Barnabas
Barnabas was a prominent Christian disciple, identified as an apostle, who undertook missionary journeys with Paul the Apostle. He is remembered for his role in the early spread of Christianity, particularly among Gentiles, and for his participation in the Council of Jerusalem. Christian tradition holds him as the founder of the Cypriot Orthodox Church.
- Feast Day
- June 11
- Century
- 1st century
- Country Or Region
- Cyprus
Key Facts
- ›Barnabas was a Cypriot Levite, born Joseph or Joses.
- ›He is identified as an apostle in Acts 14:14.
- ›He evangelized among 'God-fearing' Gentiles in Anatolia alongside Paul the Apostle.
- ›Barnabas participated in the Council of Jerusalem around 49 AD.
- ›He is traditionally identified as the founder of the Cypriot Orthodox Church.
- ›His feast day is celebrated on June 11.
Joseph, Joses, Son of encouragement, Son of comforter, Son of consolation, Son of the prophet
About Barnabas
Barnabas was a significant figure in the early Christian church, identified as an apostle and a prominent disciple. Born Joseph or Joses, he was a Cypriot Levite who played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity.
Life and Ministry
According to the Acts of the Apostles, Barnabas was a member of the early Christian community in Jerusalem who sold his land and gave the proceeds to the apostles. He is notably credited with introducing Paul the Apostle to the other apostles in Jerusalem after Paul's conversion. Barnabas undertook extensive missionary journeys, most famously as a companion and collaborator with Paul. They evangelized together among the "God-fearing" Gentiles in Hellenized cities of Anatolia. Barnabas also participated in the important Council of Jerusalem, which addressed the inclusion of Gentiles into the church.
Name and Etymology
His birth name was Joseph or Joses. The apostles gave him the name Barnabas, which the Book of Acts explains as meaning "son of encouragement" or "son of comforter." This name is thought to derive from Aramaic words signifying "son (of) consolation" or "son of the prophet." The author of Acts uses wordplay to illustrate this meaning, showing Barnabas encouraging people to remain steadfast in the Lord.
Relationships and Later Life
Barnabas is usually identified as the cousin of Mark the Evangelist, based on the term "anepsios" used in Colossians 4. Orthodox tradition also holds that Aristobulus of Britannia, one of the Seventy Disciples, was Barnabas's brother. After a dispute with Paul regarding the inclusion of John Mark on a missionary journey, Barnabas took John Mark to visit Cyprus, and little is known of his subsequent career. He was still active as an Apostle in 56 or 57 AD, as indicated by Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians.
Martyrdom and Legacy
Christian tradition recounts that Barnabas was martyred at Salamis, Cyprus. Legend states that he was stoned to death by Jews who were exasperated by his preaching. His kinsman, John Mark, is said to have privately interred his body. Barnabas is traditionally identified as the founder of the Cypriot Orthodox Church. His feast day is celebrated on June 11. He is venerated as the patron saint of Cyprus and also of Milan and Tenerife. While Tertullian and others attributed the Epistle to the Hebrews to him, and the Epistle of Barnabas was ascribed to him, modern scholarship considers the authorship of these epistles uncertain.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Barnabas?
Barnabas was a prominent Christian disciple, identified as an apostle, who was a companion of Paul the Apostle on missionary journeys. He was a Cypriot Levite, originally named Joseph or Joses.
What is Barnabas known for?
Barnabas is known for his missionary work with Paul, evangelizing among Gentiles, and for his participation in the Council of Jerusalem. He is also traditionally identified as the founder of the Cypriot Orthodox Church.
What does Barnabas's name mean?
The name Barnabas is explained in the Book of Acts as meaning "son of encouragement" or "son of comforter." Theories suggest it derives from Aramaic phrases like 'bar neḥmā' (son of consolation) or 'bar neviyā' (son of the prophet).
What is Barnabas's relationship to Mark the Evangelist?
Barnabas is usually identified as the cousin of Mark the Evangelist, based on the term 'anepsios' used in Colossians 4. John Mark accompanied Barnabas on some of his journeys.
How did Barnabas die?
Christian tradition holds that Barnabas was martyred at Salamis, Cyprus. Legends describe him being stoned to death by exasperated Jews while preaching in a synagogue.
Related Saints
Andrew the Apostle
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Paula Frassinetti
Paula Frassinetti was an Italian saint and the foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Dorothy. She is remembered for establishing this religious congregation dedicated to serving the poorest and most needy youth. Her feast day is celebrated annually on June 11.
Ambrose of Milan
Ambrose of Milan was a theologian and statesman who served as Bishop of Milan from 374 to 397. He is remembered for his firm stance against Arianism, his influential writings, and his role in mediating imperial conflicts. Ambrose is recognized as one of the four Great Latin Church Fathers and a Doctor of the Church.