Barnabas
Israelite / Jew Jewish, a Levite of Cyprus · Early Church · New Testament
- Also called
- Joses
- Name means
- 'The son of consolation' (Acts 4:36)
- Role
- Encourager; missionary companion of Paul
- When
- c. AD 33-50s
What they did
He sold land and gave the money to the apostles, vouched for the newly converted Saul, encouraged the mixed church at Antioch, and was sent out with Paul on the first missionary journey.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
A good man full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, he helped welcome Gentile believers at Antioch and helped launch the mission to the nations.
For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Acts 11:24 (KJV)
Bible references
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:36-37 (KJV)
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. Acts 9:27 (KJV)
Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Acts 11:22-24 (KJV)
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Acts 13:2 (KJV)
And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; Acts 15:39 (KJV)
Family
Mark is called his 'sister's son' (Colossians 4:10, KJV; 'cousin' in many versions).