15:33). Scripture records nothing further about him.
Significance Within Scripture
Judas served as a witness who confirmed the council's decision not only in writing but also in person, by word of mouth. The presence of a recognized figure from the Jerusalem church is understood to have guarded against any suspicion that the letter might be forged or misrepresented. In addition, by calling him a prophet, Acts shows that leaders other than the apostles were active in prophesying and exhorting in the early church.
Interpretation and Issues
- Meaning of the name: "Barsabas" renders the Aramaic Bar-sabba. It is commonly explained as meaning "son of Saba" or "son of the Sabbath," but its precise meaning has not been established.
- Relationship to Joseph called Barsabas: Acts 1:23 mentions "Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus," who was put forward together with Matthias as a candidate for apostleship. Because the two men share the same byname, some regard them as brothers, but this is a conjecture without support in the text.
- Distinction from other men named Judas: He is a different person from Judas Iscariot, from Judas the son of James, one of the Twelve (Thaddaeus), and from Judas the brother of the Lord.
- Textual issue: Some later manuscripts include an additional verse stating that Silas remained in Antioch (Acts 15:34). On the basis of this verse, some read the passage to mean that Judas returned alone, but many modern translations omit the verse from the main text or mark it off separately.
Perspective: Korean Protestant practiceHow this figure is used in Korean churches, kept from the original Korean article.
In Korean churches, Judas receives little attention as a figure in his own right. He is mentioned mainly alongside Silas when the account of the Council of Jerusalem is preached or studied in Bible study groups. In such settings he is often presented as an example of a leader who faithfully conveyed the church's decision and exhorted the believers.
See also 8
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