Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Acts 1:23

Βαρσαββᾶν with אABE. Μαθθαίος with BD, following the analogy of Μαθθῖαν in 13, which is there the form given by א also. But the authorities are inconsistent about the latter name.

23. ἔστησαν. They first exercised their own powers in selecting those who best fulfilled the condition laid down. Probably there were only few among the hundred and twenty, besides the Eleven and the selected two, who had been continuously in the company of Jesus.

Βαρσαββᾶν. A patronymic. The man’s Jewish name was Joseph, and his father’s Sabba. He had besides a Roman name, Justus. This was a common thing among the Jews to have one name among their own people, and another for use in their intercourse with non-Jews. Thus Saul becomes generally known as Paulus when he is to go forth on his missionary labours. Simon takes (from Christ, perhaps that by it he might become known to all the world) the name of Petrus, and Thomas is called Didymus.

If we may judge from his three appellations, and from his being set first in order, Joseph was the better known, and it may be of more repute among the brethren. But God’s choice falls on Matthias.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Acts 1:23

Old Testament

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