I. BARSABAS. Joseph Barsabas, sirnamed the Just was one of the first Disciples Acts i. 21, 22, &c.of Jesus Christ1, and probably one of the seventy. After the Ascension of our Saviour, while the Apostles were together, expecting the descent of the Holy Ghost according to their Master’s promise, S. Peter proposed to the Assembly to fill the place of Judas the traitor, by choosing one of those Disciples who had been all along eye-witnesses of our Saviour’s actions from the time, when he first began to preach. Two persons were therefore offered Barsabas, sirnamed Justus, and Matthias; and lots being drawn, it was determined for Matthias. Papias2 informs us that Barsabas having drunk poison, the Grace of Jesus Christ prevented the ill effects of it. We know nothing particularly of his life. The Martyrologists fix his Festival to the 20th of July, and tell us, that after he had suffered much for the Gospel, he died in Judæa, and made a very glorious end.
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