Joseph Barnabas, often referred to simply as Barnabas, is a significant figure in the New Testament, known for his role as an early Christian missionary and leader in the early Church. His account is primarily found in the Acts of the Apostles, and he is also mentioned in several of Paul's epistles.

Name and Background

Barnabas was originally named Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus. The apostles gave him the name Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). This name reflects his character and his role in the early Christian community as a source of support and encouragement.

Role in the Early Church

Barnabas first appears in the Book of Acts as a generous member of the early Christian community in Jerusalem. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles to support the needs of the community (Acts 4:37). This act of generosity highlights his commitment to the fledgling Church and his willingness to support its mission.

Mentor to Paul

Barnabas played a crucial role in the life of Saul of Tarsus, who later became known as the Apostle Paul. After Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus, many in the Jerusalem church were wary of him due to his past persecution of Christians. Barnabas, however, took Saul under his wing, introducing him to the apostles and vouching for the authenticity of his conversion (Acts 9:26-27).

Missionary Journeys

Barnabas was instrumental in the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish communities. The Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul for missionary work, and they embarked on their first missionary journey together, traveling to Cyprus and parts of Asia Minor (Acts 13:2-3). During this journey, Barnabas and Paul preached the Gospel, performed miracles, and established churches.

Dispute and Separation

Despite their successful partnership, Barnabas and Paul eventually had a disagreement over John Mark, Barnabas's cousin. John Mark had previously left them during their first missionary journey, and Paul was hesitant to take him on another trip. Barnabas, however, wanted to give John Mark another chance. This disagreement led to Barnabas and Paul parting ways; Barnabas took John Mark to Cyprus, while Paul chose Silas as his new companion (Acts 15:36-40).

Legacy

Barnabas's legacy is one of encouragement, generosity, and bridge-building within the early Church. His willingness to support Paul and John Mark demonstrates his commitment to nurturing new leaders and spreading the Gospel. Barnabas is remembered as a man of faith and integrity, whose actions helped shape the early Christian movement and expand its reach to the Gentile world.

References in Paul's Epistles

Barnabas is mentioned in several of Paul's letters, indicating his continued influence and presence in the early Church. In Galatians, Paul refers to Barnabas as being led astray by hypocrisy during a dispute over Jewish customs (Galatians 2:13). In 1 Corinthians, Paul mentions Barnabas in the context of discussing the rights of apostles (1 Corinthians 9:6). These references highlight Barnabas's ongoing involvement in the early Christian mission and his respected status among the apostles.Joseph Barnabas

JOSEPH BARNABAS

See BARNABAS.

921. Barnabas -- Barnabas, an Israelite companion of Paul
... Barnabas Phonetic Spelling: (bar-nab'-as) Short Definition: Barnabas Definition:
Barnabas, a Cypriote Jew, uncle of John Mark; his other name was Joseph. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/921.htm - 6k

2500. Ioses -- Joses, an Israelite name
... Short Definition: Joses Definition: (Hebrew), Joses (a) son of Eliezer, (b) son
of Mary, half-brother of Jesus, (c) surnamed Barnabas (also called Joseph). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2500.htm - 6k

2499. Iose -- Jose.
... case of Joses (a) son of Eliezer, (b) son of Mary, brother of Jesus, (c) surnamed
Barnabas (also called Joseph). Word Origin variant reading for Ioses, qv. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2499.htm - 6k

Barnabas
... Barnabas [2364] the Cyprian, also called Joseph the Levite, ordained apostle to
the Gentiles with Paul, wrote one Epistle, valuable for the edification of the ...
/.../various/jerome and gennadius lives of illustrious men /chapter vi barnabas.htm

Christians, and not Jews, the Heirs of the Covenant.
The Epistle of Barnabas. ... And in another prophecy Jacob speaks more clearly to his
son Joseph, saying, "Behold, the Lord hath not deprived me of thy presence ...
/.../barnabas/the epistle of barnabas /chapter xiii christians and not jews.htm

The Disciples of Our Saviour.
... weight. Barnabas came from Cyprus and labored there for at least a time. ...
25, note 30. [208] Joseph Barsabas, surnamed Justus. He ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xii the disciples of our.htm

The History of Joseph the Carpenter.
... is: He sends for Joseph's sons and daughters, of whom the oldest was Lysia the
purple-seller. They all wept over their dying father. [1733] Barnabas, 15; Hermas ...
/.../unknown/the history of joseph the carpenter/the history of joseph the.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... unless other persons are intended): Joseph Barsabas Justus was the candidate proposed
with Matthias in Acts 1.. 23; Joseph Barnabas, later the companion of St. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

The General Conference of 1828
... Benjamin M. Drake, Thomas Griffin, Robert L. Kennon, Barnabas Pipkin, William ... Virginia
Conference: Moses Brock, Joseph Carson, Thomas Crowder, Peter Doub, John ...
/.../chapter 9 the general conference.htm

Ananias and Sapphira
... Of these two classes the writer of the Book of Acts presents us with individual
examples"of the former class, in the case of Joseph, or Barnabas, a wealthy ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/ananias and sapphira.htm

The Call of Matthew.
... Moreover, it was then common to change the name; as is shown by the cases of Simon,
who became Peter; Joseph, who became Barnabas; Saul, who became Paul, etc. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxvi the call of matthew.htm

Period ii. The Post-Apostolic Age: AD 100-AD 140
... These are Clement of Rome, Barnabas, Ignatius, Polycarp, Papias, Hermas; with the
writings of these are commonly included two anonymous books known as the ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period ii the post-apostolic age .htm

Letter M
... McHenry, Dariel "Received 1815, Located 1820 * McHenry, Barnabas "Received 1787 ... 1827 *
McKee, Joel W. "Received 1817 * McKeehen, Joseph G. "Received ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bangs/an alphabetical list of m e preachers/letter m.htm

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