Barnabas, a significant figure in the early Christian church, is introduced in the New Testament as a Levite from Cyprus. His original name was Joseph, but the apostles called him Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). He is renowned for his role as a missionary, his partnership with the Apostle Paul, and his contributions to the spread of the Gospel among the Gentiles.

Early Life and Conversion

Barnabas is first mentioned in the Book of Acts, where he is described as a generous man who sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles to support the early Christian community (Acts 4:37). This act of generosity highlights his commitment to the fledgling church and his willingness to support its mission.

Role in the Early Church

Barnabas played a crucial role in the acceptance of Paul by the early Christian community. After Paul's conversion, many believers were skeptical of his intentions due to his past persecution of Christians. Barnabas, however, vouched for Paul and introduced him to the apostles, recounting how Paul had seen the Lord and preached boldly in His name (Acts 9:27).

Missionary Journeys

Barnabas was instrumental in the church at Antioch, where he was sent by the Jerusalem church to investigate the spread of the Gospel among the Gentiles. Recognizing the grace of God at work, he encouraged the believers and brought Paul from Tarsus to assist in teaching the growing community (Acts 11:22-26). Antioch became a pivotal center for Christian mission, and it was here that the disciples were first called Christians.

The Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Paul for missionary work, leading to their first missionary journey (Acts 13:2). They traveled to Cyprus and various regions of Asia Minor, preaching the Gospel and establishing churches. Barnabas's native connection to Cyprus likely facilitated their mission there.

Council of Jerusalem

Barnabas, along with Paul, played a significant role in the Council of Jerusalem, where the early church debated the necessity of circumcision for Gentile converts. The council's decision, which affirmed that Gentiles did not need to follow the full Mosaic Law to be saved, was a pivotal moment in the church's history, promoting unity and the spread of the Gospel to all nations (Acts 15:1-29).

Separation from Paul

Despite their successful partnership, Barnabas and Paul eventually parted ways due to a disagreement over John Mark, Barnabas's cousin. Barnabas wanted to give Mark another chance after he had previously abandoned them, while Paul disagreed. As a result, Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas for his subsequent journey (Acts 15:36-39). This separation, however, did not hinder the spread of the Gospel, as both teams continued their missionary work.

Legacy

Barnabas's legacy is one of encouragement, generosity, and bridge-building within the early church. His willingness to support Paul and his advocacy for John Mark demonstrate his commitment to nurturing and restoring relationships. Barnabas's life and ministry exemplify the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of unity and encouragement within the body of Christ.

The New Testament Canon in the First Three Centuries.
... Apocalypses.(152). Barnabas (about 119 AD) has but one quotation from the
New Testament, if, indeed, it be such. Apparently, Matthew ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter vi the new testament.htm

To the Regions Beyond
... THE ACTS CHAP. XIII TO END TO THE REGIONS BEYOND. 'Now there were in the church
that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/to the regions beyond.htm

A Good Man's Faults
... THE ACTS CHAP. XIII TO END A GOOD MAN'S FAULTS. 'And Barnabas determined to take
with them John, whose surname was Mark.38. ... But Barnabas will not move. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a good mans faults.htm

Centenary Commemoration
... Edwin Harwood, DD, Rector of Trinity Church, and the Gospel (that for St. Barnabas's
Day), by the Rev. EE Beardsley, DD, LL.D., Rector of St. ...
/.../the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/centenary commemoration.htm

An Exposition of the Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles.
... of Ananias, in accordance with the revelation from God, and of his boldness of speech
and his association with the apostles by the instrumentality of Barnabas. ...
/.../pamphilus/the writings of pamphilus/an exposition of the chapters.htm

Acts xv. 35
... Homily XXXIV. Acts XV. 35. Acts XV.35 "Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch,
teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.". ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxiv acts xv 35.htm

Barnabas's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Barnabas's (1 Occurrence). Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus
my fellow prisoner sends greeting to you, and so does Barnabas's cousin Mark. ...
/b/barnabas's.htm - 6k

Barnea (10 Occurrences)

/b/barnea.htm - 9k

Instructions (47 Occurrences)
... results. (WEY RSV). Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner sends
greeting to you, and so does Barnabas's cousin Mark. You ...
/i/instructions.htm - 20k

Fellow-captive (2 Occurrences)
... Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellow-captive salutes you, and Mark, Barnabas's
cousin, concerning whom ye have received orders, (if he come to you, receive him ...
/f/fellow-captive.htm - 7k

Barnabas-judas (1 Occurrence)
Barnabas-judas. Bar-nabas, Barnabas-judas. Barnabas's .
Multi-Version Concordance Barnabas-judas (1 Occurrence). Acts ...
/b/barnabas-judas.htm - 6k

Sends (94 Occurrences)
... brother. (BBE NIV). Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner sends
greeting to you, and so does Barnabas's cousin Mark. You ...
/s/sends.htm - 32k

Salutes (7 Occurrences)
... Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellow-captive salutes you, and Mark, Barnabas's
cousin, concerning whom ye have received orders, (if he come to you, receive him ...
/s/salutes.htm - 8k

Greetings (48 Occurrences)
... household. (See NIV). Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner sends
greeting to you, and so does Barnabas's cousin Mark. You ...
/g/greetings.htm - 18k

Welcome (31 Occurrences)
... I will receive you. (See NAS RSV). Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner
sends greeting to you, and so does Barnabas's cousin Mark. ...
/w/welcome.htm - 15k

Greeting (19 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV). Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner sends
greeting to you, and so does Barnabas's cousin Mark. ...
/g/greeting.htm - 18k

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