Joses
“Shortened form of Joseph, meaning 'he adds'”
Summary
A shortened form of Joseph, borne by one of the brothers of Jesus and by Barnabas before his renaming by the apostles.
☩Brother of Jesus
Joses was one of the brothers of Jesus, along with James, Simon, and Judas. He is mentioned in the Gospel accounts as being known to the people of Nazareth along with Jesus' other family members. He was the son of Mary (the mother of James the Little) and Clopas. Unlike his brothers James and Jude, Joses did not become an apostle, which has prompted some scholarly speculation about his role in the early church.
☩Barnabas
Joses (or Joseph) was also the original name of Barnabas, the Levite from Cyprus, before the apostles gave him the surname meaning 'son of encouragement.' This Joses sold a field he owned and laid the money at the apostles' feet, demonstrating the spirit of generosity in the early church.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Joses," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Joses," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Joses," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Joses," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).