Early Life and Background: Saint Joseph Barsabas, also known as Justus, is a figure mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament. He was one of the early followers of Jesus Christ and a prominent member of the early Christian community in Jerusalem. The name "Barsabas" means "son of Sabas" or "son of the Sabbath," and "Justus" is a Latin name meaning "just" or "righteous," reflecting his character and reputation.
Candidate for Apostleship: After the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot, the apostles sought to fill the vacant position among the Twelve Apostles. Joseph Barsabas, along with Matthias, was proposed as a candidate for this significant role. The criteria for the new apostle were that he had to be a follower of Jesus from the time of His baptism by John until His ascension and a witness to His resurrection. Both Joseph Barsabas and Matthias met these qualifications.
In Acts 1:23-26, the apostles prayed for divine guidance and cast lots to determine who would be chosen. Matthias was selected to join the eleven apostles, but this did not diminish Joseph Barsabas's standing or contribution to the early Church.
Continued Ministry: Despite not being chosen as the twelfth apostle, Joseph Barsabas continued to play a vital role in the early Christian community. He was a respected leader and a fervent missionary. Tradition holds that he was endowed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, particularly the gift of healing and prophecy. These gifts enabled him to perform miracles and spread the Gospel with great effectiveness.
Legacy and Martyrdom: While the New Testament does not provide further details about Joseph Barsabas's life after the selection of Matthias, various traditions and apocryphal writings suggest that he continued his missionary work with zeal. Some traditions state that he became a bishop and served faithfully, spreading Christianity and nurturing the early Church. He is also believed to have suffered martyrdom for his faith, although specific details and the location of his martyrdom are not well-documented.
Veneration: Saint Joseph Barsabas is venerated as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. His feast day is celebrated on July 20th. He is remembered for his unwavering faith, dedication to Christ, and his significant, though often overlooked, role in the foundation of the early Church.
Saint Joseph Barsabas's life exemplifies steadfast faith and humility. Though not chosen as one of the Twelve Apostles, he remained a dedicated disciple of Christ, contributing to the growth and spread of early Christianity. His legacy as a righteous and faithful servant of God continues to inspire believers, reminding us that every role in the service of the faith is valuable and significant.
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Prayer to Saint Joseph Barsabas
O Glorious Saint Joseph Barsabas,
Faithful disciple of Christ and righteous servant,
You dedicated your life to the spread of the Gospel,
Despite not being chosen as one of the Twelve.
Intercede for us, dear Saint,
That we may remain steadfast in our faith,
Humble in our service, and
Dedicated to our mission, no matter our role.
Pray for us, that we may follow your example
Of unwavering commitment and righteousness,
And that we may one day share
In the glory of God's heavenly kingdom.
Amen.
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