In brief
Barnabas, first called Joseph, is a Levite from Cyprus who joins the church of Jerusalem from its beginnings. The apostles give him the nickname Barnabas. He sells a field to help the poor, introduces Saul to the apostles, is sent to Antioch and goes on mission with Paul. The book of Acts describes him as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. He is remembered as an encourager who trusts others.
What does the name Barnabas mean?
Acts 4:36 explains that Joseph received from the apostles the nickname Barnabas, which means son of exhortation, that is, of encouragement or consolation. This nickname describes his character: he encourages, he supports, he lifts up.
The story of Barnabas
A Generous Levite
Acts 4:36-37Joseph is a Levite from Cyprus. The apostles nickname him Barnabas. In the early days of the church in Jerusalem, believers share their possessions to help those in need. Joseph owns a field, sells it and brings the money to the apostles' feet. His generosity is simple and unshowy.
The One Who Welcomes Saul
Acts 9:26-27Saul, converted on the road to Damascus, arrives in Jerusalem and tries to join the disciples. Everyone fears him and doubts that he is really a disciple. Barnabas takes him in, introduces him to the apostles and tells how Saul saw the Lord and preached boldly in Damascus.
Sent to Antioch
Acts 11:22-26The church in Jerusalem sends Barnabas to Antioch, where non-Jews are coming to faith. He sees the grace of God, rejoices and urges everyone to remain true to the Lord. The text says he was a good man, full of the Spirit and of faith. He goes to find Saul in Tarsus and teaches with him for a year.
Set Apart for the Mission
Acts 13:1-3At Antioch, among the prophets and teachers are Barnabas and Saul. While they serve the Lord and fast, the Holy Spirit asks that Barnabas and Saul be set apart for the work to which he has called them. After fasting and prayer, the church lays hands on them and sends them off.
A Moment of Weakness
Galatians 2:11-13When Peter comes to Antioch, he first eats with the non-Jewish believers. Then, out of fear of those who come from Jerusalem, he withdraws. The other Jews follow him in this attitude, and even Barnabas is carried away by this duplicity. Paul publicly rebukes this conduct, in the name of the truth of the Gospel.
A Separation and a Second Start
Acts 15:36-39Paul proposes to visit the churches they founded. Barnabas wants to take John, called Mark, but Paul refuses, because Mark had left them during the mission. The disagreement is so sharp that they part ways. Barnabas takes Mark with him and sails for Cyprus, giving Mark a second chance.
What Barnabas teaches us
- Encouraging is a real ministry: Barnabas was not in the spotlight, but without him Paul's path would have been very different.
- Trust those who are still mistrusted, as Barnabas did for Saul and later for Mark.
- Even a good man filled with the Spirit can waver, and the truth of the Gospel must remain the compass.
- God uses different temperaments, even when servants part ways.
Key verses
Joseph, nicknamed Barnabas by the apostles, sells his field and brings the proceeds to the apostles. His nickname and his gesture show the heart of this servant: to encourage and to give.
When everyone fears Saul, Barnabas takes him in and introduces him to the apostles. An act of trust that opened to Paul the door of the community of disciples.
At Antioch, Barnabas sees the grace of God, rejoices and urges them to remain true to the Lord. The text describes him as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.
Sermons about Barnabas
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Barnabas mean?
Acts 4:36 explains that Barnabas is a nickname given by the apostles to Joseph and that it means son of exhortation, that is, of encouragement or consolation. It describes his way of coming alongside others and lifting them up in the church.
Why did Barnabas separate from Paul?
Acts 15:36-39 tells that Barnabas wanted to take John Mark on a new journey, while Paul refused because Mark had left them earlier. The disagreement was sharp and the two men parted: Barnabas left with Mark for Cyprus, and Paul chose Silas.
Where can I find the story of Barnabas in the Bible?
It is found mainly in the book of Acts: his gift in Acts 4, the welcome of Saul in Acts 9, his sending to Antioch in Acts 11, the first missionary journey in Acts 13 and 14. Paul also mentions him in the letter to the Galatians, in chapter 2.