This document is about Judas (Barsabbas). For other homonyms, please refer to the Judas document.
Judas (Barsabbas) was an influential figure in the Jerusalem church. He became a messenger, along with Silas, carrying the resolution of the council to the Antioch Church.
At that time, the Jerusalem church held a meeting to discuss how to accept Gentile Christians. The final conclusion was to not burden them with various laws, but only to instruct them to abstain from idolatry, sexual immorality, things strangled, and blood.
A letter containing this content was written, and it was decided to send Paul and Barnabas along with Judas Barsabbas and Silas.
Acts 15:19Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God,Acts 15:20but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood.Acts 15:21For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”Acts 15:22Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas called Barsabbas, who was a leading man among the brothers, and Silas.Acts 15:23With them they sent the following letter: “The brothers, both the apostles and the elders, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings.Acts 15:24Since we have heard that some persons from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your minds, although we gave them no instructions,Acts 15:25it has seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.Acts 15:26(Included in verse 25)Acts 15:27We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will tell you the same things by word of mouth.Acts 15:28For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements:Acts 15:29that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
Afterward, having completed their mission, they returned to the Jerusalem church.
Acts 15:32And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.