Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement,” is first introduced in Acts 4:36. He was a Levite from Cyprus, originally named Joses (or Joseph), who sold land and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet to support the early church. His generosity and encouragement earned him the name Barnabas, and he became a prominent leader in the early Christian movement.
Barnabas played a vital role in integrating Saul (later Paul) into the fellowship of believers after Saul’s dramatic conversion. When others were afraid of Saul, Barnabas took him to the apostles and testified of his genuine faith and bold preaching in Jesus’ name (Acts 9:26–27).
In Acts 11, when the church in Antioch grew, Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem to help. Seeing the grace of God among Gentile believers, he was glad and exhorted them all “that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord” (Acts 11:23). He then brought Paul from Tarsus to assist in teaching, and they taught in Antioch for a year. It was there that disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).
Barnabas and Paul were later set apart by the Holy Spirit for missionary work (Acts 13:2). They traveled together on their first missionary journey, preaching the Gospel, planting churches, and enduring persecution. Barnabas is consistently portrayed as a faithful companion, teacher, and servant of the Lord.
However, in Acts 15, a dispute arose between Barnabas and Paul regarding John Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. John Mark had abandoned them on their first journey, and Paul did not want him to accompany them again. Barnabas desired to give Mark another chance. Their disagreement became so sharp that they parted ways—Paul took Silas, and Barnabas took Mark and went to Cyprus (Acts 15:36–39).
Though separated in mission, both continued in the Lord’s work. Later, Paul spoke positively of Mark, suggesting reconciliation and fruitfulness (2 Timothy 4:11), which reflects well on Barnabas’s judgment and mentoring.
Barnabas exemplifies encouragement, generosity, and loyalty. He nurtured others in ministry and championed reconciliation. His life is a model of gracious leadership, faithful service, and commitment to spreading the Gospel.
