Jesus, also called Justus
A Jewish Christian and fellow worker of the Apostle Paul who provided significant comfort to Paul during his Roman imprisonment.
Jesus, also called Justus, was a Jewish convert to Christianity who served as a companion and fellow laborer to the Apostle Paul during the mid-1st century AD. He is mentioned by name in the closing greetings of Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians, written while Paul was under house arrest in Rome. Justus is distinguished in the text as one of the few circumcised believers—meaning those of Jewish heritage—who remained loyal to Paul and the gospel mission at a time when many other Jewish Christians had distanced themselves from the apostle's ministry to the Gentiles.
The name 'Justus' is the Latin equivalent of the Greek 'Dikaios' and the Hebrew 'Zadok,' meaning 'upright' or 'just.' It was a common surname adopted by Hellenized or Romanized Jews of the period. While his primary name was Jesus (the Greek form of Joshua), the use of the Latin surname likely facilitated his interactions within the Roman world. Apart from his presence in Paul's inner circle in Rome, the biblical record provides no further details regarding his origin, specific duties, or later life.
Background and Family
Because the biblical record of Jesus, also called Justus, is limited to a single verse in the New Testament, there is no definitive information regarding his family lineage, place of birth, or tribal affiliation. He is identified by the Apostle Paul in Colossians 4:11 as being 'of the circumcision,' a phrase that explicitly confirms his Jewish identity. In the multicultural environment of the 1st-century AD Roman Empire, it was common for Jews to possess both a traditional Hebrew name—in this case, Jesus (Yeshua)—and a Latin or Greek name like Justus to assist in social and legal navigation.
Major Life Events
The only recorded event in the life of Justus is his service to the Apostle Paul during Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 60–62 AD). While Paul was awaiting trial before Caesar, he was allowed to receive visitors and coworkers who assisted in the propagation of the gospel. Justus was part of this small, dedicated team. His presence in Rome indicates a high level of commitment, as associating with a prisoner of the state carried significant social and physical risks.
Justus is specifically noted for his loyalty. Paul writes that Justus, along with Aristarchus and Mark, were the 'only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God' (Colossians 4:11). This suggests that other Jewish Christians in Rome may have been hesitant to support Paul, perhaps due to his controversial stance on the Mosaic Law and the inclusion of Gentiles. Justus, however, remained a steadfast 'fellow worker.'
Relationship to Other Biblical Figures
Justus is linked primarily to the Apostle Paul, who characterizes him as a 'comfort' (paregoria). This Greek term implies more than just emotional support; it suggests a soothing or medicinal relief, indicating that Justus’s presence and labor significantly eased Paul’s burdens during his confinement. He is also listed alongside notable figures such as Aristarchus, Mark (the cousin of Barnabas), Epaphras, Luke, and Demas, placing him within the elite circle of the early church’s missionary leadership.
Spiritual Significance
The significance of Jesus Justus lies in his role as a bridge between the Jewish tradition and the expanding Gentile church. At a time of intense theological and social friction, Justus represented the 'remnant' of Jewish believers who fully embraced the Pauline mission. His inclusion in the Epistle to the Colossians serves as a testament to the fact that the early Christian mission was a collaborative effort involving both Jews and Greeks, united by their labor for the 'kingdom of God.'
Spiritual Significance
Justus is theologically significant as a representative of Jewish Christian loyalty during the early church's transition to a predominantly Gentile movement. Paul’s specific commendation of Justus as a 'comfort' highlights the importance of supportive companionship in the ministry, demonstrating that even those without a recorded public preaching ministry played a vital role in the success of the apostles through their presence and labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Justus a leader in the early church?
While he is not described as an overseer or bishop, his inclusion in Paul’s inner circle in Rome suggests he was a trusted and high-level assistant in the missionary movement.
Why did he have two names?
It was common for 1st-century Jews to have a Hebrew name (Jesus/Yeshua) and a Latin name (Justus) to better function in the Roman Empire.
What does the name 'Justus' mean?
The name is Latin for 'just,' 'upright,' or 'righteous.'
What happened to Justus after the book of Colossians?
The Bible does not record his later life or death; he disappears from the historical record after Paul's Roman imprisonment.
Connected Figures
Paul the Apostle
Leader and fellow worker
Mark the Evangelist
Fellow Jewish-Christian worker in Rome
Aristarchus
Fellow Jewish-Christian worker in Rome
Categories
Mentions by Book
- Colossians1
Others Named Jesus
Titus Justus, Host of PaulActs 18:7
A Gentile 'worshiper of God' in Corinth who opened his home to the Apostle Paul after Paul was rejected by the local synagogue.