Bible Figure
Judas Barsabbas
male human biblical figure in Acts 15:22, early Christian prophet and leader based in Jerusalem
Judas Barsabbas was a leading member of the Jerusalem church and a prophet. After the Jerusalem council, he and Silas were sent with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch to deliver and personally confirm the council's decision concerning Gentile believers.
Biography
Acts 15 describes a major dispute over whether Gentile converts had to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses as a condition of salvation. After deliberation, the apostles and elders in Jerusalem sent a letter to Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia. Judas called Barsabbas and Silas, described as leading men among the brothers, were chosen to accompany Paul and Barnabas so that the decision would not rest on a letter alone. At Antioch the congregation rejoiced at the encouraging message. Judas and Silas, themselves prophets, then strengthened and encouraged the believers with many words. After some time they were sent back in peace to those who had commissioned them. Scripture does not establish a family relationship between Judas Barsabbas and Joseph Barsabbas merely from the shared surname.
Biblical Significance
Judas Barsabbas played an important role in preserving unity between Jewish and Gentile believers at a critical moment. His mission gave personal credibility to the Jerusalem council's decision that Gentile salvation did not depend upon becoming Jewish proselytes.