Judas Ἰούδας
A prophet and leader in the Jerusalem church
Who is Judas in the Bible?
Judas, also known as Barsabbas, was a prophet and respected leader in the Jerusalem church during the apostolic period. He is mentioned in Acts 15:22, 27, and 32 as one of the leading men chosen by the Jerusalem Council to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch, carrying a letter that confirmed the council's decision regarding Gentile believers and the Mosaic law. As a prophet, Judas used his gift to exhort and strengthen the believers in Antioch with his words (Acts 15:32). His role in this pivotal moment demonstrates the importance of trusted leaders in facilitating communication and unity between the Jerusalem church and the growing community of Gentile believers.
Biography
Judas, also known as Barsabbas, is mentioned in Act.15.22, 27, 32 as a prophet and leader in the Jerusalem church. The context of the passage is the Jerusalem Council, where the early church leaders discussed and resolved the issue of Gentile believers and the Mosaic law (Act.15.1-35).
After the council reached a decision, they chose Judas Barsabbas and Silas, both described as leading men among the believers, to accompany Paul and Barnabas back to Antioch (Act.15.22). They carried a letter from the Jerusalem church, confirming the council's decision and encouraging the Gentile believers (Act.15.23-29).
In Antioch, Judas and Silas, being prophets, exhorted and strengthened the believers with many words (Act.15.32). This indicates that they had a recognized ministry of prophecy and encouragement within the early church.
After spending some time in Antioch, Judas and Silas were sent back to Jerusalem with the blessing of peace from the church (Act.15.33). No further details are provided about Judas Barsabbas' life or ministry beyond this event.
The inclusion of Judas Barsabbas in this narrative highlights the unity and cooperation among the early church leaders, as well as the importance of prophecy and encouragement in the growth and strengthening of the believers.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentActs 3 verses
- Acts 15:22
"Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, two leaders among the brothers,"
Study Acts → - Acts 15:27
"Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to tell you in person the same things we are writing."
Study Acts → - Acts 15:32
"Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers."
Study Acts →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἰούδας | Ioúdas | Judas (i.e. Jehudah), the name of ten Israelites; also of the posterity of one of them and its region |
| Named | Greek | Βαρσαβᾶς | — | — |
Judas
(3) Judas, son of Chalphi, a Jewish officer who supported Jonathan bravely at the battle of Hazor (1 Macc 11:70; Ant, XIII, v, 7).
(4) A person of good position in Jerusalem at the time of the mission to Aristobulus (2 Macc 1:10); he has been identified with Judas Maccabeus and also with an Essene prophet (Ant., XIII, xi, 2; BJ, III, 5).
(5) Son of Simon the Maccabee, and brother of John Hyrcanus (1 Macc 16:2). He was wounded in the battle which he fought along with his brother against Cendebeus (1 Macc 16:1 ff; Ant, XIII, vii, 3), and was murdered by Ptolemy the usurper, his brother-in-law, at Dok (1 Macc 16:11 ff).
J. Hutchinson
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 de