Lives of Scripture

Near the close of his letter to the Colossians, Paul lists several companions sending greetings, including "Jesus who is called Justus" (Colossians 4:11) -- almost certainly using the nickname "Justus" ("the just one") precisely to distinguish this man from Jesus Christ, since "Jesus" (Yeshua/Joshua) was a common Jewish name. Paul groups him with Aristarchus and Mark as "the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision" -- that is, Jewish believers -- among those currently with him, and adds a simple but meaningful commendation: "they have proved to be an encouragement to me" (4:10-11). Writing from prison, with many former associates having drifted or opposed him, Paul singles out the loyalty of this small remaining circle of Jewish Christian coworkers. Nothing else is recorded about Justus's background, ministry, or later life. What survives is this one line of gratitude -- a reminder that Scripture does not only record dramatic conversions and mighty deeds, but also quietly honors the faithful companions whose steady presence sustained an apostle through imprisonment.