The story of Joseph Barsabbas
Joseph Barsabbas, also known as Justus, was one of two men proposed as a replacement for Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus and committed suicide, according to the New Testament. He and Matthias were both considered for the role of the twelfth apostle, and it was decided through prayer and the casting of lots that Matthias would be chosen. Little else is known about Joseph Barsabbas, and he is not mentioned in the Bible after this event.
Name meaning
The name "Joseph Barsabbas" refers to a figure mentioned in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The name itself can be broken down into its components: 1. **Joseph**: A common Hebrew name (Yosef), meaning "Jehovah will add" or "God will increase." It is a name associated with several significant biblical figures, such as Joseph, the son of Jacob and Rachel, and Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. 2. **Barsabbas**: This is a patronymic name, where "Bar" means "son of" in Aramaic. "Sabbas" could be interpreted as a personal name or descriptor, but its exact meaning is less clear. It is sometimes thought to relate to the Sabbath or have a connection to the concept of rest. In the context of the New Testament, Joseph Barsabbas is notably mentioned in the Book of Acts (Acts 1:23). He is one of the two candidates proposed to replace Judas Iscariot as an apostle. Although he was not chosen—Matthias was selected instead—Joseph Barsabbas is remembered as a committed disciple of Jesus. The combination of his names might convey "Joseph, the son of Sabbas," with "Sabbas" suggesting possible familial or otherwise relevant ties. However, due to limited information in historical and biblical texts, interpretations largely depend on religious and scholarly context.
Name origin
Aramaic
Role
Bishop