Barnabas
“Son of prophecy or exhortation”
Summary
An early Christian leader and apostle who introduced Paul to the Jerusalem church and served as his companion on the first missionary journey.
☩Background and Character
Barnabas, originally named Joseph or Joses, was a Levite from Cyprus whom the apostles surnamed Barnabas, meaning 'son of exhortation' or 'son of consolation.' Luke describes him as 'a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.' He was cousin to John Mark the evangelist. Early in the church's life, he demonstrated exceptional generosity by selling a field and laying the money at the apostles' feet for the common good.
☩Champion of Paul
When the newly converted Saul of Tarsus came to Jerusalem and the disciples were afraid to receive him, Barnabas took him to the apostles and testified to the genuineness of his conversion. This act of trust was pivotal for Paul's acceptance in the church. Later, when reports of Gentile conversions at Antioch reached Jerusalem, Barnabas was sent to investigate and, pleased with what he found, went to Tarsus to bring Paul to share in the work.
☩The First Missionary Journey
At Antioch, the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Paul for missionary work, and the church sent them forth with John Mark as their assistant. They traveled to Cyprus, Barnabas's homeland, then to Asia Minor, preaching in synagogues and establishing churches in Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. At Lystra, after Paul healed a lame man, the pagans called Barnabas 'Zeus' and Paul 'Hermes,' attempting to offer sacrifice to them.
☩The Jerusalem Council
Following controversy over whether Gentile converts must be circumcised, Barnabas and Paul were sent to Jerusalem to consult with the apostles and elders. At the council, James, Peter, and John recognized the grace given to Paul and Barnabas and extended the right hand of fellowship, agreeing they should go to the Gentiles while remembering the poor. They returned to Antioch with the council's decision freeing Gentiles from the requirement of circumcision.
☩Separation from Paul
When Paul proposed a second missionary journey, a sharp contention arose over whether to take John Mark, who had deserted them earlier. Paul refused, but Barnabas wanted to give his cousin another chance. The disagreement led to their separation: Paul took Silas and went through Syria and Cilicia, while Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. Later references suggest reconciliation, and Mark ultimately proved himself faithful.
Related Verses33 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Barnabas," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Barnabas," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Barnabas," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Barnabas," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).