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Barnabas was a man from Cyprus, of the Levite people, and one of the first leaders of the early Church. As an apostle, he introduced Paul to the Christians and traveled with him on missions, until they parted ways due to disagreements about taking Mark along on a missionary journey. Barnabas is remembered for his generosity and faith. Tradition says he died in Cyprus, stoned for preaching the gospel.
Barnabas was an important follower of Jesus and is mentioned several times in the book of Acts of the Apostles. His original name was Joseph, but the apostles called him Barnabas, which means “son of consolation” (Acts 4:36). He was a Levite and a native of the island of Cyprus. He became known for his generosity, as he sold a field and gave the money to the apostles to help the needy in the Christian community.
Barnabas played an important role in the spread of the gospel. When Paul converted, many disciples were afraid of him because of his past as a persecutor of Christians. Barnabas trusted Paul, introduced him to the apostles, and helped him be accepted among the Christians (Acts 9:26–27). Later, the Holy Spirit called Barnabas and Paul to a missionary work, and together they preached the gospel in several cities (Acts 13).
The Bible calls him an “apostle” in Acts 14:14, in the sense of one who is “sent” to preach the gospel, although he was not part of Jesus’ original twelve disciples. He was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:24). In his missions, Barnabas was an instrument of healing and encouragement for many people.
Despite their long companionship in missions, Barnabas and Paul eventually separated because of a disagreement over John Mark (Acts 15:36–39), but both continued their evangelistic work independently.
The Bible does not describe how Barnabas died. However, according to ancient Christian traditions, he was killed in Cyprus, his homeland, for preaching the gospel. His life is remembered as an example of faith, generosity, and courage in serving Christ.
Bible Study on Barnabas
Barnabas and Paul: Mission and Separation
The relationship between Barnabas and Paul was marked by friendship, cooperation, and also disagreements, according to Scripture.
When Paul was converted, many Christians doubted the sincerity of his change, since he had previously persecuted the Church. Barnabas was the first to trust him and introduced him to the apostles in Jerusalem, explaining how Paul had seen the Lord and preached boldly (Acts 9:26–27).
Later, Barnabas was sent to Antioch to strengthen the new believers. Recognizing Paul’s importance, he invited him to join the mission (Acts 11:25–26). Together they taught for a year and were later chosen by the Holy Spirit to bring the gospel to other peoples (Acts 13:2). During this first missionary journey, they faced persecution and witnessed miracles, forming a strong partnership.
However, in Acts 15:36–39, a conflict arose between them. Paul did not want to take John Mark, who had abandoned them on a previous journey, while Barnabas wanted to give him another chance. As a result, they parted ways, Barnabas traveled with Mark to Cyprus, and Paul went with Silas. Despite the separation, the Bible does not indicate any hostility between them.
Barnabas was essential in the early ministry of Paul, being a true encourager and coworker in God’s work.
Barnabas and Mark: The Cause of the Disagreement with Paul
Mark, also known as John Mark, was Barnabas’s cousin (Colossians 4:10) and had accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:5). However, during the trip, Mark abandoned the mission and returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13), which displeased Paul.
When Paul and Barnabas planned another journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark again, believing he deserved a second chance. Paul strongly disagreed, considering Mark’s earlier departure a sign of unreliability. The disagreement was so sharp that the two missionaries separated, Barnabas took Mark to Cyprus, while Paul went with Silas (Acts 15:36–39).
Despite this division, the episode did not end their fellowship. Over time, Mark matured and became useful in ministry again. In his letters, Paul shows reconciliation, calling Mark a “fellow worker” (Philemon 1:24) and asking that he be brought to him, “for he is useful to me for the ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11).
The disagreement, though difficult, was eventually overcome with forgiveness and restoration, showing that even God’s servants can differ, but love and faith can bring reconciliation.
Barnabas and the Early Church
Barnabas played a key role in the early Church, being remembered as a man full of the Holy Spirit and faith (Acts 11:24).
He was one of the first Christians to demonstrate true fellowship and generosity, selling a field and giving the money to the apostles to help those in need (Acts 4:36–37). His attitude inspired many and strengthened the unity among the first followers of Christ.
When the Church began to grow in Antioch, the apostles sent Barnabas to accompany the movement. He encouraged the new believers to remain faithful to the Lord, helping to shape the spiritual life of the community. Recognizing Paul’s potential, Barnabas called him to assist in the mission at Antioch (Acts 11:25–26), and together they taught many people, it was there that the disciples were first called “Christians.”
Barnabas also took part in the decisions of the Church in Jerusalem, helping to resolve conflicts and to expand the gospel among the Gentiles. His life demonstrated cooperation, humility, and dedication to God’s service, setting an example of leadership and faith in the building of the early Church.
What We Learn from the Story of Barnabas
The story of Barnabas is a powerful lesson in faith, generosity, and encouragement. He was a man who lived to serve God and help others.
From the beginning, he showed selflessness by selling his property to aid the needy, reminding us of the importance of sharing what we have. Barnabas also teaches us the value of believing in people. When no one trusted Paul because of his past, Barnabas welcomed him and introduced him to the apostles, showing courage and spiritual discernment.
Another great lesson is his heart for forgiveness and second chances. Even after Mark abandoned them on a missionary journey, Barnabas believed in his restoration and took him again. His example reveals that God can turn mistakes into new opportunities.
The story of Barnabas shows us that a true leader is one who serves with humility and love. His life reflects the character of Christ and inspires us to be instruments of peace, comfort, and encouragement in the lives of others, strengthening the faith of the Christian community.
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