Barnabas

Etymology

From the Aramaic 'bar' (son) and 'naba' (prophecy/consolation). The apostles gave him this nickname — his birth name was Joseph. Acts 4:36 explains the name means 'son of encouragement.'

Who they were

Barnabas is one of the early church's most generous and perceptive figures. Originally a Levite from Cyprus named Joseph, the apostles renamed him Barnabas — son of encouragement — because that was exactly what he was. His first act in Acts was selling a field and laying the money at the apostles' feet. But his most important contributions were relational. When Saul of Tarsus arrived in Jerusalem after his conversion and the disciples were all terrified of him, it was Barnabas who took Saul to the apostles and vouched for him. Without Barnabas, Paul might never have been accepted by the church. Later, when the church at Antioch needed leadership, Barnabas went to Tarsus specifically to find Paul and bring him into the work. The two became missionary partners, travelling together across Cyprus and Asia Minor. Acts describes Barnabas as 'a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.' Their partnership eventually broke apart over John Mark — Barnabas wanted to give Mark a second chance after Mark had abandoned their first journey, while Paul refused. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus; Paul took Silas and went overland. History vindicated Barnabas: Paul later wrote to Timothy, 'Get Mark and bring him to you, because he is useful to me for ministry.' Barnabas saw what others couldn't, backed people others wouldn't, and gave second chances that changed the course of Christianity.

Character qualities

• Seeing potential in people
• Financial generosity
• Willingness to risk reputation
• Patience
• Advocacy for the rejected

Key verse

Acts 11:24

Where they appear

Themes

Variants & related forms

Barnaby · Bernabé · Barnaba

Related names