⛪ Saint of the Day: June 11
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| The Apostles Paul and Barnabas at Lystra Jacob Jordaens (1593-1678) |
⛪ Born: Cyprus as Joseph
⛪ Died: • Martyred in c.61 at Salamis • At the time of his death he was carrying a copy of the Gospel of Saint Matthew that he had copied by hand
⛪Patronage: • Against hailstorms • Antioch • Cyprus • Invoked as peacemaker • Marbella, Costa del Sol, Spain • Marino, Italy
⛪Representation: • Ax • Lance • With Saint Paul • Stones • Middle-aged bearded apostle, often bearing a book or olive branch • Standing on or near a pile of stones while holding a book
Saint Barnabas the Apostle, originally named Joseph, was a prominent early Christian disciple, missionary, and a companion of Saint Paul. He is highly regarded in Christian tradition for his role in the spread of the Gospel and his significant contributions to the early Church.
Early Life and Background
Barnabas was born in Cyprus into a Jewish Levite family. His original name was Joseph, but the apostles called him Barnabas, which means "son of encouragement" or "son of consolation" (Acts 4:36). This name reflects his character and the role he played in the early Christian community.
Barnabas was born in Cyprus into a Jewish Levite family. His original name was Joseph, but the apostles called him Barnabas, which means "son of encouragement" or "son of consolation" (Acts 4:36). This name reflects his character and the role he played in the early Christian community.
Role in the Early Church
Barnabas is first mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as a generous man who sold his field and donated the proceeds to the apostles to support the fledgling Christian community in Jerusalem (Acts 4:37). His act of generosity earned him the respect and trust of the apostles.
Barnabas is first mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as a generous man who sold his field and donated the proceeds to the apostles to support the fledgling Christian community in Jerusalem (Acts 4:37). His act of generosity earned him the respect and trust of the apostles.
Ministry and Missionary Work
Barnabas played a crucial role in the integration of Paul (formerly Saul) into the Christian community. After Paul's conversion, many Christians were wary of him due to his past persecution of the Church. Barnabas vouched for Paul, bringing him to the apostles and advocating for his acceptance (Acts 9:27).
Barnabas played a crucial role in the integration of Paul (formerly Saul) into the Christian community. After Paul's conversion, many Christians were wary of him due to his past persecution of the Church. Barnabas vouched for Paul, bringing him to the apostles and advocating for his acceptance (Acts 9:27).
Antioch and the First Missionary Journey
When news of the spread of Christianity reached Jerusalem, the apostles sent Barnabas to Antioch. Seeing the grace of God at work there, Barnabas rejoiced and encouraged the believers to remain steadfast in their faith (Acts 11:22-24). Recognizing the need for more assistance, Barnabas brought Paul from Tarsus to help with the ministry in Antioch (Acts 11:25-26).
When news of the spread of Christianity reached Jerusalem, the apostles sent Barnabas to Antioch. Seeing the grace of God at work there, Barnabas rejoiced and encouraged the believers to remain steadfast in their faith (Acts 11:22-24). Recognizing the need for more assistance, Barnabas brought Paul from Tarsus to help with the ministry in Antioch (Acts 11:25-26).
Barnabas and Paul were subsequently chosen by the Holy Spirit for a missionary journey. They traveled together to Cyprus and various cities in Asia Minor, preaching the Gospel and establishing churches (Acts 13-14). This journey marked the beginning of Paul's significant missionary efforts.
Council of Jerusalem
Barnabas and Paul were also involved in the Council of Jerusalem, which addressed the issue of Gentile converts and the necessity of following Jewish law (Acts 15). Their testimony about the conversion of Gentiles helped to shape the council's decision, affirming that Gentiles did not need to adhere strictly to Jewish customs to be part of the Christian community.
Barnabas and Paul were also involved in the Council of Jerusalem, which addressed the issue of Gentile converts and the necessity of following Jewish law (Acts 15). Their testimony about the conversion of Gentiles helped to shape the council's decision, affirming that Gentiles did not need to adhere strictly to Jewish customs to be part of the Christian community.
Separation from Paul
Despite their close collaboration, Barnabas and Paul eventually parted ways due to a disagreement over John Mark, Barnabas's cousin. Paul did not want to take John Mark on their next journey because he had previously deserted them, but Barnabas insisted. This disagreement led to their separation, with Barnabas taking John Mark to Cyprus while Paul chose Silas as his companion (Acts 15:36-39).
Despite their close collaboration, Barnabas and Paul eventually parted ways due to a disagreement over John Mark, Barnabas's cousin. Paul did not want to take John Mark on their next journey because he had previously deserted them, but Barnabas insisted. This disagreement led to their separation, with Barnabas taking John Mark to Cyprus while Paul chose Silas as his companion (Acts 15:36-39).
Later Life and Legacy
The New Testament does not provide detailed accounts of Barnabas's later life. Tradition holds that he continued his missionary work, and he is believed to have been martyred in Cyprus around 61 AD.
The New Testament does not provide detailed accounts of Barnabas's later life. Tradition holds that he continued his missionary work, and he is believed to have been martyred in Cyprus around 61 AD.
Canonization and Feast Day
Saint Barnabas is venerated as an apostle, although he was not one of the original Twelve. He is considered a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions. His feast day is celebrated on June 11.
Saint Barnabas is venerated as an apostle, although he was not one of the original Twelve. He is considered a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions. His feast day is celebrated on June 11.
Significance
Saint Barnabas is remembered for his role as an encourager, a bridge-builder, and a missionary. His willingness to support and mentor Paul, his advocacy for Gentile converts, and his dedication to spreading the Gospel have left a lasting legacy in Christian history.
Saint Barnabas is remembered for his role as an encourager, a bridge-builder, and a missionary. His willingness to support and mentor Paul, his advocacy for Gentile converts, and his dedication to spreading the Gospel have left a lasting legacy in Christian history.
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