Joseph — person in the Bible

Joseph

Man living at the time of the New Testament

Joseph, also called Barsabbas or Justus, was considered as a replacement for Judas among the apostles.

Also known as Barsabbas · Barsabas · Justus

Joseph, also known as Barsabbas or Justus, was one of the candidates proposed to replace Judas Iscariot as an apostle after Judas' betrayal and death (Act.1.23). He was one of the men who had accompanied the apostles during Jesus' entire ministry, from the time of John's baptism until Jesus' ascension (Act.1.21-22). The apostles prayed for God's guidance and cast lots between Joseph and Matthias. The lot fell to Matthias, and he was added to the eleven apostles (Act.1.24-26). The double names "Barsabbas" and "Justus" suggest that Joseph was known by multiple names. "Barsabbas" likely means "son of the Sabbath," while "Justus" is a Roman surname meaning "righteous" or "just."

Connections

Joseph and Judas Barsabbas

FamilyHypothesis

Joseph called Barsabbas was a candidate to replace Judas Iscariot, and later Judas called Barsabbas helps carry the council's letter. The shared surname might mean brothers, but the text does not say.

JosephCandidate to replace Judas as apostle JudasA prophet and leader in the Jerusalem church

Where the text shows it: Acts 1:23 — Joseph called BarsabbasActs 15:22 — Judas called Barsabbas

Ways people read this (2)

Brothers sharing a patronym.
Unrelated men with a common epithet ("son of the Sabbath" or "son of the elder").

Sources: Scripture

Where Joseph appears

1 verse in 1 book · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s G2501

Names, family links and references: STEPBible TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Short descriptions were drafted with AI assistance by STEPBible. Family links follow STEPBible’s scholarly decisions where genealogies are ambiguous.